There are many factors to consider when buying a
house. Location, size, price-range, outdoor space and features all come into
the decision-making process. There’s also the matter of choosing between a
period property with historic character, or a new build home with low
maintenance and significantly reduced running costs.
Energy efficiency
New build homes are built to a much higher standard
these days. Regulations dictate that new builds must adhere to minimum
standards for energy efficiency – which is great news for both our planet and
your wallet!
Generally speaking, new build homes are
significantly cheaper to run and will reduce your household carbon footprint.
Though it’s possible to improve energy efficiency in an older home, this tends
to be a costly process.
The key factor affecting the efficiency levels of
any property is insulation. New build homes should have a minimum of 100mm of
insulation between the internal wall and the external wall, which significantly
slows the transfer of heat from inside to outside your home, thus keeping your
home warmer for longer – without having to keep the heating on. New build homes
also have a considerable amount of insulation in the roof space. We all know
that heat rises, and new build homes are designed to allow as little heat to
escape through the roof as possible.
Tailored to you
A new build home is a blank canvas (if you get in
there early enough!) This means you have complete freedom to spec the house out
to suit your own taste and style. Many of the bigger development companies even
give buyers the option to choose from a selection of finishes, fixtures and
flooring before moving in – which takes away the hassle of redecorating an
older property upon moving in.
Most new builds are also provided with fitted
kitchens with a cooker, fridge and washing machine of your choice. For white goods,
the developer will often offer a range of options at competitive rates.
Safety and security
Current building standards require the use of
fire-resistant materials and linked smoke alarms. Some windows will also be
designed specifically to allow for escape in the event of a fire – while all
electrical wiring will be protected by circuit breakers.
You can rest easy in your new build, as windows and
main doors in new builds come with locks as standard. Many house builders
provide alarms as standard, or lay down the necessary wiring for future use.
Not only do these measures keep you safer, but they also can reduce your
insurance premiums.
Nobody has lived there before
This may seem obvious, but many buyers are drawn to
new build homes simply because nobody has lived in them before. This generally
leads to a smoother purchase process, as there is no upward chain. If you’re a first-time
buyer and you buy a new build, there is no chain at all!
Lower repair costs
New build homes are bound by modern building regulations
to provide a structural warranty. And when you move in, everything will be
brand new and in working order – so there is no need to budget for renovation
and repairs.
As your property ages, you will find that you spend
less on maintenance because of the construction materials used. For instance,
most new build properties will be fitted with UPVC double glazing – which
require no real maintenance beyond cleaning.
Taken from an article originally
published https://www.thenewhomesagent.co.uk/benefits-new-build-home/