Denver House Hunting: New Construction vs. Resale

When you set out to find a home in Denver, you’ll be faced with a choice: buy something brand new, or a home that’s already been lived in. While both options have their place, it’s hard to ignore the benefits of new construction. 

We put the two side by side to show you how they stack up and where our Lokal communities in Denver come into play.

The Warranty Factor

Go with an existing property, and you are at the mercy of the last owner’s upkeep. You might get a water heater in decent shape or a roof with half its life left. For the most part, everything runs fine until the month you least expect it, and something gives out.

With a new home, things operate a little differently. Your HVAC, plumbing, appliances, and roof are all brand new and under warranty. 

You don’t have to bet your money on a stranger’s maintenance record.

Day One Savings on Utilities

With Front Range utility rates on the rise, it is hard to ignore the cost of water, gas, and electricity. 

New builds conform to today’s codes for a tighter structure, better insulation, and low-E windows.

Lokal homes are no exception. As part of the Colorado Complete program, we include a programmable thermostat and energy-efficient appliances as standard. 

The Colorado Energy Office can tell you how much energy is wasted in the state’s older housing stock; put a Lokal home next to one built thirty years ago, and you will see the gap on your monthly bill.

No Sticker Shock

Some think the base price of a new home is merely an opening bid until you hit the design center. Not so with us. What you see is what you pay. We have put quartz counters, Kohler fixtures, stainless steel, and soft-close cabinets in the base price, so there are no surprise fees. 

A resale home will have its share of dated floors and kitchens you have to put up with, along with the renovation bills that follow. 

A Straightforward Homebuying Process

Resale can mean competing offers and haggling over inspections, with the ever-present risk of a seller bailing. New construction is simple: one seller, a set timeline, and a much more predictable homebuying journey.

And let’s not forget about builder incentives. With a new home, you might be able to put some flex cash toward a rate buy-down or your down payment. It is an advantage that’s hard to find on the resale market.

Transparency

There is a certain transparency to building with Lokal. “Our construction managers go beyond the typical builder relationship. “ Says Abby Adams of Lokal Homes. “They communicate clearly, they're accessible, and having that expert walking through the home with you makes the whole process feel a lot less intimidating.” 

An old home will give you an inspection report and the seller’s word. That is about it.

Modern Details That Matter

With most resales, you’re bound to get some outdated finishes that you have to live with or pay to update. That’s not the case with new construction. For example, when you buy a Lokal Home, you’ll have Shaw flooring that can stand up to Colorado weather and whatever life tracks in. We finish the garage instead of leaving you with a dirty concrete box like you get with most resales. And in a townhome, our sound-dampening floor construction makes a major difference in your day-to-day life.

Your Home, and Only Your Home

Buying a home that’s never been lived in is hard to beat. No primer and paint to cover up the previous owner’s taste, no pet odors, no worn carpet. It is a clean slate. You may not think much of it in your day-to-day life, but that’s the point. It’s a non-issue. 

Buy a resale that smells like a mix of the previous owner’s cat and scented candle collection, and you’ll be longing for that clean, new home smell every day of your life.

New Home vs. Resale: Our Final Thoughts

If you want the character of an old bungalow or a mature lot with big trees in a neighborhood where nothing new is being put up, an existing home might be the answer. But if you want modern efficiency, the financial protection of a new home warranty, and a house that’s truly yours and only yours, new construction is the way to go.