Buying a home is a major stepping stone that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many factors that need to be considered and costs to be calculated before making an offer. One of the biggest decisions is deciding between buying a new build or a resale home. If you’re not sure which property type is best, this blog can help. Here, we’ll look into some of the key benefits of moving into a brand new home compared to a preowned one, so you can decide which is the right choice for you.
Clean and Pristine
Unlike a pre-owned home, when buying new, you of course get the benefit of having a home that no one has lived in before. Everything both inside and out will be new and pristine. The walls and flooring will be spotless, the appliances and fixtures brand new, and each room will be freshly painted and ready for you. Moving into a new build will also give you a clean slate and a space that you can call your own.
Control Over the Details
When you purchase a pre-owned home, you are buying the home “as is”. If you want to make any upgrades, you’ll need to renovate it using your own funds, which can be very expensive. With a new home, you will have more control over the details. You’ll get to choose between different floorplan options, customize some of the features, and pick out the colours and finishes you prefer. Most developers will also offer a number of upgrade packages so that you can further personalize your home before you move in.
Energy Efficient
New homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. From the windows to the insulation to the HVAC, toilets, lighting, and appliances – everything will be optimized for energy efficiency. Additionally, since the building materials will be newer and made with state-of-the-art technology, the energy costs will also be lower than a resale property. Older homes tend to be less energy efficient, which can lead to higher monthly utility costs.
Less Maintenance and Repair Costs
Since everything is brand new, the chances of your new-build home needing repairs in the first few years are very low. And in many cases, any repairs needed will likely be covered under warranty. The same cannot be said with a resale home. Older homes often need some form of repairs or renovations as soon as you close the deal. The appliances, roof, wiring, and windows will also wear down eventually, requiring you to foot the bill sooner than later if you own an older model home.
New Community
Newly constructed builds are situated in new brand communities, complete with new roads, schools, and infrastructure. You won’t have to drive all over town to buy groceries, play at the park or see your dentist either. Most new communities are equipped with everything you need including shops, parks and community centers close to home. And since they’re located outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, these communities tend to attract young professionals and families who are just starting out. This provides residents with many opportunities to meet other like-minded people and make new friends.
Meets the Current Building Codes
Before you buy, you should also consider how much it will cost you if you want to update or renovate the home in the near future. If you want to change anything in a resale home, you’ll have to pay for the remodelling costs plus any additional fees to bring your home up to the current building codes. The costs can quickly add up if the home is running on older electrical wiring, HVAC and plumbing systems that will need to be updated or fully replaced to bring it up to par. With a new build you won’t have to worry about this, everything will be up to date and fully compliant.
Insurance Costs
You’ll also get cheaper home insurance rates when you buy a newly constructed property. Because a new home is equipped with the latest features such as the plumbing and they’re also up-to-date on all the current building codes, they are seen as a lower risk. This can equate to discounts between 20-25% in insurance costs, totalling hundreds of dollars in savings a year.
Discover our newest model homes to see all the benefits for yourself. Valecraft homes offer modern building technologies, exquisite features and innovative designs. Our open-concept homes maximize space and offer homeowners all the conveniences and features they need for comfortable, luxury living. Contact us today to set up a tour in one of our newest community developments in Embrun, Ottawa South or Stittsville. Our team will be happy to show you all the latest models and design options that are available to you.