METCALF MOVING BLOG
What to Know About Moving Into a New Construction House
For many people, searching for a new house involves looking at a wide variety of existing buildings. For example, some buyers may prefer older homes because they’re more affordable. However, moving into a newly constructed house is the best option for others.
If you’re one of those people, now is an exciting time as you either wait for your home to be finished or for the paperwork to go through. So before you pack the moving truck, here are five things to know about moving into a new construction property.
Your Utility Bills Will Be Smaller Initially
One primary benefit of moving into a brand-new house is that modern building codes are stricter and more reliable than those of decades ago. As a result, everything from building materials to insulation will be as efficient as possible. So, you don’t have to worry about drafty windows or walls that barely insulate anything.
What these new codes will do for you is help you save money on utility bills. In addition, you won’t have to work as hard to keep the house at a moderate temperature, and weather conditions will unlikely make much of a difference.
You’ll Likely Be Further From the City
One setback of new construction homes is that they’re often built outside current cities and developed areas. There’s little room for new construction because these spaces have already been built. So while some areas can be demolished and rebuilt, the odds are much higher that you’ll live further away from the central city.
If you already live in the suburbs, this won’t be much of a change. However, if you’re already used to city life, it can be a big shock. Also, if you have to commute to work now, that may require some adjustment, too.
Property Taxes May Vary
As a rule, new development is often worth more than existing property, depending on supply and demand. In some cases, your property taxes will be lower as the developer tries to fill homes with eager buyers. In other instances, you may have to pay higher taxes because your new house is worth more than older homes in the area. Overall, be aware of your cost savings and expenses so there are no surprises later.
Opportunities to Customize
Typically, you can pick the layout when moving into a new construction home. However, even if you don’t get to choose the format of your house, you’ll be able to decorate it how you like. Older homes have the history of previous owners, but you’re starting with a blank slate, which can be incredibly exciting.
Learn to Stay on Top of Maintenance
At first, all of your appliances and fixtures will be low-maintenance. However, everything breaks down eventually, and some new homes may have relatively inexpensive materials in various places. So, it’s up to you to spot potential maintenance issues before they become an expensive headache.
If you plan on living in the house for a long time, you should list different areas and how often to inspect them. For example, you should review your home’s HVAC system annually, its plumbing system every two years, and the roof every five to ten years (depending on weather conditions). This schedule can help you stay on top of routine maintenance and lower your potential repair bills later.
Get Help Moving Into Your New Home!
If you’re moving into a new construction house, let us help you pack your belongings! Now is an exciting time, and we’re more than happy to be a part of this next stage of your life. Contact us today to find out more!
