Feb 01 2008
Central Oregon Builders Association: 15 Reasons to Buy a New Home Part 3
This is the final part of 15 Reasons to Buy a New Home. This list was created by COBA. The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) is the region’s leading authority and driving force behind promoting, protecting and improving the building industry.
11.COMPATIBLE NEIGHBORS
In most new communities, buyers will be moving in with neighbors in generally similar circumstances. Often with pre-owned homes in established neighborhoods, the homeowners may find themselves in a difficult situation as the “new kid on the block” unable to quickly fit in to social situations.
12. VALUE APPRECIATION
Statistics say that the typical home will need remodeling after a life expectancy of 25-30 years. Since new homes have an assured longer life, appraisals will be generally higher than on comparable existing homes, making conditions more favorable for future resale at appraised appreciated prices.
13. CONVIENIENCE
Dishwasher, refrigerators, microwave and other appliances can be built-in for convenience. New homes have more electrical outlets, cable television outlets, telephone and computer wiring.
There are more full and half bathes with features such as vanity cabinets, large mirrors and medicine cabinets, whirlpool tubs and easy-to-clean plastic tub enclosures. Windows are usually easier to clean and are more energy efficient. Modern floor plans provide efficient living space.
14. SAFETY
Many new homes have hard-wired smoke detectors on every level. Usually, they are interconnected so that if one detector alarm sounds, they all sound.
Electrical power systems in new homes are properly sized for the heavier electrical demands of today’s homes.
There also are more receptacles so people need fewer extension cords which can overload circuits, trip people and start fires if they become worn and frayed.
Ground fault interrupters for bathrooms, kitchens, and outside receptacles reduce the chance of fire and electrocution.
Glass in tub enclosures and patio doors in new homes must be tempered so that it will crumble if broken instead of shattering into large jagged pieces that can seriously injure people.
15. HEALTH
Asbestos has been eliminated from shingles, pipe, cement board, roof tar, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and insulation.
Lead can cause a wide range of physical and mental ailments. It is not used as an ingredient in paint anymore, and it is no longer used as solder for plumbing.
Formaldehyde emissions from particle board and hardwood plywood have been greatly reduced in new homes. Urea-formaldehyde finishes on most kitchen cabinets are now baked or cured to minimize emissions.
Builders are now installing systems to control radon gas where it is a problem. These systems usually include installation of gravel and polyethylene film beneath basement floors and concrete slabs, and provide for later installation of vent pipes and fans, if required.
Popularity: 4% [?]
