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Buying vs. Building: Four Major Considerations You Should Think About
Buying a home has long been part of the American dream. There are two ways this dream can come to fruition: buying a home or having one custom-built. Which path should you choose?
Consider Your Goals
Your motivation for buying or building this home can greatly influence the decision. If you can see yourself as part of this community, living here for the next 20 years or more, custom-building a home might be the right decision. However, if you’re not sure that you will be living in this community five years or ten years from now, custom-building a home if probably not the easiest, or cheapest, route to home ownership for you. Building a home requires purchasing land, choosing a builder, obtaining permits and making design choices. Purchasing a previously-built home is much simpler.
Look at the Problems
Buying a fixer-upper can seem like a steal, but these homes usually require lots of care to fix existing problems. Do you have the time and patience to fix such problems yourself, or do you have the funds to hire a contractor?
Some of the problems to look out for include: Will it be costly to provide climate control? Does it lack an air conditioning system for the summers? Does the heating provide warmth in the winter? Is the home drafty? Are there problems with the foundation? Before you make a final decision, consider what problems you’re willing to tolerate.
Location, Location, Location
If you’re thinking about custom-building a home, the location is imperative to getting the best long-term deal. In particular, purchasing land that offers you well water at no charge can add up to a lifetime of savings. This is a sharp contrast to the rates imposed on those in homes where city water comes with a fee.
The Builder’s Reputation
If you decide to build your home, the builder’s reputation is critical. The safety of your family, quality workmanship, professionalism and your total satisfaction will all be guaranteed by a quality builder. Get quotes from multiple builders to make the right decision. Investigate each builder’s credentials, reputation, references and standing in the community.
Should I Buy or Build?
Owning a home is a dream come true but the path isn’t always clear. As you decide to buy a home or custom-build your home, ask as many questions as you need to obtain the answers you need. These answers will guide you to the decision that is best for you.
Do you regret where your home is currently located?
© 2014 erinshelby
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Genna, Thank you for your kind words. The right house is such an important purchase; people should know all they can to make the right decision.
Teaches12345, You mentioned location, which is so correct. Thank you for reminding everyone of that.
As we look for a new home next year, location is the key deciding factor for me. These days, it does make a big difference in cost and safety issues. Great post.
Hi Erin;
This is a very useful hub for those who re considering buying versus building. You have brought very important points…for example, the all-important location, and what does the existing home need in terms of repairs and future maintenance. Voted way up!
The old maxim about location is absolutely correct. Building a home can be stressful, but you do get what you want. Helpful tips here.
Interesting and very useful.
Voted up and shared.
Eddy.
Hi Erin, a helpful hub for people trying to make that decision. Here in Australia, land and houses in and close to cities are so expensive now that most average people will never be able to afford to own their home. We had to move away from the city....we are 35 minutes drive from the nearest small town.....bought a cheap block of land and a prefab shed (livable standard) and erected it ourselves to save money. Just another option to consider.
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