When you build a new custom home, you're not only getting a home built specifically for you, you're also laying the foundation for savings on your future energy costs.

Some of the reasons that older homes may be less energy efficient are:

• older appliances
• windows and doors that aren't energy efficient
• and less effective insulation.

To the contrary, standard features of a new home include a variety of energy-saving features, like high-efficiency heating, cooling, insulation, thermal Low-E glass windows and doors, and additional sound suppression insulation in all living areas.

Did you know that many insurance companies offer discounts rates when you’re purchasing a new home?

It actually makes sense if you think about it: new homes are built to the latest safety codes, and older homes may have more exposure to certain losses due to wear and tear.

Several other things that can affect your insurance rate, besides the obvious coverage value and home size, include:

While you want your new custom home to look modern, it's also important that elements be timeless in order to build and retain the most value in the event you decide to put it on the market.

Timeless design isn't created to be temporary, a fad or a trend. It's created to have staying power and be just as appealing to people in a number of years as it is today. good design never goes out of style. It's highly functional, yet not boring, and is quietly understated, simple and sophisticated.

If you've never built a new custom home before, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of selecting a homebuilder. Since your home will likely be your largest investment, it's important that you ask the right questions to help guide your selection.

Following are questions you should ask of potential homebuilders to help you understand their company and the building process.

You've probably driven through one of those neighborhoods: beautiful homes with manicured lawns, and in the midst of the neighborhood lies a home with overgrown grass and a broken down car in the driveway. Your reaction? Negative, of course. And most likely it makes you question the neighborhood as a whole.

You're probably wondering if the neighborhood is as nice as it looks otherwise, and why is someone living there who wouldn't care for their home? Are many of the homes being leased or possibly in arrears on their mortgage payment? Is it a transitory neighborhood? Will you fit in with the neighbors?

No matter what, that one home instantly devalues the other homes because it raises questions and uncertainty. The bottom line is that your neighbors increase your investment risk.

Any time you're buying a new home, there are lots of important questions you should ask. First-time homeowners often don't know what to ask, but even if you've owned a traditional home before you may not be aware of the idiosyncrasies of townhomes in particular.

Remember the old adage “if you don't ask the right questions, you won't get the right answers.” This is so true and, unfortunately, many townhome communities may not volunteer information if you don't ask about it specifically.

With that in mind, here are 16 questions to ask to help you make sure you don't make a decision that you'll regret: