Reasons To Consider New Construction When Buying A Home
If you're looking for a new home, one of the things you'll consider is whether to buy one that is newly built or one that is pre-owned. Home design has changed over the years, and the layout of an older home may not suit your needs unless you renovate it. Plus, there are other advantages to buying a new home too. Here are a few of them.
New Homes Are Safer
Building codes have improved over time, so that newer homes are better able to withstand fierce storms and fire. New homes may even be built with home security features such as a built-in alarm system, safe room, security doors, and strong windows. In addition, new homes adhere to modern electrical codes so you won't have to worry about taxing the electrical panel with a house full of televisions, computers, and other technological equipment. An older home may not have enough outlets, and the outlets may not even be grounded. The electricity in new homes is grounded and GFCI outlets are installed in wet areas of the homes to prevent electrical shocks.
Older Homes Aren't As Energy Efficient
Unless you buy an older home that has been renovated to be energy efficient, the home will probably have higher power bills when compared to a newly built home. New homes have better insulation and have modern windows and doors that reduce heat transfer in the home. You can even buy a new home with full or partial solar energy to further reduce your power bill. Appliances in the home will be new too, and that means they are more energy efficient than a washer, dryer, and air conditioner installed in an older home years ago.
New Homes Need Fewer Repairs
One of the best things about moving into a brand new home is it will be years before you have to worry about things falling apart due to age. An old home will usually have an old HVAC unit, old appliances, an old roof, and old flooring. That means you'll have to replace them within a few years and that adds to the expense of maintaining the home. You probably won't even have to paint a new home for several years, which gives you carefree living for awhile. Plus it gives you a few years to save money for the time when the HVAC finally gives out and you need to invest in major home repairs.
Another thing to consider is the future value and resale potential of the home you buy. If you buy a home that is 40 years old now and want to sell it in 10 years, you'll be putting a 50-year old home on the market. It may be slow to sell unless you invest a lot of money in upgrading it. A new home on the other hand, will only be 10 years old and still new enough to appeal to home buyers. It may still have warranties you can pass on for the roof, siding, and appliances. Plus, it probably won't be totally out of style in ten years, so you shouldn't have to invest much money to get the home ready for the market.
For more information on new homes for sale and their benefits, contact your local real estate office.