I equate a new construction home to that much wanted birthday present you unwrapped as a child. It’s shiny and perfect in appearance because it is unmarred by hours of playing and everything works perfectly. New construction homes in Locust Grove are much the same. For some buyers, a new construction holds certain appeals over other homes on the market. While new construction homes in Locust Grove can come with a higher price tag due to rising construction material and land costs, they do offer lots of benefits.
Increased Energy Efficiency
New construction homes in Locust Grove (well anywhere for that matter) offer better energy efficiency than ones even just ten years old. As building codes and standards change, these homes are more energy efficient as the type of insulation, windows, and doors are better at keeping the home air tight. The less energy escaping your home means less money you have to spend heating and cooling it. New appliances also are more energy efficient than prior models.
Starting the timer at zero
When you purchase a home, you know that eventually some of the systems will need to be replaced. Whether it is a hot water heater or roof, you will be digging into your pocket to repair or replace these items. With an older home, you may purchase a home that will need a roof in five years or an air conditioner in two. That is all part of home ownership. With new construction homes in Locust Grove, that timer is starting at zero. Being the first owner of the home also means you are able to perform regular home maintenance and can be sure that your home systems are being properly maintained.
Builder Warranties
If the furnace breaks the first week that you are in your pre-existing home, the repair work is on you and not the previous owner. With new construction homes in Locust Grove, you have the peace of mind of a builder warranty. According to Virginia code, as of 2022, new builders are required to provide one or two options to homeowners.
- Option 1
Builder provides a third party home warranty to the new homeowners for one year.
- Option 2
The builder themselves provides a one year warranty on the home that covers everything from nail pops to a broken faucet and a five year structural warranty. This, of course, does not apply when your toddler throws a toy at the sliding glass window and shatters it.
Customization
The level of customization that home buyers can create varies from builder in builder. New construction homes in Locust Grove may have one builder who gives you a selection of countertop packages to choose from while another might allow you to select even more details. The most important thing to remember is to select your home as soon as possible. It can take months for materials to arrive on site, so while you might just be staring at an empty lot, the builder is already deciding what bathroom vanities to order.
Get Your Must Haves
Everyone has different elements in a home that are considered must haves like a home office, large garage, or finished basement. When considering new construction homes in Locust Grove, these are items that you can make sure are in the home. Pro tip: If a must have item pushes up the budget, consider other places where you can reduce it. For example, go with laminate countertops and add granite in a few years.
Move in Ready and Low Maintenance
Unlike a ranch from the 1950’s that may need new flooring, new construction homes in Locust Grove are ready to go! There are also lower maintenance costs associated with the home since everything is in working order.
It’s important to note that buyers considering purchasing new construction homes in Locust Grove, or nearby, need to be more flexible with their timelines. If you enter into a contract before the ground has been broken on the home site, then it can be months before the home is ready for occupants.
Also, you can and should still work with a Realtor® when considering new construction homes in Locust Grove. As a buyer, taking advantage of the knowledge and expertise that I bring to your home buying experience only benefits you. I can help negotiate the terms of your contract, coordinate meetings and appointments, take that final walkthrough of the property (even if it is new construction, you should never skip this!) and best of all this service is free to you. There are many new construction homes in Locust Grove; when you are ready to start your search, I am here for you!
