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Most builders start with a basic floor plan that can be customized to best suit individual needs and taste. Be mindful however, that each option or add-on selected affects other choices, such as flooring and finishes, cabinets, and even a home’s internal systems, such as HVAC units and plumbing. Since the majority of new home purchases are financed, buyers soon realize that staying within budget requires clearly-defined priorities that will guide choices when it comes to upgrades.
Do you get the granite countertops or would you rather invest in a brick exterior? How thick should you go on the carpet padding? Will you opt to finish the basement, or can it wait?
Most builders agree that upgrades like better insulation or additional square footage are your best investments. Focus on items that are not easily changed later, and then–if budget permits–add those features or finishes that enhance your lifestyle now.
6 Builder Upgrade Options
Consider the following possibilities as potential upgrades:
1. Major Builder Upgrades
- Building Site or Home’s Lot
- Architectural Changes
Some characteristics of a home, such as the lot on which it is built, cannot be changed once construction begins. Decide now whether a culdesac, corner lot, or a walk-out basement is important to you. Do you mind being next to a busy street? What types of houses or business may be built near your home at a later date? How big of a yard are you willing to commit to? What about the basic architectural and structural elements of your home–are vaulted or raised ceilings a priority? Are you planning to buy appliances that are non-standard sizes, require dedicated electrical circuits, or a unique plumbing configuration? Evaluating such concerns now saves time, money, and aggravation in the long term. Money invested in these bigger-ticket items should be considered prior to spending on other upgrades.
2. Kitchen Upgrades
- Extra Large or Additional Cabinets
- Cabinet Upgrades and Premium Hardware
- Large Island
- Stainless Steel Appliances
- Task Lighting
- Stone Countertops
- High-Quality Wood Flooring
As the kitchen serves as the gathering point in any home, money spent here can go a long way in not only creating a warm and welcoming ambiance, but also in providing greater efficiency and convenience. Kitchen upgrades also add significantly to the resale value of a home, especially when applied to such items as cabinetry and countertops.
3. Bathroom Upgrades
- Extra Large Cabinets
- Radiant Floor Heating
- Upgraded Tile
- Frameless (Euro) Shower Doors
Some upgrades are purely for comfort and enjoyment. You may not think radiant floor heating is necessary until you’ve experienced its warmth on a cold Colorado morning. Other upgrades prove more utilitarian, such as larger or additional bath cabinets. Consider the intended use for each bath; is it purely a guest bath, or will two teenage daughters be sharing it?
4. Exterior Upgrades
- Brick or Stone Exterior
- Upgraded Front Door
- Landscaping
If you prefer the look of a brick or stone exterior, it’s best to select this option up-front. Replacing exterior siding with stone after the home is complete proves difficult and quite expensive. Don’t forget to save money for landscaping! Some builders include a landscape package in the base price of the home, but don’t assume it to be so.
5. Other Upgrades:
- Wood Flooring or Wool Carpet with High-Quality Pad
- Extra Windows
- One or More Fireplaces
- Rough In Connections for Plumbing
- Outdoor Natural Gas Line
- Ceiling Fans
- Wiring for Surround Sound or Connectivity
- Larger Closets
- Finished Basement
Electing to install these options during the construction phase will save you money, as opposed to doing so after the fact. For instance, wiring a home for surround sound or internet connectivity after the home is built will require cutting drywall and patching/repainting.
6. Energy Savings Upgrades:
- Double paned windows
- Higher rated insulation
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment
Sometimes it’s not as much fun to spend money on items that do not add to the overall aesthetic of the home. But when you’re cozy on a snowy Colorado day or when you open your utility bill, you’ll see that these options are more enjoyable than initially meets the eye. Money saved on energy costs can pay for these upgrade options over time.
