The Custom Build Advantage: Why Settling for "Existing" is a Costly Mistake
Every year, thousands of hopeful buyers enter the market looking for a "deal" on an existing home. They see a lower sticker price and imagine a few weekends of DIY projects. But as we move further into 2026, the Renovation Trap has become more dangerous than ever.
Today’s resale inventory is often aged, inefficient, and structurally incompatible with modern life. Buying "used" often means paying a premium for someone else’s history, then doubling down on that investment just to make the house livable.
Think Like a Strategic Investor, Not Just an Inhabitant
At truHOME, we teach our clients to view their property as an asset first. When you build custom, you are essentially buying equity at cost. Every dollar you spend on a custom build adds to the appraised value of a brand-new asset. Conversely, when you spend $50,000 to replace a failing roof or rotted plumbing on an old home, you aren't increasing the value—you’re simply reaching the "baseline" of what a house should be.
1. The Maintenance Arbitrage: 0.2% vs. 1%
The "1% Rule" for home maintenance has been a standard for decades, but in 2026, it is quickly becoming the "2% Rule" for aging homes. With labor costs for specialized trades (plumbing, electrical, masonry) at all-time highs, an old home is a liability.
The New Build Advantage: Modern materials and building codes mean your systems are under warranty and engineered for longevity.
The Math: On a $500,000 property, a new build requires roughly $1,000/year in minor upkeep. An older home? Expect $5,000 to $7,500/year. Over a decade, that’s $40k–$65k that could have stayed in your retirement account or been used to pay down your principal.
2. Energy Efficiency: From "Green" to "Gold"
In 2026, energy efficiency is no longer a niche preference; it is a primary driver of resale value. Buyers today perform a "utility audit" before they ever make an offer.
Integrated Solar & Storage: Building "solar-ready" or installing integrated panels from Day 1 is significantly cheaper than a retrofit.
High-Performance Envelopes: Superior insulation and triple-pane windows don't just lower bills by 30-50%—they create a silent, comfortable sanctuary that commands a 3-8% price premium on the resale market.
3. Future-Proofing for the "New Normal"
Lifestyle needs have fundamentally shifted. A 1990s floorplan, with its closed-off rooms and lack of dedicated tech space, cannot keep up with a 2026 lifestyle.
Multi-Generational Living: Custom building allows for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) or secondary suites with private entrances. This provides immediate value for aging parents or adult children, or serves as a high-yield rental to offset your mortgage.
The High-Tech Home Office: Forget working at the kitchen table. We design sound-proofed, fiber-ready "productivity pods" that are essential for the modern professional.
Stop Settling for Someone Else’s Past
The most expensive home you can buy is one that requires you to fix the past before you can live in the present. In 2026, the strategic choice is to build an asset that is designed for the future from the first shovel in the ground.
Don't just buy a house—develop an asset. Start your journey at www.oregonmultiplex.com.
