The Benefits of Choosing a New Construction Home In Edmonton

July 22, 2022 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

Are you trying to decide between a resale (previously owned) home and a new construction home? While both have their merits, the answer will depend on which option best suits your unique needs, wants and lifestyle.

Here are nine benefits to look forward to when purchasing a new construction home in Edmonton.

New Construction Homes Defined

While “new construction” may sound straightforward enough, brand new builds may be purchased in various stages. In fact, knowing the difference between these new home “types” is crucial to the new home buying process. Here’s what you need to know:

Pre-Sale Homes – Pre-sales are the “ground up” builds. From lot size and orientation to layout and finishes, pre-sale homes allow you to take an active role in the process, right from the start. Keep in mind, pre-sale isn’t necessarily the same as “custom” (more on that below). Most builders come equipped with a portfolio of specific home models and layouts from which you can choose.

After selecting a floor plan, you will be able to pick from a list of prescribed features and finishes. Your customization options will vary by builder, so be sure to discuss your wants and needs with your Edmonton REALTOR® ahead of time.

Spec Homes – Often referred to as “move-in ready” or “quick possession” homes, spec homes are properties in which construction is either underway (any stage) or completed. Ultimately, spec homes provide all the perks of a brand-new home within a shorter timeframe.

Of course, some customization options may still be available depending on the home’s current construction stage, allowing you to choose particular finishes such as countertops, flooring and more. Otherwise, you can skip the decision-making process altogether and move immediately into your brand-new home.

Custom Homes – Custom homes are 100% unique to the home buyer. During this process, you can work directly with a custom builder to design every detail of your home, down to the last doorknob.

As the customization process is highly detailed, this presents the perfect new construction home option for buyers with a specific vision. For this reason, custom home buyers often opt to work with an experienced REALTOR® who can help them navigate the process and negotiate with the builder.

Benefit 1 = The Ability to Customize

As mentioned above, opting for a new construction home allows you to customize as much, or as little, as you’d like. Unlike a resale home which may require renovations or upgrades (depending on what you’re looking for), a new construction home can be personalized to your unique tastes. In short, you’ll have a clean slate to work with, free from the influence of previous owners.

Common customization choices in new construction homes near Edmonton include:

Lot location and type – Corner lot, cul-de-sac, zero-lot-line, etc.
Home elevation – Architectural style (including siding, ornamentation, colours, etc.) and direction
Home model – Laned home, front attached garage, etc.
Layout and floor plan – Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.
Finishes – Paint colours, flooring, light fixtures, countertops, hardware, etc.

Benefit 2 = New Home Warranty

All new Edmonton homes are subject to mandatory 10-year warranty coverage. Under the New Home Buyer Protection Act, any warrantable defects in your new home will be addressed by your builder. Not only does this provide some added peace of mind, but it also ensures you won’t be on the hook for any warrantable repairs. New home warranty coverage in Alberta includes:

One Year Labour and Materials – Coverage for how the home was built and materials used, including items such as trim, flooring, fixtures and more.

Two Years Mechanical Systems – Defects related to your home’s delivery and distribution systems such as heating, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, etc.

Five Years Building Envelope – Your home’s protective exterior or ‘” shell,” including the walls, roof, windows, doors and other components that separate your home’s interior from the exterior elements.

10 Years Structural Components – Anything affecting the structural integrity of your home, such as the foundation, roof, framing and other supporting elements.

For further details, check out our previous post: Understanding Alberta’s New Home Warranty Program

Benefit 3 = Energy Efficiency

Modern construction standards demand new home energy efficiency. New homes include the latest technologies regarding insulation, windows, roofing, siding, etc. – guaranteeing an air-tight seal and lower utility bills. Inside, you’ll benefit from innovative heating and cooling systems, cutting-edge electrical and plumbing and state-of-the-art appliances. And that’s just the start. Programmable thermostats, LED lighting, low-flow faucets and toilets and more can all be incorporated to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Benefit 4 = Reduced Maintenance

Another benefit of choosing a new construction home is reduced maintenance requirements. With a resale home, defects will be noted on a home inspection or by your Edmonton REALTOR® (for which the seller will often provide compensation). With a new construction home, everything is just that – brand new – with no need to worry about repairs, maintenance or upkeep. Of course, if any warrantable defects DO arise, you’re also backed by new home warranty.

Some new home communities may also be governed by a homeowner’s association or condo board. In which case, outdoor maintenance (mowing, snow removal, landscaping) may be taken care of for a fee.

Benefit 5 = Modern Floor Plans and Features

New construction homes are also built with modern buyers in mind. As such, contemporary floor plans are typically open and bright, offering plenty of flexibility and room to grow. Oversized windows, vaulted ceilings, and open concept dining and entertainment spaces are all common in new construction layouts. Other popular floor plan features in new construction homes include:

5-piece spa-like ensuites – His and hers sinks, walk-in glass showers, soaker tubs, water closets, tile surround, in-floor heating, built-ins, etc.
Chef-inspired kitchens – Stone countertops, eat-in islands, walk-in/through pantries, high-quality cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, modern fixtures, ample storage and counter space, etc.
Spacious master bedrooms
Upper-floor laundry
Convenient mudrooms
Dens/flex rooms/bonus rooms
Heated attached or detached garages
And more!

Benefit 6 = Affordability

No, really! Many home buyers shy away from new construction homes, assuming they’re more expensive than their previously owned counterparts. While this may be true in some cases, it’s not uncommon for home builders to offer new home financing incentives. For instance, by opting to work with the builder’s lender, they may contribute to your closing costs. Some builders also offer free upgrade incentives, as well as discounts on quick possession (spec) homes, and more.

In addition, new home builds also allow you to control your costs, meaning you can spend as much or as little as you’d like on upgrades and other design features. Overall, builder incentives, combined with other money-saving perks such as energy efficiency, reduced maintenance and a renovation-free floorplan, make new construction homes an affordable choice.

See: How to Buy a Home and Save a Ton of Money

Benefit 7 = Your Choice of Community

Unless you choose a modern infill home in one of Edmonton’s older neighbourhoods, you’ll likely buy into a developing new community. This means brand-new community amenities which can include everything from shops, services and schools to landscaped parks and pathways. Here again, newer neighbourhoods may also be governed by an HOA. As a result, you may enjoy niche community-maintained amenities such as a local lake and beach house (Jensen Lakes), a solar-powered WI-FI playground (Charlesworth) and/or a local golf course (Jagare Ridge).

Buying into a new community will also help you secure a greater return on your new home investment. As amenities (and other homes) begin to increase in and around the neighbourhood, so will your property’s overall value.

Benefit 8 = Convenient Amenities

Speaking of amenities, new communities are typically developed within a short distance of shopping hubs, schools and more. Depending on your new home wants and needs, you may find yourself only minutes away from world-famous West Edmonton Mall, a provincial park or the Edmonton International Airport. But that’s not all. Other important amenities to expect in and around your new home neighbourhood include:

Commuter roads (i.e. the Anthony Henday, Whitemud Drive, etc.)
Parks and green spaces
Restaurants and entertainment venues
Recreation and leisure centres
Walkability (i.e. trails, pathways, sidewalks, etc.)
Transit
And more

Benefit 9 = Fantastic Resale Value

New construction homes are also celebrated for their fantastic resale value. Modern floor plans, high-end finishes and features, new home warranty and master planned communities are just a few of many reasons why your new home will increase in value over time. Should you decide to sell your new home a few years down the road, you’ll enjoy a healthy return on your investment, amounting to potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

Helpful Tips For Buying a New Construction Home

Here are a few key tips to purchasing a new construction home in Edmonton:

Research All Builders – Start by making a list of potential builders and narrow down your options according to experience, reputation, reviews and quality of work. For further tips, check out our previous post Preconstruction Homes: 4 Tips For Choosing the Best Builder.

Research the Neighbourhoods – Ask your REALTOR® about which new Edmonton neighbourhoods are most likely to suit your current and future needs. Don’t be afraid to visit these budding communities to see what amenities are available and what future development will entail.

Know What Comes Standard (And What Doesn’t) – When vetting a potential builder, ask about what features and finishes come standard to their homes and what’s considered “extra.” We recommend working with a qualified REALTOR® who will help clarify what the builder is offering overall.

Get Pre-Approved – Know how much home you can afford before beginning your new home hunt. This will make it easier to secure your new construction home faster and/or keep costs in line should you choose to build from the ground up.

Get Everything in Writing – While your REALTOR® will help you find a quality builder with an excellent reputation, it’s still essential to get everything in writing. This will prevent potential headaches and ensure you receive everything agreed upon at the time of purchase.

Work With a REALTOR® – Edmonton REALTORS® aren’t just experts regarding resale homes. They’re also pros when it comes to working with new construction home builders.

Finding the Right REALTOR®

When looking for the right new construction property to call home, working with a qualified professional who understands the Edmonton new construction home market is essential. As one of Edmonton’s leading new construction real estate teams, the Terry Paranych Real Estate Group has the skills, professionalism, and experience to guide you on your home buying journey from start to finish:

Determining your new construction home wants and needs
Getting pre-approved for the right mortgage
Zero-ing in on the right neighbourhood
Finding the right new construction home
Negotiating with new construction home builders
Navigating paperwork and purchase details
Understanding new home warranty
And more!

For more information, see: The Top 4 Realtor Myths Debunked

Check out our latest listings for more information on new construction homes and homes for sale in Edmonton. We also invite you to take advantage of any one of our FREE home buying resources, including:

Your Ultimate Guide to Edmonton Real Estate – From north to south, this comprehensive guide offers detailed information on every quadrant in Edmonton and the communities therein.

Your All-In-One Guide to Choosing The Right Edmonton Neighbourhood – Whether you’re in search of a brand-new home in an up-and-coming community or renovated character property in one of the city’s established areas, this guide will help you zero in on the right neighbourhood for your needs.

The Terry Paranych Group Dream Home Finder: Make your new luxury home dream a reality with the help of our personalized Dream Home Finder.

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Photo credits: shutterstock.com

Tags: buying

Categorised in: Home Styles

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group