Why Buy New?

Why Build a Home Instead of Buying a Pre-existing One?
There are several advantages to building a brand new home, including more safety features, more efficient materials and customization options. If you are debating whether to purchase a pre-existing home or build a new home, consider these factors:

• New home buyers enjoy the ability to choose the finishes, fixtures, flooring, paint colors and more that suit their preferences and are often more durable, without the hassle or cost of changing the previous owner’s tastes.
• New homes are safer, with electrical wiring systems that can accommodate “smart” appliances and components such as high-definition TVs, security systems, fire alarms and complex lighting and audio setups.
• Data from the Census Bureau’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey shows, that on a per-square foot basis, the newer the home the less energy it uses. Compared to homes built before 1950, the average consumption of energy other than electricity is 46 percent lower in homes built after 2000.
• The Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey shows that maintenance costs on average were 56 percent lower in new homes; $547 a year for all single family homes versus $241 for homes built after 2008.
• A brand-new community is one of the built-in benefits of many new homes. When families move in to a subdivision at the same time, they often form lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block,” and many home builders host community parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect.
• Popular amenities like pools, walking trails and tennis and basketball courts are generally available in newer communities.

How much does it cost to build a new home?
There are a lot of variables that go into building a new home — from the square footage to the appliances and fixtures you choose. Depending on your budget, you can build a home costing anywhere from $250,000 to more than $1 million. The best thing to do is talk to your builder about what is available within your budget.

How do I find the right builder?
Though builders might generally use similar tools and materials when building homes, not all are alike when it comes to things like technique, training and customer service. Here are some things to consider when considering home builders:

• Work Experience – Find a builder with extensive experience building homes similar to the one you want. Ask to see examples of floor plans and designs they have completed to ensure his or her company can deliver what you need.
• References – Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide you with several names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. If they cannot, consider that a red flag and walk away. When reaching out to those former clients, ask about how well the builder followed through on the initial plans, and if the builder met their expectations regarding budget and timing. Do not forget the most telling question of them all: If they could do it all over, would they hire that builder again?
• Communication Style – Many builders will do their best to accommodate your communication preferences. But it is always best to establish expectations as early as possible. The frequency (weekly, monthly, as-needed, etc.) and method (phone, text, email) of how you communicate early on with each other is something that will set the tone throughout the whole building process.

KCHBA’s member directory can be found here. Many members have homes featured on the Fall Parade, taking place Sept. 22 – Oct. 7. Take a look to find the perfect builder for you.