Asheville NC Real Estate: Choosing Between Building and Buying

Deciding between building a new home or buying an existing one in the mountains of Western North Carolina can be a significant choice. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision about the best option for your lifestyle and budget when living in Asheville.

Table of Contents

• Customization and Personalization
• Time and Delays
• Utility Access and Environmental Impact
• Financing a Lot vs. Financing a Home
• Immediate Occupancy
• Cost Savings
• Compromising on Home Features
• Maintenance and Efficiency Concerns
• Choosing the Best Option
• FAQ

Customization and Personalization

When living in Asheville, one of the greatest advantages of building a new home is the ability to customize every aspect of it to fit your preferences and lifestyle. From choosing the floor plan and architectural style to selecting finishes and materials, or even the freedom to create your dream home from scratch, the customization and personalization options are endless. How fun is that?

Energy Efficiency

New homes often incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies such as advanced insulation, LED lighting, solar panels, and smart home systems. Building a new house allows you to optimize energy consumption, reduce utility bills, and minimize your environmental impact and your footprint.

Warranty and Reduced Maintenance

A newly constructed home typically comes with warranties for everything - appliances, structural components, and workmanship. This provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses. Additionally, new houses generally require less maintenance in the early years as the components are designed to function optimally.

Modern Amenities

Building a new home allows you to integrate all the modern technologies and features that align with your lifestyle. Whether it's a dedicated home office, a state-of-the-art kitchen, or a luxurious primary suite, you have the opportunity to incorporate the latest and greatest of everything technological.

Time and Delays

Building a house from the ground up is a time-consuming process, anywhere from 18 months to two years. It involves finding suitable land, obtaining permits, selecting an architect and a builder, overseeing the construction, and potential delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances that can further extend the timeline, requiring patience and flexibility.

Cost Considerations

Building a new house can be a little more expensive than purchasing an existing home. In addition to land costs, one needs to consider construction expenses, architectural fees, permits, and various other associated costs. It's crucial to establish a realistic budget and to prepare mentally for the financial commitment.

Building on a Mountainside

Building a home on the side of a mountain presents unique challenges and considerations compared to constructing a home on level land. Let's delve into some of these key differences and the factors to consider when building on a mountainside in Asheville.

Site Preparation and Stability

Building on a mountain often requires extensive site preparation, including excavation, grading, and terracing to create a level building pad. Stability assessments and engineering expertise are crucial to ensure a solid foundation that can withstand the natural forces acting on the mountain.

Septic System Considerations

Living in Asheville, especially outside the city limits, often requires a septic system. Mountainous terrain can present challenges for installing traditional septic tanks, potentially requiring alternative systems, which can significantly impact the overall cost of building a home.

Access and Transportation

Transporting construction materials and equipment to a mountainous site can be more difficult and costly compared to level land. Special arrangements and coordination with suppliers and contractors become critical due to steep, narrow roads, limited access points, and rugged terrain.

Landscaping and Visual Impact

The uneven topography of mountainside property presents opportunities and challenges for landscaping. Strategic grading, retaining walls, and terracing are essential for creating usable outdoor spaces and preserving the integrity of the mountainous ecosystem while maximizing the visual impact from various vantage points within the home.

Utilities and Environmental Impact

Mountainous areas may have limited access to utilities such as water, electricity, or sewage systems, requiring additional effort and cost to extend these services to a mountainside property. Alternative solutions such as well/septic systems or solar power may be significant considerations to minimize environmental impact and comply with local regulations.

Utility Access and Environmental Impact

When considering building a home on a mountainside in Asheville, it's essential to carefully evaluate these considerations and work closely with professionals who have expertise in mountainous construction and environmental preservation to create a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while meeting your lifestyle needs.

Extending Utilities to Mountainside Property

Mountainous areas may have limited access to utilities such as water, electricity, or sewage systems, requiring additional effort and cost to extend these services to a mountainside property.

Environmental Impact and Compliance with Local Regulations

Alternative solutions such as well/septic systems or solar power may be significant considerations to minimize environmental impact and comply with local regulations.

Financing a Lot vs. Financing a Home

When it comes to financing a lot versus financing a home, there are some differences to consider, especially when living in Asheville. Let's explore the unique aspects of financing a lot for your future home.

Special Financing for Lots

Lots are not financed the same way as homes and require special financing. Typically, you may need to put down a little more as a down payment and undergo surveys and Perc Tests as required by the lender.

Perc Test Considerations

A Perc Test is essential to ensure that a well and septic system can be installed on the lot. While it's not necessarily a permit, it provides crucial information for future construction.

Immediate Occupancy

When living in Asheville, purchasing an existing home offers the advantage of immediate occupancy. If the home is move-in ready, you can settle in as soon as the transaction is closed and the deed is recorded. This is especially beneficial if you have time constraints or prefer not to wait for construction to finish. Existing homes are often situated in established neighborhoods with developed infrastructure, community amenities, and a sense of community, providing convenience that may take years to establish in a new development.

Cost Savings

Buying an existing home in Asheville may offer cost savings compared to building a new house. Additionally, there's potential for negotiation on the purchase price, depending on the market, allowing you to secure a better deal. You can easily finance it, depending on your credit and debt.

Compromising on Home Features

When considering purchasing an existing home in Asheville, compromising on certain aspects of your home search is inevitable. This may involve accepting the layout, design, and finishes that someone else has chosen. Keep in mind that modifications and upgrades may require additional time and investment. It's essential to acknowledge that compromise is a normal part of the process, and being able to get about 85% of your wishes is a great achievement. Consider what you can live with now and what aspects you can change later to align the home with your preferences.

Maintenance and Efficiency Concerns

Already constructed homes may require more maintenance and repairs due to wear and tear and the age of the property. Updates and renovations may be necessary, adding to the overall expense of the home. Additionally, older homes may not offer the same level of energy efficiency as newer constructions, which is an important consideration for long-term cost savings and environmental impact.

Choosing the Best Option

Deciding between building a new house and buying an existing home in Asheville involves weighing the pros and cons to align with your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Building a new home offers customization, energy efficiency, and modern amenities, while purchasing an existing home provides immediate occupancy, established neighborhoods, and potential cost savings. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that brings you closer to your dream home in this captivating region of Western North Carolina.

FAQ

How long does it typically take to build a house from the ground up?

Building a house from scratch usually takes between 18 months to two years. This includes all stages from finding land to completing construction.

What types of warranties come with a newly constructed home?

Newly constructed homes typically come with warranties that cover appliances, structural components, and workmanship. These warranties provide protection against unexpected repairs and expenses.

What are the key differences between financing a lot and financing a home?

Financing a lot typically requires a higher down payment, specific surveys, and tests like a Perc Test. Home financing usually has more straightforward terms and doesn't require these additional steps.

Are there any additional costs associated with financing a lot?

Yes, aside from a higher down payment, you might incur costs for required surveys and Perc Tests. These are necessary to ensure the land is suitable for building.

Explore Your Options in Western North Carolina

Ready to make the mountains of Western North Carolina your home? Whether you're leaning towards building a custom retreat or finding a cozy existing home in Asheville, our team can help you weigh the pros and cons! Let's find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and budget!

Phone: (828) 523-9211
Email:  beth@livinginasheville.com
Website:  www.livinginasheville.com