Is it cheaper to build a house or buy a fixer upper?

PROS: More House for the Money – All the space may not be immediately livable, but fixer-uppers have a lower price per square foot than newly built homes.

beverly-hanks.com - Buy a Fixer-Upper or New Construction Home: What's the Best ...

What can I use instead of concrete foundation?

We have collated 11 green building materials that offer alternatives to concrete, and a lower environmental impact. Straw Bales. ... Grasscrete....

Last updated Jun 14, 2021

How do I make my house Saleable?

Here are our top tips to prepare your home for sale so it shows well and helps it sell faster and for the highest value possible. Declutter – but...

Last updated Apr 29, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

So, you’ve recently decided to buy a home. First of all—congratulations! We know you’ve been working hard to pay down your credit cards, boost your credit score, and scrape together a modest down payment in the process. Your hard work is paying off! Buying a home can be a time consuming, complicated process. With the right agent by your side, much of that stress can be mitigated or avoided altogether. However, a good agent can only take you so far if you’re not clear on your goals and needs.

It’s time to determine the priorities of your dream home, from choosing the best neighborhood to the right number of bathrooms. As you do so, consider one important question that will guide the course of your home search: Should I buy a new construction home or renovate an existing (possibly older) fixer-upper?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each purchase:

New Construction Homes

PROS:

Move-in Ready – Obviously, newly built homes don’t require you to pull up old carpet or repaint the walls before you move in. If you’re looking for the quickest path to being settled in a home of your own, new homes are the best bet. Floor Plan – If you invest in a custom-built home, you are sure to get a floor plan that matches your lifestyle—because you get to pick the design. If you work with the architect early in the construction, you may even be able to pick custom finishes. Energy Efficiency – New homes are held to higher insulation and efficiency standards than older homes that are being resold. New homes also tend to have newer appliances. Quality windows and an efficient washer will equal significant savings over time. Maintenance – In addition to needing less work (or no work) up front, new homes will require less maintenance over the first few years of your ownership. You’re less likely to run into unexpected expenses, like needing to replace septic tanks or damaged gutters. Amenities – Looking for a neighborhood with an active lifestyle? New homes in planned communities often include access to community amenities, like clubhouses, recreational facilities, community spaces, and trails.

CONS:

Additional Upfront Costs – All the best benefits of new homes (quality construction, new appliances, community pool, etc.) mean your purchase price will be more expensive. Consider HOA costs and property taxes as you look for the right community for you. Less-than-Ideal Location – Your community itself may be walkable, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be close to work, groceries, or other frequented locations. Factor in the cost of your commute to your projected monthly expenses.

What is the square feet of a 10x10 shed?

10x10 Sheds. Square footage: 100 sq. ft.

Last updated Feb 6, 2022

What is the biggest tiny house you can buy?

The Denali XL is the largest tiny house from the Timbercraft Tiny Homes brand. The 400-square foot house feels like a mansion amidst other tiny...

Last updated Jul 29, 2022

Promotion

The Cost of Land – Even if your construction costs are reasonable, don’t forget to consider the value of the land the home is on. Planned communities often have larger lot sizes, which can add up quickly. Immature Landscaping – Will you have to invest in heavier curtains to deter nosey neighbors because there isn’t a single full-grown tree in the neighborhood? If outdoor home features are just as important to you as indoor features, that may cost you extra at a new home. The Wait – It can be fun to sit down with builders to pick out your ideal floor plan and molding style. But consider construction time (and possible delays) that come with a custom home. A six-month wait is normal if you’re building from the ground up.

Fixer-Upper Homes

PROS:

More House for the Money – All the space may not be immediately livable, but fixer-uppers have a lower price per square foot than newly built homes. If you’re searching for a space you can grow into, a fixer-upper may be what you seek. Charm and Location – Older homes tend to be in older neighborhoods and more urban settings. In addition to inside charms (like crown molding or original tiling), they could also offer a lot of neighborhood charm. Shorter Commutes – Older neighborhoods and urban settings are also more likely to be closer to city centers. If you like to walk to restaurants, grocery stores, or even to work, this could be a cost-effective opportunity to cut down your commute. Property Tax Rates – Fixer-uppers in less affluent communities will not accrue increases in property taxes at the same rate as new homes in fancy neighborhoods. Even with the cost of significant home renovations, this could keep your costs low over time. Long-term Projects – Some people love homes that evolve as they do. Pick a fixer-upper if you don’t mind long-term renovations and want the opportunity to get really creative with your space.

CONS:

Outdated Features and Appliances – Will you have to replace all the knob-and-tube wiring and lead-based paint in your funky historic home? Will the home need to be checked for asbestos? How old is that refrigerator, anyway? Older homes require you to ask more questions up front to gauge renovations that go beyond pure aesthetics. Unexpected Problems and “Invisible Repairs” – Older homes require more upkeep, even as you continue to renovate. Ask questions even about features that are currently in good shape, perhaps roofs and plumbing, to determine their ages. This can give you an idea of what will require work down the line and when.

What is a carport door?

Most people would define a garage as a completely enclosed room with a garage door for parking a car out of the weather, while a carport is a...

Last updated Nov 16, 2018

How long will untreated wood last outside if painted?

Untreated wood can last anywhere from a couple of months to over two years. If you are searching for a long-term project you might want to stick...

Last updated Sep 7, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Investments that Don’t Equal Increased Value – Some home improvements add more to the resale value of your home than others. Be careful to weigh what needs done to make the home livable versus the fun (read: expensive) upgrades you may not be able to recoup when you move.

Long-term Construction Zone – Unless you’re a professional flipper, it can be hard to own a home that requires a lot of work. You may not have the opportunity to focus on your home full time. And who wants to live in a construction zone for possibly years?

Your Timing – Experts recommend that you should plan on living in homes that require extensive renovations for 7–10 years before you are able to recoup the costs. If you can’t see yourself living in the space for that long, perhaps it’s not the best investment for you.

So, What’s the Better Decision?: Buying a Fixer-Upper or New Construction Home

There are no cut-and-dry answers to the question of whether an old or a new home is a better buy. As you saw above, your decision will be unique to your personal goals, your financial capabilities, and your aptitude for renovation and design. The activity of the particular community in which you want to live will also affect your decision. All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, it’s important to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. Contact us today to speak with an Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks real estate agent about buying homes and land in Western North Carolina. View all Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks real estate listings.

beverly-hanks.com - Buy a Fixer-Upper or New Construction Home: What's the Best ...