Thursday, September 15, 2022

Building A House Vs. Buying - Which Should You Choose?

 It's finally time for you to move out on your own, away from protecting your family. While you're ready, you might still be confused about whether to buy or build a house. There are many factors surrounding your final decision, one of them being the current house-selling market and time. With the current inflation and possible recession, experts might advise you to buy an existing house. From the seller's perspective, building your own home might be better than buying an existing one. This post breaks both perspectives down and gives you all the vital factors that must be considered before making a final decision. 


  1. Building your own house


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One thing to note about building your own home is that you don't have the same convenience as people who decide to buy an existing home. While these homes are ready to move in and only require payments, you will have to scout for the ideal location, find the land, and then scout for professional designers and contractors like the roof and window installation company to bring your dream to reality. These activities require different timelines and might cost a lot before the actual house building.


For groups looking to avoid the countless processes, you might want to consider joining an existing development like an estate. The good side is that you don't need to scout for the ideal land, and your systems, such as water and sewage, might be sorted out before your sign up. The downside is that you might be sacrificing your degree of choice in the house design. 


Building your own home is a great way to go because you are more likely to get the kind of home you want. It also allows you to construct and use a highly efficient home concerning heating, ventilation, and cooling, not forgetting air filtration and insulation. The efficiency of a home and its ability to meet new energy codes is good for the environment and also great for your pocket, as it reduces your utility bills every month.


  1. Recouping your investment


A new home might be better for you, not just financially, but physically and health-wise too. Older homes, especially those built in the 20th and early 21st century, contain lead paint, asbestos, and mold. These are materials that aren't safe for the environment or your health. 

Building your home means you are intentional about your material choices. You factor in using green appliances, efficient plumbing fixtures, and toilets, making your home more sustainable in the long run. 


It is easier to recoup your investment on such a home in the long run, even though the initial investment can cost an arm and a leg. With your new home's resale, you can have more significant profits, as newer homes are more appealing to people looking to buy homes. Also, newer homes often require little to no repairs, reducing the need for maintenance. This promises to save your potential buyer both time and money. 


Lastly, building a home does more than bring in more money at a resale. Constructing your dream home brings a definite emotional connection to the process, and you made major contributions to living in a new home. With a new home, no one has stepped foot on your carpet, there's the new-home smell everyone loves, and every space matches your style and personality. 


  1. Downsides of building


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Like buying a home, not all things are rosy when deciding to build. The prevalent disadvantage experienced with building a home is the higher costs and the longer time it takes to occupy your space. The duration and costs might increase throughout the home-building process, making building strenuous. 


To curb that cost, you can first screen different estimates from different contractors. For whoever you choose, be sure to use a lump-sum contract instead of a cost-plus contract. With the lump sum agreement, there's a fixed price for construction which means the builder, not the buyer, deals with any cost overrun. 


Enjoy the construction process, develop a close relationship with your contractor, and ensure every decision you make at the planning stage is something you're happy about, from the type of countertop surface to the brand of tile grout you'll use. 


  1. Buying a house


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In the grand scheme of things, buying a home seems much simpler, provided you have the resources. Real estate experts acknowledge the two major benefits of buying an existing home: cost and convenience. Once you have the resources or have been pre-approved funds by your lender, you're free to shop around for homes, select one that appeals to you and your family, make an offer and move in when accepted. 


This process can be streamlined and easier if you work with a qualified real estate agent. The role of agents in the purchasing process is to guide you to locate appropriate properties, ensure you go through negotiations successfully, and offer help with all the necessary paperwork. Depending on the circumstances around your purchase, you can close on a housing deal and move in within a month or two. 


The house-buying process can get overwhelming, especially with the numerous steps one has to take, including financing, making offers after viewing countless homes, house inspections, and closing deals. The good side to the associated stress is the ability to move in right away, compared to building a home that can take months to years of construction.


  1. Schedules and Costing


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According to data from real estate professionals. Buying a home is economically cheaper than building one from the ground up. You might choose to buy a home over building one for several reasons. One such reason could be that you're on a tight budget. You might be moving across countries or have kids starting a new school and, as such, will need something immediate and relatively cheaper.


  1. Convenience of buying  


Another reason several people might choose to purchase a home and not build one is because they want to be within a specific neighborhood. This neighborhood might be close to the workplace, school, friends, or family. Houses within an existing neighborhood are often complete, with mature landscaping. This means you don't have to fuss and worry about where and how to plant shrubs, a lawn, or a tree and wait for it to grow. 

Buying an existing home is your best bet for those looking to be closer to town since most of the land close to town centers has already been built on. 


  1. Disadvantages of buying


While buying a home looks like a dream, with the relative seed, convenience, and affordability it provides, it still has some fallbacks. The major one is that you might not get a home with everything you want, exactly how you want it. It is possible to find close seconds, but you might miss out on one need or the other. You might find a home with a great floor plan, but you might want an extra bathroom or bedroom within that space, and there might be no space to expand. In remodeling or renovating such homes, you might spend more than you bargained for.  



You might plan on building a home, only to decide last minute that an existing home is a better option. Conversely, you might begin your home search, looking for a home with most of the things you wish for, and upon endless scouting, you might decide that building is the eBay way to go. No matter your choice- a contractor or a real estate agent-you must work with only qualified and experienced professionals to ensure the process is successful. 




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