When you’re visualising your ideal home, there are many different forms it might take. For example, it might be an older period property, or at the other end of the spectrum, it could be a brand-new contemporary building. New builds are a unique opportunity to imprint your own personal touches, tastes and design ideas into your project.
As a practice, we’re big fans of working with existing buildings to create low energy, forever homes. However, there are a wide range of benefits of new builds, and below, we’ve listed some of the biggest advantages of opting for a new build. So, take a read of our post below to find out more, and if you would like to kickstart your new build journey today – then please get in touch via the contact details at the bottom of this post.
No VAT
Currently, a new build home is exempt from VAT for materials and labour. This is a significant saving compared to working with an existing building where the materials and labour still attract VAT at the full rate.
You Start with a Clean Slate
An existing house is already in a fixed position with a set orientation and access. Whilst you can do a lot to change the internals and the externals of an existing home there are always some fundamentals that end up immovable. With a new build, you can start from scratch and make the best of the bits of the site you like the most and maximise the best views and microclimate.
You also have more opportunity to orientate your home to get the best chance of solar gain in the winter whilst minimising summer overheating.
They can be More Energy Efficient
Retaining an existing building and retrofitting it is generally lower carbon than building a new home. However, new builds are much easier to achieve the very highest levels of energy performance and comfort. For a new build home, we will always start with the Passivhaus standard, which makes for an incredibly energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy home.
A new build allows you to be very clear about your energy and comfort priorities and not be constrained by an existing orientation; geometry or construction.
Everything is Completely New
The clue is in the name; new build. With this type of property, no one will have previously lived in it, so there will be no wear and tear, or damage, for you to deal with when you move in. This will be a brand-new home with your own distinct mark on it; and it’ll come with no horrible surprises and baggage from previous owners. As a result, there will generally be far less maintenance involved for you as the owner.
A New Build Warranty
We generally recommend a new build warranty. This means, like with any other new thing you purchase, you’re protected if anything does go wrong in the first few years of ownership. This gives you further peace of mind and is a clear advantage over buying an existing property.
A Healthier, Happier Lifestyle
With all things considered, a new build gives you a unique opportunity to design your lifestyle and your home; something which can be more limited in an existing property. At HEM Architects, we can project manage your new build from beginning to end, providing you with a first-class service that covers every aspect of the architectural design process.
Require a leading Architect for your new build project?
If you are searching for an architect to assist you with your new build project, then HEM Architects is the company for you to choose. We are leaders in architectural projects of all sizes and scales, creating homes that are transformative and liveable for future generations.
Our experienced architects have delivered a number of successful projects of all sizes, working to meet unique client requirements and needs. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish, from the first consultation through to the final delivery and completion of the project.