You’re shopping for a place to live, and all the opinions on the internet are overwhelming. Folks will go back and forth for days about whether new homes are better built than old homes or vice versa. Most of their posts and statements lack nuance, and keeping up with the debate feels like a waste of your time. We can help to clarify the issue by reviewing the negatives and benefits of new homes vs older homes.

When asking if it’s cheaper to build a new house or remodel an old one, taking long run expenses into account is vital. An older house may seem less expensive upfront, but renovations and compliance issues can be a financial drain. If you are not prepared for the responsibility of a fixer upper, consider building your dream home from the ground up. Continue reading to learn more about owning a newly built home and decide if the investment is right for you.

Buying an older home—and getting it inspected—can feel like a haunted house experience. Homes built before the 1970s lack updated, modern building materials and pre-1980s homes have outdated wiring. Older houses often have electrical systems that are nowhere near up-to-code. This noncompliance can be a dangerous, expensive and time-consuming ordeal.

Building codes, foundation issues, outdated plumbing, and old windows are just a few of the other drawbacks to older homes. Even seemingly livable homes can hide costly issues under the surface. Basements, well water, and insulation are further topics of consideration. At some point, every old home will become a fixer upper.

Benefits of New Homes vs Older Homes

Of course, old homes aren’t all bad, and many people have strong opinions to back up their old house preferences. Their claims are that the character and quality of old homes are unmatchable. No matter the age of your home, you will find pros and cons.

The advantages of building a brand new house include open floor plans, modern features, and greater energy efficiency. Beyond renovation, you will likely save significantly on maintenance costs. You will also have full control over location, amenities, and finishing touches.

Old homes are usually cheaper upfront, but the cost of bringing a house up to date can be staggering. The most expensive part of most home renovations is the kitchen remodel. Buying or building a brand new house with the kitchen layout you prefer can save your budget from serious damage. Modernizing kitchens or bathrooms frequently puts a strain on wallets.

Benefits of New Homes vs “Newer” Homes

Buying not brand new but a home built after the 1970s may seem like the best of both worlds. However, you should keep in mind that you may also be getting the worst of both worlds.

These “newer” homes may have modernized electrical systems and appliances, but most are either outdated or boring house flips. If the furnace and water heater are not recently updated, you may be in for costly replacements. New homes, on the other hand, offer endless customization options and peace of mind.

Are home inspections for new construction worth the price and effort? Real estate agents may tell you otherwise, but inspections are crucial for the purchase of any house. If you’re part of the construction of your new home, you should hire an inspector both before and after the drywall goes up. Inspections will serve you with better home warranty coverage, as well as potentially lowering interest rates.

From compliance and safety concerns to future renovation costs, buying a newly constructed home is a smart, informed decision. You will enjoy more customization options with less effort and maintenance. You will boost your energy efficiency and can trust that your brand new house meets modern safety standards. Move-in day won’t come with a mile-long to-do list of maintenance and upkeep tasks.

When you buy a home with Landmark 24, you make the choices that will create your dream home from the ground up. As local new home builders, we offer a variety of personalization options and floor plans within our established neighborhoods. Our thriving communities in Georgia and South Carolina are wonderful places to call home.

View our model homes in Savannah, GA here.