Buying a New Home—Gauge Its Performance

When you buy a new car, you are inundated with all the details related to performance—data and statistics on everything from engine specs to fuel consumption to maintenance costs. And, of course, comfort features. 

It’s really no different when you buy a house—you should be asking questions about how the house “performs.” I offered some advice on what to look for when buying a new home. Because if you don’t know what questions to ask, you won’t end up with the vital information you need to make a wise decision.     

GAUGE THE PERFORMANCE

Sure, it’s essential that the home passes all code inspections. But that’s only the minimum. To really gauge a home’s performance, you need to dig deeper. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating energy performance. This report can detail how efficiently a home operates and tips on modifications you can make for even greater energy savings. It can help you anticipate how much money you will spend on energy bills. Requesting a detailed inspection with a HERS report will show you any hidden performance issues you might otherwise miss because you are focused on how beautiful the home is or the awesome location.    

Don’t be afraid to ask the builder or realtor about the mechanical system, the R-value of the insulation, moisture in the basement, etc. Gather all the information you can—the performance stats—that will help make your decision easier.   

COMFORT COUNTS

I think some people never truly settle into their home—fall in love with their home—because they simply can’t get comfortable. There’s that window that always lets in a draft or the staircase with treads that are an inch too short. Things that were not built quite right or with inferior materials. The things that drive you nuts but seem too much of a project to take on yourself or will cost a lot to replace (the HVAC system that never seemed to work right). These issues take a toll on a homeowner, and they find themselves looking for a reason to sell. 

Here’s my point: When checking out a new home, whether having it built or buying a home with some years on it, carefully consider all the “comfort” aspects. If you find yourself saying, “Well, for the price, I can live with it …” or “It’s dark with those small windows,” listen to your gut. If these comfort-affecting items are even hinting at bothering you now, just imagine how annoying they will be years down the road, day after day. The little things matter a great deal in keeping you comfortable and content in your home.    

FIND THE RIGHT HOME INSPECTOR

Choosing the right home inspector can provide you peace of mind and reduce your stress—so invest some money on hiring a qualified, highly-recommended, and detail-oriented expert. They will ask the questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask. And provide you with a detailed report covering major features and any problem areas. A good inspector will note every flaw—this doesn’t mean all these issues are serious, but they are worth noting. This report can help you negotiate a discount on the purchase price if you choose to move ahead with the sale.   

If you’ve got a friend who is a building contractor, it doesn’t hurt to get their opinion as well. Tell them specifically that you are interested in how well the house will perform and likely cost you in terms of energy consumption. Ask them to point out what you should be on the lookout for (positive things such as modern energy-efficient appliances, properly sealed windows, doors, and HVAC vents and ducts) and what should cause you to run away (a foundation weakened by water damage). 

Buying a new home is not the time to be a shy introvert. Use your voice and ask questions—lots of questions. Let your inner Curious George run wild. Do your part to educate yourself and enlist the help of an expert. This may be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make and cause some stressful moments. But, when it’s all said and done, and you walk through the front door at night, surrounded by the comfort of your dream home—you realize it was all worth it.  

It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer