When embarking on the process of acquiring a new home, one of the first decisions potential homeowners face is whether to buy an existing property or build a custom home. This choice significantly impacts the lifestyle of the homeowner, its long-term value, and the enjoyment experienced living in the home.
Nowhere is personalization more important than in your home
One primary advantage of the custom home is the level of personalization they offer. Unlike existing homes, which often require renovations to align with a homeowner’s needs, custom homes are designed from the start to cater to specific tastes and living requirements.
With leading home builders like Blythwood Homes, clients have the opportunity to be involved in every step of the design process, from the floor plan to the fixtures, ensuring that every aspect of the home brings to life the homeowner’s vision for their dream home.
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Custom home: Smart homes and enhanced energy efficiency
Moreover, building a custom home allows for the integration of the latest building technologies and materials, promoting greater energy efficiency and technological amenities. New homes can be equipped with advanced insulation techniques, energy-efficient windows, smart-home systems, and HVAC systems that reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
This is not always feasible with older properties, which may not have been constructed with energy conservation in mind and might require costly upgrades to achieve similar efficiency.
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Lower maintenance and repair costs
Another significant benefit is avoiding immediate, expensive maintenance issues. Existing homes can come with hidden problems like structural damages, outdated electrical systems, or worn plumbing systems, which can emerge as costly surprises. With a new build, every component from the foundation to the roof is new and under warranty, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen repair expenses in the near future.
The financial upsides of a custom home
A custom home also offers potential long-term financial benefits. They often have higher resale values due to their up-to-date specifications and tailor-made designs. A well-designed custom home can stand out in a crowded real estate market, attracting buyers looking for unique features and modern conveniences that are not typically found in older homes.
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Choosing your ideal location
Building a custom home also ensures that you can select the exact location and the type of community you prefer, which is an option not always possible when buying an existing property. Whether it’s a lot in a bustling city neighbourhood or a quiet piece of land in the countryside, homeowners can choose a setting that truly suits their lifestyle.
Compliance with modern building codes
From a compliance standpoint, new constructions are built in accordance with the latest local building codes and regulations, which are continuously updated to enhance safety and sustainability. Existing homes, especially older ones, might not meet current standards and could require significant investment to bring them up to date.
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The Investment in time and decision-making
The process of building a custom home involves significant planning, decision-making, and time. It requires securing a plot of land, hiring a competent builder, and making numerous decisions regarding the design and materials. However, for many, this investment of time and effort is worth it, considering the degree of customization and the long-term benefits to your family’s quality of life.
The bottom line
While the appeal of existing homes includes their immediate availability, custom homes offer a personalized, efficient, and potentially more advantageous alternative for those looking to invest in a space perfectly tailored to their lives.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
