Having a tightly-sealed home may have many efficiency benefits, but be aware of the possibility for increased radon levels and accompanying adverse health risks. Some simple radon searches on the web reveal a plethora of information about this unseen potential hazard.
MDof UT10:20AM September 01, 2010
No disagreement on the points above but I would point out what can be a downside for the new home--the landscaping. If landscaping has not been completed prior to purchase, the new home owner must recognize the substantial cost, time, knowledge and physical effort that may be required to establish a lawn, trees, etc. Being able to start with brown earth and creating your own outdoor environment from scratch has its advantages--especially putting your own personal signature on your lot. But converting less than ideal sand or clay to "earth" can be hard work and expensive. Mature trees take time to grown unless the homeowner is willing to pay premium prices from a nursery.
BBof WI10:30AM August 28, 2010
When considering the advantages of new construction go one step further and look at the disaster resistance of the home. Securing the building envelope by strengthening the connections between the roof and walls and walls and foundation will improve a home's ability to withstand straightline winds, tornadoes and hurricanes. Installing dual-pane windows will reduce the chances that flames from a wildfire will shatter the glass and allow embers and flames to enter a home. Choosing a roof cover rated for resistance to high winds, fire and hail, and installing a secondary water barrier will reduce the risk of damage and minimize repairs later on.
Every region of the country is exposed to some kind of natural hazard. You're best investment is in a strong home that will stand up to Mother Nature. For more information, visit www.DisasterSafety.org.
Candace Iskowitzof SC9:19AM August 25, 2010
New homes also offer the benefit of providing a healthier indoor environment for the occupants, even if they are not considered green building.
Outdated materials such as lead and asbestos are no longer used in new home construction, eliminating the health risk posed to your family.
The air quality inside new homes is often much better than that in older, resale homes due to new HVAC systems and improved air filtration.
I disagree on new home lot sizes. Here in Sacramento, smaller new homes are being built on lots originally planned for much larger homes. As a result, usable yard sizes are getting larger. it's a positive aspect of the new market.
Scott Bolliof CA8:42PM August 20, 2010
Regarding energy efficiency: your new home will only meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code if the jurisdiction where the house is built has adopted the 2009 IECC, and it was adopted before the house was permitted. Check with your local building code office to determine which codes your new home complies with.
As Mr. Morrow surely knows, many jurisdictions have not yet adopted the 2009 IECC, nor the 2009 International Residential Code, which also includes advanced automatic fire suppression requirements.
D Karmolof DC4:27PM August 20, 2010
If you want a good lot, you probably won't find that in a new home, unless it is far, far away from the city.
You can improve an older home. You can't make a new house's lot any bigger.
Danof MD3:45PM August 20, 2010
In most places, new homes are located at the extreme outer periphery of the metro area. Real estate is about 3 things: location, location, location.
Any energy gains from a new home will be quickly swallowed by fuel costs from the long commute. You can upgrade the appliances and insulation in an older home. You can't move that new home to a better location.
In terms of long-term appreciation, a house that is in a distant suburb will never make you rich. Close-in areas where land is scarce can gentrify and skyrocket in value. Distant suburbs have little revitalizing force as they age, because the land they sit on is not worth anything. As we've recently seen, older homes far from vital economic centers (midwestern homes for instance) can decline in value almost all the way to zero.
Dan Hessof MD2:53PM August 20, 2010
OMG! In this market you are kidding. The new builder looks out for him. We bought a new home and it has been problem after problem. To get them to make the "new house" repairs has taken so much time. Afte 4 visits my steps are still cracked and the sump pump put in backwards was great fun in the 100 degree weather! You are buying soem one else's idea of a great home. Don't be fooled and don't be in a hurry. Check everything and just cause it is new doesn't make it better. They just want that dollar in your pocket and the home they are selling gets them that. BUYER BEWARE!
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Darlene Dean of VA 11:36PM March 30, 2012
MD of UT 10:20AM September 01, 2010
BB of WI 10:30AM August 28, 2010
Candace Iskowitz of SC 9:19AM August 25, 2010
Katie Lipiecki of NJ 5:59PM August 22, 2010
Scott Bolli of CA 8:42PM August 20, 2010
D Karmol of DC 4:27PM August 20, 2010
Dan of MD 3:45PM August 20, 2010
Dan Hess of MD 2:53PM August 20, 2010
Kate Brown of OH 9:08AM August 20, 2010