If you’re trying to choose between building a new home or buying a used one, you might be feeling a little conflicted. Should you take the plunge and build the home of your dreams, or should you play it safe and buy a used home that you can personalize over time? While there are pros and cons to each option, we’re going to explore the benefits of building a new home instead of buying a used one.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing to build your home instead of buying an existing one is that it’s unlikely you’ll need any major repairs for a long time. You’ll have brand-new walls, roofing, pipes, and even electrical systems. Because newer homes are built using the latest materials, you can rest assured that you’ll have a solid foundation with longer-lasting materials. As long as you hire trained professionals and oversee the installation, you probably won’t even have to think about any repairs for quite a few years.
If your appliances and electronics are also newly fitted, you won’t have to pay for repairs or replacements shortly after buying the home, either. Newer appliances are also built using up-to-date materials and methods, meaning they should be less prone to breaking down in comparison to secondhand appliances with older components. While buying everything brand new might be slightly more expensive, it can potentially pay off in the long run.
If you’re building your home from scratch, you have more control over the architectural design and layout. This means you can choose modern touches and finishes, making your home a visually appealing place to be from day one. Not only that but building materials and home additions like windows are designed differently now than they were in previous decades. They may offer greater safety and efficiency than their earlier versions. Unlike older homes built between the 1930s and the 1970s, homes today aren’t built using dangerous materials such as asbestos or lead paint.
Also, because you have the freedom to decorate how you want to from the start, you can select flooring and lighting that suit your taste instead of having to cope with or replace pre-existing finishes. Because of this, your home will have a much more modern aesthetic, which can help with its resale value should you eventually choose to sell it.
You may originally choose to have all of your interior walls white to treat as a blank canvas so you can decorate when you move in, but remember, the building phase can be a part of the decorating phase, too. Even if it’s something as simple as choosing the color scheme in each room from the start, you can control this from the building stage instead of having to deal with it later.
When building a home from scratch, you also can have the chance to incorporate the latest available technology.
If you want smart home features, like being able to turn on the heat before you get home or program your driveway lights to shine as your car approaches, there are options for every budget. You can also choose to install a security system, which will give you peace of mind concerning your safety from the day you move in.
You also have the option of installing the latest heat, water, and electrical systems, which means you can be more energy- and water-efficient and can control certain settings from a phone or tablet. This modern technology helps minimize overall energy costs.
Not only do you have total control over the interior aesthetics, but you can also enjoy the freedom of designing the exterior as you build your new home. Everything can look exactly how you'd prefer it to, from garage doors to front doors, gutters, chimneys, and lighting. You can choose the materials your home is made out of, as well as the color of the paint (in certain neighborhoods).
While there may be more upfront costs when building your own home, there are also plenty of opportunities to save some money. Because you’re choosing everything yourself, you can decide to splurge on personal touches that matter to you instead of paying for features in an existing home that you don’t particularly care for or need.
You can also save some money by choosing affordable materials to construct your home. Whether you choose certain materials for their durability or you pitch in with some of the hard work yourself, there are several ways you can save money. A new and unique home is likely to have a better resale value than older homes. While that might not be something you’re thinking about in the beginning, it’s an important factor to keep in mind for the future.
Finally, another massive benefit of building your own home is that you get to choose exactly where you live. When buying an existing home, you may have to compromise by living near a busy city or a train line. When you build your own home, you can take your time choosing the perfect location.
Before you get started, you’ll want to choose reputable builders you can trust. At Guardian Homes, we are committed to high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Contact us today to help you create the home of your dreams that you can enjoy for years to come.