There’s no getting around it: Long Island is one of the most expensive places in the country to build and own a home. Between the finite amount of land—we’re on an island, after all— the high cost of living in the shadow of Manhattan and the high property taxes, there are scant bargains to be found in Long Island home construction.
But don’t be discouraged—the expense is worth it! Long Island is one of the most scenic areas of the country and constructing homes on Long Island can provide residents a much-needed sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of working in “The Big Apple.” And constructing homes on Long Island doesn’t have to put the new homeowner into irreversible debt. Here are some Long Island home construction tips to keep in mind that can help you save money.
—Be realistic. It’s very easy to set a strict budget in your house hunt—then fall in love with a plot of land or a piece of property and suddenly find a way to make the math work. But that won’t work, especially on Long Island. You can’t save on the back end, so if you can’t afford the house now, don’t plan on affording it in the future. Know what your limit is and have the stomach to say no, even if it breaks your heart. It won’t take you long to be glad you did.
—While the coast is beautiful, it’s also dangerous come hurricane season. So Long Island home construction along the “spine” of Long Island will save you money in the short and long run. There’s more property away from the water and the insurance rates won’t be nearly as high. To look at a map of Long Island is to think the distance between the north and south shores isn’t enough to make a difference in the event of torrential rains, but those on the water on Long Island took a much bigger hit from Hurricane Irene than those located further inland.
—Build an environmentally friendly house. Long Island is far enough to the northeast to have a very distinct summer and winter. You’ll be pining for the snow during the handful of heat waves every summer and begging for 95 degree temperatures during blizzards! You can save on your electricity bills—and perhaps get a tax credit as well—by installing energy efficient windows that will keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. The average home loses up to 30 percent of its air conditioning or heat through its windows. That’s a lot of money, especially in an expensive area. Constructing homes on Long Island that have environmentally friendly features such as energy efficient windows will have a dramatic impact on the bottom line.
Long Island home construction is difficult for builders and homeowners alike, but as long as caution is exercised and the proper steps are taken, constructing homes on Long Island can be rewarding for all involved. Don’t be intimidated by the challenge of construction. Long Island can still be the place you build your dream house!
