When you’re shopping for a new home, especially in an area where new
construction properties are abundant, it’s easy to get caught up in the
new versus existing construction debate. With new developments and
communities popping up all over Arizona, it’s likely you’ll at least
consider new construction during your house hunt. So, what’s better? New
construction or an existing build?
New Construction
Pros
- Picking things out! If your starting from scratch it’s likely you will be able to customize your home in a builder’s design center. Pick out cabinetry, flooring, maybe even paint colors – it’s all up to you!
- Open floorplan. Most new homes come with a more open floorplan than older homes.
- Little maintenance. When everything is brand new, less things need to be fixed. It would be a long time before you’d have to have an air conditioner replaced or a roof repaired.
- The newest technology. Alarm systems. Wired sound speakers. Stainless steel appliances. Usually the new homes are equipped with all the best new technologies.
Cons
- Lacking greenery. Typically, developers will level a piece of land and then replant trees which means it will be many years before a new neighborhood will have charming tree-lined streets.
- Higher cost. Often newer homes come at a much higher cost than an older home that might need just a little TLC.
- Smaller lots. Newer homes are typically built on smaller sized lots than an older home in a more established neighborhood. Are you okay watching your neighbors eat dinner?
Existing Construction
Pros
- Excellent quality. Homes fifty years or older were typically built with hardwood or old growth wood framing, making them more durable than fir hybrid wood designs of today. Other elements of older homes are also made up of more durable materials.
- Location. As new neighborhoods are built, they are located further and further from city center where there is room for new schools and massive shopping centers. Living in an older home you’ll likely be closer to your workplace and all the action found in the center of your town.
- Moving in immediately. If you’re in a hurry to move or your current home has already sold, waiting for new construction to be finished might be out of the question.
Cons
- Lacking energy efficiency. After the 1970s, energy efficiency in homes became a priority for builders. Added insulation and energy efficient windows were only some of the features in homes that were built in the past 30-40 years.
- Design. Older homes were designed a bit differently from the modern homes you see today. Bathrooms and kitchens were typically smaller, and most included formal dining rooms as opposed to an eat-in kitchen.
- Outdated building code compliance. Old homes with dated plumbing and heating systems may not comply with today’s building codes. A simple inspection before purchasing a home will help you understand what you’ve signed up for.
- Minimal storage. Older homes typically don’t accommodate as much stuff as people own today. Walk-in closets are a thing of today’s generation, so if you’re worried about space for your shoe collection you might struggle to live in an older house.
Purchasing an older home or new construction is absolutely a personal decision. Some people prioritize technology and amenities while others want a great location and charming features. There are pros and cons to each choice, and no right answer. A licensed REALTOR® from Award Realty can help you evaluate all the pros and cons, and any obstacles you might face with either option. And once you step into, or look at the plans for, your dream home you’ll know you made the right choice!
