Author: northridge

Before you buy a new home, there are a few things you have to look into – from budget and location to all the other details. Apart from the aesthetics, it is important to consider how energy-efficient and comfortable your home could be. Wondering how to figure out a home’s energy efficiency without actually living there? It’s pretty simple – just ask for its EnerGuide rating! EnerGuide ratings are your go-to source for valuable information to help you make the right decision.

What is an EnerGuide Rating?
EnerGuide is Canada’s energy rating and labelling system that certifies the energy efficiency of new and existing homes. With EnerGuide, you can compare and evaluate the performance and energy efficiency of your new home before moving in.

An EnerGuide label indicates a rating that will help you better understand your home’s energy performance, which may help you lower your energy use. It is an official record of your home’s energy performance and may help increase its resale value in the future. The labels show the gigajoules (GJ) per year that a home uses. GJs per year is a unit of measurement for energy on an annual basis. The higher the GJ per year, the less efficient the home is. The closer to zero the GJ per year measurement is, the more efficient the house is. Homes that produce as much energy as they use will have a rating of zero and these are called Net Zero Homes, a whole other topic for a different blog post!

What are the benefits of purchasing an EnerGuide-rated home?
There are a number of direct benefits to YOU, the homeowner:
1. Saving money on utility bills – If the home has a good EnerGuide rating, over time it will translate into savings on your utility bills. The less energy your home uses, the lower charges on your monthly bill.
2. Incentive Programs designed for homes with good EnerGuide rating – With the CMHC Eco Plus Program or the Sagen Energy Efficient Housing Program, you can get a 25% rebate on your mortgage insurance. That’s roughly $1,000 back for every $100,000 financed on your home. That’s thousands of dollars right in your wallet!
3. Ability to Compare Homes – Think of the EnerGuide program as a tool in your back pocket to help you when shopping for a home. You can easily compare one home to another in terms of how energy-efficient they are.
4. Reduce your Environmental Footprint – By purchasing a higher EnerGuide rating home, you are reducing your environmental footprint.
5. Third-party verification – The EnerGuide program checks the energy-efficient aspects through a third-party company. This independent assessment is performed by a trained and licensed company that rates the home, giving you further peace of mind.
6. A Better Home for your family – a more comfortable, quieter and healthier home for your family to live in.

Purchasing a home with an EnerGuide rating offers so many advantages! It ensures that your home is energy efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. To start looking for the perfect new home, visit Our Homes today!

It may feel like it’s already winter here in Saskatchewan, but technically, it’s just beginning. These helpful tips below will help you prepare your home and keep it in great shape while the temperature drops and keep your family safe and warm this winter!

Exterior:

• Remove ice and snow from concrete promptly. DO NOT USE SALT FOR DE-ICING. You can use gravel or crusher dust or sand instead. Many ice melt products sold in hardware stores will pit and permanently damage your concrete. Check the fine print, anything that may cause spalling will likely damage your concrete.
• Shoveling snow away from your home’s foundation is a quick and simple way to prevent expensive foundation damage. Shovelling the snow away from the base of your home will help reduce the risk of water seeping up and settling under the foundation, which can cause cracks and other costly problems.
• Prevent ice dams on low-positioned roofing by removing snow and scraping the gutters. If you ignore ice dams, water penetration may happen and your shingles might get damaged.
• Continually check your air intake and exhaust vents for the furnace, HRV and hot water tank and ensure they are clear of snow and ice all throughout the season. Make sure to brush off snow or remove any ice buildup.

Interior:

• To maximize your furnace’s performance and keep it running smoothly, check filters every month and replace them as needed. Having a dirty filter means your furnace has to work harder to push the heat, which prevents it from running efficiently. It can also cause your furnace to completely shut off causing unwanted expenses.
• Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water – top up if necessary.
• Check for cracked or worn weather stripping, and replace it with new, more efficient stripping. If the caulking is looking worn, remove it and re-caulk with a moisture-resistant product. This will help keep the cold from entering your home, which in turn helps to reduce your heating bill.
• If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, run some water briefly to ensure there is water in the trap every month.
• Clean drains in dishwashers, sinks, bathtubs, and shower stalls.
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and prevent them from seizing.
• Check and vacuum your HRV vents to remove grime and used canned air to clean your smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are working properly.
• Make sure your refrigerators and freezers are running properly by vacuuming the radiator grilles on the back of them.
• Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety. If worn, damaged or if the cord feels warm to the touch, replace it immediately and dispose of the damaged cord.
• Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload your circuits or use worn or frayed extension cords.
• Check the pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers and recharge or replace them if necessary.
• Check fire escape routes, door and window locks, hardware, and lighting around the outside of the house. Ensure every family member has a solid understanding of what to do in the event of a fire.

We hope these tips will help you keep your home as cozy and safe as possible during the winter months. Click here to download a PDF copy: Winter Checklist

Fresh air is one of the most essential components of a good living space. It is imperative to have good ventilation in your home as this will help avoid respiratory problems and improve the overall quality of your home life. A good way to ensure fresh air in your home is by installing a Heat Recovery Ventilator, which comes standard in all North Ridge homes.

What is Heat Recovery Ventilator and how does it work?

A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is a type of ventilation system that exhausts stale air from your home and replaces it with fresh outside air. It is an energy-efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to provide fresh air to your home. This type of ventilation system works by drawing in air from the outside and passing it through a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air before it enters the furnace which then distributes this fresh air throughout your home. This process creates a constant flow of fresh, filtered air in your home.

What are the benefits of a Heat Recovery Ventilator?

HRV systems can provide a number of benefits to the homeowner. These include improved indoor air quality, reduced energy costs, and better humidity control. Because HRV systems are designed to exchange stale air from the home and replace it with fresh outside air, it removes contaminants such as smoke, chemicals, and dust particles. One of the main benefits of an HRV is to control humidity during the winter season by removing moist air from your home and replacing it with dryer outside air to avoid condensation on windows and reduce the possibility of mould growth.

How to Maintain your HRV

HRV systems are most effective when they are properly cared for. Maintaining your HRV system includes performing routine inspections, checking for leaks, and cleaning your filters regularly. The following practices are generally recommended for maintenance:
• Dust your HRV filters and rinse with lukewarm water every 3 months. Let it completely dry and never reinstall a wet filter.
• Rinse the HRV’s core with water once a year. Let it completely dry and never install a wet core.
• Wipe away any dust and debris from drains at the bottom of the unit every time it is opened.
• Check outdoor intake and exhaust hoods – remove leaves, waste, or other obstructions that may be blocking the outside vents of your HRV. Without this airflow, your HRV will not function properly. During winter, make sure to clear any snow, frost or ice buildup blocking outside vents.

A Heat Recovery Ventilator is a great way to make your home more comfortable. It can save you money on heating and cooling costs, and it improves the air quality in your home.

Halloween is a time of year when both kids and adults get to have fun and be creative with spooky decorations. You can go all out or you can keep it simple by adding some inexpensive DIY items to your home. If you are looking for a few ideas for your Halloween home decoration, then this blog is for you! We have compiled four of the best and easy DIY decorations you can do for your home.

1. Yarn Spider Webs

Spider webs are a staple of the Halloween season. They are easy to make and all you need is yarn and tape. Choose the perfect spot, whether indoors or outdoors and consider a location that will allow the web to stand out. To make the spider web, start by making an X, a few crisscross lines and a vertical line from the top to the bottom of your web. Cut a long strand of yarn for each section, fold equally and start your first ring with a simple loop knot. Take the yarn around to each arm and loop it around. When you get back around to the beginning of the ring, tie the end with a knot, cut off the excess and start over on the next ring. Continue the process to create as many rings as you like. Add spiders to the giant yarn spider web and you are all set!

2. Tombstones
The easiest way to make your home look like a graveyard is to get some fake tombstones. To create fake tombstones, buy some Styrofoam blocks or use cardboard boxes that you have lying around. Cover them in black construction paper and draw a skull or write ‘RIP’ on each block with white paint. Use tape to attach the blocks together and make sure they stand up straight or attach them to the base of a tree.

3. Jack-O-Lantern
When you think of Halloween decorations, Jack-o-lantern is for sure one of the first things that will come to mind. This is a great family activity and you can get as creative as you like!
To make a Jack-o-lantern Halloween decoration, first things first, get a pumpkin or other type of squash and cut off the top. Then, scoop out all the seeds and pulp from inside, but leave enough so that you can see through it. Carve out the pumpkin – add some eyes and a mouth (the scarier the better). Place a battery-operated tea light inside and, voila! You have your very own jack-o-lantern to light up your porch or windowsill.

4. Yard Ghosts

DIY yard ghost Halloween decoration is a great alternative to store-bought decorations. It is easy to make, and you can use it year after year. If you have large trees on your property, stuff the leaves you have raked into large white garbage bags, draw black eyes on them and scatter them throughout the yard. Alternatively, you can also create yard ghosts by using a white balloon, white thread, white cloth or fabric, black marker, scissors and glue. Blow out the balloons that will serve as the head. Then, tie a knot to your balloon with the thread and drape the white fabric on top covering it entirely. Make a small incision on the cloth so that the securing knot is visible. Now, you can use the black marker to paint some dark circles on the ghost’s face. The final step is to use the thin white thread to tie the ghost decoration to the ceiling or to an elevated surface so that you can get the full-on floating effect.

There you have it, 4 easy DIY Halloween decorations that will create a spooky atmosphere in your own home. Happy Halloween!

I know I know… I also have been trying to avoid the fact that summer is really over. (Hope you enjoyed your summer!) School already started, stores are already selling Halloween treats and Christmas decorations, leaves are starting to change colours, there is pumpkin spice everywhere and the weather is so unpredictable. Days are getting shorter and shorter and although it is often warm and sunny during the daytime, it can be cold at night and early in the morning.
As the season begins to change, it is time to blow out your sprinklers, trade your lawn mover for a rake and prep your home for cooler weather. Here is a quick checklist of things to do before your house transitions from hot summer days, to cool fall nights and eventually to freezing temperatures.

OUTSIDE:

☐ If your window screens are inside, remove them to allow for adequate airflow of the heating system to keep condensation off your windows.
☐ Ensure all exterior doors and windows are closed tightly; repair or replace weather stripping and dust pads as needed.
☐ Cover outside of air conditioning units and shut power off to the device.
☐ Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall so that water does not drain into your basement. Touch-up as required to maintain positive drainage.
☐ Clean eaves troughs and roof ensuring proper drainage from the downspouts.
☐ Clean out window wells of garbage.
☐ Blow out underground sprinklers and store outdoor hoses. Close interior valve to outdoor water connection. Drain the hose bib and leave it partially open.
☐ Store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and protect young trees and shrubs for the upcoming winter.

INSIDE:

☐ Check sump pump to ensure proper operation
☐ Test and reset the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) breakers
☐ Set humidifier as per the manufacturer’s instructions for the winter setting
☐ Set the thermostat to “heat” and test the furnace for proper operation by raising the thermostat setting until the furnace starts to operate.
☐ Have furnace and heating system serviced by a qualified company every two years
☐ If you have central air conditioning, ensure the drain pan under the cooling coil mounted in the
furnace plenum is secure and draining correctly.
☐ Remove grilles on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
☐ Check your furnace air filters monthly and replace them as needed
☐ Check and clean the HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) core
☐ Check to see that the ductwork leading to and from the heat recovery ventilator is in good shape and the joints are tightly sealed.
☐ Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies
☐ Vacuum smoke and carbon monoxide; replace batteries if required.
  If you have a door between your house and the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it closes completely.

Click here for a downloadable PDF: Fall Checklist

Saving for a down payment for a home isn’t always easy, but it’s not as difficult as you think. Whether you are a first-time buyer or returning to homeownership, saving for a down payment can seem overwhelming! Purchasing new or used? The more of a down payment you put down, the better your options are and the amount you invest can affect your mortgage rates.

Minimum down payment requirements:
For new homes that cost up to $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%
For new homes that cost more than $500,000 and less than $1 million, the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the remaining balance
You might need some help from a financial expert, but these three easy steps could be an excellent way to start.

Step 1. Create a Budget & Cut Unnecessary Spending
There are many ways to save money and it really can be as easy as packing your own lunch instead of eating out or riding your bike to work during the summer months. However, if you want to get serious about cutting your expenses and saving more money, then follow these two things:
1) Create a budget and stick to it – this will help you see where your money is going and what areas need improvement. Set a monthly savings goal, track your success and make sure you stick to your set budget.
2) Cut unnecessary spending – Think about the ways you can reduce your spending. Bring lunch to work or buy second-hand clothes and toys. Think about cost-saving options like borrowing books from the library or taking a staycation.

Step 2. Get Rid of Unwanted Debt from Your Life
Paying down debt can seem like an endless struggle but, with some self-discipline and faith in yourself, your financial picture can change for the better in just a matter of months. The key to success will be to establish a debt plan and stay committed.
With the budget you’ve created, you’ll determine if you have a surplus, which you can put towards paying off your debt; or a shortfall, which means it might be necessary to cut back on regular expenses. Reduce your debt by controlling your expenditures and paying off your high-interest debts as they will be the most expensive over time.

Step 3. Utilize Programs Available
There are different programs and incentives available that can help you save money for your down payment.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) – If you have an RRSP, you can withdraw up to $25,000 to buy your first home. The only catch to this program is that you have to pay the money back to your RRSP within 15 years. If you do not repay the money, it is treated as income and you will have to pay tax on the money you withdrew as though it were income.
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) – this lets you grow your savings without paying income tax and withdraw whenever you wish — making it a great place to set aside your savings for a big purchase, such as buying a new home. Regardless of your income, investment in this account does not affect your income taxes. Currently, Canadians can contribute up to $6,000 but that limit can change so double-check before you contribute.
First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive (FTHBI) – If you have put aside at least 5% of the purchase price of a home, the government can give you an incentive of an additional 5% – 10%. These additional funds will increase your down payment, which would then lower your monthly mortgage payments. However, there are some strict conditions to qualify for the FTHBI. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a first-time homebuyer. Your income cannot exceed $120,000 unless you are buying in Toronto, Vancouver or Victoria, where the cap is $150,000. This program is a shared-equity mortgage, so the government has a share in any increases or decreases in the property value.

Saving for a down payment can be daunting, but it is worth it in the end. If you can set aside a little extra money each month, it will go a long way toward achieving your home ownership dreams!

I love the summer, but it can be a little dry (no pun intended). I mean, there’s all that sun, sure, but what are you supposed to do with it? Well, if you’re like me and have a backyard with some space to spare, you can turn it into a mini amusement park. You don’t need an expensive trampoline or even an elaborate sprinkler system: these games will entertain your friends or family while also giving them something to do outside!

Giant Jenga
The game is simple: stack up the blocks as tall as you can without knocking them down. If your tower topples, you’re out.
There are lots of ways to play this game, but here’s one version: make sure everyone has a turn building the tower (either by themselves or with a partner). Add in some safety precautions, like not stacking any blocks that are too large compared to those on either side or using only one hand at a time when reaching for a block from above. Then get ready for some serious fun!
The best way to make it more challenging is by adding another set of blocks to use instead of just having two people playing at once (it also helps if there are more than two players). You could also decrease how high off the ground each person’s tower must be before they’re allowed another turn—that’ll force them into quicker decisions about which pieces go where and how many risks they’re willing to take before moving on again.

Outdoor Movie Night
Outdoor movie nights are a perfect way to spend an evening with your kids. The trick is choosing the right film: make sure it’s appropriate for their age and they have a blanket or something else to sit on. You’ll also want to bring snacks, drinks and any other supplies you need (such as paper plates). If you’re projecting onto a screen, make sure it’s big enough so everyone can see clearly!
If you don’t have access to a projector or screen—or if the weather won’t cooperate with outdoor viewing—you can always put together your own makeshift projector with just the right lighting conditions and some good old-fashioned phone tricks.

Water Balloon Fight
Water balloon fights are the perfect backyard game for summer. They’re cheap and easy to make, and you’ll have a blast playing them with friends or family.

Once you’ve got all your balloons ready to go, it’s time to start throwing! You can play free-for-all or team battles; here are some tips on how best to avoid getting hit by flying things:

• Stay alert at all times! If someone throws a balloon at you without warning and hitting it makes a sound louder than “bang!”, there’s no time like now for jumping out of its way—try doing cartwheels or somersaults if need be!
• Stay away from tall grassy areas where people could hide behind bushes waiting until nobody’s looking before launching an attack on unsuspecting victims nearby (you know who I’m talking about).

We hope you enjoyed reading about these simple backyard games. They’re easy to play and require minimal equipment, making them ideal for kids or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time setting up their own backyard game night. We know there are plenty of other great ideas out there, so if none of these sounds like your cup of tea then take some inspiration from our list and try creating your own backyard favourites!

You finally bought your dream home! Hooray! Everything is all set and your new home is ready to move in to! Now comes packing and moving your things from your previous home to your new home.

Your new home is like a blank canvas – a fresh start for you to have everything organized and look exactly the way you were dreaming of. To make this possible, go through every room and decide what to keep and what to get rid of to avoid bringing unwanted things to your brand new home. Once you have everything set and know which items you will definitely bring, follow these tips to make your packing and moving less stressful. Remember, preparation is important!

1. Have all your materials/supplies ready
There is nothing more frustrating when you’re packing than stopping to run to the store to grab another box or tape. Your packing will be faster and more efficient once you have everything prepared. Some supplies you might need include bubble wrap, permanent markers, boxes, tapes and other specialty containers such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
2. Do a change of address
To avoid the hassle of failing to receive important mail, go to the local post office and fill out an address form, or do it online. But in case there are stragglers, it’s wise to ask a close neighbour or your previous landlord to look out for mail after you’ve moved. At the same time, you should alert the following of your move: banks, your employer, credit card companies and utility companies.
3. Group items and separate valuables
Once you begin packing, pack the items you infrequently use such as the waffle iron or popcorn maker together. This way you don’t need to be stressed out if you can’t unpack them during your first week. Then, group all the items based on their location in the house. For example, all the kitchen utensils should be packed in one box and labelled. This way, when you start unpacking, it will be easier and more convenient. When labelling, make sure to clearly label each box with its contents and the room that it’s destined for. Then closer to your moving day, pack items for everyone in the family that will be immediately needed for the first couple of days such as clothes and toiletries. At the same time, make sure to pack your important documents and valuables separately from the rest of your things. If possible, it is best to personally bring these items to your new home to avoid losing them.
4. Appliances/Furniture
A few days before you move, make sure to defrost the freezer if you are planning to move it with you. Make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day. When moving appliances, big boxes and furniture, it is best to hire a moving company to do the heavy lifting for you. Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics to help you prepare.

Moving is never an easy process. It takes time, energy and patience. Ask other family members and your friends to help you in your packing and moving to make it a lot easier and fun. Congratulations on your new home!

We are well into the spring months and you can start to smell the savoury scent of grilled BBQ and burgers in the air. Even though it is not officially summer yet, this hot and sunny weather makes us want to get our grills out and enjoy the outdoors. As June is National Safety Month, we thought we would share some grilling safety tips to help us prepare for any risks involved. We think everything tastes better when grilled and knowing these guidelines will help us make the most of our grilling. Here are our top 5 safety guidelines to guarantee a fun and safe barbecue party.

• Read the owner’s manual
The simplest, yet often forgotten, guideline is to read the instructions first. Typically, there are also safety guidelines included in the manual that can be helpful in ensuring your safety and the people around you.
• Grills are for outside only
Grills are never for indoor use and when setting up, make sure your grill is in an open area and away from walls or any combustible objects that could easily catch fire or melt, such as dry leaves or vinyl siding.
• Keep grill stable
It is important to keep the grill on even ground. This will ensure the hot grill is stable and will not be tipped over. Never attempt to move a hot grill. It is easy to stumble or drop it and could result in serious burns.
• Materials to use
Use barbecue utensils with long handles to avoid burns and splatters. In terms of clothing, make sure you are not wearing shirts that have hanging tails and your apron strings are properly tied to avoid catching fire. Don’t forget to use flame-retardant mitts to protect your hands from the heat. Also, consider placing a grill pad or splatter mat beneath your grill to protect your deck or patio from any grease.
• Be ready to extinguish flames and never leave a grill unattended once lit
When setting up your grill, make sure you have easy access to a garden hose or fire extinguisher. You can also use baking soda to control a grease fire. Just make sure you never leave a grill unattended once lit to ensure you can respond quickly in case of a fire.

Being cautious and prepared for any risks involved with grilling ensures you’ll get the most fun out of your grilling. So get those grills out, call your friends and have a fun and safe barbecue party!

You are about to make one of the biggest investments in your life – buying a home. The decision is not one to take lightly, as there are many factors making each home on the market unique from the next. A major choice is between building new and finding an existing home.
In one corner, a brand new home – built with the most up-to-date technology, backed by a warranty, and complete with that sought-after new home smell. On the other, an existing home – full of character, located in an established neighbourhood, and often with a more reasonable price tag than comparable new homes for sale. It boils down to personal preference, so take a look at a few pros and cons of the two opponents, and see which wins the battle for your heart.

Newly built home:
Pros:
1. New Home Warranty – At North Ridge, we provide our new homeowners with peace of mind knowing that their house is built by a trusted builder who is backed up by the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program. On top of that we provide our own Customer Care Warranty where we call our new homeowners every 30, 180 and 365 days after possession to make sure that everything is as good as they expected it to be, and if not, we will take a look at any issues.
2. Everything is brand new and more efficient– You don’t need to worry about replacing carpets, appliances, insulation or anything else! There is peace of mind knowing that there will not be any unforeseen costs associated with replacing or repairing anything in your home in the near future. With the construction industry constantly improving, new homes are more energy-efficient compared to homes before. Who doesn’t love a lower energy bill each month?
3. Choices, choices, choices! – With pre-sale homes, you have the freedom to make your home look exactly the way you want. You also have a wide range of selection on pre-built homes that speaks more to your expression of style and way of life. On top of that, you can enjoy the freedom of choosing your builder. The opportunity to investigate and carefully select the home builder you trust means you can have confidence in your decision.
Cons:
1. Unestablished neighbourhood – Most new houses are built in new neighbourhoods that are still construction areas. It can take several years for a neighbourhood to be completed, with all residences built, landscaping and parks completed, and amenities like schools and stores in place.
2. Incomplete – Many new homes have unfinished basements and, although some neighbourhoods require driveways and landscaping, not all do. Flowers and trees don’t grow overnight!
3. More expensive – As a general rule, a new home is more expensive than an existing home. The home building industry is constantly looking for improvements in the materials they use or the processes involved in building a home.

Existing homes:
Pros:
1. “Move-in” ready home – When you buy an existing home, you typically don’t have to worry about buying the extras, such as blinds for the window, a security system, or a landscaped back yard. Also, buyers who are willing to purchase a fixer-upper in a well-established neighbourhood have the opportunity to make improvements to their homes and increase the value of their property. This can be considered a great way to get returns out of the investment made in a home, a fun project, or both!
2. Layouts – Many new homes are built with an open concept, but with existing homes, there is a wide range of layouts. If you like the formal living and dining rooms, an existing home will likely satisfy you. If you like open concepts, never fear, there will surely be an existing open concept home on the market!
3. Character and Neighbourhood – You can find pre-existing homes from just about any decade in the past century – so there are a variety of styles from several eras to choose from located in established neighbourhoods. It has the potential to be full of history, quirks, and personality, that new homes have not yet acquired.
Cons:
1. “What-if” Factor – What the house has been through in the past will likely be a mystery. Whether it was a past hail storm weakening the roof or a previous owner who did not properly maintain the appliances, there is always a chance that previous events that you do not know about have damaged the house, which can result in unexpected costs.
2. Leftovers – Some appliances or furniture that comes with the house may have been left behind for a reason – it is not in good condition. This leaves you having to clean up someone else’s mess.
3. Compromise – When buying a home, you may need to make compromises in regards to the features you want. Because you did not design the house yourself it is not likely to be the perfect house for you, and making it so may require costly renovations.

At the end of the day, buying a new home and building a new home both have their pluses and minuses. However, if you’ve done your research and planned carefully, the end result is sure to be rewarding no matter which option you choose. To buy a new build or an existing home: you decide!