The housing shortage has turned what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful decision. Should you settle for what's available on the market or create exactly what you want from scratch? After navigating this journey ourselves, we break down the crucial factors that will help you make this life-changing choice.
Speed versus control sits at the heart of this decision. Existing homes offer near-immediate gratification—start searching and within 60-90 days, you could be unpacking boxes in your new place. But what about those load-bearing walls you wish weren't there? Or that kitchen layout that makes you cringe? Building new means waiting (in our case, a year and a half just to get on our builder's schedule), but rewards your patience with exactly the home you envision.
We discovered some surprising truths along the way. Modern appliances, regardless of where you live, are only built to last 8-9 years—a stark contrast to the decades-old appliances still running in homes built in the 1950s. Energy efficiency presents another tradeoff: older homes "breathe" better, reducing indoor contaminants, while new construction can incorporate thicker insulation and better temperature control.
The quality of construction varies dramatically between custom builders and production companies. We share a cautionary tale about contracts with large builders that allowed them to sell an almost-completed home to a higher bidder just days before closing. Our experience with a small builder who focused on one house at a time created transparency we cherished—we paid suppliers directly and watched our home take shape weekend by weekend.
Whether you're weighing immediate housing needs against long-term satisfaction or trying to maximize your investment, this decision deserves careful consideration. What's your timeline? How much control do you need? Are you ready to navigate permits and infrastructure challenges? The answers will guide you to your perfect home, whether it's waiting for you on the market or in the blueprint stage.
Listen now to arm yourself with the knowledge we wish we'd had before making our own housing decision. Your future self will thank you.
Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence.
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