At some point in your life, you will consider buying a home. Maybe you currently live in an apartment or in a home that no longer fits your needs. You have two choices when it comes to your next home: building a house vs. buying and existing home.
Is It Better to Build or Buy a House?
Is It Better to Build or Buy a House?
Like most buyers, there are several things to take into consideration before you make your decision between building your own home vs. buying one.
IS IT CHEAPER TO BUILD OR BUY A HOUSE?
You undoubtedly want to know if it’s cheaper to buy or build a house. The median cost of existing single-family homes is $223,000 compared to $289,415 for new construction. However, new construction tends to be larger than older homes, with a median size of 2,467 square feet.
In fact, the cost of square footage for new construction is less than that older existing homes. You may pay more while building a house vs. buying a house, but you get more value for your dollar.
CUSTOMIZATION ISSUES IN BUILDING VS. BUYING A HOME
Buying an existing home is sometimes more convenient than building. You can find a home in a neighborhood that you like and complete the purchase in a month or two if all goes well.
Building a new home requires finding and buying a lot and acquiring custom home plans. However, the actual construction takes less time than you may think, usually three to six months.
New construction allows you to include the features you want. When you buy an existing home, you often must compromise on room size, the number of bathrooms, or the size of the garage. Ultimately, you may end up remodeling or adding and addition to your house.
Building may take a little longer than buying, but you end up with a home that suits you perfectly.
MAINTENANCE ISSUES WHEN YOU BUY OR BUILD A HOME
Even a well-maintained existing home will require more maintenance than new construction. You can expect some major expenses within a decade, including possible roofing issues, termite control, and HVAC work.
For homes that were built decades ago, the plumbing system may need to be revamped. Older homes simply require more repairs.
A custom-built home should ensure that you have few maintenance issues for at least ten years, if not longer. Your home will also meet all federal, state and city building code standards. New construction allows you to relax and enjoy your daily life.
HOUSTON PLANS & PERMITS CAN HELP
If you are considering building a home in the Houston area, Plans & Permits can provide a full set of construction drawings and home designs that allow your construction crew to build a beautiful, custom home. We have over 15 years of experience in building design, which means you can trust the quality of our work.
Plans & Permits specializes in as-built drawings which allows architects, engineers, general contractors, etc. to excel at their own jobs. At the end of the process, you have the home that you’ve always wanted.
We can also help if you already own a home that needs improvements. We provide plans for remodeling or adding on to your house. If you are planning any type of home construction, we can help make your project a reality.
For more information on Plans & Permits, call (281) 717-6482 or contact us online.