As a premier home builder in New Jersey, Ralco Builders knows the importance of having a home that suits your unique needs and preferences. While buying an existing home might seem like the easiest option, we’re here to show you why building a house could be a more beneficial choice.

Building a House

Building a house is a journey of discovery, creativity, and accomplishment. It’s about seeing your dreams morph into reality, brick by brick, nail by nail. As per recent data from Rocket Mortgage, the average sales price of new houses sold in January 2023 was $474,400 – a price that includes the joy of customization and the guarantee of new, efficient materials.

Cost Considerations

While the cost of building a house might seem high at first glance, it’s important to note that these costs include expenses that you’d otherwise have to bear at a later date when buying a pre-owned home. These include the cost of new major appliances, permits, utilities, excavation, and landscape preparation.

Also, when building a home, you have to consider construction and land loans. These are typically higher than a standard home loan but remember, you’re financing your dream, not just a house.

Pros and Cons of Building a House

Pros:

• Complete customization of floor plan and design
• No competition for your dream home
• Newer materials without potentially dangerous substances
• Better energy efficiency options
• Fewer ongoing maintenance costs

Cons:

• More expensive financing with higher down payment and interest rates
• Unexpected costs and delays
• Longer build time compared to buying a home
• More effort in managing the construction process
• Potential for being further from urban areas

Buying an Existing Home

Now, let’s consider buying a pre-owned home. The average sales price of existing homes as of January 2023 was $359,000, which might seem lower. But this doesn’t account for maintenance and repair costs, less energy-efficient appliances, HOA fees, or potential compromises on the style of the home.

Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Home

Pros:

• Move-in ready condition
• Generally less costly upfront
• Option for home renovations
• Established landscaping

Cons:

• House buying stress in a competitive market
• Compromise on home style
• Possible maintenance issues
• Less energy efficiency
• Potential presence of hazardous materials (e.g., lead paint)

Ultimately, the decision between building a house versus buying an existing one depends on your unique circumstances, needs, and long-term plans. At Ralco Builders, we’re committed to helping you navigate this decision.

Schedule a free home design consultation with us today and let’s start the journey of building your dream home together.

Ralco Builders 139 Union Ave Manasquan, NJ 08736 (732) 612-0082

Finding the perfect floor plan for your new home can be a thrilling yet challenging task. At Ralco Builders, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you make the best decisions for your family’s needs and lifestyle. Below are some insider tips to help you choose the perfect floor plan for your new home.

1. The Importance of a Smartly Designed Floor Plan

A well-designed floor plan is key to utilizing space effectively in your home. By imagining walking through the home, you can ensure convenience and flow. Consider the layout and connectivity of rooms in an open-concept floor plan and pay attention to functional spaces like mudrooms and laundry rooms. Remember, living large in a slightly smaller home is possible with a smart design.

2. Room Placement and Flow

The placement of your rooms can greatly influence your home’s convenience and flow. We suggest evaluating the path from the main entrance to the kitchen for carrying groceries. Ensure privacy in the bedrooms and ease of access to the kitchen. The flow of the floor plan should align with your family’s lifestyle and needs.

3. Considering the Number of Levels

When choosing a floor plan, deciding on the number of levels that suit your lifestyle is crucial. A single-level home eliminates the need to deal with stairs, while a two-story home can accommodate larger families. Integrating a first-floor suite can provide additional space, opening opportunities for different living spaces on upper floors or reducing the need for them entirely while saving money on the build.

4. Open Concept Living

Open-concept floor plans allow for more socializing and interaction. Consider how your furniture will fit in the open living area and how the rooms connect. You can also create separate spaces within the open floor plan to meet specific needs.

5. Functional Spaces

Functional spaces such as mudrooms and laundry rooms play a vital role in keeping your home organized and efficient. When selecting a floor plan, consider how these areas can be integrated into your design to suit your household’s needs.

6. Repurposing Rooms

With a smartly designed floor plan, you have the flexibility to repurpose rooms to meet your changing lifestyle needs. A spare bedroom could become a home office, or a formal dining room could transform into a playroom for the kids.

7. Pricing, Features, and Availability

While floor plan design is essential, it’s also crucial to consider pricing, features, and availability. At Ralco Builders, our custom, luxury, and spec homes offer a wide range of options to suit different budgets, preferences, and timelines.

8. Consulting with Your Builder

Whether you have builder queries or need advice on household preferences, our team of authorized representatives at Ralco Builders is always ready to assist. We believe in working closely with our clients to ensure their homes reflect their unique tastes and lifestyles.

For more information or to request a free home design consultation, contact us today. We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

Ralco Builders 139 Union Ave Manasquan, NJ 08736 (732) 612-0082

Remember, choosing the perfect floor plan is the first step towards creating a home that’s a true reflection of you. Make your choice with confidence with Ralco Builders, your trusted partner in building dream homes.

At Ralco Builders, we understand that building homes isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces, but also about caring for our environment. That’s why we incorporate eco-friendly building materials and sustainability practices into our custom, luxury, and spec homes.

Flooring Options

When it comes to flooring, we offer several eco-friendly options:

• Bamboo flooring: An excellent alternative to traditional hardwood, bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable material.
• FSC wood flooring: We use wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests, ensuring responsible forest management.
• Salvaged or reclaimed wood flooring: This includes wood sourced from old buildings or barns, reducing waste.
• Recycled ceramic or porcelain tile: These tiles are made from recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly option without compromising on style.
• Linoleum flooring: Made from natural materials, linoleum is biodegradable and recyclable.
• Cork flooring: Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this flooring option is sustainable and renewable.

Eco-Friendliness

We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact, and so we aim for LEED certification in our buildings and use green building materials.

Resilient Flooring and Carpet

For areas that require resilient flooring or carpet, we offer:

• Natural or recycled carpeting: Made from natural fibers or recycled materials, these carpets are sustainable and eco-friendly.
• Recycled rubber flooring: Durable and easy to maintain, this flooring is made from recycled tires.

Paint, Stains, and Sealers

We use low-VOC and zero-VOC paint, natural paint, milk paint, chalk paint, and non-toxic stains and sealers to reduce air pollution and maintain a healthy indoor environment in your home.

Walls, Ceilings, and Exterior Cladding

For walls, ceilings, and exterior cladding, we utilize recycled content drywall, FSC wood framing, salvaged structural members, recycled glass countertops and tiles, grasscloth wallpaper, exterior cladding, FSC wood siding, and reclaimed wood siding.

At Ralco Builders, we’re not just building homes – we’re building a future for our planet. Contact us today to learn more about our eco-friendly building practices or request a free home design consultation. Ralco Builders is located at 139 Union Ave Manasquan, NJ 08736. You can reach us by calling (732) 612-0082

At Ralco Builders, we are always keen to keep up with the latest trends in home design. With 2024 just around the corner, we are excited to share what we believe will be the top 10 trends that will guide our work in the coming year. These trends are not just about style, but also about comfort, functionality, and sustainability.

1. Kitchen Styles

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s set to get even more attention. We predict the rise of minimalist designs with a focus on functionality. Think clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a preference for open layouts.

2. Color Trends

In 2024, we expect a shift towards warmer colors. Soft, earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and muted greens will likely dominate the color palette. These colors not only bring warmth but also create a soothing and calming atmosphere.

3. Cabinet Materials

We predict a move towards using more sustainable materials for kitchen cabinets. As builders, we are committed to choosing materials that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.

4. Kitchen Island Designs

Kitchen islands are expected to continue being a focal point in many homes. We expect to see innovative designs that incorporate storage solutions, seating areas, and even cooking surfaces.

5. Kitchen Fixtures

From faucets to lighting fixtures, the trend seems to be geared towards modern and sleek designs. We expect to see more touchless faucets and smart lighting systems.

6. Lighting Trends

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of a home. In 2024, we anticipate an increase in the popularity of layered lighting, which combines ambient, task, and accent lighting.

7. Sustainable Design

Sustainable design is not just a trend, it’s a necessity. We foresee an increased demand for energy-efficient homes, along with the use of renewable materials and the integration of green spaces.

8. Outdoor Living

The trend of extending living spaces outdoors is set to continue. Expect to see more comfortable, functional, and stylish outdoor spaces that are perfect for relaxation and entertainment.

At Ralco Builders, we’re passionate about creating distinctive homes as envisioned by our clients. We take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to using quality materials. If you’re looking to build your dream home or renovate your existing one, we’d love to help.

Request a free home design consultation and let’s start bringing your vision to life.

Ralco Builders 

139 Union Ave 

Manasquan, NJ 08736 

(732) 612-0082

Remember, a home is not just a place, it’s a feeling. Let us help you create a home that reflects your style, meets your needs, and brings you joy.