What year is your home?

People often talk about the year their car was manufactured, but we rarely think in those terms when it comes to our homes. However, new homes have several benefits over used homes. Whether its design, maintenance, community amenities, or budget, make sure you're weighing out all your options when you're considering a new home. Here are some advantages to new homes to take into account: 1. Saving time and money on home maintenance and updates. Have you ever been through a home remodel? It's often more costly and takes longer than originally anticipated--not to mention the inconvenience of having people in and out of your house for weeks or months. Also, a portion of your home, like the kitchen or bathroom, could be unusable while the work is taking place. Unlike what the home makeover shows sometimes present, the process can be stressful and expensive. Plus, a builder's warranty and structural warranty, can protect you from costly repairs. New Home Source recently shared some costs of typical home improvements that are made to existing homes:

• Heating and Air Conditioning: The typical furnace has a 20-year life expectancy; the typical central air system 15 years. Replacing them could cost you $4,100 for an air conditioning unit and $3,675 and up for the furnace, depending on the system you choose.
• Flooring/Carpeting/Tile/Hardwood Floor refinish: You’re virtually guaranteed to replace some carpeting in a resale home and you may need to upgrade other flooring or finishes. Costs can run anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $15,000, depending on your choices.
• Roof: The average shingled roof lasts about 25 years. Replacement costs can be anywhere from $5,000 up.
• Exterior Painting: With a new house, you get to select the color. With an existing house, there’s a good possibility you’ll want to repaint. Typical cost: $5,000 and up.
• Interior Painting: Again, with a new house, you choose the wall colors of the rooms as part of the package. With an existing house, you’re probably going to want to repaint some of the interior. Even if you do it yourself, it will cost money and time.
• Kitchen Remodel: Think anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000.
• Master Bath Remodel: $15,000 and up.

2. Cleanliness and safety - Would you install used carpet in your home? Probably not. What about used kitchen appliances, water heater, roof shingles or bathroom fixtures? Having a new home can give you the peace-of-mind that all the things that go into a home are brand-new, clean and to the highest standard. Just like having that "new car smell," having a new home provides a fresh start and a clean slate. Also, building standards change. Outdated electrical outlets, wiring, breaker boxes, plumbing pipes, or lead paint can lead to unwanted dangers in your home. 3. Energy efficiency - While an existing home could seem like a bargain, make sure you're considering the age of the windows, quality of the insulation, age of the heat and air system, and other building standards that will affect your heating and cooling usage. With Ideal Homes guaranteed heating and cooling usage on most Ideal homes, our homeowners can rest assured there won't be any surprises when their bills arrive in the mailbox. 4. Design - Whether you're building from the ground up or are opting for a move-in ready home, new homes are beautifully designed. Building will give you the freedom to select the options that give you exactly the look you want. Our move-in ready homes are beautifully designed by the professionals in our design center with a variety of the most up-to-date design styles. Are you ready to see what a new home has to offer you? Contact Elena to schedule a time to visit one of our neighborhoods.