Buy new with Airhart Construction and avoid old problems with an existing home

Nov. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- With the good news of stabilizing housing sales and prices nationwide, and the lowest mortgage rates in decades, this is the time to be looking for and buying a home before prices begin to rise. However, with foreclosed and discounted existing properties on the market, it’s hard for home shoppers not to be tempted by the lure of low prices and quick sale bargains.

But price isn’t the only factor you should strongly consider when hunting for the right residence: Value is also measured in construction quality, longevity, design, comfort, efficiency, and resale potential, according to Court Airhart, president of West Chicago-based Airhart Construction.

“Today, people are looking to make their lives easier, more secure and comfortable. But what many home shoppers don’t realize is that, while low-priced foreclosure, short sale, or existing homes offer the prospect of a great deal, they may be choosing a property that could cost them more in the long run, which isn’t serving their needs both now and in the future,” said Airhart.

The best way to guarantee your contentment, safety, financial security, and ease of upkeep as a homeowner, Airhart said, is to purchase a new construction home from a quality builder with a renowned reputation.

“When you buy an older home, you’re taking on the responsibility of someone else’s old problems. Older homes regularly need to be retrofitted with replacement materials and components to stave off malfunction, damage, and obsolescence,” said Airhart. “The repair and maintenance time and expense required in an existing residence can be substantial—whether it’s a roof replacement, a new furnace, or a foundation crack that needs to be addressed.”

Additionally, homes built decades ago were fashioned for the needs and tastes of their times, which are now outdated. Floorplans and architectural styles of houses crafted in the 1970s and earlier often prove impractical, inefficient, and esthetically displeasing to today’s buyers.

“It is likely that the older home you have your eye on is not as functional for today’s family. It may have rooms and areas that can’t easily be converted into fresh living spaces,” said Airhart. “The kitchen may be small and completely isolated from adjacent rooms, making traffic flow and entertaining difficult. And this lack of flexibility and user-friendliness can be extremely challenging when it comes to resale.”

While an existing home may be in a relatively good state of repair, it may be inefficient at heating and cooling indoor spaces due to an aging HVAC system, lack of insulation, older windows, and insufficient weather-stripping. And that will translate into higher electricity and natural gas bills in months with extreme temperatures.

“You can avoid these headaches and higher future expenses by choosing to build a new home,” said Airhart. “When you purchase with a highly acclaimed builder like Airhart Construction, you can count on a modern, practical, and flexible floorplan designed around your lifestyle and preferences—a home that will certainly command more attention if you decide to sell years from now. And you don’t have to worry about expensive maintenance issues, because all the materials, appliances, and components are brand new, high quality and under warranty.”

In addition, every Airhart Construction home is Energy Star rated and built to meet at least the Bronze level of the National Association of Home Builders’ Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Other built-in amenities that ensure greater energy efficiency include 2’ x 6’ exterior walls, low-E windows, Nu-Wool insulation, R-38 attic insulation, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Airhart Construction also utilizes the latest upscale products and preferred materials, such as HardiPlank siding, roof shingles built to last up to 30 years, Tyvek home wrap and more.

“New home buyers also enjoy increased comfort. Excessive noise, cold and heat are kept out of the home, providing consistent temperatures between and across rooms,” Airhart said. “Indoor air quality is improved because HVAC systems are sized and vented appropriately to bring in fresh air and expel pollutants that are generated. And low-maintenance exteriors are designed to stand up to the elements, resulting in a home that will boast enhanced durability and lower ongoing maintenance costs.”

Airhart Construction homes are also backed by a comprehensive warranty, in addition to the warranties provided by the manufacturers of many of the appliances and materials it uses.

Customers can choose from dozens of ranch and two-story home styles at Airhart Construction’s numerous communities, which include single-family residences and low-maintenance townhomes.

To get a feel for the quality craftsmanship, generously standard inclusions, and outstanding value built into every Airhart Construction home, Airhart encourages shoppers to visit his firm’s new fully furnished Farmington model at its Fisher Farm community of 71 semi-custom single-family homes in Winfield.

Homes at Fisher Farm provide two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, built-in stainless steel appliances, a full unfinished basement, two-car attached garage, brick patio or deck, brick and stone exterior (per plan), direct-vent gas fireplace and oak floors. Each residence is fully landscaped with a generous variety of plants and foliage as well as fully sodded yards. Base prices start in the low $300,000s (all prices subject to change without notice). Sizes vary from 1,600 to over 3,000 square feet.

For a limited time, Airhart Construction is offering 50 percent off all selection options on any home at any of its locations until Thanksgiving (November 24). The builder is also offering discounts on a variety of select home sites—depending on the community selected, many of these lots offer cul-de-sac locations, golf course views or back up to a pond and open space areas.

“Now is the best time in history to buy a new home,” said Airhart, “and a new construction home is an investment that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.”

Located at 1N578 Golf View Lane in Winfield, The Farmington model is open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m., or by appointment. To reach the community, take I-355 to North Avenue (Rt. 64); head west to Gary Avenue; head south to St. Charles Road; proceed west to Taylor Drive; enter the subdivision and follow the signs to The Farmington model.

For more information, call (630) 665-5700 or visit www.airhartconstruction.com.

Over the last five decades, Airhart Construction has garnered a solid reputation for service and integrity while building homes of unsurpassed excellence. A family owned-and-operated home building business since 1964, Airhart Construction is an Energy Star Partner® home builder that builds Energy Star® qualified new homes. Airhart is currently offering custom and semi-custom residences at Fisher Farm in Winfield (Wheaton district 200 schools); Radcliff Ridge in Lisle (Naperville district 203 schools); The Reserves of Prince Crossing Farm in West Chicago; and at Courthouse Square (townhomes), Mackenzie Place (townhomes), Woodland Oaks, College Station (cottage homes), and Stoddard Avenue, all in Wheaton.