To build or to not to build, that is the question that plagues the minds of homeowners everywhere. For most people, it is simply better to buy a house instead. If you are unsure which path to take, here’s a general outline of the pros and cons of building a custom residence.
Pros of Building Your Own Home
Custom builds are highly personalized. You can select every little detail of your house, from the handles on the kitchen drawers to the type of water heater you will use. You can even model your house’s design elements after the most luxurious homes in Ohio and other amazing houses that already exist.
The customizable nature of tailored houses can serve as both a pro and a con, depending on how much control you would like to have over your house’s construction. For some people, having to think about so many household features can be overwhelming.
You can choose the location of your house. Many people find this aspect of homebuilding to be incredibly appealing because you can build just about anywhere where the land can be developed to support a home. This means that you can build your dream residence in a dream location, or you can build at a strategic site that is close to your place of work or family members.
When you live in a custom build, your utility expenses are often cheaper because your home is outfitted with the latest appliances and household systems, which tend to be more energy-efficient than previous models. You can even add alternative energy sources, such as solar, into the construction plan to increase your household’s energy efficiency from the moment your family moves in. In doing so, you will also be able to take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which will decrease the installation cost.
Cons of Building Your Own Home
Constructing a custom home is usually more expensive than buying a house of a similar style. This is the most prominent barrier for many prospective home builders. Even those who can afford the initial costs may run into unforeseen issues that can increase construction expenses.
New houses take time to build. The U.S. Census Bureau states that the average duration for a private, single-unit residential construction project is approximately six to seven months. In other words, you will have to wait for half a year or more before your home is move-in ready, and only if the project runs smoothly.
The process of building a home can be incredibly intensive and time-consuming. This may increase household anxiety for a while. However, these feelings should fade away once the house is finished.
Whether you choose to build or to buy, there is a lot to consider. Give yourself plenty of time to analyze these factors so that you can make the best decision for yourself or your family. You can also consider supplementing this information by meeting with a quality builder. Doing so will help you explore your options if you would like to know more about custom home construction.