Building on the theme of choosing between new construction and resale, many buyers facing this decision ask, “What does an older home offer that we won’t find in a new home?” Or “What does a new home offer that we won’t get in an older home?”

The answers may boil down to the technology and conveniences that are included with the home.

Many resale homes are at least minimally updated with smart-home and energy-saving features. But new construction homes offer both types of features, often with an integrated tech platform.

In most new-construction homes, a single app controls everything from the security system and programmable electric shades to electronic calendar reminders, entertainment hubs, lighting and video doorbells. Some smart-home features can be extended to remotely manage refrigerator inventory, control the oven or use the hands-free toilet.

Embrace the tech

The technology will welcome you, too. There’s no escaping the wealth of digital innovations, connectivity and energy-saving applications and features available with new-home construction.

Even January’s annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas featured several panel discussions and floor demonstrations devoted to the topics and products designed for time-saving, energy-conserving and labor-reducing convenience at home.

Among the innovations are a few not likely to reach your local new-home community’s list of standard offerings this year, such as that hands-free toilet or a small smart oven that uses less power to cook than most ovens use to preheat.

But other new-home tech is ubiquitous in all the best ways. Several Builders have ongoing partnerships with technology, connectivity and appliance or home furnishings brands.

Through those alliances, builders often can offer seamless access to each home-tech feature through a single app.

Examples include Lennar’s partnership with Ring, through which homeowners receive connectivity between Ring security systems and smoke detectors as well as Honeywell thermostats and Honeywell Appliances, all in one app.

Other builders, such as DeNova Homes, include a smart-home touchpad that provides single-site connectivity between a variety of in-home services and apps. At many communities, these include a front door with video doorbell and lock with smart keypad; a garage door control; and pre-wiring for the video flat screen in both the great room and the owner’s bedroom suite.

Save the earth (and your money)

Included in all new-home builds in California are technologies that help homes conform to the state’s building and energy codes. Among them are energy-efficient appliances such as washer/dryer sets, furnaces and air-conditioning units, refrigerators and even toilets, sinks, faucets and showerheads.

Some builders are even adopting all-solar, fully electric installations and avoiding natural gas. People who are used to gas ovens, ranges and clothes dryers may think they will miss these appliances. But they soon will notice the benefits of today’s highly effective and efficient electric appliances.

In addition, ask the builder about advanced solar-technology installation that can power these high-quality Energy Star appliances.

Other green-home features include electric vehicle charging conduits in garage bays (some builders include or install the charger itself); motion-sensor light switches; energy-efficient and water-saving tankless water heaters; and multi-zone, remote programmable HVAC systems.

Put a light on style

In the most practical sense, form follows function. But many residential architects, home designers or commercial builders take Frank Lloyd Wright’s approach that form and function “should be one.”

Given that concept, let’s indulge in the stylishness, the brightness and the pure beauty of a newly constructed home.

Builders can incorporate both contemporary and traditional design details to make each home unique from the next, helping the buyer customize their own spaces.

When touring model homes, notice how many windows are in each room or the larger sizes of them. By using windows that are built to keep interior temperatures comfortable, new homes feature added natural light on the inside, which makes rooms feel larger and brings the outside in.

And while taking in the outdoors from inside, notice how builders are situating homes on lots in ways that require less irrigation and offer more shade. Some include a California Room that comes standard; others create outdoor patios under rooflines. And some take advantage of spaces for balconies, porches or seating areas in low-maintenance yards.

Is it time to get touring? While you’re out, compare homes for their smart features, sustainable aspects and stylish but timeless designs.