When you’re in the market to buy a house, one of the most difficult decisions to make is whether to buy new or used. In some cases, old homes can be cheaper than new homes, but then again, new homes often come with special updates and extras. While buying used may suit some people’s needs, purchasing a new home has many benefits.
If you buy new, there is a good chance that your home could include new “smart” technologies to enhance your house’s efficiency and make life just a little easier. There’s also a higher likelihood that the design of a new home will fit in with current trends. If not, you also have the option of working with the builders to design a home that suits your personal needs.
New homes often come with green appliances. These appliances reduce your energy bills and are more environmentally friendly than older appliances. Although you could install these appliances in an older home, it is more convenient to have them already built in before you move. This avoids potential wiring and set-up issues that crop up when new appliances are not compatible with older homes.
There are several other advantages to buying new, including more advanced safety measures, fewer repairs and less maintenance — unlike an older home, new homes require almost no maintenance when you move in. And if you do need maintenance on your new home, builders often offer at least a one-year warranty to cover repairs.
What Makes a Green Home “Green”:
- Energy efficient tankless water heaters.
- Vinyl low-E windows, which reduce heat transfer and help your home stay cooler.
- Built-in lawn irrigation systems.
- Garages with electric car outlets.
- Radiant barrier roof decking that lowers cooling costs by reducing heat gain
- Low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.
- Energy efficient kitchen appliances.
- Water-saving dual flush toilets.
- R-38 attic insulation — the recommended amount to efficiently reduce heat flow.
- Breathe E-Z Ventilation Systems, which improve and maintain the quality of the air inside of your home by removing excess moisture.