4 years ago wife and I decided to move...there were things we both wanted in a house,lot, whatever.
Found a lot, went to the builder, designed our house, got a price and had them build it.
As they were building I built my garage out back...sweet deal if you can talk the builder into it.
Anyway, house got built and there is plenty left for me to work on and increase value.
Landscaping, finish basement...tons of stuff that doesn't make her feel like she is in a construction zone.
Right now, builders in sault want to build and are offering decent prices.
eithr way, you get what you pay for.
If you get a fixer, you spend all your spare money on it, and your time.
Interest rates are super low right now and you can add lots of value to a new house pretty cheaply.
PM me if you want more details and thoughts
I was also there every day watching them build it and when I didn't like something, I told them and they fixed it.