Should You Buy a New Construction Home?

As you search for a new home, you might find yourself categorizing your options into new and old builds. While older homes might offer the kind of layout, price point, and durability you’re looking for, they also come with their own problems. A new build, on the other hand, offers a buyer a clean slate.

“Buying a new construction home has many perks, but there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind,” says Scott Bergmann, a Realtor with Realty ONE Group in Omaha, Nebraska.

As you sort through various available homes, these experts have some pointers on what new construction homes have to offer—and what they leave to be desired.

Pros of Buying a Newly Built Home

New homes have tons of pros, including the sense of peace knowing you’re the first homeowner to live at the property. There’s more to it than just that feeling, though.

“Home repairs can be expensive—on average, homeowners spent nearly $6,000 on home repairs and maintenance in 2022, according to Hippo’s report,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at home insurance provider Hippo. “When you purchase a new construction home, you have a clearer idea of the critical systems that make up your home and the warranty information that helps keep your appliances maintained over time.”

In a recent study by Hippo, 78% of U.S. homeowners surveyed have had regrets about purchasing their homes. According to Hippo’s Housepower Report, those regrets could be broken down this way:

• 47% say that they have had too many unexpected issues with their home
• 47% say there is too much maintenance and upkeep involved
• 46% say that they compromised on things they really wanted for their home

It’s a pretty strong case for buying new, Klosterman says.

Customization

When you buy an existing home, the floorplan you see is the floorplan you get. New construction homes offer much more flexibility and opportunity for you to make the decisions, making it more likely that you can get exactly the layout you want.

“With a new construction home, you have the ability to customize the layout, design, and features to your liking. You can choose your own finishes, flooring, cabinets, and more,” says Jessica Poulos, co-owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team.

Buying a new construction home will also offer some opportunities for customization. Oftentimes, these new builds are part of a larger community where builders used a handful of plans to construct all of the homes on the property. So you might get to choose from one of those floorplans, offering a different number of bedrooms, layouts, and features.

New Systems and Warranties

A new home doesn’t just mean new paint and flooring: It also means all new heating and cooling systems and appliances. That means fewer hiccups with your home’s plumbing, roof, and other key infrastructure.

“New construction homes are built with the latest energy-efficient materials and appliances, which can save you money on energy bills in the long run,” says Steve Poulos, co-owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team.

Even with all new features, you’ll still want your home to be under warranty—and many newly built homes are.

“Most new construction homes come with a builder’s warranty, which means any issues or defects that arise within the first few years are covered by the builder,” Jessica Poulos says. “Usually this is a two-year warranty. We recommend that the homeowner conduct a home inspection right before this timeframe is up and send any necessary repairs to the builder.”

It’s worth noting that you can purchase warranties for older homes, as well.

“Home warranties are meant to supplement home insurance policies by covering your home’s internal systems and major appliances, giving your home an extra layer of protection,” Klosterman says.

Modern Finishes

Gone are the days of split-levels and cramped second floors common in bungalows. These days, buyers are looking for more modern layouts in their homes, and when you buy new, those features are built-in.

“New construction homes often come with modern features such as smart home technology, energy-efficient windows, and open floor plans,” Jessica Poulos says.

If you can remember the types of projects you planned for your previous home, imagine having a new home with those design tastes already taken into account. Many home buyers are looking for features such as dedicated office spaces, functional yards, and upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. New homes are more likely to have those things.

Cons of Buying a New Construction Home

Of course, newly built homes aren’t perfect. There are some compromises you’ll have to make if you choose to go this route.

A New Neighborhood

Many new developments are built in previously undeveloped areas of a city or county, meaning there is likely less infrastructure nearby—think restaurants, shops, and schools.

If you’re game to wait for amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and parks to be built and opened around you, it could be great to get in on the ground level of a new neighborhood. If you’re reluctant to travel to these necessities in the meantime, you might want to shop for a home in a more established area, possibly an older home.

On the flip side, Jessica Poulos says a new community could be a good indicator of the area’s health and potential for growth.

“We also like the idea that new construction is a ‘safe’ bet. Because multiple homes are being built in the neighborhood, it holds its value,” she says.

Varied Levels of Workmanship

A new home is only as good as its builder, which is why you’ll want to do your homework before blindly buying new.

Bergmann points out that construction quality can vary significantly depending on the builder, so buyers should research their builder’s reputation and track record.

“When considering a new construction home, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality of the builder and their work. One way to do this is to read online reviews and ask for personal references from current homeowners,” he says.

A real estate agent can help you here, as well, but keep in mind that you will still get an opportunity to have an inspection of the property done before the deal goes through—any major building defects should come out then.

This article was written by Kristine Gill from Better Homes and Gardens and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].