It's a common misconception that new construction is always better than old. In reality, this isn't always the case - especially when it comes to construction quality. In many cases, new construction can be significantly worse than older buildings. Here we'll explore some of the reasons for this and what you can do to make sure you're getting the best quality possible in your new construction project.
One reason that new construction quality is often worse than older buildings is because of the way that construction companies operate. In order to save money, many construction companies cut corners on materials and labour. This can lead to subpar construction quality that can cause problems down the road. During the pandemic, we saw two factors that promoted poor quality in new construction: a decrease in the number of qualified workers, and an increase in the use of lower-quality materials due to shortages.
In terms of labour, we saw many workers leave the demanding trades industry and opt for roles in service-based industries that offered a more flexible lifestyle. To worsen the matter, the added stimulus the government imposed to jump-start the economy during 2020 and 2021, pushed housing demand higher as people saw real estate as a safe place to invest with low-interest rates. With the construction industry booming, labour came from many new workers who are inexperienced and don't have the proper training. This will lead to mistakes being made during the construction process that will impact the quality of the finished product.
Old Home
Pros: | Cons: |
Space | More wear & tear |
Thicker Walls | Will need to Renovate |
Better Parking | Outdated Heating System |
Big Rooms & Gardens | Less Energy Efficient |
New Home
Pros | Cons: |
Warranty - Tarion | Smaller Rooms |
Larger Windows | Thinner Walls (Noisy Interior) |
Energy Efficient | More Expensive (Often Times Much More) |
Less Maintenance Costs | Delays If Brand-New - Waiting On Builder |
Another reason that new construction quality is worse than older buildings is because of changes in building codes. Over time, building codes have become more stringent in fire codes, local zoning limits, and structural requirements, which is supposed to lead to an overall improvement in construction quality. However, these same changes can also make it more difficult and expensive to build new structures that meet the updated codes and stay within a tight budget. As a result, many builders choose to cut corners in order to save money, which can lead to lower quality construction.
So what can you do to make sure you're getting the best possible quality in your new construction project? The first step is to do your research. Make sure you're working with a reputable builder that has a good track record. Ask to see examples of their work and read online reviews. The second step is to be involved in the construction process. If possible, visit the job site regularly to check on progress and quality. If you see any red flags, don't hesitate to speak up and ask questions. Take lots of photos and raise all concerns in writing (usually email is effective enough).
Another way to protect yourself post-construction is to hire a home inspector, preferably one that focuses on new builds. New builds are warrantied under Tarion who will help go after the builder for deficiencies. Be aware that some items are warrantied for as little as one year, while some things carry a two-year or seven-year warranty. Check out the Tarion website for more detail on warranty: https://www.tarion.com/homeowners/your-warranty-coverage/warranty-outline.
Do you have any tips for ensuring quality in new construction? Share them in the comments below! And if you're looking for a reputable builder in the GTA, be sure to contact us for more details. We specialize in high-quality custom homes and can work with you to ensure your new home is everything you've dreamed of.
