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Convenience
Kitchens in new homes usually have dishwashers, microwaves and other appliances built-in for convenience. Nearly all new homes are built with convenient central heating and, in warm climates, central air conditioning. There are more electrical outlets, as well as outlets for cable TV and telephone. Bathrooms often have more convenient features such as vanity cabinets, large mirrors and medicine cabinets, whirlpool tubs and easy-to-clean tub enclosures. |
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Safety
Occupants of new homes are almost six times less likely to die from fire than people who live in older homes.
Many new homes have hard-wired smoke detectors with battery back-up on every level. Usually, they are interconnected so that if one detector alarm sounds, they all sound. The battery feature allows detectors to function even when the power goes out.
Space heaters and wood stoves, the second leading cause of fire deaths, are not needed in new homes because of more efficient central heating systems, better windows and insulation.
Electrical power systems in new homes are properly sized for the heavier electrical demands of modern homes, and wiring systems are less likely to cause fires. There also are more receptacles so people need fewer extension cords which can overload circuits, trip people and start fires if they become worn.
Circuit breakers have replaced fuse boxes which can be overloaded. Ground fault interrupters for bathrooms, kitchens, and outside receptacles reduce the chance of fire and electrocution.
Glass in tub enclosures and patio doors in new homes must be tempered so that it will crumble if broken instead of shattering into large jagged pieces. |
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Health
Much has been learned about health risks of certain home building products in recent years. The industry has responded by building with products and systems that make new homes better for your health.
Asbestos has been eliminated from insulation, shingles, pipe, cement board, roof tar, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles. If asbestos becomes airborne, it can increase the risk of respiratory diseases.
Lead can cause many physical and mental ailments. It is not used as an ingredient in paint or solder for plumbing. Formaldehyde emissions from particle board and plywood have been greatly reduced in new homes. And urea-formaldehyde finishes on most kitchen cabinets are now baked or cured to minimize any emissions.
Builders are now installing systems to control radon gas where it can be a problem. These systems usually include installation of gravel and polyethylene beneath basement floors and concrete slabs, and provide for later installation of vent pipes and fans, if required. Older homes frequently have no gravel in which to collect the gas, no polyethylene film to retard movement of the gas through the floor, and no vent pipes. Mitigating radon from existing homes is generally far more expensive than building radon prevention techniques into a new home. |
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Energy efficiency
Because of better windows, more efficient central heating and cooling equipment, better control of air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, new homes consume half as much energy as homes built prior to 1980. Old homes tend to be drafty and less comfortable than one built by today's standards. Also, frost and condensation are more likely to appear on windows of an older home, drip down, and cause deterioration of wood trim and walls. |
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Less maintenance
New homes are available with rock, brick, siding, windows and trim that never need painting. Wood decks are typically built of pressure-treated lumber which resists rot and insects. Pressure-treated wood is also used where wood comes in contact with concrete. |
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