There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a home. Where should I live? What’s my budget? What style home do I want? One big decision is to buy old or new? Old homes have charm, history, and (often) good bones, so why consider new construction?
The benefits extend far beyond just the new home smell. From technology integration to sustainability, healthy (for you) and a level of customization. Not to mention fewer upgrades or maintenance needed to be move-in ready.
New Homes = Less Maintenance, Less Headache
There’s no doubt that old homes, especially well-kept row homes you’ll find in Pittsburgh, have historic charm. The bad news? They come with headache and a lot of unknowns. Broken furnaces (you’ll only find this out after you move in), outdated appliances, oversized dining rooms, drafty windows, floors that aren’t level — the list goes on. Watching someone renovate and remodel a house on HGTV is entertaining, inspiring, aaaaand not for everyone. Most people buy homes so they can live in them – not work on them…every weekend.
Start fresh with a floor plan that was designed in this century and walls without wallpaper and shag carpet. Yes, peeling off wall-paper can be satisfying (it doesn’t always come off this easily by the way), but do you really want to spend your weekends with a putty knife in hand?
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency (it’s more than just good for the planet)
Just because a home is new, definitely doesn’t mean it’s built with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. In 2008, the Department of Energy created the Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) standard — a guideline of energy savings, comfort, health, quality and durability. The ZERH standard is rigorous and only 1% of homes in the US qualify to be a ZERH. (yes, Module meets the standards). What does it mean for a home to be Zero Energy Ready, and why should you care?
The short of it is that a Zero Energy Ready Home is so energy efficient that most or all of its annual energy use can be offset with renewable energy. Not only is it healthier for the planet and you — it also saves you money and is more comfortable any time of the year. Want to dig in and learn more about the ZERH program? Head straight to the source.
Designed for Modern Living
One obvious benefit of a newly constructed home is it’s built with modern living in mind. Space is designed efficiently — allowing you to get the most out of your home (even with a smaller footprint). Module homes are designed with natural light as a priority. This helps you save on energy costs and creates a more comfortable, welcoming feeling in your home.
Plus there’s a touch of customization as well! Need a home office? Add one to the plan. Need a nursery for a new baby? Add it to the plan. When a house is built around your wants and needs, it feels like home the second you walk through the front door.
More Outlets and Smart Home Tech
An often overlooked benefit of new construction is the location and number of electrical outlets. This may not seem like a big deal but older homes (like those built before 1960) aren’t equipped with enough outlets to support modern smart home desires. Nobody likes to see extension cords stretched across their home.
You don’t have to be the Jetsons to benefit from smart home tech. More than just Alexa or Google Home (yes it’s convenient), new homes can be built “tech-ready”. You can integrate smart home options like the Nest learning thermostat or Samsung SmartThings automation hub, with the double benefit of these devices helping you cut down on energy consumption and save you money.
An Option to Consider
The choice is yours of course. Just know that if you want to go new, we can take you through the whole process — even helping you find the right lot.
Not ready to make a choice just yet? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have — just reach out here.