Should You Buy A New Home or An Existing Home in Oklahoma?

If you're searching for a new place to live, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to buy an existing home or a new home.

Each path has pros and cons, but in today’s housing market, building new is emerging as a more compelling option — especially when you factor in rising utility costs, aging infrastructure in older homes, and the ability to personalize your space from day one.

Let’s explore why building is becoming the preferred option — and how Beacon Homes takes it even further with our Better Built promise.

Why Buyers Are Choosing to Build or Buy New Instead of Buy Existing Homes

1. You Get What You Actually Want

With a new build, you don’t have to settle. You choose:

• A layout that fits your lifestyle
• The finishes and fixtures you actually love
• Smart home features, energy efficiency, and modern design — all from the start

There’s no need to tear out tile, replace appliances, or live with outdated layouts "until we remodel someday."

2. Fewer Repairs and Surprises

Older homes come with built-in uncertainty — especially in Oklahoma. Common (and costly) issues include:

• Cracked slabs
• Failing or settling foundations
• Aging HVAC, water heaters, and electrical systems
• Roof leaks, plumbing problems, or hidden mold

New homes eliminate that stress. Everything is brand new, covered by warranties, and built to last — giving you peace of mind for years to come.

3. Built for Today’s Energy Costs

While building codes do improve efficiency, the real reason energy-smart construction matters now is cost. Utility prices in Oklahoma have been rising fast:

• Heating and cooling costs in Oklahoma surged 49% from June 2021 to June 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
• In 2025 alone, Oklahoma electricity prices rose another 12.4%, placing the state among the nation’s hardest hit.

Beacon Homes are built with:

• Spray foam insulation
• Energy-efficient HVAC systems
• Tight building envelopes and Low-E windows
• Smart thermostats and efficient ductwork

→ You save money month after month — and stay more comfortable, year-round.

4. Drier Living Environment

Older homes often come with outdated materials, poor ventilation, and worst of all — leaks.

Over time, water damage is the #1 potential enemy of your home. It can cause more costly damage than almost anything else. That’s why we take water protection seriously in every Beacon home.

Here are a few things (of many) that Beacon does to keep water out of your home.

• Proper grading to direct water away from the foundation
• Moisture barrier under the concrete slab
• Durable house wrap secured with nails and cap staples opposed to just staples to prevent tears
• Angled brick seals to guide water away from windows, driveways and patios poured to slope away from entry points
• Schluter System used in all showers and baths, creating a waterproof envelope. Learn More about the Schluter Waterproofing system

5. Smarter, More Functional Living

New homes are built for how people live now — not how families lived 30 years ago.

• Open-concept living spaces
• Work-from-home offices or flex rooms
• Larger closets and storage
• Built-in smart home tech

You won’t need to knock down walls or rewire anything — it’s all included.

6. You May Save More Than You Think

While older homes may appear cheaper up front, new construction can save you more over time:

• Lower utility bills
• Fewer (if any) major repairs
• No remodeling or retrofitting costs
• Better resale value down the line

And here’s something many buyers don’t realize:
New construction homes have traditionally been pricier than existing homes — after all, you’re getting brand new everything. However, in today’s market, the gap between new and existing home prices has narrowed significantly.

According to Bankrate, between 2013 and the first quarter of 2025, the price difference between existing homes and new homes shrunk dramatically. This means you may be able to get into a new home for far less of a premium than in the past — and gain all the advantages of building new without a steep cost gap.

Building or Buying a New Home Is Smart.

Building with Beacon Homes Is Even Smarter.

At Beacon Homes, we don’t just build new — we build Better. Here’s how we take everything great about new construction and make it even stronger, safer, and more stress-free.

Structurally Stronger from the Start

Many homes — both older and some newer ones — may not be built with Oklahoma’s unique soil conditions in mind

• Oklahoma soil has a high clay content, which swells during wet weather and contracts during dry spells. Combined with the state's dramatic weather swings, this makes cracking, settling, and even full foundation failure extremely common.
• Beacon’s Hold-It-Together Post-Tensioned Slab is engineered to combat that. It strengthens the entire foundation to reduce movement, cracking, and long-term damage — protecting your home from the ground up.

We also build using:

• 2x6 exterior walls instead of the standard 2x4s
  → This adds:
• Greater structural strength
• • Spray foam insulation for energy efficiency and added strength
  • Improved soundproofing for quieter living

Dryer Homes – Inside and Out

Beacon goes above and beyond to protect your home from moisture inside and out:

• Moisture barriers under every slab
• Grading that ensures proper drainage away from your home
• Air-tested plumbing and sealed drains
• Secure hose bibs and leak-prevention wraps

These aren't industry standards — they’re Beacon standards. We’re committed to delivering a truly dry home.

Building Without the Headache

Building a new home can feel overwhelming — unless you do it with a builder who prioritizes communication.

At Beacon Homes, you’re never just another job number.
Each Beacon supervisor oversees only about 12 home builds at a time — a manageable workload that allows them to give you personal attention.

Compare that to other builders, where it’s common for supervisors to juggle 25–30 homes at once. That’s how things fall through the cracks — literally and figuratively.

With Beacon, you get:

• A dedicated supervisor who knows your build inside and out
• Regular updates and direct communication
• A smoother, less stressful building experience from start to finish

Final Thought: Build Smarter. Live Better.

Building new gives you:
✔️ Customization
✔️ Modern comfort
✔️ Energy savings
✔️ Peace of mind

Building with Beacon gives you all that — and a home that’s genuinely Better Built.
From stronger foundations to superior moisture protection and a more personal building experience, Beacon is Oklahoma’s trusted builder for good reason.

Ready to start planning your new home?

Explore Our Floor Plans or Connect with a Home Specialist today.