What are the pros and cons of building a house from scratch versus buying an old house and remodeling?

Public Comments

  1. Pro - you know the materials are new and safer healthwise if you build from scratch, and you have the choice of building on land in an area where you want to live. Con - it can be more exspensive using all those services compared to using only a couple for renovating, but building a new house also take longer than renovating. My choice - I'd build new if I had the time and money.
  2. pro's new houses tend to look better con's not built to last like the old houses...a house built in the early 1900's can take a lot more of natures wrath than a new home.
  3. Well I know from experience that buying new might seem like great idea and it is for the most part except if things aren't done right. For example do research on the contractors before you settle into anything. Right now we bought new we have been in our house for almost 1 year and we have a list of about 60 problems nothing major but problems just the same that need to be fixed before the year is up. I wanted to buy a old house because I thought fixing it up would be a lot of fun but at the time there was none on the market that I liked. I'd say for Remodeling an older house just make sure you get a good inspection done make sure you know what you will be getting into. Good Luck
  4. BUILDING A HOUSE: PROS: brand new. live comfortably, knowing all the glory you have by owning ur own house. CONS:cast a large amount, maybe even have to pay for 30 years. BUYING AN OLD HOUSE: PROS: Don't have to wait as long. costs less. even when u see it, doesnt look very old. depending on the house. CONS:as you enter, there could be stains or whatever. may have pests and rodents. REMODELING: PROS: dont have to pay monthly. No hard adjustments to moving. costs less than the previous two. CONS: mistakes can destroy ur house.
  5. Don't build a house from scratch it will take a very long time to be finished I'm talking years here, and it will cost twice as much , if you want a new house search for nice new communities in your area and buy a new home that's already built.