Many people feel a bit of pressure when looking for their dream home. You want to make sure it matches your design style and has all the features your family desires, but you may have to make certain compromises. This is why you should consider building instead.

Here are some other reasons building may be better than buying.

1. Less Competition

We are currently in a seller’s market. This means the demand for housing is higher than the supply, so there is stiffer competition. It also means houses on the market sell quicker. With more competition, you may face bidding wars. The higher demand has led to a rise in prices.

The shift to a seller’s market was partly due to COVID-19. More people worked from home and began looking for sunnier places to relocate. Demographics also played a factor. Millennials are now entering the housing market. A year of staying at their parents’ home or inside a tiny apartment caused them to consider investing in their own place.

Also, with lower interest rates, more buyers are enticed to enter higher bids. Building your home allows you to step back from the competition.

2. Newer Homes Come With More Updated Features

Many contractors build new homes with upgraded features in mind. These may be updated appliances, such as stainless steel, as well as more energy-efficient models. You want ones that are Energy Star-rated.

Here are some energy-efficient appliances to consider:

Clothes washers
Dryers
Refrigerators
Dishwashers

3. You Can Customize Your Home

Building a home allows you to control the majority of the decisions based on personal preferences. You can also determine what features are most important to you. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when choosing items that go at the top of your list.

Here are some of the custom style selections you can make:

Building materials
Kitchen features
Flooring
Framing
Color choices

Work closely with your builder when making design decisions. You want to ask them for client references and keep open communication.

4. Repairs and Replacements Are Further Down the Road

With updated features, you shouldn’t need to do any major renovations right away. Instead, you can take time to enjoy your home. Having these newer elements saves you both money and stress.

Here are some tips for keeping your appliances lasting longer:

Read the instruction manual
Regularly empty your filters
Allow enough space for ventilation
Keep your appliances clean

5. More Environmentally Friendly

New homes aren’t usually built with toxic materials, such as lead paint. However, you can keep eco-friendly practices in mind during the construction process.

Here are some ideas to get started:

Build a smaller home
Orient your house to face the sun and wind
Go solar
Use recycled building material
Properly insulate your home

Why You May Want to Build a Home

Moving into your dream home can be exciting and stressful. It can be hard to find everything you want when house-hunting, so consider building instead to get all the features that are most important to you.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!