New products are appealing. When people purchase new clothes or a new car, they know this merchandise has never been used by anyone else. It should be in perfect condition, and they should get the maximum amount of use possible.
Homes are a little different because they can last for hundreds of years, but many people like the idea of building their own home. Homebuyers who choose to build will end up with a new home nobody else has ever occupied, but several drawbacks discourage people from choosing new construction. When you’re reviewing your options, consider these pros and cons to help you decide whether new construction is right for you.
Pros
You can customize a new home, which means you shouldn’t need to worry about remodeling your home. When you opt for new construction, you can sit down with the builder and review floor plans to ensure you select a model that fits your needs and preferences. You can also invest in upgrades so your home will feature the materials you prefer.
New homes also come with a new home warranty. These warranties can vary, but many critical features in your house should be covered for a limited period. You shouldn’t have to worry about incurring the cost of replacing windows or drywall within a year of occupying your home. Some systems, such as your electrical system, are covered for up to 10 years.
You can establish a relationship with maintenance experts as soon as you move in and protect your home’s critical systems. When it’s time for a spring tune-up for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, you can contact certified technicians in your area and have your system inspected. When you build, you’ll start with a new HVAC unit, and if you maintain your system, you’ll be able to extend its life and keep your energy costs low.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units are less efficient if the ducts are blocked or if mold or other contaminants build up on the compressor coils. Having your system serviced regularly will ensure it stays clean and works effectively. When you buy an older home, you may incur unexpected repair bills if your HVAC unit hasn’t been maintained. You may even have to pay to replace your system.
When you build a home, you won’t need to worry about issues caused by former owners. Sometimes, owners can complicate the process of purchasing a home. You may also prefer new construction if you’re concerned about the possibility a house is haunted because whether a realtor has to inform you that a house may be haunted varies from state to state.
Prior occupants can remove support beams or damage bathtubs and sinks by using harsh chemicals. They may also conceal pet stains and other damage to the floors or walls. You can eliminate concerns about prior damage by building a new home instead of buying a pre-existing property.
Cons
Although building a house on new land may sound appealing, there can be some complications. Some properties lack infrastructure, which means you may not have access to high-speed internet or other standard services, such as cable, water, and sewer services.
You may also have to incur the cost of adding plumbing and electrical lines. If your town’s sewage services don’t reach your home, you may need to install a septic tank, which must be maintained and emptied regularly. You might have to pay for other household services, such as trash pickup if your municipality doesn’t cover your property.
In addition to the extra service costs, it can cost more to build a new home because of the temptation to invest in upgrades.
Building is also time-consuming. It can take six months or more to build a new home. The length of time required can increase if you need to have old structures torn down or secure permits to build on the property.
Pursuing new construction offers several advantages and disadvantages. If you have plenty of time and money, you may appreciate the opportunity to build a custom home with all the features you desire. If you have a tight budget or schedule, you may find building stressful. Considering the pros and cons before you decide to build can ensure you make the best decision for you and your family.
