Buying

The Hidden Costs of Staying Put vs. Buying a New Construction Home

new construction home

Many homeowners believe it’s worth staying in their current home even if it doesn’t suit their lifestyle needs because it is the least expensive option. However, if you consider the long-term costs of staying in a home that no longer suits your needs, is not energy efficient and needs frequent maintenance or major renovation, staying put may not be worth it.


Whether it’s outdated features, aging materials or simply the wear and tear of everyday life, older homes can quickly become financial drains. On the flip side, buying a new construction home offers a fresh start and significant financial and lifestyle benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.


Even if you’re considering buying a newer preexisting home, you may find that in many U.S. states, it could still cost you more than a newly built home. According to a 2023 StorageCafe study, there are at least 18 states where it’s less expensive to buy a new construction home than a preexisting one. Coupled with the other advantages of a new home, buying a new construction home makes good financial sense for many home buyers.

The Rising Costs of Home Maintenance and Renovations

One of the biggest hidden costs of staying in your current home is the ongoing need for maintenance and repairs. As homes age, systems and materials inevitably break down or become outdated, requiring substantial investment to keep the home functioning properly and looking its best.


The average costs of some of the major remodeling projects homeowners face today:

Major kitchen remodel (midrange): $80,809

A well-functioning kitchen is essential, but kitchens in older homes often need significant updates—new cabinetry, appliances, countertops and flooring. These upgrades add up quickly, making kitchen remodels one of the most expensive projects homeowners will face.

Universal design bathroom remodel: $42,105

A universal design bathroom remodel could be necessary to enhance safety and accessibility. This expense can be crucial for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes long-term.

Asphalt shingle roof replacement: $31,535

Roofing typically has a 20–30-year lifespan. If the old roofing has needed to be replaced for a while, it could be leaking and causing expensive damage to your home. Either way, you’re looking at a major expense to replace it.

Fiber cement siding replacement: $22,093

Protecting your home from the elements often requires maintaining or replacing the siding. Over time, older siding materials can fail from exposure to the elements, leading to costly repairs.


While these projects enhance the value of your home, they come at a steep price. Even after these renovations, older homes can still incur costly maintenance issues because of outdated electrical systems, plumbing repairs or inefficient windows that drive up energy bills.

Avoiding the Stress and Disruption of Renovations

Renovating an older home doesn’t just come with a financial cost, it also means months of disruption to your daily life. Contractors in and out of your home, dust, debris, noise and unexpected delays are all common issues that can make the renovation process feel overwhelming.


On the other hand, purchasing a new construction home offers a fresh, move-in-ready experience designed to suit your tastes. You can settle into a brand-new space with everything you need including new appliances, new systems and plenty of storage where you need it.

The Lifestyle Benefits of Buying New

While staying in an older home often comes with an ongoing list of projects and repairs, a new construction home eliminates most of these headaches. New homes are constructed using advanced materials, cutting-edge technologies and modern design principles, ensuring they are more energy-efficient, easier to maintain and tailored to modern lifestyles.

  • Lower maintenance costs: New homes are constructed with durable materials that require less upkeep. From high-performance siding to modern roofing and windows, you can forget about costly repairs or replacements for many years to come.
  • Energy efficiency: Modern homes are crafted to comply with current energy regulations, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating, cooling and everyday activities. This leads to lower utility costs, helping you save money each month.
  • Updated floor plans: Modern homes are designed to suit today’s lifestyles, featuring open-concept layouts, spacious kitchens and versatile areas that boost both comfort and functionality—qualities that older homes often lack.
  • Customization without renovation: Unlike older homes that require extensive remodeling and renovation to meet your lifestyle preferences, new construction homes offer the ability to choose structural options, finishes and fixtures during the building process, ensuring that your new home is exactly how you desire it from day one.

The Long-Term Financial Advantage of New Construction

In addition to the initial costs of renovating and maintaining an older home, there’s also the consideration of how these expenses impact the long-term value of your property. Older homes often appreciate more slowly than new homes and may require continuous updates to maintain their value.


A new construction home, however, is built to current market standards and trends, giving it a competitive edge in terms of resale value. Also, new homes usually come with a home builder warranty to protect your investment.

Buying a New Home is a Smarter Choice

When you weigh the hidden costs of staying put—whether it’s expensive renovations, ongoing maintenance or the stress of living with an outdated home design—against the advantages of a new construction home, the financial and lifestyle benefits of buying a new construction home become clear. You not only save money on costly repairs and upgrades, but you also gain a home that’s designed to fit your needs both now and in the future.

Epcon Communities

Epcon Communities offers thoughtfully designed, low-maintenance homes in desirable locations across the county. With features like single-level living, private courtyards, and your choice of structural options and finishes. Your Epcon home will make life easier and more enjoyable from the moment you move in.


If you’re tired of living with the constant upkeep of an older home, contact us to find a new home that’s perfect for you now and into the future.