For some Ann Arbor Home Buyers only a Brand Spanking New home will do. If that’s YOU … then you’re in luck. The prices of New Construction Homes in the Ann Arbor area, along with other types of Ann Arbor area real estate, have dropped significantly. In some instances, you can purchase a Brand New Ann Arbor Home for less than a $100 per square foot. This price in many cases includes:
- Granite counter tops
- Real hardwood flooring
- Central Air Conditioning
- Fully Sodded lots
- Dimensional 25 Year Shingles
- Energy-Efficient H20 Heater – A/C Unit – Gas Furnace
- City Water and Sewer
- Ceramic Tile Flooring in Baths
- Quality Merillat Cabinetry
- Ann Arbor Schools
- And More….
ADVANTAGES TO BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION
I often hear clients say that one of their main reasons for buying New Construction is that they get to be the very first owners/occupants of the property. These buyers prefer a new home over a resale home(used home), where the house may have had multiple owners or tenants living in it. There is something psychological for these clients about being the first occupant in a new home.
Another advantage of purchasing new construction is that you’re getting the most up-to-date products that go into building your new home. Like all technology- building products and materials used to construct your home are constantly being improved upon….as are the actual construction processes themselves.
The big improvement of late has been the energy efficiency of today’s new homes. Many Ann Arbors Area Home Builders are aware of the fact that energy conservation and the costs of heating and cooling a home are at the top of their customers list of concerns. For this reason, many local Builders go above and beyond the minimum standards required by local and state building codes when it comes to the energy efficiency of the home.
THERE ARE THREE TYPES of NEW CONSTRUCTION
A Semi-Custom Build
Most builders have a set number (usually 5-7) of home plans/models and home-sites that they offer clients. Buyers pick the model/plan/home-site that best meets their requirements and contract with the builder to build that home. An advantage of buying a new home this way is buyers are able to personalize their home.
In most instances (depending on the builder’s flexibility) buyers can even select items like brick ,siding and shingle color, carpeting style/color, cabinetry style & finish for example. Again, depending on the builder, you may be able to do some customization of the actual floor-plan as well. Perhaps make a room larger or move a wall.
A Custom Build
Now, if you want complete flexibility when it comes to personalizing your new home, then you may want to consider having your home Custom built, by a builder of your choice. When you choose the Custom Build path, you will have complete control over every aspect of the home …right down to the color and style of the electrical outlets. Also, you’ll have the flexibility to build your new dream home in the area that you find attractive and suits your location needs.
Usually, you would start with an architect who will design a home for you based on your needs, wants and budget requirements. The architect would provide you with a complete set of blue prints/drawings of the home design for you to give to your builder (to give you a cost to build amount) and to the local building department, so they could issue all of the necessary building permits. Now be aware, this can easily cost you thousands of dollars for these drawings/plans, depending on the size and complexity of your home.
To save money on these fees, some people find a home design/plan in one of the many Home Plan Magazines or Websites that meets most of their needs and then have an architect tweak those plans. Now granted, this option may not be feasible for you, especially if you have very specific style home in mind.
A Spec-Home Purchase
Some Ann Arbor area builders have what is called ‘Spec’ homes or ‘Move-In Ready’ homes available for purchase. These homes are completely built and are usually ready for quick occupancy. So, if you’re in need of a new home quickly, this option may work best for you. Unlike the two other types of new construction mentioned above, these homes are finished and leave you little or no options for changes. Again, if you need to move into a home quickly and you want New Construction and find a ‘Spec Home’ that meets your needs – then this 
option is for you.
If you are looking to build a new home in Ann Arbor, Saline or Canton, I am representing two of Southeast Michigans most experienced and quality minded home builders- Livonia Builders and Brealt Homes. They are currently building high- quality and affordable new homes in The Woodlands of Arbor Ridge in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the popular Torwood subdivision in Saline, Michigan and in the very desirable Canton, Michigan community Cherry Hill Village. Click here for a tour of homes.
I hope you have found this information helpful. I’ve only just scratched the surface regarding the New Construction options. There are many additional factors to be considered when it comes to buying New Construction. As well as being a Licensed Ann Arbor Realtor - I am also Licensed Residential Builder. So, please feel free to call or click to ask me any Ann Arbor New Home Construction questions.
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