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8 Reasons to Build Your Own Home

November 3, 2015

Buying a home is a life-altering investment that takes time, energy, and money. For those who are buying their first home or who wish to upgrade from an apartment or townhouse, the decision to invest in real estate can be an intimidating one to make, and often puts potential buyers in a place where they feel like they don't know what they're getting themselves into. On every level, it's an investor's nightmare to be contractually bound to a property that has fallen short of expectations, or lacks the potential for long-term return on investment because of unforeseen damages due to weather and age. On the other hand, buying your first home or deciding to move or upgrade is a pivotal step toward personal financial advancement, and the reasons to do so aren't just monetary. Many buyers enter the market, not for fiscal reasons, but, for example, to increase their quality of life or to start a family! And given the current housing market climate, any number of reasons can be reason enough to buy a home, now. In order to accomplish this goal without worrying about buying a lemon, the best option available is to build your own home. The differences speak for themselves! Consider these reasons why building your own home is the superior alternative to buying a used home or continuing to live in an apartment or house which is inadequate for your lifestyle or family goals. 1. Invest in real estate by investing in yourself. It's no secret that home ownership is a palatable option for non-professional investors. Whereas day trading has (by many experts) been likened to legal gambling, property values nearly always go up in the long run. As neighborhoods and communities develop, property values increase. It's not rocket science. And wouldn't you prefer to invest in something in which you have a personal interest? Why leave the fate of your assets in the hands of financial brokers, mutual fund managers, or, frankly, real estate agents? These are third parties whose primary interest is their own payday. Wouldn't you rather be in control of your hard earned wealth? 2. Take advantage of low and fluctuating cost of building materials. Globex puts the price of lumber at 20% lower than it was only months ago. Buy your building materials when you choose and avoid paying more for the same result. 3. Live in a promising new neighborhood. In suburban areas across the country, large, luxurious living is being developed in brand new neighborhoods, and they spring up fast. Be a part of this development on the ground floor by building your own home and have a say in your local neighborhood association. Your cul-du-sac castle will be the pride and envy of the community. 4. Save money by avoiding maintenance costs. It's no secret that, as properties get older, they begin to cost more money to uphold. Why spend thousands of dollars in your first months of living, fixing or replacing plumbing or ventilation. These external costs often go overlooked by buyers, and are one of the primary reasons people overpay for old houses. In many cases, old contractors have used deprecated systems, and trying to find a professional to do refitting of any kind will be a nasty, annoying, headache. 5. Buyer beware. It's nice to think that you'll be informed honestly and accurately about the history of the house you're buying, but remember that, just like a salesman, the seller has an incentive to keep you in the dark about the negative aspects of his product. Defects such as water or termite damage, sub-standard insulation, or damaged light and electrical sockets might not seem like relevant details to a person who desperately wants to sell. Be aware of the ins and outs of your house by seeing its construction for yourself. 6. Newer is better. You wouldn't buy a cell phone older than a year or two, so why evaluate your real estate decisions any differently? When you first set foot into your finished house, you'll smell the difference. And you of all people will treat that house with respect--you'll treat it like a home. Just like every other art and science, construction is always developing. Innovations in material science ensure that your new house's windows and insulation will be state of the art. That's going to save you money! And systems like heating and cooling are constantly being improved by engineers. 7. New floor plans. Floor plans of the modern day are, simply put, bigger. New styles have been tailored to individuals living in this day and age. And if you're building your own house, you can have input in the design process! Sure, maybe you found one house you liked with a suitable kitchen, but the master bedroom was too small. Maybe you want an office but don't want to sacrifice a bedroom, or garage space. Why compromise on these kinds of decisions when you can have your cake and eat it too! 8. Building something for yourself feels incredible. The most important reason to build your own home is not a pragmatic one, but rather that building your own home is one of the most rewarding things that you'll ever do. Whether you are looking to start a family or simply want to make a lifestyle change, your new home will be built just for you, and that's something you'll be able to take pride in for years by waking up every morning in a symbol of your own personal success.