Top 5 Things to Consider When Building a New Home

By Ryan Dosen

 

Buyers in today’s market have been getting frustrated. Despite the fact that inventory levels are close to last year’s levels, it seems like there’s a shortage of quality homes on the market. Inventories are actually down slightly and the pace of home sales in Chester County has increased (Suburban West Realtors Association reports that year-to-date home settlements are up 15.2 percent). With more buyers buying and fewer homes for sale, we’re still seeing attractive, accurately-priced homes flying off the shelves.

As a result, many of these frustrated buyers will turn to new construction, choosing to pay more for the chance to get exactly what they want. However, rather than etching their wants in stone, these buyers would be wise to take a few notes from the people in the business of new construction.

To learn more about what new construction buyers need to know, I sat down with Scott Megill, homebuilder and co-owner of multi-generational, award-winning luxury homebuilder Megill Homes of Chadds Ford, PA.

 

1 – Maximize Structural Spaces

According to Megill, one of the most important things to consider when designing a new home is maximizing the home’s structural spaces. Once these spaces are set and built out, it is very difficult to change them or add to them later in a cost-effective manner.  Megill says that “when designing your home, you want to pay special attention to the rooms that you will spend the most amount of time in. Design these rooms with enough area so that you will be able to enjoy them now and in the future.” Megill also recommends adding windows and doors to your basements, even if you’re not yet ready to finish them. This will make finishing your basement much more affordable in the future, and also help with resale in the event that you sell before you remodel.

 

2 – Beware the Trendy Finishes

Megill warns new home buyers to be wary of trendy finishes. Finishes such as wood flooring and tile are difficult and costly to change after-the-fact. He says that you should keep this finish “timeless”. Megill says that if you need to stay with the trends, “be trendy and personalize with materials and finishes that have the shortest life span.” Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and paint are good candidates for helping you stay trendy without setting yourself up for a future, costly remodeling job.

 

3 – Don’t Ignore Energy Efficiency

Megill says that it’s generally a good idea to spend money on energy efficiency, as it pays you and your future buyers back over time. Today’s buyer wants energy efficiency, and it can be delivered easily by choosing the right insulation, windows, doors, and even things like tankless hot water heaters. Of course, you shouldn’t take energy efficiency too far. Megill says that letting energy efficiency come before functional and aesthetic use of spaces would be a mistake. After all, it might prove difficult later on to sell an energy efficient box built into the side of a hill, with low ceilings and no windows or natural light.

 

4 – Land Selection is Key

Location is obviously an important consideration when building a new home. Megill says that “school districts seem to be the most important location factor for most of our clients, but clients also weigh their commute to work, shopping, as well as other personal location considerations.” Megill recommends listing out and weighing the location factors that are most important to you before you even start looking for land and thinking about the home itself. Buildable land can be difficult to find in Chester County, but that doesn’t mean you should build just anywhere. Location is simply too important.

 

5 – Listen to the Advice of Experienced Pros

Megill says that, when making your home construction and design decisions, you should always seek the advice of architects, builders, and brokers that have been in the area and business for a while. “These professionals have been through the cycles of the real estate market and can help you make the best decisions to protect the value and enjoyment of your most important asset.” Ignore their words of wisdom at your own peril.

 

Build to Enjoy Now and to Sell Later

Most of Megill’s recommendations center on the idea that you should build to maximize your current use and enjoyment, while being mindful of your home’s eventual resale. Some trends, like energy efficiency, aren’t going anywhere—making some energy efficient options a smart home construction choice. Other stylistic trends can wind up costing you later on as tastes change. Protect your investment by taking advantage of the advice of seasoned local professionals, timeless design, and a good location, and you will be well ahead of the curve.

 

– Ryan Dosen manages The Wayne Megill Real Estate Team of Keller Williams – Brandywine Valley in West Chester, PA. Contact Ryan Dosen to inquire about buyer or seller representation or to learn more about a career in real estate by emailing ryan@waynemegillteam.com or calling 610-399-0338.

This article was published by 21st Century Media and the Daily Local News (West Chester, PA). To read this article on the the newspaper’s site, please visit the Daily Local News.

To view all of Ryan Dosen’s 21st Century Media real estate columns, visit http://www.dailylocal.com/search?text=dosen.