Myth or Fact: Common Questions About New Construction

Homeowners, leasers, and agents alike have long pledged their allegiance to old homes – “they’re more valuable,” they say. But why do they say that? What actually differentiates old construction from new construction, and how many of those generalizations are simply myths that have been reiterated time and time again? We aim to debunk some of those myths, and verify some of the truths in the points below.

• MYTH: New construction is lower in quality than old homes.
  • This myth came about because some new developments aimed at providing housing in an area lacking good housing options do use lower quality materials in order to construct affordable homes. However, the idea that all new developments use lower quality materials is an absolute myth, and is based on what some did, not what all do. Many new construction homes are actually more efficient and healthy than old homes because they are built with current codes and common concerns in mind. For example, our homes at Meadow’s Edge are built in a way that is eco-friendly; therefore, they are well-insulated, energy-efficient, and made with materials that allow for a better air quality.
• FACT: New construction homes are typically in developments that offer more than housing – they offer a lifestyle.
  • Many times, new construction homes are built in an area where housing does not currently exist. As such, the developers build not just one home, but multiple, and try to create common spaces near the homes that allow for a more community-focused lifestyle. In many ways, new developments actually recreate the sense of community and neighborhood feels of times past, and are able to do so because they are 1) planned communities, and 2) often private and somewhat secluded, thus ensuring an environment that feels intimate and secure.
• MYTH: Old homes are more valuable.
  • The value of the home is not largely dependent on how old the home is (unless there is some sort of historical significance to the specific property); rather, it is dependent on the location, features, and layout of the home. Many times, those looking for homes will say that older homes have “more character,” but the reality is that the features that convey the feeling of “character” are built by both new and old developers. Things like crown molding, wainscoting, and rich, hardwood floors are common features that add “character,” and those features are available in both new and old homes.
• FACT: Maintenance will vary depending on the build and the age of the home.
  • Generally speaking, old homes require more maintenance because every aspect of them – the roof, the plumbing, the electrical, and the appliances – is all older. However, whether your home is two years old or two hundred, the maintenance that will be required will depend largely on how the home was build, by whom, and how it was maintained. Sometimes older homes are built with an incredible amount of care and detail, but then suffer from an owner or two that ruined the hardwood floors or didn’t pay attention to the roof. Though this is less likely to happen with newer homes because they have the advantage of having fewer owners, it is still important for you to look at who built the home because some builders and developers will show more attention to detail and quality than others. Don’t think about buying a home because it’s the shiniest or the oldest; think about buying it because it was constructed well, by people who care about your ability to enjoy it in the long-term.

That said, new homes are often built with fewer personal touches because developers want to allow homebuyers to choose the finishes and paint colors that resonate with them. Therefore, if you see a newer home that has neutral walls, open floor plans, and clean, modern interiors, you should know that the thought behind that is that this layout allows people to easily see themselves in the home, and imagine what they might do with the home. Conversely, old homes with dramatic window treatments, bold wallpapers, and clearly defined rooms can seem somewhat limiting to homebuyers, and can make it difficult for them to envision their style there.

For more information about the differences between new construction and older homes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Raveis realtor, Sue McDonough: Susan.McDonough@Raveis.com.