Rethinking New Construction

For certain types of homebuyers, the very idea of ‘new construction’ lacks allure, plain and simple. There are no double-paned glass windows, authentic art-deco details, or hardwood floors that creak under the steps of time. Often, for these homebuyers, new construction is filed away in the “too typical” folder or even worse, stuffed into the “downright banal” box, never to be opened again. This type of buyer tends to envision new construction homes to be the exact replica of everything that their negative stigmas suggest: rows of houses, one just like the other, with no details to set them apart, no magic or mystery accrued in walls that cannot talk.

I’d like to offer a different perspective and propose a novel take on new construction: a home as a blank canvas, offering buyers the opportunity to paint a masterpiece to the exact vision of their liking. What many of my clients don’t realize is that new construction presents a host of options and some benefits that are nearly impossible to come by in the resale market. More often than not, buyers once totally opposed to new construction, are surprised to learn that new construction might not be just an option; it might actually be the best option for what they are looking for. Here are some clues that new construction might be good for you too:

You are picky.

Let’s face it, most homebuyers are. This is a good thing. It means you know what you want. Unfortunately, for some people shopping in the resale market, I have to warn you now: you might not find what you are looking for. In fact, I can guarantee you that it’s nearly impossible for the buyer who already has a precise vision of what they want, to find something that matches that vision exactly. This is especially true if you find yourself drawn to certain unique or modern details and unusual layouts like an open floor plan or an extra master bedroom on the first floor. With new construction, you decide, and the likelihood of creating your dream home as opposed to finding it, is much greater.

You’re not a handywoman /handyman.

With old-world charm, come old-world problems: a faucet that inevitably leaks no matter how many times you try to tighten it, or a toilet that breaks every five minutes (and for some reason, whenever you have guests over for dinner). However, with new construction, you most likely won’t have to worry about things going wrong, and if you do, you’ve got a two to ten year warranty and an onsite manager to help you with any unlikely woes. Even if your warranty has expired, it has been my experience that the builder is always happy to help fix any problems that may arise.

 Just because a home is up to code, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s up to the best code. In fact, homes on the resale market only have to be meet the code mandates that were defined the year the home was built. With new construction, you are assured to have the best most up-to-date standards. These days that means sprinkler systems in every room, a fire-alarm that alerts the entire neighborhood if things really go south, tankless water heaters, and air purification systems to avoid allergens. This gives new homeowners an extra, and often much needed, feeling of security. It also means a more efficient heating and cooling systems, which are an added bonus.

You want to buy at the top of your price range 

Many people looking to purchase a home tend to want to buy the very best option that they can afford. If you fall into this category, it's likely that the only“play” money you’ll have after purchasing your home is of the Monopoly variety. If you are buying a home on the resale market, you’ll need to ask yourself if you’ll really be able to afford all the changes you want to make upon purchase. The perks of new construction are that it’s customizable and move-in ready. In addition, you know exactly what you are going to pay; there are no bidding wars that result in escalating home prices, and no hidden costs.

 - Sonal Basu, Redfin.