Should You Buy a New Construction Home?

Choosing between new and old? You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a newly built house while you shop.

You can find yourself dividing your choices between new and ancient builds when you look for a new house. While older homes may have the design, cost, and durability you’re looking for, they also have their own set of issues. On the other side, a buyer has a fresh start with a new construction.

The benefits of purchasing a newly built house are numerous, but there are also some possible disadvantages, advises Scott Bergmann, a realtor with Realty ONE Group in Omaha, Nebraska.

These professionals have some advice on what new build houses have to offer—and what they don’t—as you go through different available homes.

Pros of Buying a Newly Built Home

There are several benefits to buying a new house, one of which is the peace of mind that comes with being the first resident. However, there is more to it than just that sensation.

“Home repairs can be expensive—on average, homeowners spent nearly $6,000 on home repairs and maintenance in 2022, according to Hippo’s report,” says Courtney Klosterman, a home insights specialist at the home insurance company Hippo. When you buy a new home, you have a better understanding of the vital systems that make up your house and the warranty information that helps keep your appliances serviced throughout time.

78% of U.S. homeowners polled for a recent Hippo research expressed regret about buying their homes. These regrets, according to Hippo’s Housepower Report, can be summarized as follows:

• 47% say that they have had too many unexpected issues with their home
• 47% say there is too much maintenance and upkeep involved
• 46% say that they compromised on things they really wanted for their home

According to Klosterman, there is a good argument for purchasing new.

Customization

The layout you see is the floorplan you get when you purchase an existing property. You have a lot more freedom and chance to make selections in new build houses, increasing the likelihood that you’ll obtain the precise layout you desire.

With a new build house, you may adjust the plan, style, and features to your preferences. According to Jessica Poulos, co-owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team, “You may select your own finishes, flooring, cabinetry, and more.

When you build your own house, you frequently have additional options for personalizing the space. Working one-on-one with a builder will probably provide you complete control over every detail. These options may be limited to finishes, carpet colors, flooring, and the like if you’re working with a builder who is creating a complete neighborhood.

A new build house purchase will also provide some customizing options. These new constructions frequently form a part of a bigger neighborhood where the residences were all built from a small number of blueprints. Therefore, you could be able to select from one of those floorplans, each of which offers a varied amount of bedrooms as well as various layouts and amenities.

New Systems and Warranties

An entirely new heating, cooling, and appliance system are all part of a new house, in addition to fresh paint and new flooring. This means less issues with the plumbing, roof, and other essential components of your home.

“New construction homes are built with the latest energy-efficient materials and appliances, which can save you money on energy bills in the long run,” claims Steve Poulos, co-owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team.

You’ll still want your house to be under warranty even with all these improvements, and many recently constructed homes are.

According to Jessica Poulos, “most new construction homes come with a builder’s warranty, meaning any problems or flaws that appear within the first few years are covered by the builder.” This typically has a two-year warranty. We advise the homeowner to perform a house inspection just before this period expires and to submit the builder any repairs that are required.

It’s important to remember that warranties are also available for older properties.

Home warranties are designed to add an extra layer of security to your home by covering its key appliances and interior systems in addition to home insurance coverage, according to Klosterman.

No Repairs Needed

You shouldn’t have to worry about making significant repairs right away because your home is brand-new.

“A new construction home requires less maintenance compared to a used home, which may have outdated systems and appliances that need to be replaced,” claims Steve Poulos.

Similar to the above, you probably won’t want to plan significant renovations to fundamentally alter the home’s design and features for many years. Ideally, your new-construction home already has all of the contemporary fixtures and fittings that you would modify an older home to have.

According to Steve Poulos, “When you purchase a used home, you might need to renovate or update specific areas to fit your needs and preferences.” “Everything is brand new and ready for you to move in with a new construction home,”

You’ll probably spend less on utilities and insurance because the house is in excellent shape.

According to Bergmann, “a new construction home also has the latest safety and building codes, meaning that it is likely to be up-to-date and safe for occupants,” meaning that those new features will cost you less to insure.

Modern Finishes

Split levels and crowded second stories, which were typical of bungalows, are a thing of the past. Moderner floor plans are what consumers are searching for these days in their houses, and when you buy new, such elements are already included.

According to Jessica Poulos, “new construction homes frequently include contemporary features like smart home technology, energy-efficient windows, and open floor plans.”

Imagine having a new house with those design preferences already taken into consideration if you can recall the sorts of improvements you had planned for your old residence. Many buyers of homes are searching for amenities like renovated kitchens and baths, designated offices, and usable yards. Those things are more likely to be present in new residences.

Cons of Buying a New Construction Home

Of course, freshly constructed homes are not faultless. You will have to give up certain things if you take this course of action.

A New Neighborhood

Since many new projects are located in formerly undeveloped parts of a city or county, there is probably less adjacent infrastructure, such as dining establishments, retail stores, and educational facilities.

It may be excellent to get in on the ground floor of a new area if you’re willing to wait for services like supermarkets, petrol stations, and parks to be developed and opened near you. You could want to look for a property in a more established neighborhood, perhaps an older home, if you’re hesitant to drive to these essentials in the meantime.

On the flip side, Jessica Poulos asserts that a new community may be a reliable sign of the region’s health and growth potential.

“We also like the idea that new construction is a “safe” move. The area retains its value since there are several new homes being developed there, she claims.

Varied Levels of Workmanship

You should research potential new builders before making a hasty purchase since a new home is only as excellent as its builder.

Bergmann reminds out that a builder’s reputation and track record may have a considerable impact on the building quality, so purchasers should do their homework.

“It’s critical to assess the quality of the builder and their work when thinking about buying a new home. Reading internet evaluations and requesting personal recommendations from existing residents are two methods to do this, the expert suggests. “You may go one step further and enquire directly about references from the subdivisions the builder has already constructed in. You will have a better understanding of the builder’s reputation and the caliber of their work as a result. When it comes to such a significant expenditure, don’t cut corners on research.

A real estate agent may also assist you here, but bear in mind that you will still have the chance to view the house before the purchase is finalized; any significant building flaws should become apparent at that time.

Moving Delays

It takes time to buy a home, and planning the dates of your move in and move out might be challenging. New builds make it no easier.

According to Bergmann, “new construction homes may experience unforeseen issues, such as incomplete work or design flaws, that can cause additional costs and delays.”

In timetables for new builds, delays are frequent. As a firm seeks labor and materials to construct your home, a lot can change. To keep up with these schedules and to get a handle on them, work with a real estate agent. If the project is delayed, you might need to find temporary accommodations or have a backup plan.

Bergmann also emphasizes the prevalence of new construction in bigger planned communities, which can be expensive.

“Make sure you’re aware of these costs before you commit,” he advises. “Unexpected expenses like landscaping or HOA fees can add up quickly.”

How to Decide Between a New Construction Home and an Older House

Older homes have proven durability and are located in established areas, while new homes provide personalization possibilities and ways to save money on future repairs and maintenance. Think about your present financial status and the other personal aspects at play as you choose between buying a new build or an older property.

“Buyers should take into account a number of things while picking between a new construction and an older home. These include their desired level of involvement in the construction process, their desired budget, and their financing alternatives, according to Bergmann.

If you are unable to afford a new build, an older home may be the best option. A new construction can be the best option if you want to be actively involved in the process. Also think about if you want a house that is ready for move-in, advises Bergmann.

Finally, he advises remembering to take into account aspects like location, neighborhood amenities, and resale value while making your choice. Making the greatest choice for your lifestyle and budget will be aided by taking into account all of these criteria.