Buying New Construction vs. Existing Homes

Looking for a place to call home? If so, you’re probably trying to decide whether you should buy new construction or an existing home. There are pros and cons to both options. Here’s what you need to know before you decide! 

Customization for Buying a New Home vs. Existing Homes

In new homes, you can customize all kinds of details both indoors and out. You can design the home to perfectly suit your family’s needs from the number of bedrooms to the type of cabinets in the kitchen.  

Existing homes don’t come with customization options from the start. It’s often difficult to find a home that perfectly suits your needs and your budget. This is especially true with the low housing inventory right now. If you want to change what the home looks like, you’ll have to pay quite a bit of money in order to redo floorplans or other features.

Maintenance Costs for New vs. Existing Homes

When buying a property from a new home builder, your house will have brand-new appliances and features. This means that you’re less likely to experience major repairs. With proper maintenance, your home will go for years without any problems.

Existing homes often have more maintenance issues. Depending on its age and how well it was maintained by previous owners, your “new” home will probably have multiple things that need to be replaced within the next few years. Every item in a home has a lifespan, from the windows to the appliances to the flooring. Many of these things are expensive and a hassle to replace.  

Warranties in New vs. Existing Homes

Since everything is brand-new when you buy a new home, many things will have warranties. Windows, doors, dishwashers, air conditioning units, and more will have warranties that will cover any repairs or replacements that you may need in the next couple of years.

In most existing homes, the warranties expired many years ago. You may run into the issue of having to replace things such as windows, doors, and appliances soon after moving in.

Location for New vs. Existing Homes

When you build a new home, you can choose a neighborhood that meets your needs. You can guarantee that your home not only has the features you want but is in a neighborhood that you like.

When buying an existing home, you may have to compromise. It can be hard to find the perfect house and the perfect location all in one property. While you may be able to renovate to suit your needs, there’s not much you can do to change the location of an existing home.  

Landscaping for New vs. Existing Homes

New homes give you almost unlimited opportunities for turning your yard into your dream space. While you may not have a massive oak tree right away, you’re able to add plants, sidewalks, water features, and more.

Existing homes have landscaping that is already there. You may love some features, such as trees that have already been planted and grown. However, these homes give you limited options to adjust the existing landscaping to what you’re looking for in a yard.

The Best New Home Builder in Georgia

There are a whole host of benefits to buying a new house vs. buying an existing property. To create your perfect home in your dream neighborhood, contact us. We’d love to talk to you about building your future home!