Can’t decide between buying a ready-to-move-in house and building a custom home in Austin? Read this guide.
Getting a new home is a big decision—and when it comes to luxury homes, the pressure increases tenfold. These homes are opulent, contemporary, high maintenance, and one-of-a-kind. You’re investing a considerable amount of money, time, and effort and want to ensure it’s worth it.
Most homeowners can’t decide whether to start from scratch or buy an existing home that fits their needs. To make the right decision, you have to weigh in all essential factors. If you can’t decide between building and buying a luxury house, let this advice from the leading residential architects in Austin be your guide.
Costs
The amount you’re willing to invest in your new home is one of the most crucial factors. A ready-to-move-in house will already have a set price, but you also have to consider the additional cost of renovations and modifications. It’s rare to find a home that meets all your needs, and you don’t need any changes in it, especially when you’re looking for luxury features. Even simple renovations like bathroom fixes, light changes, kitchen modifications, etc., require considerable investment. This can lead you to overspend than what your initial budget allows.
On the other hand, you have complete control over every decision on a custom luxury home. You can create a budget according to the features you want in your house. Even if there are any changes along the way, you still have more flexibility. There’s a common misconception that custom-built homes cost more than ready-to-move-in ones. This is only true for those who don’t want customization or specific features in their home and want the house as-is, which is rarely the case.
When you choose to build your home from scratch, you spend money more efficiently on the things you want and need.
Flexibility and Customization
We all like having options when buying things, even more so when it comes to a house. It’s where you spend time with your loved ones and create beautiful memories, so it has to be perfect.
One advantage of getting an already built home is the convenience. You can find a luxury home in the perfect neighborhood without worrying about setting up a garden or planting trees. But it comes with a catch. You have to sacrifice flexibility and customization when buying a ready-to-move-in home.
To find one, you have to view many listings, and once you do, it will only check a couple of boxes on your list,so you’ll have to settle for less. You may not like the floor plan or the tiles, or you might wish that landscaping was done in some other way, and so on.
A custom homes austin design offers flexibility, customization, and bespoke qualities. It will reflect your personal style and exact aesthetic. You may have to face some difficulties initially, but this place will be convenient for you in the long run as it will have all the features you love and want.
Environment and Health
Existing homes may contain lead paint, mold, asbestos, and other hazardous elements. Moreover, when you decide to renovate the existing place to suit your needs and style, it leads to significant waste. So why not build the right home in the first place?
Building a home from scratch allows you to choose materials that aren’t harmful to your health and environment. From raw materials to finishing touches, you can incorporate eco-friendliness in every step when building your custom home. This way, you reduce your carbon footprint and create a safe space for yourself and others around you.
Read more about green construction for healthy living here.
Energy Efficiency
Installing a few green appliances doesn’t make your home energy efficient. There are many other features to consider, such as:
- Insulation on roofs, walls, and windows
- Smart lighting systems and thermostats
- Landscaping and shade
- Adequate ventilation
- Cold-roofing
- Energy-efficient HVAC and appliances
- Smart toilets and grey water systems
- Recycled and eco-friendly materials whenever possible
Adding these features to your home can significantly reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint. It’s only possible when you build a new home from scratch. Existing homes don’t have enough energy-efficient features; even if you add some, you’ll have to compromise on many things.
Return on Investment
Another thing most homebuyers consider when investing in a luxury home is the return they’ll get on it. A custom-built home will bring more RoI than an existing home because it may have already depreciated in value.
Maintenance and Upkeep
An existing home may have features that are prone to rust and incur weather damage. so you’ll have to pay extra attention to their maintenance, not to forget the recurring repair/replacement costs. When building your own home, you’ll have the option to choose damage-resistant features. Appliances and systems will be brand new and under warranty. This way, you don’t have to worry about its maintenance.
Landscaping
Existing homes come with established plantings and landscaping. While this can be an advantage for some, most homeowners want more say in the landscape architecture of their homes.
Landscaping is the major highlight of a luxury home. It turns heads as people pass by, elevates the curb appeal, and offer a teaser of what visitors can expect. Most luxury homes have glass walls and bigger windows that reduce privacy. With the right landscape architecture, you can keep your property private and enjoy stunning views.
Build Your Dream Luxury Home with Jenkins
Costs and features aside, building a luxury home from scratch brings a high level of satisfaction you don’t get by buying an existing property. When you construct a home, brick by brick, you form a deeper emotional connection with it. The feeling of stepping into a place that no one else has lived in, breathing the new-home smell, and watching your vision come to life is priceless. You can create a masterpiece matching your personality, style, and needs.
When building a custom home in austin, finding the right home builders who understand your preference and vision is important. Jenkins Design-Build is one of the most trusted austin architecture firms, with over three decades of experience. Their architectural and design team takes the time to know you, understand your sense of style and create a luxury home you cherish forever. Contact their custom home builders now to discuss your project.
About the Author
Felicity K. is an interior designer in Austin, TX, affiliated with Jenkins Design Build. She has over ten years of experience in Austin’s residential market and writes informative guides for home buyers and owners.
