Why Building New is Better

Yes, even in this economy.

I know you’re saying to yourself “Is she nuts?” but please hear me out. I have a point or two that may resonate with some of you non-believers as I, too, would have fit into your category not so long ago. Having just built a new post and beam home while simultaneously watching friends “rehab” a real deal, I KNOW they’re way ahead of us in the “money spent”  AND the “headaches earned” columns.

Designing and planning a building that ultimately exists because you made it happen is a powerful thing. Every time I come around the corner of our drive and see our carriage house, I’m filled with what can only be called extreme pride. This house is a physical representation of a major co-operative project between me and my husband. We brought it to life; it is entirely and totally “us” in the form of a building. We didn’t buy someone else’s ideas and needs. We created our own, from the ground up.

Building efficiently to suit your lifestyle is the epitome of sustainable living. While renovating is a form of recycling, I don’t want to get stuck with the inferior insulation of the past.  We have radiant heat in our floors that is TO DIE FOR. Not only is the even heat a dream but the fuel bill is a God-send. I have asthma and the lack of dust blowing around makes an enormous difference in my quality of life. Had we bought a home, the chance of radiant heat already existing was not likely and the cost of having it installed would have been prohibitive.

The “Oh, This Is Going To Be A Problem” statement. When building you will run into issues, but never will you face a newly ripped out wall as your contractor stands there saying “Uh-oh, where’s the header that’s supposed to be in here?” Or “Lady, this wiring is a fire hazard; you need to rewire the entire house – right away”. Both of these situations, and infinite others, befall the rehabber while never confronting a new home owner.