Deciding between an old home and a new one

There are a lot of things to think about when purchasing a new home. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: do I build a new house or buy an existing one? This is a tough question and both sides have their ups and downs, but who wouldn’t want to build their own home if they had the option? Here are just a few of the benefits you get from choosing a new build:

• When you build your own home, you get to choose your builder. You can find people who match your interests, your style and know that they won’t rest until you have the home of your dreams.
• New homes are always up-to-date. They will typically be more energy efficient and meet all current building codes, so you won’t be wasting money on things like heating or efficiency.
• You can choose a neighbourhood that suits you. Every new neighbourhood has its own layout and atmosphere. When you build your own home, you pick the plot of land and the perfect neighbourhood that checks off all your boxes in a dream home.
• You always know what you’re getting in a new home. Everything in it will be new and you won’t have to worry about replacing anything for a long time. Even if something were to go wrong, you’ll be covered by warranty.
• You can help design the space. Do you want a wide-open floor plan with lots of light or maybe something more cozy with a private feel? That’s up to you when you build your own home.
• You can build a home that will suit your needs now and in the future. You can specify exactly how many bedrooms, bathrooms and even how many parking spots you’ll need.
• You can ask for special features that most pre-existing homes will not have. Some families have individuals with mobility issues that require ground floor bedrooms or an elevator. Maybe a wood burning stove or a swimming pool are must-haves for your family. You can build that into your floorplan right from the start.
• You can build to suit your lifestyle. Ask for a home office, bedrooms on different floors or build a basement suite to rent out to cover part of your mortgage.

Whether you choose an existing home or a new build, there are always challenges with both. Moving into an existing home can take away a lot of decision making, lowering your stress and probably getting you into your home more quickly. However, you’re limited to what is on the market at that time. It may check off a lot of your boxes, but you might not have space for your home office or a spare bedroom. By building your own home, you’re sure to get everything you need, want and can dream of (within reason, of course) to be able to live happily knowing that this is exactly what you were looking for.