Think back 10 years
ago to 2005. Did you have a smart
phone? The first iphone wasn't released for another two years in June 2007!
Just as consumer
technology has transformed over the past decade, so too has home building
technology. Today’s homes are much more
energy efficient due to both stricter ‘green’ building codes and advances in
energy efficient insulation, windows and other building materials. And the major components that make up a home
– furnaces, appliances, air conditioners, and are also more
efficient and reliable.
Just take a look at
this new home at Skyview in New Hampshire? This picture
was taken in February 2015 (what a Winter, right?!)
after a month of record snows. Can you spot any icicles on the roof? No? That’s because these homes are so energy
efficient that you don’t have the melting/freezing cycle that occurs in an older
home when heat escapes up through the roof and joints. Compare it to this picture taken on the same
day of an older home.
The housing crisis
started in 2006 which means that until just recently, home construction was
effectively at a stand still. So, if
you’re looking to buy a home today, chances are most resales will be 10 years
old or older just due to the fact that not many homes have been built since the
great recession. While these homes may
have been renovated to look new, the ‘bones’ are still a certain age which
means more maintenance and a less energy efficient home. Are you up for the maintenance headaches,
expenses and cost of ownership of less efficient home?
If not, you may be
thinking about new construction. Here
is an excerpt from www.Forbes.com on the advantages
of new construction:
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According to Trulia’s latest survey, twice as many people prefer new homes to
existing homes. “New”
means exactly that: brand new properties that have never been lived in before,
or homes purchased in the pre-construction phase. On the flip side, “existing”
or resale
homes are pre-owned properties,
most of which were built between the 1920s and the 1970s. For the same price, 2
in 5 Americans – a sizeable 41% of the population – either somewhat or strongly
prefer a newly-built home over an existing one.
While shiny and new sounds nice in theory,
what’s actually behind the allure of these properties? Let’s dive into
the advantage and disadvantages:
The Pros
·
You’re
able to have the builder customize the home before construction is completed,
so it will be built with your personal touch and painted in your color palette
– a big bonus!
·
With
new construction or pre-construction purchases, the work is done for you. You
don’t have to lift a finger, a paint brush, or a hammer.
·
New
homes come with some of the design elements that today’s lifestyle demands:
open, eat-in kitchens, walk-in closets, and large master baths to name a few.
·
A
big financial benefit of new properties is that you won’t have to do much
maintenance. With brand new appliances, plumbing, heating, and air, you should
be repair free for at least a few years.
·
Utilizing
new construction materials, just-built homes are usually more energy efficient;
that means potentially lower utility bills.
·
New homes and condos are often equipped with the
latest technology built right in – think alarm systems, speaker systems,
Internet wiring, and cable – saving you lots of time, money, and holes in the
walls.
·
You’re
moving into a house that should be totally complete and absolutely perfect.
That “new house smell” is definitely a luxury!
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There are downsides
to new construction. Some of the
biggest concerns cited include:
- Cookie cutter
subdivisions, Lack of
architectural detail and craftsmanship, Postage stamp, small
lots, Concern about the
builder reputation, Don’t want to be the
‘first one’ in the subdivision, Lack of custom
options
All valid points. But at Skyview, we like to think we offer
the best of new construction. We have
all the advantages of maintenance free, energy efficient, well designed homes. Plus, we are an established subdivision with
beautiful lots, varied home designs with craftsman flair and a long list of
satisfied home buyers who will attest to our reputation as builders.
When making your
decision between resale or new construction you owe it to yourself to come by
and check out Skyview. And don't rush into a resale just because it's there. A new home can be ready in a few months. Don't settle for anything less than your easy to maintain, efficient dream home.
