As new home buyers walk into a builder’s model home, they frequently get caught up in today’s standards of open floor plans, walk-in closets, and gourmet kitchens. While these are all important features to consider when purchasing a new home, there are more substantial and much more tangible elements within the decision that need to be reviewed. One of the most important benefits of purchasing a new construction home, and one of the biggest decision factors, is the lower cost of maintenance.

​A simple fact is this – all manmade or manufactured products have an expected life span. Daily usage, normal wear and tear, and the weather all play a key role in determining a given product’s life span. Buying a home is no different.

This blogger will admit, 100 year old houses offer character and charm that is unsurpassed by new construction homes. They also offer leaky roofs, broken pipes, energy eating appliances, windows that require plastic in winter, and hours and hours of maintenance. As a result, new construction homes grow more and more desirable to America’s lifestyles and are becoming the mainstream.

As you walk through that builder’s beautiful model, look past the gourmet kitchen. Look at the energy efficient appliances, the up to date plumbing, and the low maintenance exterior. When buying your dream home, make sure you can have plenty of time to enjoy your dream home. This allowance for free time means staying focused on quality, construction, and focusing on purchasing new construction homes.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow

Yes! Reviewing a builder’s price for square foot for a new construction home is a one task every new home buyer should do before signing a contract. While some home buyers may consider this data point immaterial, price per square foot varies drastically between home builders and geographical areas. It helps differentiate one new construction builder from the rest.
Let’s use Ann Arbor, Michigan as a reference point. While the latest monthly average for price per square foot was $124, the highest figure was closer to $500. This average was down from $130 a year ago and can still change dramatically based on the exact location within Ann Arbor. This number will also see larger shifts as a new home buyer moves out of the city to the quieter areas of Livingston county or Oakland county.
Regardless of your location, price per square foot is a good reference point to measure home builder against home builder. While the feature list, school district, and area crime rates will alter this number, it should not change significantly if the comparison is done in a relatively small geographical area and for the same level of home.
Elkow Homes utilizes price per square foot to measure the true value provided to new home buyers. Elkow Homes offers the lowest price per square foot for South Lyon and Lyon Township homes within the same home class. A $90 per square foot, home buyers receive their dream house at an economical and affordable price. This focus on value and quality is the focus of the Elkow Homes’ pledge.

Article by:  Jennifer Elkow