Buying a New House vs Old: Perks of New Construction Homes

Posted by EdmontonRealEstate .ca on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 at 10:06am.

Pros and Cons of Buying a New Construction Home

Ready to invest in a new home with the comforts and luxuries you want? The best way to guarantee complete control over the customization of your estate is to invest in new construction homes.

There are many important things to know about new construction homes. A brand-new home gives buyers the chance to make their vision and everyday reality, but building a new home or working with a builder to upgrade an established home does come with a few challenges. To get the best results, keep reading to learn about the biggest perks and most significant considerations that come with new construction homes.

The Advantages of Buying a New Construction Home

There's a special feeling that comes with being the first owner of a home. The sky is the limit for new construction interior design and layout, and the appliances and systems are generally top-of-the-line and will bring owners years of use without issues. Let's start from scratch and discuss the benefits of buying a new construction home.

Everything Is Up-to-Date

Today's average homebuyer wants to be on the cusp of smart home technology, so having a home built with smart appliances and systems is highly desirable and will likely retain its value. New homes are an ideal place to make a new start, and these installations will come with a warranty from the builder or manufacturer, so buyers won't have to be concerned about repair bills for quite a while.

New construction homeowners enjoy added peace of mind from common home hazards found in older properties, such as lead paint or asbestos.

Another perk for new home buyers is having confidence that there is no chance of having to handle repairing old patches in walls or dealing with unpermitted work. This situation is more common than many may think, as previous owners doing DIY repairs can be troublesome in the long run.

There's also the possibility that an owner has deferred maintenance as a whole. And there's no denying that unattended problems grow more prominent, so investing in a new home can be a game-changer.

Everything Is Suited to the Buyer's Taste

Anyone interested in having a home built with their needs and vision in mind can have that reality with a new construction home. Builders can help renovate and remodel a pre-owned home, but a custom-built home makes anything possible.

Ground-up builds and even semi-custom homes give buyers the chance to:

  • Add extra rooms
  • Upgrade to specialty flooring
  • Including built-in storage
  • Request custom cabinets
  • Request luxury bathroom and kitchen installations and fixtures

Essentially, anyone looking for a dream home should consider choosing a new home builder in their local area who has a stellar reputation.

New Construction Homes Often Have Warranties

Another advantage to consider when choosing between new construction and pre-owned homes is that new construction homes often come with warranties for certain parts of their construction. For example, many builders offer a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials, and some major appliances may also be covered by a manufacturer's warranty.

This can provide peace of mind in knowing that should something go wrong, it will likely be covered. In contrast, with a pre-owned home, any repairs that are needed will be the responsibility of the new owner. While warranties are not always foolproof, they can provide some level of protection against unexpected repairs. When considering whether to buy a new construction or pre-owned home, it is worth asking about what kind of warranties are available.

What to Know Before Buying New Construction Home

Building a New Construction Home Has Some Quirks

The new construction home process takes patience. After all, quality work takes time, and some things could cause delays. From customization, available products, and financial backing to a few hiccups along the way, be prepared for the unexpected.

Building a Home May Take Longer Than You Expect

Even under the best circumstances, buyers should expect the construction process to last between 6 and 10 months. This is only when everything runs smoothly, though. Obtaining permits and financing and ensuring that supplies are readily available, as inclement weather and other hindrances can add time to the job. It could take up to two years to complete.

Know What's Included vs. Add-Ons

When touring model homes, it is essential to remember that they are only representations of the "possibilities" that a new home builder offers. Some of the features you might see in a model home are upgrades that won't be included in the base price. Be sure to clarify with a new home contractor what you will get versus what a builder offers as upgrades to avoid sticker shock when signing a contract.

Navigating the Process of Buying New Homes Is Different From Resale Homes

When pre-owned homes come up for sale, the listing price is often negotiable. On the flip side, the situation could change with preconstruction homes, as there is little room for negotiation. Agents and builders are unlikely to offer a discount on a brand new home, but approaching this concept from another direction can make a huge difference.

Buyers must get into the game already knowing that sellers have neighbourhood property values in mind, so offering a lower sale price is not likely to hit the table. While prices are usually unmalleable, some buyers are able to negotiate higher-quality appliances and amenities for the same price.

Enjoy the Many Perks of New Construction Homes

There's no better way to make sure that you and your family have an inviting space to engage and entertain friends and family than having a home built with all of your needs in mind. The home you've always wanted is within reach with these quick tips as long as you do your due diligence and research before diving into the project.

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