New Construction vs Old

Do you love the idea of a house with character? Hidden original wood floors and history? I think most of us love the IDEA of a home with “character,” but when it really comes down to it, a homeowner may be sacrificing more than they realize. Embarking on a few updates or even a full renovation seems quite easy thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines, but we think they’d be the first to tell you it is not for the faint of heart. In fact, purchasing a previously owned home can come with more hiccups than a homeowner might realize. 

And, while not everyone wants to buy new, we’re here to break down for you the benefits of buying a new home in Oklahoma.

Benefits of new construction

• Budget

In a typical market, a new home can cost up to 20% more than a previously owned home. However, over the past two years, that percentage has shrunk dramatically. In 2021, the cost of new construction is not that much more than you’ll find for a previously owned home. Also, keep in mind that an existing home will come with expenses a new home does not. Older homes are less energy efficient and will cost more to heat and cool, as well as more to maintain out-of-warranty systems. Even a five-year-old home will come with unexpected costs when systems such as heating and air conditioning units need repair or replacement. An Ideal home comes with peace-of-mind warranties as well as a 10-year structural warranty which will keep service costs extremely low.

• Floor plan

If you choose to custom build a new home, you’ll have the option to create the layout that works for you. If you’ve always wanted a playroom with French doors that you can shut and ignore the mess of toys, you can have it. An older home generally won’t give you those options. You’ll also find many older homes have much less natural light and lower ceilings making the home feel smaller and closed off. 

• Personalization

If you’re opting for a custom new home, Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods’ Design Center is available to help customers choose the right flooring, backsplash, cabinet finish, and more. Choices nearly always depend on your budget, but there are over 80,000 options to choose from! If you’re buying a pre-designed home from Ideal, their incredibly talented designers have created a custom look for that home that will be sure to make you swoon.

• Efficiency

New appliances, heating, and air systems are more energy efficient. Extra insulation and windows “button up” a home so it’s less expensive to heat and cool than an older home. Lower utility bills are a plus. Check out more about the Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods energy efficiency practices. Also, Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods is the only home builder in Oklahoma to guarantee your heating and cooling usage on most Ideal homes!

• Maintenance

Since new homes have new appliances, HVAC systems, and roofs, there’s much less maintenance. With the Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods peace-of-mind warranties and 10-year structural warranty, your home will be protected for years before there’s a need to undertake repairs.

• Amenities

Buying new construction often means buying a new home that’s part of a planned and thriving community. Ideal neighborhoods include a variety of amenities like parks, community spaces with play areas, splash pads, nature trails, beautiful green spaces, sports fields, and more.