Posts Tagged energy-efficient remodeling

New vs. Existing Homes

According to recently released data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 546,000 units in May. This is the highest new-home sales rate since February 2008.   The National Association of Realtors reported that the sale of previously owned homes also surged in May, rising to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.35 million, buoyed in part by the return of younger buyers who had long struggled to find a path into the market.

As the housing market returns to normal, we are seeing more and more articles on the pros and cons of buying a new home vs. an existing home.

According to recent survey by Trulia, twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes.  A “new” home is a home that has never been lived in before, or a home purchased in the pre-construction phase. An “existing” or resale home is a home that was pre-owned. Most existing homes were built between the 1920s and the 1970s.  For the same price, 2 in 5 Americans – a sizeable 41% of the population – either somewhat or strongly prefer a newly-built home over an existing one.

Among the myriad of decisions to make when buying a home is should you purchase a new home or one that has been previously lived in.  Ultimately you have to decide which is best for you and your family.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Here are a few things to help you make an informed decision.

New homes can cost more. According to Trulia, a new home costs 20% more than a resale home.

When buying a new home, you are able to work with the builder to customize your home before construction is completed.  Depending on the Builder, you might be able to design your new home from scratch.  At a minimum, you can pick out the carpet, countertops, flooring and paint colors.  You might even get to pick out things like sinks, shower heads and door handles.

With a new home, most of the work is done for you.  You don’t have to lift a finger, a paint brush, or a hammer.  You won’t have to do much maintenance. With brand new appliances, plumbing, heating, and air, you should be repair free for at least a few years – a big financial benefit vs. an existing home.

If you are someone who takes pleasure in fixing up a home, customizing and upgrading it yourself, or tailoring it to your preferences, an existing home might be for you.

New homes come with some of the design elements that today’s lifestyle demands: open floor plans, eat-in kitchens, large master baths, and walk-in closets to name a few.

A new home will likely be more energy efficient built using high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters, added insulation, energy efficient windows, along with ENERGY STAR appliances that could reduce utility bills by thousands of dollars over the course of home ownership.

A new home might not include certain appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

An existing home might include appliances which are typically not included in new homes and might also include window coverings and some furniture, etc. which are usually sold for much less since they are used and a burden for the seller to move.

A new home will most likely have the option to include modern technology that many savvy homeowners want like Wi-Fi, USB plug-ins, surround sound, smart gadget capabilities and more saving you lots of time, money, and holes in the walls.

If you want to make a change to energy efficient appliances or more “smart” technology in an existing home, you could end up spending a lot of money.  An existing home was most likely built when the technology for wireless internet and smart security systems wasn’t even a thought in the builder’s mind. Upgrading to modern technology in an existing home can be expensive and can mean more holes in walls and more remodeling.

Besides the fact the home has never been lived in, a new home is clean and worry-free.

A previously owned home can be hiding huge money traps.  The home may look fine, but it could be hiding major issues beneath the surface, such as mold or water damage. The home’s systems and appliances have been used.  The water heater has produced thousands of gallons of hot water, appliances have been used hundreds or thousands of times, and the HVAC system has already weathered a number of winters and summers.  Systems and appliances that have already been used have a shorter lifespan, and may fail earlier than brand new appliances. Previous wear and tear can be hard your wallet.

There are also lifestyle factors to consider.  After all, you’re not just buying a house – you’re buying a home and a neighborhood.

A new home is generally in a neighborhood of new construction, as opposed to existing homes. New homes are created in brand new subdivisions that are having houses built all at the same time. Although some individuals may think this is a plus, it also means that you could be stuck in a construction zone for a few months or years after purchasing your new home.  Some necessities might not yet have been built close to new subdivisions, which could mean you might have to drive farther to schools, grocery stores and work.  If you’re looking for a lovely, quaint, tree-lined older neighborhood that has a well-established community of neighbors, you won’t get it for many years in a new development.

A previously owned home will be in an established neighborhood close to necessities and with a neighborhood culture.  A home in a neighborhood that has been established can be a huge boost to property values and buyer morale.

New homes are typically built on smaller lots than most older homes.  If you’re looking for that big backyard – and lots of space between your house and the next door neighbor’s, you may not find it in a new home.

Take your time and weigh the pros and cons of buying a new versus pre-owned home.  At the end of the day, new or pre-owned, your home should make you feel comfortable for years to follow.

Chuck Miller Construction Inc. believes that homes should be a safe and sacred haven. They should reflect our clients’ values and lifestyle while providing a sense of community. They should be comfortable and long lasting, be designed and built so that you can live there independently regardless of your age or physical ability, and should use energy and resources efficiently and responsibly.  So whether you decide to purchase a new home or a previously owned home, we have the knowledge, experience, and team of qualified trade contractors and suppliers to turn your dreams into reality.

Posted in: cost of building, energy-efficient remodeling, green building, home building, home buyers, homeownership, real estate, Remodeling

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Desire for New Amenities Remains Top Reason to Remodel

According to remodelers polled in National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI), the number one reason customers remodeled their homes in 2014 was a “desire for better/newer amenities.” On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 indicates never or almost never, and 5 is very often), the average rating on desire for newer amenities was 4.4 in 2014.

In second place with an average rating of 4.2 was a “Need to repair/replace old components”. A “desire for more space,” another fairly traditional reason, came in third with an average rating of 3.8; “To avoid moving or buying another home” was fourth at 3.3.

Desire to be able to age in place” (3.0), “increasing the value of the home as an investment” (2.8), and “energy efficiency/environmental concerns” (2.6) while significant factors in the remodeling market, were less powerful than the simple desire for new things and need to replace old things.

Do you fall into any of these categories? If so, Chuck Miller Construction Inc. can assist you. Contact us at (208) 229-2553 or by email to chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

Posted in: energy-efficient remodeling, green remodeling, Remodeling

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Homeowners Seeking Increased Comfort, Not Increased Resale Value

According to ServiceMagic’s recently released Home Remodeling & Repair Index containing information compiled from 3.1 million service requests received through online marketplace from January to June of this year, as well as results from a survey of homeowners and service professionals conducted in July, homeowners are still looking to invest in home improvement projects that increase their home’s energy efficiency and contribute to better overall living quality.

When asked “Why are energy efficient home improvement projects important to you?” 35% of homeowners cited saving money on energy costs, 25% responded that saving energy helps the environment, and 23% responded it would increase the comfort of their home.

The majority of homeowners, 82%, said they were investing in home improvement projects to increase overall living quality. Only a very small percentage, 13%, were seeking to increase the value of their home. 4% were putting their house on the market and wanted to increase its value and 1% were putting their house on the market and wanted to increase its curb appeal.

Chuck Miller GMB   CGB  CGP  CAPS  MIRM   CMP   MCSP   CSP
President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553
chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

Posted in: Remodeling

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May is National Remodeling Month

Did you know that May is National Remodeling Month?  Since the downturn in new residential construction that began in 2007, the media has been focusing on the number of new starts as the key indicator of the health of the residential construction industry.  But focusing on the number of starts ignores an increasingly important component of residential construction – remodeling.

Not only is May National Remodeling Month but, according to David Crowe, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders, depending upon how you measure it, remodeling has taken over first place in total residential construction expenditures.

There are two measures of remodeling activity.  The U.S. Census Bureau measure or residential construction spending only counts improvements to owner-occupied homes.  In January 2010, that component accounted for 48% of all residential construction spending.  Prior to the recent mid-decade construction boom, improvements to owner-occupied homes accounted for approximately 25% of all new-residential construction spending.  During the boom, it fell to 21%.  But improvements to owner-occupied homes have exceeded new-single family construction value since February 2009.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis which measures the U.S. Gross Domestic Product includes within its residential construction spending accounts for residential remodeling of rental, vacant, and second homes in addition to owner-occupied homes. In 2008, this broader measure of residential improvement expenditures accounted for 42% of all residential construction,  In 2009, it is expected to top 50%. Prior to the mid-decade construction boom, this broader measure of residential improvement expenditures averaged around 30% of all residential construction spending.  It fell to 25%.  But improvements to owner-occupied homes have exceeded new-single family construction value since February 2009.

Professional remodeling activities are concentrated in the 85 million homes that are 25 years old and older.  About one-fifth of the owners of these homes spent and average of $11,400 on professional remodeling in 2007.

There are two primary drivers – the energy tax credits and the Baby-Boomers who are choosing to remain in their existing homes.

Improvement to increase the energy-efficiency of your home and remodeling for Aging-in-Place to allow you to live in your home independently regardless of age or ability are two of our specialties.  To learn more, visit our website www.chuckmillerconstruction.com.

 Chuck Miller GMB   CGB   CGP  MIRM   CMP   MCSP   CSP

President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.

(208) 229-2553  (208) 571-0755

chuck@chuckmillerconstruction.com

Posted in: Remodeling

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