Back in 2019, my husband and I began the exciting journey of home-ownership by starting the search for our first home. After viewing many properties, we came to a crossroads in deciding between purchasing a resale home, or something new construction. After careful consideration, we ultimately decided to purchase a spec home from a local builder. In this blog post, I’ll explain the criteria we considered which ultimately helped us to make our decision and purchase our first new home.
- Modern Features and Design – One of the primary reasons we opted for a new construction home was because it offered a lot of great modern features a lot of resale homes didn’t. Not only did the plans better meet our needs, we felt it would continue to meet needs of future buyers when the time came for us to sell the home. We loved the open concept floor plan, main floor laundry, and the inclusion of features like an ensuite and pantry in the kitchen.
- Customization and Personalization – Building a new home allowed us the opportunity to customize and personalize the space according to my preferences and lifestyle. Since we purchased from a Spec builder we did not get to customize our floor plan, but we were able to choose the interior finishes like cabinets and flooring. Unlike resale homes that come with a pre-established layout and design, new construction homes often offer a range of options for finishes, flooring, fixtures, and more. This level of flexibility allowed us to create a home that we loved, and would not have to renovate at all right after moving in.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings – New construction homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating the latest advancements in building materials and technology. As the cost of energy continues to increase, we saw a large benefit in owning a home that is energy efficient. It has helped to keep our monthly costs manageable and lower our environmental footprint. However, new construction homes do come with a higher initial price which does need to be taken into account as well.
- Warranty and Peace of Mind – A significant advantage of purchasing a new construction home in Ontario is the Tarion New Home Warranty. This warranty covers structural defects and major systems for a specified period, which provided us with peace of mind when making the largest purchase of our lives. In addition, all the materials are new and come with warranties from the manufacturers (furnace, roof, windows, etc.).
- Low Maintenance and Repairs – With a new construction home, we are able to enjoy the benefits of minimal maintenance and repairs in the initial years. The materials and systems in new homes are designed to withstand the test of time, reducing the likelihood of unexpected repairs. This factor not only contributes to a stress-free living experience but also helps to allocate resources towards personalizing and enhancing the home rather than constantly addressing maintenance issues.
Choosing a new construction home over a resale proved to be a rewarding decision, aligning with our desire for modern amenities, customization options, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. While each homebuyer’s priorities may differ, these criteria were pivotal in guiding our choice towards a home that not only meets our current needs but also anticipates the demands of the future.
If you are looking yo purchasing a home, I always recommend considering new construction if it is financially attainable, as it offers many benefits. With years of experience selling new construction homes, I am happy to offer my expertise to anyone looking for assistance making this big decision.
