How to Add Lavish Charm to a New-Build Home
The influx in new construction is great, but it can also mean that sometimes luxury new-builds have a similar feel to them, particularly when they’re all built in a single neighbourhood. If you’re like most buyers, you want your home to stand out and have character, whether it’s a rich, old-world feel or a contemporary opulence. Here’s how to make your new-build stand out: Upgrade your finishes. Elevate your home with luxurious finishes in the kitchen and bathroom, or anywhere you want a little more upscale character. Think marble countertops, hand-scraped hardwood flooring, lush carpet in the bedroom or brass fixtures in the bathrooms. Opt for statement lighting. Great lighting has two perks: the right lighting can make a room seem bigger or more opulent, while the light fixture itself can add an element of character. Instead of sticking with boring track lighting or a standard flush mount, look for a chandelier or pendant that makes a statement and incorporates beautiful materials. Look at unusual architectural features. Nothing says boring like a cookie-cutter layout. Dress up plain walls and ceilings with some extra features, such as coffered ceilings, crown molding or wainscotting. This can be done after you move in, but if you’re buying pre-construction, you may also be able to negotiate some of these with the builder. Don’t forget that your furnishings will also help set the tone in a home. By decorating in a style that speaks to your values and aesthetics, you can help your new home feel like a true luxury retreat.
Buying New Construction vs. an Older Home
While the market in Canada continues to grow, everyone is searching for the best deal possible. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying a home—a big one is if you should purchase an already built home or go for new construction. Here are some factors to consider: Upfront CostThis is obviously the biggest factor for anyone when buying a home. Your budget will only allow for a certain price—and this is where older homes win out. They are more affordable per square foot and the price is negotiable, which can be a good thing, but can also work against you if you end up in a bidding war. New homes are sold at a set price, cost more for less room, and are charged GST and HST (Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax), which will either be charged upfront or added into your mortgage price depending on your builder. There is a partial rebate available on this if your home is valued at less than $450,000 before taxes. There is also the fact that move in dates are flexible for older homes, while a new construction may face delays, potentially leaving you stranded until it is completed. Maintenance and RenovationThis is a big one when buying an older home. With new construction, you are in complete control and can build the home up to modern standards to help avoid any potential problems, and avoid the cost of renovations and any serious maintenance for years to come. Also, when the time comes, the repairs will likely be covered under warranty. But that is also why a new construction will cost you more. It’s up to you to decide if the upfront savings of an older home will be worth it in the long run, once you factor in any potential renovations and upgrades required. Older homes are more likely to have problems with essential parts of the home, such as having to rewire, which can cost a significant amount of money. Location and Neighbours.A resale will be in an established neighbourhood with all the amenities you will ever need nearby, and you will know the vibe of the neighbourhood as it is already long established. New constructions are usually in a suburb that is still growing and establishing itself. You will likely have a longer commute to amenities and may have to wait for roads to be finished and the neighbourhood to be established. Although these communities are usually built with a specific demographic in mind, such as young families, a new community with a completely different target could pop up just down the street.
Buyers Really Want these 10 Things in Their Next Home
There is likely no bigger purchase than a home. There are some things on most every homebuyers’ list when it comes to looking for their perfect property whether they’re buying for the first time, upgrading or downsizing. These 10 things seem to be really important to most: Separate laundry room. Most homebuyers want a designated space to do laundry. Having enough storage space for laundry items, as well as being able to fold clothes, is a must. Buyers see it as a huge plus. Most people prefer this space to be close to the master bedroom or at least on the main floor. Highly efficient. Even when buying an older home, homebuyers look for efficiency in appliances and windows. More people are mindful of their utility bills and look to things to cut those costs. Patio. Outdoor living is embraced by most homeowners. Eight-seven per cent of house hunters look for a home with a patio where they can entertain family and friends in the warmer months. A garage for more than just the vehicles. A spacious garage can also double as great storage space. A garage also provides easy accessibility to stored items unlike an attic or shed. Outside lighting. Most people take great pride in the time and money they’ve invested on landscaping and would like to highlight that even at night. Next to a patio, exterior lighting is the most desired outdoor feature. That includes spotlight, walkway and pendant lights. A modern kitchen and bathroom. Most people’s savings will be going toward a down payment, so getting a kitchen and bathroom they won’t have to change is high on the priority list. An eat-in, open concept kitchen is what most people strive for. These are really attractive to young families with children. Hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are cleaner and easier to maintain. Good flooring can last a lifetime if maintained well. Walk-in closet in the master. These types of closets are quickly gaining in popularity among first-time homebuyers. Such a closet ranks in the top five on home want list. Walk-in pantry. A full-sized pantry used to be a staple in every home in the early 20th century. They went out of favour, but are making a strong comeback. According to statistics, it’s the most wanted kitchen feature among buyers these days. Dining room. Like the walk-in pantry, the formal dining room is back on the want list. A separate dining room is among the top 10 essentials for first- and second-time homebuyers.
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