Tag: new construction

New Homes: Ways New Builds Excel

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When you’re looking for a new home, should you purchase an existing one or have a brand new house built? Since this is a major decision, it’s important to learn more about the advantages of new construction vs. existing construction. Keep the following in mind, so you can compare the benefits of both in order to help you make your home buying decision.

Cost

In terms of the cost to purchase new or existing construction, you can expect to pay more for a newly built house. When you buy new construction, you’re paying for labor, materials, plumbing installation, electrical installation and other expenses that you normally wouldn’t have with an existing property. While buying existing construction might cost less upfront, keep in mind that you could end up paying more over time, such as if you need do any upgrades or remodeling. You’re also more likely to have repair expenses with existing construction, especially if you’re purchasing an older home.

Floor Plans

One of the biggest advantages of new construction is having a customizable floor plan. When you purchase new construction, you have the opportunity to create the ideal floor plan based on your needs and design preferences. When you’re looking into existing homes, your options are more limited. Unless you’re willing to do major remodeling or renovations, which can be highly expensive and time-consuming, what you see is what you’ll be getting with an existing home’s floor plan.

Property Values

Whether you’re considering buying new construction or existing construction, paying attention to property values is important. While property values change over time, you’ll want to have a home that goes up in value. When you buy an existing home, determining the value is straightforward. When you purchase new construction, especially in a new development or community, it’s not as easy to determine property values. While this might seem risky, keep in mind that there are many ways to raise the property value of your newly built home, such as making a few upgrades over time.

Financing Options

Many people need to explore financing options when purchasing a new home. When you’re considering buying an existing property, getting financing for it can be more difficult. If the property is older and needs a lot of work, such as remodeling or repairs, being able to get the financing you need can be even harder. When you purchase new construction, financing is generally easier to get if you have options available through your builder. This can provide you with a much less difficult way to qualify for a mortgage.

Appliances

Appliances can be a significant expense for homeowners, whether you need to buy new ones or have existing ones repaired. When you purchase existing construction, you might get older appliances with the home. In this case, you’ll need to consider the cost of repairing or replacing these appliances when you move in. Older appliances are also going to cost more when it comes to your energy bills. When you purchase new construction, you’ll be getting brand new ones that are more likely to be energy efficient, which helps you save on your energy bills.

Green Building Materials for New Construction

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Eco-friendly homes are becoming much more common due to the benefits they provide, including significant energy savings and less of an impact on the environment. New construction homes can be green right from the start with the materials used to build them. These green building materials are often natural materials or renewable ones that are considered sustainable. Which kinds of building materials are used for green homes? The following are some common green building materials used for home construction.

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a highly sustainable material used for building homes, since it is a fast-growing plant. This green building material offers a lightweight design combined with a high tensile strength that makes it difficult to damage, making it a good choice for flooring in many areas. Bamboo’s appearance can give new homes a naturalistic, whimsical style.

 

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood provides a green source of wood for home construction, which helps reduce the number of trees that are cut down. This type of wood comes from many sources, including old barns, shipping pallets and even box cars. Reclaimed wood can be used for many areas of a new home, including the walls and floors. In addition to offering durability, this kind of wood has a unique appearance with distinctive markings, colors and patterns.

 

Cork

Cork is another sustainable material that is sometimes used as insulation for green homes. This material, which comes from the cork oak tree, can be harvested without damaging or destroying these trees. Cork offers a high degree of thermal insulation, which puts it among the most effective materials for insulating homes. Cork is also resistant to fire, as well as mold and mildew that can grow inside walls in damp conditions. This material, which offers good shock absorption, can also be used for flooring in new homes.

 

Recycled Steel

Recycled steel offers a sustainable alternative to wood for building frames for new homes. Builders can use this green building material, which is fully recyclable, to help save trees that would normally be cut down for home construction. Recycled steel offers durability and strength while also being resistant to fire and other sources of damage.

 

Precast Concrete Slabs

Precast concrete slabs can be used for building walls and facades in new homes. These slabs provide a more sustainable option compared to traditional concrete slabs, since they are manufactured and shipped whole to building sites instead of being made at the site. Overall, the require less energy to produce, which is healthier for the environment. Precast concrete slabs are also more resistant to cracks and other damage that traditional concrete can develop.

 

Straw Bales

Straw bale can be used for insulating new construction homes or as framing material. When used as insulation, this material is able to help home interior stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, resulting in less energy usage. This kind of green building material has soundproof qualities, as well as some degree of fire resistance. Straw bales can be re-planted after being harvested for use as a building material, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for new construction.

Top New Construction Architectural Style Trends

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Residential architectural styles have long defined the current culture in America. At the turn of the century, colorful and elegant Victorian homes could be found in many towns across the country. By the 1950s, the practical ranch was popping up in every new suburb that was being created. Today, those who are interested in new residential home construction will find that many of the most desirable architectural styles blend elements of the past with contemporary designs.

These are the home architectural styles that are trending today:

Cape Cod

The Cape Cod architectural style has been a staple in America since the land was settled in the 1600s by Europeans. This architectural style became particularly popular during the final half of the 20th century, and it continues to be a desirable option for homeowners today. Many people prefer the Cape Cod design because it is a functional style that often includes a master bedroom on the first floor.

Craftsman

The Craftsman home style came to life during the Arts and Crafts movement, and it has remained relevant in modern times. Home buyers who want their new construction home to have traditional appeal often opt for this style, which features large front porches and open floor plans. The Craftsman styles offers people an opportunity to truly enjoy living in the home that they have built.

Contemporary

The Contemporary home style is becoming increasingly popular with each passing year, as more homeowners who are building new construction homes seek to have their homes assembled from sustainable materials. Efficiency is at the forefront of the design of this architectural style, and most Contemporary homes have a tendency to blend indoor and outdoor living spaces. Natural light is a hallmark of this design, so homeowners can expect large windows in nearly every room of the house.

Midcentury Modern

The Midcentury Modern style emerged after World War II, as there was a plethora of new building materials available as well as in flux of families searching for simple, practical and affordable places to live. Today, the Midcentury Modern style is characterized by open floor plans and large windows. These homes are often sprawling, one-story properties, making them a convenient option for home buyers of all ages and stages.

Farmhouse

The Farmhouse style was heavily influenced by Victorian architecture but was designed to be more practical than its ancestor. Today, people who opt for Farmhouse homes appreciate their charming appeal, their front porches and their functional floor plans. The Farmhouse style has been in high demand in recent years, and this trend shows no sign of fading anytime soon.

The architectural styles that are available for your new construction home will vary based on the builder that you select and the development in which you are building your home. Some builders specialize in a specific style, while others are open to creating customized designs that are influenced by several approaches. 

Building a Home? Consider Giving These 3 Areas Some Extra Customization

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As you make plans to build your own home, give yourself room for some customization. Your budget may not allow you to customize everything so will need to consider your priorities. Here are three key areas you should focus on to customize your home to make it more functional and enjoyable.

1. Customize the Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home. This is not only where meals are made but where homework gets done, meetings take place and daily check-ins with family members occur. The kitchen is also a major selling feature of your home when you’re ready to move somewhere new. This room is worth spending some time and money customizing.

In the kitchen you might consider a variety of custom features:

  • Energy-efficient appliances

  • Custom cabinetry and countertops

  • Elegant sink fixtures

  • Spacious pantry and storage options

  • Useful kitchen islands

The more custom features you can add in the kitchen, the more functional your home will be to meet your needs.

2. Finish the Basement

Many floor plans include unfinished basements. If you have enough budget, take the time to customize this space based on your needs. A basement becomes a perfect family recreation or theater room. You can also make it your spot for entertaining, craft projects, or home school and office space.

Adding a bathroom during construction, or at least the plumbing for one, is always easier than trying to add this plumbing later. Setting up a wet bar makes getting a snack simple. All of these features will increase the functionality and convenience of the basement for you to enjoy while also adding significantly to the home’s resale value.

3. Add Customized Storage

Storage is one of the most important yet overlooked features in a new home. As you consider custom options for your space, make sure you add ample storage. In the kitchen you will want a pantry to store canned and boxed goods. You may also want specific cabinets for larger pots and pans or appliances. In the bathroom make sure there is shelving or a linen closet to store toiletries and towels. Consider built-in shelving and cabinetry or walk-in closets for bedrooms. All of these features will cut down on the amount of furniture you need as well as conserve precious floor space. If the home has two stories, talk to the builder about adding under-the-stairs cabinets and closets to utilize this extra space. You can never have too much storage and building gives you the chance to add quite a bit before you even move into the home.

One of the benefits of building your home is the opportunity to customize it, but you may need a little direction to see where to start. By focusing on these three areas of your new house, you ensure that you get the most out of your new-build home