The first step for new home buyers is deciding if they want a new or existing home. Choosing a structure that best fits your needs is essential because a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll likely make in your lifetime. There are plenty of existing homes on the market, but owning a newly constructed home has many advantages. Before you talk to a real estate agent, consider the following reasons why a new home might be right for you.

1. High-Quality Construction. Professional home builders take pride in the quality of their work. Ask any builder for references and they’ll be happy to get you connected to clients who recently purchased a new build. Not only are beautiful new homes lovely to admire, but buyers also have peace of mind knowing that the home is safe for their families. Qualified home builders ensure each new build passes inspections and conforms to current building codes. A new home is also under warranty, and any issues that arise during the warranty term will be fixed at no cost to the homeowner. 

2. Features That Fit Your Family Needs. New homes can be personalized with appliances, cabinets, countertops, carpets, floor coverings, paint color and other design elements to meet your family’s needs and preferences. They also come designed for modern lifestyles, with open floor plans, walk-in closets, and creative storage solutions. New home buyers do not have to make any renovations to change a previous owner’s taste to their own.

3. Built for Efficiency. Newly built homes are highly energy efficient, saving buyers money and helping the environment. New windows, doors and insulation better control the home’s interior climate, and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and other modern components will help save costs on utility bills. New buyers don’t have to spend time shopping to replace aging appliances.

    
4. Wired for the Latest Technology. New homes come outfitted with the latest home automation and wiring components that provide state-of-the-art technology to accommodate modern home appliances and entertainment resources such as high-definition televisions, full-house sound systems, hard-wired fire and security alarms, and more.

5. Opportunities to Build a Strong Sense of Community. One of the additional benefits of many new homes is a great new neighborhood. When families move into a new community at the same time, lasting bonds of friendship often form right away. Many home builders will host community block parties in these developments to help neighbors of all ages meet and connect.

For more information on the benefits of new homes or to find qualified builders in our area, visit our membership directory.

It’s that time of year again, school buses are starting to appear in the neighborhood and cooler temperatures are not too far off in the distance. Before the summer season ends, there are some routine maintenance steps you can take to ensure your home looks good and functions optimally year-round. The best time to pay attention to your home needs is now. Procrastinating on home maintenance could result in future costly repairs. Here are the top common issues to check before the summer season ends.

Exterior Maintenance

• Clean your gutters. Use a sturdy ladder to inspect your gutters safely and remove any leaves or debris. Consider hiring a professional from our list of skilled local HBAGC members to make sure the job is done properly and safely.
• Fix cracks in your driveway or walkway. Small cracks can quickly worsen if left untreated as water collects and temperatures fluctuate.
• Inspect your home’s siding. Look for anything loose or rotting. Then, consider power washing to remove dust, bird droppings, dirt, abandoned wasp nests or tree sap. You may want to repair or repaint the siding to protect it from harsh weather and to increase curb appeal.
• Prevent bugs from entering your home. Use sprays or re-caulk doors and windows if necessary. A minor pest problem could become a larger issue when not addressed quickly.
• Wash your windows (both inside and outside). Look for any leaks and re-caulk as needed. Fixing any gaps will help with energy efficiency, and cleaning the windows will allow more natural light to enter your home. Your window screens may need to be replaced, too.

Interior Maintenance

• Check safety devices. Evaluations include, but are not limited to, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and any child safety devices. These should be tested twice annually, and the end of the summer is a great time to inspect.
• Clean your air conditioner. If you use an in-window unit, clear out debris. If you use an HVAC system, call the pros to keep up with maintenance.
• Plan for winter weather. Winter storms can be unforgiving. Power can go out for extended periods. Stay prepared by creating an emergency kit with flashlights, clean water to drink, a battery-powered fan, and non-perishable foods. Protect your expensive electronics with surge protectors year-round as well. 
• Survey your basement. A variety of problems can go unnoticed in the basement. Call a contractor if you find any cracks in the foundation or leaks in the plumbing.
• Clean your dryer vent. Clogged vents can pose problems at any point in the year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 16,000 fires are caused every year due to laundry facilities in the home, with 92% attributed to dryers. Lint and dust build-up is the leading cause of fires in dryers and can easily be prevented with regular cleaning.

 
For a list of skilled professionals to help with everything from gutter cleaning to home repairs, visit our membership directory.