If you’re thinking about getting a new home, you might be wondering whether you should go with a pre-existing house or new home construction. Choosing to build a new home is a good choice for a number of reasons. For example, you’ll be saving money, it will be safer than older homes, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of selling your old house.
It’s cheaper than previously-owned
If you are planning on building a home, you might wonder whether it is cheaper to build a new home or a pre-owned home. The two types of homes are similar, but there are some important differences. It is worth taking some time to examine both kinds of homes before making a decision.
Compared to a pre-owned home, a newly-built home has more modern features, such as solar panels, a roof, and a new foundation. Also, new construction is more energy efficient. This allows for less maintenance in the first few years of owning a home, which can save you money on your utility bills.
Besides these advantages, you will need to consider the location and the quality of workmanship. You will also need to find a place to live during construction. Renting is an option, but it can be a costly expense.
New homes are often located farther away from the city center. This means that they may not be in an established neighborhood, and you can’t be sure if there have been any changes in the neighborhood.
It’s safer than older home construction
New home construction is often the better bet when it comes to safety. Newer homes are built to the latest building code regulations, so they are more likely to have less fires. And the materials used in the construction have undergone a major upgrade. This is the smartest way to go if you’re considering a move. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with a new house and a new set of neighbors.
One thing to watch out for is a home’s energy rating. Older homes tend to have higher electric bills, and they might not meet the newer standards. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on utilities and get a leg up on the competition. For example, there are many options out there for installing solar panels on your roof.
In general, newer homes have a better insulated structure, which is important when it comes to keeping the heat in during the hottest of summers. Some modern floor plans have open layouts, so you can maximize the use of your living space. You can also make the most of the indoors by installing a smart home system.
It’s not listed on the MLS
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) can be a very useful tool. It’s a database of homes for sale in your area, and it’s only available to licensed real estate agents. However, it does not hold every listing. So, if you’re interested in new home construction that’s not listed on the MLS, you may have to do some legwork.
The MLS has a variety of useful features, including searchable fields, detailed descriptions of properties for sale, and even an online client portal where you can browse live feeds of local MLS listings. Using this service is the most efficient way to find and compare available properties.
Using the MLS to your advantage can be a real time saver. However, if you’re not a licensed real estate agent, you may want to check out cMLS. cMLS is a mashup of the MLS and Zillow’s searchable listings database, and you can get some free cMLS access.
It takes around one to two months
Building a new home can be a daunting task. Getting all the permits and approvals can take time, and delays are possible. Having a clear vision of what you want can save you a lot of time and money.
While you may not be able to devote your entire attention to each part of the construction process, taking the time to research and vet builders will help you get the results you desire. By doing this, you can set reasonable expectations and avoid getting frustrated with a new build.
Before deciding on a contractor, you should also check out their reputation. Some companies may not be trustworthy, and the quality of the home they produce will not be up to your standards. You should also ask questions, and find out what kind of delays you can expect.
A custom home is likely to take more time than a standard home, especially if you have unusual structural designs or unique interior finishes. Your builder may require re-drafting the design of your home to make it conform to your wishes.