If you’re in the market for a home, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether to buy new or pre-owned.

Financially speaking, you might think that buying an older home would be the better option. But while the initial price tag of a fixer-upper might be lower, newer homes use modern methods, materials, and technologies that can save you money in the long-run.

Here are a few things to consider when making the choice between new or pre-owned.

The Latest and Greatest

From the framing of houses to the wires running through them, new homes are built using the latest materials and technology. Like any industry, home building has benefited greatly from recent technological advances. Composite materials, site grading, insulation — nearly every aspect of construction has been innovated, pushing the entire industry into a new, modern era.

This isn’t to say that older homes weren’t built to last. Materials like brick and stone, and the value of good old-fashioned craftsmanship can’t be understated! And neither can the character, charm, and history they add to the homes they inhabit.

However, if you choose an older home, realize that you’ll probably have to bear the eventual costs of repairing aging structural elements and the effects of multi-generational wear-and-tear. All homes — including new ones — will eventually need repairs, but as a general rule, homes built today will last longer and cost less to repair than those built decades ago.

When you purchase a new home, everything in it is… well… new. That means, you probably won’t have to replace or renovate anything in the near future.

Additionally, keep in mind what we mentioned earlier: that materials and technologies have improved over the years. Composite decking, powder-coated aluminum, manufactured stone, and an all-but-endless list of innovations are bound to save you money and reduce the need for ongoing maintenance.

Energy Efficiency 

From the efficient floor-plans of modern homes to the materials and appliances within them, newer homes are better conservers of energy. When you buy a modern home, it’ll almost certainly be fitted with high-performing, energy-efficient windows that reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Similarly, the air-sealing around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and vents reduce utility costs as well as your carbon footprint. Nearly every nook or cranny of a new home is optimized to conserve energy in ways that just weren’t possible decades ago.

Whenever our NewRock Team designs a new floorplan, we do so with openness and efficiency in mind. Check out this article to discover a few of our reality-tested, modern floorplans.

Better Use of Space

Modern homes are built for modern lifestyles.

Whether you’re looking for a big house or a small one, it’s all about making the space you do have count. Modern homes make the most of small and previously overlooked areas, and proactively design spaces for modern appliances. Believe it or not, before the microwave was invented, builders didn’t plan spaces for them to sit.

If it’s built well, a smaller home can function far better than — and feel bigger than — an older, larger house. Get the most out of your dollar by making every inch count.

Housing Codes and Regulations

It might seem trivial at first, but making an older home meet modern regulations can be a huge hassle.

This is especially important if you’re considering renovating an older home. What might seem like a few quick fixes can unexpectedly open a veritable can of worms. One moment you’re installing a new bathroom vanity, and the next you’re dealing with asbestos, lead, out-of-date wiring, and a whole host of other expensive issues.

Simply put, newer homes are built with higher standards to keep you and your family safe. When you’re in the market, keep a close eye on housing codes and regulations, and speak with an expert when you’re not sure.

Warranties

Most new homes — and the stuff in them — is covered by a manufacturer or builder’s warranty. This helps ensure what we mentioned earlier — that in a newer home, you’ll save on repairs and renovations in the long-run. Browse NewRock’s Frequently Asked Questions Page to find out about our extended warranty coverage.

Effortlessly New

If you’re drawn to the style and finishing of newer homes, it might be hard to make those aspects work in an older place. Modern homes are sleek and beautiful. If newness and modern design appeal to you, then it’s much easier to have this style built into your new home than imitated in an older one.

Plus, it feels great being the first person living in your new home. To have every corner and feature of the house designed by you, with your lifestyle in mind, is — for some people — invaluable.

Browse our Communities Page to discover exceptional new homes being built near you.