When you’re starting your search for a new home in New Jersey you pay a lot of attention to location and design. Naturally, you also pay attention to what your new home is going to cost you. That’s simply the prudent thing to do.

It’s important, however, when you’re considering cost that you don’t just look at the price tag. You want to look at the quality of the construction and of the community in which you’ll be building. When you look at the design, you want to look at more than the aesthetics. You want to consider how well the design works for your family.  A beautiful home that’s not comfortable won't work out in the long run.

What’s really important is what you get for the money you spend. That’s why it’s essential to weigh cost and value when making your decision about where to live. Sometimes that’s a little tricky.  A difference in cost is immediately apparent. The true value of something you purchase sometimes takes longer to become evident.

The main factors in the difference of cost when buying a home are location, quality of materials, and labor.  Let’s look at those briefly.

• Location: Some lots cost more than others. That could depend on the desirability of the property (including the surrounding area). It can also be influenced by the size of the lot, and on how easy the lot is to build on. Even a nice-looking lot, however, won’t retain its value if it’s not in an area people want to live.
• Material Quality: Higher quality materials simply cost more. Marble or granite counters cost more than Formica counters. The same is true throughout a home. But it’s important to distinguish between initial cost and long-term value.  Granite countertops will hold up longer and they will also improve a home’s sales potential.
• Labor: There is just no getting around it—a skilled craftsman costs more than a laborer. Once again, however, you tend to get what you pay for.  A home that’s built well and properly will hold up much better than a hastily constructed home that’s hammered together by someone who worked at a retail store last week.
• Design: It really makes sense to add design to the equation. Good design drives quality as much as labor and materials.  When you combine great design with great craftsmanship and quality materials, it’s a winning combination that delivers long-term value. Part of great design includes flexibility. That’s why if you look at any of the Country Classics floor plans, you’ll see that there are plenty of options to make those homes better fit your specific needs.

Nobody can afford to ignore cost when building a new home, no matter what the budget may be.  But make sure you evaluate the cost against the value you get for the money you spend.  That’s how you end up with a home you’ll love for a long time.