Pros and Cons of Buying a New Construction
If you are in the market for a new home, you have probably wondered whether it would be better to choose an existing home or invest in a newly constructed home. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so to decide which is right for you, it is important to focus on needs and desires. Here are some pros and cons of buying a new construction.
Pro: Brand New Home
Buying a new construction means you will be the first to occupy it. Everything is pristine, no one has ever used the oven or the blinds, and there are no hidden surprises. Some people prefer the “lived in” feeling of an existing home, but if you enjoy things that are clean and shiny and new, you will probably enjoy a new construction.
Con: Some Builders Are Not Great
If a home has existed for some time, it is likely that any building problems were fixed long ago. With a new construction, your home’s quality is only as good as its builder. A builder who cuts corners could leave you with a substandard home that has problems from the outset. Guard against this by looking beyond the builder’s website. Check with homeowners who used that builder to find out if they are happy, and search public records for significant complaints.
Pro: Customization
Exactly how much you get to customize your new home depends on the nature of the construction. You have the most options if you hire an architect, a designer, and a general contractor to start from scratch, and the fewest options if you buy into a new development with a handful of floor plans.
Either way, you will get more choices than you would when buying an existing home, especially if you are interested in things like extra windows or underfloor heating that would be difficult to retrofit. If you enjoy the design process or are particular about everything...
