Building Forward

Category: Tips

First Time Buyer? Consider a New Construction Home

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It’s also likely to be one of your most expensive purchases, so it’s important that you do your research and consider all of your options. One of those options is whether to purchase a newly constructed home or a resale home.

Here are some reasons why first-time homebuyers should strongly consider buying new construction when they are in the market for their first home.

Low maintenance

When you purchase a new construction home, you don’t have to worry about dealing with repairs right away. Many older homes require some sort of repair or update before they can be considered livable. This can be time-consuming and costly. With a new construction home, however, you get all the latest upgrades and technology fully functional and ready to move into right away! This means less immediate maintenance and more time to enjoy your new place sooner.

Energy efficiency

Many new construction homes come with energy-efficient appliances like smart thermostats that help reduce your monthly utility bills. Not only do these features help save money on bills, but they can also improve your quality of life by providing better air circulation, noise reduction, and other comfort benefits. Additionally, new construction homes are built with the latest in efficient technology, building materials, and standards so your home is more efficient from the ground up.

Janice Glessner, the Online Sales and Marketing Manager at S&A Homes recommends homebuyers ask potential builders for “proof of the home’s energy-efficiency through a Home Energy Rating Score. “This can translate to hundreds of dollars, even thousands, saved every year depending on where and how you live.” (Realtor.com)

Customization possibilities

Buyers gain from being able to customize their home according to their personal taste with a range of color options and finishes available giving them the ability to create a unique look that fits their lifestyle perfectly! Whether it’s painting walls or changing fixtures or countertops, buyers have full control over how they want their space to look and feel when it’s complete – something that cannot be achieved with existing homes.

Warranty coverage

A major benefit of purchasing a newly constructed home is that it comes with a warranty coverage plan from the builder. This ensures any potential issues or defects within the home are taken care of quickly without making homeowners incur additional costs down the line. At S&A, we provide a 10-year warranty that’s fully transferable for our homebuyers’ convenience and peace of mind. Our dedicated Customer Care Department is on hand to simplify the claims process.

New construction homes by S&A Homes

Ultimately, the decision to buy a new construction home depends on your priorities and timeline. S&A Homes has a long history of building quality new construction homes throughout central and south-central Pennsylvania. Our new home communities are located in desirable neighborhoods.

We offer several new construction options for first-time buyers. Buyers with a longer timeline can build a new home from the ground up with us. Our experienced team will walk you through every step of the building process. Choose from building in one of our many new home communities or on your own land.

Want a new construction home without the wait of building from scratch? Check out our quick move-in homes as well as our Streamline Series of plans. Our Streamline collection of plans come with the same construction quality that S&A Homes is known for with a faster build time.

We hope you’ll consider S&A Homes when you’re ready to make the move into a new construction home. We invite you to learn more about new home opportunities from S&A Homes throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. Call 1-855-SAHOME1 or visit www.SAHomeBuilder.com to learn more about our new home communities, floorplans, and more.

February 17, 2023
Designing a Nursery You’ll Love

As a new parent, designing a nursery can be an intimidating task. There are many things to consider and decisions to make like color schemes, furniture selection, and safety concerns. To help make the process easier, we’ve outlined some tips and tricks that you can use to create a nursery that is both inviting and practical for everyday use.

Plan the layout and furniture

The first step in designing any room is determining the size of the space you have to work with. Measure the square footage of the room and decide on the type of layout you would like to have in the nursery. The nursery should be sectioned into zones for sleeping, nursing, changing, and playing so you can easily take care of the baby. Find the best placement for the essential furniture like the crib, changing table, and rocking chair you’ll use for nursing based on the available space. Here are some layout options if you need some ideas.

When it comes to planning what furniture to include in the nursery, size matters. Make sure whatever furniture you choose will fit in the room comfortably with enough room left over for your little one to explore. Don’t feel pressured to buy new or baby-specific furniture. You can get creative and use furniture your child can grow into so it doesn’t need to be replaced as they grow.

Choose colors, fabrics, and accessories

Now it’s time for the fun part: choosing colors, fabrics, and accessories! Try not to overload with too much color or too many patterns – this can make the space feel overwhelming. Go for a simple but stylish look to create an inviting atmosphere while still being practical. Bed linens are also important when creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Look for organic materials that are soft and cozy yet breathable such as cotton muslin or jersey knit sheets.

Adding wall decorations helps bring life into the nursery while still keeping a calm atmosphere. Think about hanging artwork such as prints or framed photographs of family members that can become part of special memories later on in life with your little one.

Lighting options

The nursery’s primary purpose is for sleeping. It’ll be important to control the light and noise in the space. Blackout shades will reduce light and make it easier for your little one to sleep during the day and thick pile rugs and drapes can dampen the noise from around the house.

In addition, you’ll need adequate lighting in the room. Layer overhead lights with task lighting to provide bright illumination during diaper changes but also a cozy ambiance during nighttime feedings or lullabies.

Pillows and toy in white wooden crib with pastel pink blanket in bright nursery

Storage solutions

Storage solutions are essential for any nursery design plan because they provide easy access to all of the baby’s essentials without taking up too much space. Look for storage options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing; shelves with decorative baskets or drawers with colorful knobs can add character while still providing ample storage space for toys or clothing items.

Safety considerations

When designing your nursery, it is important to consider potential hazards such as electrical outlets or sharp edges on furniture pieces. Make sure that all electrical outlets are covered and all furniture pieces are securely attached to walls or floors (if necessary). Keep any small items away from curious little hands by using secure storage solutions or hiding them in cabinets or drawers with childproof locks.

Designing a nursery doesn’t have to be stressful; by following our tips and tricks outlined above you should have no trouble creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of practical storage solutions thrown into the mix too.

Whether you’re looking for more space to grow your family or need extra room for a new arrival, we hope you’ll consider us. S&A Homes offers a variety of new home communities and floorplans in the most sought-after locations in Pennsylvania. We can also build your dream home on your own land! For more details, visit us at SAHomebuilder.com.

February 7, 2023
Energy Efficiency Tips for Your New S&A Home

Making your new S&A home more energy efficient is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, save money and ensure a comfortable living environment. Here are some tips on how you can make your home more energy efficient.

Use Natural Light

One of the most cost-effective ways to save electricity and reduce energy consumption in your home is to take advantage of natural light whenever possible. Open up blinds and curtains throughout the day and let the sun’s rays fill up your space so that you don’t have to turn on an extra lamp or two when trying to read.

Change Lightbulbs

Choosing energy-efficient lighting like LED or CFL bulbs over traditional incandescent ones can save hundreds of dollars annually on your electricity bill while remaining eco-friendly at the same time. LED and CFL bulbs last up to 25 times longer, use 75% less electricity than their counterparts, provide better quality lighting overall, and come in a variety of customizable colors depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Insulate Windows & Doors

Inadequate insulation around windows and doors can be a major source of air leaks in any home – letting warm air escape during winter months or cold air escape during summer months. Even with double-paned windows present, insulation around frames should still be sealed tightly for additional protection. Install weatherstripping around cracks within frames for maximum efficiency.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Upgrading older models of appliances with newer, ENERGY STAR-certified ones can drastically reduce energy usage throughout the home while still providing optimal results – especially when it comes to laundry machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Not only do these appliances require less power than other models (which means lower bills), but they are also often quieter as well due to their increased efficiency ratings points overall.

Utilize Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow you to regulate temperatures throughout the entire house without having to manually adjust settings each time you want to change them. This means that no matter which room you’re in, temperatures will always be ideal allowing you to have greater control over heating and cooling costs year-round. Additionally, many smart thermostats come with learning functionalities that allow the device itself to take note of temperature preferences over time.

Unplug chargers and turn off electronics

To reduce wasted energy, it’s important to unplug chargers and other electronics when they’re not being used. These secret energy vampires quietly drain energy when left plugged in when not in use. Energy.gov notes the average charger consumes 0.26 watts of energy when idle and 2.24 watts when connected to your device.

Maintain your HVAC systems

Tuning your HVAC system is a great way to keep your home energy efficient. By adjusting air filters, checking for air leaks, and inspecting the ducts regularly, you can make sure that your HVAC system is working properly and not wasting energy. With proper maintenance of your HVAC system, you can save money on energy bills while also keeping your home comfortable.

Energy-Efficient New Construction Homes by S&A Homes

S&A’s eHomes are designed to be eco-friendly, energy efficient, and healthier without sacrificing a home’s value. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve by including cutting edge energy efficient technology in every home we build. We focus on the whole house – not just components.

You can rest assured knowing your S&A home has been built to the highest construction standards with quality energy efficient materials. To learn more about S&A Homes and our energy-efficient new homes, visit Life in a S&A Home.

January 31, 2023
Key Qualities to Look for in a New Home Builder

When it comes to building a new home in Central Pennsylvania, selecting the right homebuilder is one of the most important decisions you will make. It’s essential to carefully research and evaluate each builder you are considering to ensure you are making an informed decision. We uncover the key qualities you should look for when choosing a new home builder in central Pennsylvania.

1.    A solid reputation

A good reputation is one of the most important qualities of any homebuilder. You can start by doing some online research and check customer feedback and ratings to gauge reliability and trustworthiness. Most importantly, talk to other homeowners who have purchased homes from that builder as they have direct experience with the builder’s process and results. You may also want to ask your real estate agent for referrals or their experience with local builders.

2.    Building experience

Experience matters when it comes to building homes. You want to make sure you choose a home builder who is capable of completing the job in a timely and efficient manner. When interviewing builders, ask about their past projects, particularly those similar to your project to make sure they have an established track record for success.

3.    Uses quality materials

It is important to make sure that your builder uses quality materials in their work. Ask about the grade of materials that will be used, whether there are any extra costs associated with upgrades, and whether you will pay more for better materials upfront or during construction. It may also be helpful to request samples so that you can inspect them up close.

4.    Attention To Detail

Investigate how well builders pay attention to design elements such as trim and fixtures. Consider reviewing online portfolios or examples of previous projects for a better understanding of their capabilities in this area; this could help determine whether or not their style matches yours.

5.    Flexibility and adaptability

Life inevitably throws curve balls at us every once in a while. If your prospective builder cannot handle change then they may not be right for your project. It may be helpful to check if they have processes in place that allow them to easily adjust plans according to changing requirements or unexpected challenges such as bad weather conditions or supply delays. so your project runs smoothly throughout its duration.

6.    Clear communication

Last but certainly not least, communication is key! Discuss clear communication policies so expectations are established from both parties involved in the project; this will help avoid miscommunication down the line during the construction process itself or after it’s complete when dealing with ongoing maintenance or repairs issues that may arise over time. Establish response times for questions or concerns that arise during or after construction is complete. Ultimately you want a new home builder who will provide timely responses and feedback throughout your entire build.

By keeping these essential qualities in mind, you can rest assured knowing you have selected an experienced and reliable home builder who can meet both your needs and budget – resulting in a dream house you’ll love.

At S&A Homes, we believe building a home shouldn’t be a hassle. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during the new home process with us.

Finding the right new home builder to partner with on your new home is important. We hope you’ll consider building your new home with S&A Homes. To learn more about our amazing new home opportunities where we build in Central and South-Central Pennsylvania, including build on your lot, call 1-855-SAHOME1 or visit www.SAHomeBuilder.com.

January 24, 2023
Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a Home Office

Working from home has become increasingly popular as many companies are now offering remote work arrangements. With this shift to working remotely, it’s important to set up a productive and comfortable workspace in your new construction home. Here are some tips to optimize your workspace for maximum productivity and efficiency.

Choose the right space

The first step is finding the right spot in your new home for your office. Ideally, you should try to separate work and living spaces as much as possible to keep work-related stress from spilling into other areas of your home life. It also allows for more mental clarity when switching between tasks.

Converting an extra bedroom into an office is a common solution. Other remote workers set up a workspace in a dedicated area of a shared living space. Many of our home plans offer options for a dedicated office or den space that can serve as your home office without needing to give up a bedroom.

Investing in quality furniture

Ergonomic comfort is critical when setting up an effective workspace at home. Investing in quality furniture can be beneficial in promoting proper posture and avoiding strain on the body throughout long hours of work. Desks and chairs should be at elbow height or higher for comfortable typing on the computer. Adjustable standing desks also offer great alternatives if you prefer to stand while you work.

Lighting matters

Lighting plays an important role in creating a productive environment at home. Natural light is ideal because it reduces eye strain during long hours of screen time while also increasing alertness and productivity levels throughout the day. Supplement natural light with task lighting so your home office is properly lit in case you need to work late into the night.

Cleaning & decluttering

Keeping things clean is essential for maintaining focus and staying organized throughout the day – especially if multiple people are sharing a single workspace. Shelves, cabinets, and drawers can help keep items organized while offering convenient access when needed later on. A neat space will go a long way toward helping you stay motivated and productive during work hours!

Business man typing on laptop computer

Personalize your workspace

An often-overlooked perk of working from home is the complete freedom to decorate your workspace exactly how you want. Incorporate photographs of friends or family members that inspire you, collectibles, and artwork. House plants have been known to improve moods by providing oxygen. Experiment with different styles until you find something that speaks to you.

Take breaks

While this last tip isn’t for something tangible, it’s still important. Be sure to take regular breaks throughout the day. Since your coworkers aren’t around (or perhaps because of this!), it’s easy to get lost in long periods of uninterrupted workflow without realizing how much time has passed between breaks. Regularly taking breaks throughout the day helps refresh both mind and body from fatigue and burnout. Taking short 5-10 minute breaks every few hours will give you the boost you need.

Creating a productive workspace at home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; with some careful planning, you can create an effective and productive workspace at home.

To learn more about new home opportunities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania from S&A Homes, call 1-855-SAHOME1 or visit www.SAHomeBuilder.com.

January 18, 2023
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a New Home in Central Pennsylvania?

Purchasing a home is an exciting journey, but it’s important to have a financial plan in place before you start house hunting. If you’re looking to buy a new construction home in Central Pennsylvania, there are certain costs to consider that can affect your budget. Here’s an overview of the associated costs of buying a new home in Central Pennsylvania.

Home Prices in Central Pennsylvania

The median price for a home in Pennsylvania is $263,500 according to Redfin (as of November 2022). This amount will vary depending on where you live and what type of property you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a luxury single-family detached home with all the bells and whistles then expect to pay more than the average price. On the other hand, if you want something smaller like a condo or townhouse then it may be possible to get into these types of properties for less.

Regardless of what type of property you choose, it’s essential to understand the costs associated with homeownership – which goes beyond just the purchase price of the property, in order to determine how much you need.

1. Down Payment

This refers to a portion of the total cost of the home that is paid upfront when making an offer on it. The minimum down payment amount required by lenders varies depending on the type of loan program and additional criteria such as credit score. Most people will need to have at least 3.5-10% saved up for a down payment on their new home. For a median priced home, this would be between $9,222 and $26,350.

Additionally, you should also factor in other expenses such as closing costs (more on that in a moment), property tax payments, homeowner’s insurance, furnishings, and any unexpected repairs that may arise after purchasing the property.

2. Closing Costs

In addition to the down payment, there are also closing costs associated with purchasing a home that typically ranges between 2 – 5% of the purchase price. These include fees for title insurance, inspections, appraisals, attorneys, and more that help cover administrative fees before closing on the house. Again, for a median price home, the estimated range would be $5,270- $13,175.

3. Remodeling and Repairs

Unless you’ve purchased a new construction home, you may want to do some remodeling or repairs to make it yours. Depending on what type of projects you have planned out (e.g., kitchen renovations or bathroom updates) budgeting anywhere from $5,000 – $100,000+ could be necessary here as well. You don’t need to complete all of the projects at the same time. You can spread them out over time.

While the choice between new construction and resale comes down to personal preference, here are some benefits of purchasing a new construction home.

4. Moving Costs

If you’re relocating cities or states to purchase your new Central Pennsylvania property don’t forget to budget for moving expenses. Factors such as when you move, distance traveled, and the number of trucks or pods needed will impact how much this will ultimately cost so be sure to factor these into your budget too.

The journey towards buying a new construction home in Pennsylvania comes with many financial considerations and responsibilities. Researching market conditions ahead of time will prove invaluable when calculating just how much money one needs upfront for both down payments and closing costs while also keeping track of ongoing expenses during homeownership such as taxes and insurance premiums will ensure there aren’t any surprises along the way.

Finding Your Dream Home in Central Pennsylvania

S&A Homes is proud to build affordable new home communities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. We can also build on buyer-owned land through our Build on Your Own Land program. To learn more about our available inventory and communities, call S&A Homes at 855-921-3626 or contact us now. We’re happy to help!

January 10, 2023
FAQs When Building on Your Land

The option to build on your land is one that many are choosing to take advantage of when buying a new home. In addition to building quality new homes in sought-after Central and South-Central Pennsylvania locations, S&A Homes also builds custom new homes on buyer-owned land through its Build on Your Land program.

With so many new homebuyers interested in building on their land, the S&A Homes sales team answered a few of the program’s most frequently asked questions: (more…)

January 29, 2021
Homebuilding 101: Financial Terms to Know

The financial side of the homebuilding and homebuying process can often be difficult to understand for many first-time homebuyers. The variety of loan types and procedures involved in these processes can certainly be overwhelming, but the S&A Homes team is here to help with the third installment of its “Homebuilding 101” blog series.

This new segment helps simplify the complicated financial jargon for first-time homebuyers: (more…)

January 12, 2021
Home for the Holidays with S&A Homes

‘Tis the season for festive family fun! While many holiday plans have changed this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season with loved ones in your very own home. If you’re like the many others staying at home this holiday season, we have some great news for you.

Our S&A Homes team has compiled a few of our favorite stay-at-home activities that make being home for the holidays an enjoyable experience for everyone. (more…)

December 15, 2020
S&A Homes Explains the HERS Index

A home’s energy efficiency isn’t always the first thing on a homebuyer’s mind, but according to a recent HomeLight article, it should be among the top considerations. Luckily, the HERS Index makes it easy for homebuyers to see how energy efficient an entire home is. (more…)

November 26, 2020