7 Reasons to Design Your Own House
Me? Design my own house?
Have you ever questioned whether you’re up for the challenge?
There are a lot of advantages to choosing to design your own house. Costs. Customization. Even the fun of building it your way are all great reasons to take on the challenge.
But are you really up for the process? Do you have what it takes?
When it comes to designing your own house, its easy. With a few simple tips in mind.
1. It’s still one of the most solid investments around
Home ownership has proven to be one of the most dependable investments for the average family. In fact, even with the downturn in the economy and some speculation of a “rocky real estate road” in the near future, it’s still one of the most reliable purchases you can make. While eye-popping gains may not be something we’ll see in the foreseeable future, the housing market is continuing to make strides by rising slowly in many communities across the US. And the Pacific Northwest is no exception.
- Bloomberg calls the Tri-Cities, Washington area one of The Best Places To Start Over.
- For two years in a row, Portland, Oregon has been the top place to move.
- And Vancouver, Washington consistently makes the list for one of the best cities to retire.
Whether you’re buying your first family home, or are choosing a home to retire comfortably in for many years to come, the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to be.
2. New homes offer more
In most cases, a new home will offer more livable space than homes built even a few short years ago. This means more windows, larger kitchens, better designed bedrooms, more closet space, lower maintenance issues, upgraded safety features (you’ll notice immediately), and new energy efficiencies that will start paying for themselves from the moment you move in.
Families love being able to choose what’s right for their family. And if downsizing is your goal, today’s new homes offer you the chance to finally get the dream home you’ve been thinking about for years.
Get the kitchen and living space you need for an active lifestyle. Design the bedrooms and functional space perfect for your kids, and additional room for when the grandkids visit. This is the perfect time to have the little extras you never had in the big, family home you kept while the kids were growing up. This is your chance to get a home that truly works for you.
3. Get more home for your money
When you design your home, you can choose where to save and where to splurge. You’re in control of the project from the moment you begin. And by having a builder that has helped many others personalize their homes to perfection, you’ll have someone that can help you make the best choices for you.
With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to find everything you are looking for, and in some cases at a bargain price. Work with your builder to find the right features at the best price possible. Who knows, you may end up with enough savings to build that extra closet you’ve been dreaming of. Or adding the finer details that add elegance and ambiance to your home.
4. Going green can help you save long into the future
Building codes change year after year. You’ll notice the differences even when comparing a new home to a home built a few years ago.
Newly constructed homes are more energy efficient in two ways. First, they are more tightly constructed, and have a tighter sealed building envelope. This means that cracks, leaks and spacing is cut to a minimum, keeping your warm air inside during winter months, and the warm air outside in the summer.
Second, you’ll find top of the line, energy efficient appliances and building materials in every room of the house. Triple pane windows are the norm. EnergyStar ratings come standard on every appliance installed. Insulation will help keep your home comfortable twelve months of the year. You’ll even find smart technology installed to help keep everything running at its best and best of all, you can control the features from a mobile device – newer is better.
5. You’ll have fewer repairs
Purchasing a newly constructed home means everything will be new, top to bottom: new roof, new paint, new appliances, new flooring. You don’t need to deal with damages and wear from the previous owner. No “fixer-up” budget necessary. That means considerable savings for you, both in time and money. You can spend your weekends out with friends and family, doing what you choose to do, rather than completing the honey-do list that invariably comes with an older home. You’ll have warranties in place that guarantee you’ll have a sound and secure home that will provide you with years of enjoyment before the major renovations begin.
6. Improved safety and security features
Homes built years ago don’t have the safety features you’ll find in modern homes. For fire safety, for example, you’ll have to install a battery operated smoke detector to every floor of your home. With today’s homes, technologically-advanced features are everywhere. Newly constructed homes are required to include hard-wired smoke detectors, meaning no more worrying about batteries running out to maintain safety.
You’ll find the highest quality fire retardant products throughout your new home; from roofs to insulation and carpeting. You’ll also find many homes prewired for security. The future is coming fast, and by having a new home with many features already in place, you’ll be ready to add any smart features that catch your eye.
7. Financing
New home builders work to find and secure some of the most impressive mortgage options available on the market today. Because they will be dealing with dozens of home buyers in a short period of time, mortgage companies bring out the options to work hand in hand with large builders. By working with New Tradition builders (who sell homes frequently), you’re sure to receive the best financing perks around.