Which New Construction Upgrades Should You Choose?
You’ve made it. That new construction home is yours! But before you sit back and relax, there’s still one more step: deciding which upgrades to pick.
Customizing your home can be one of the most fun parts of buying new construction. But are some upgrades really worth it? Upgrades can be expensive, but not all of them will pay off when you go to sell your house later.
Much like our mullet hairstyles in the 1980s, some looks and features can go out of style in the next couple of years, which can affect your home’s resale value. (Psst: We’re not talking about Michael Bolton though, who owned the mullet and made everyone want one.) Money spent on upgrades that can’t withstand the wear and tear of daily usage can also lead to expensive repairs or replacements later on.
To help you figure out which upgrades to go for, we’ve listed five new construction upgrades that are worth investing in now.
The Best New Construction Upgrades
When you decide on what home upgrades to put into your custom home, it can be overwhelming to decide among many awesome features. Thankfully, any upgrade can add value to your home, but some have a higher return on investment than others.
In the end, you should be thrilled with your new dream home and select the home improvements you want. The following builder upgrades just offer the best bang for your buck as they are both cost-effective and retain the most value over time.
1. Choose Hardwood Floors
This timeless element of interior design has been popular in homes for generations. Wood flooring material shines in living rooms, bedrooms, and is highly desirable for people who want to keep their homes tidy. Hardwoods are also excellent for people with allergies!
On top of these benefits, this flooring option lasts a long time. Hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished up to ten times, which makes them last over 60 years at least. There may be cheaper alternatives, such as laminate flooring, but they don’t last as long.
But the most important feature of hardwood is that it’s easy to clean and incredibly sturdy. Hardwood floors may get scratches over time, but unlike carpet, you can replace individual boards or re-stain the wood to make them like brand new again. This is a relatively easy DIY project too, saving you on renovation costs.
- Expert tip: Prevent scratches on hardwood floors by putting felt pads on the bottom of your furniture.
2. Get an Already Upgraded Kitchen
Kitchens have always been a place for social gatherings. After all, who doesn’t like food and drinks? And when you’re trying to make a meal, isn’t it so much nicer to have lots of counterspace to work on? So, sprucing up anything in this area, even something as minor as the kitchen backsplash and faucets, will add more value to your home.
The kitchen space is one of the focal points of a home, and it can also be one of the most expensive to renovate later on. For us, that extra countertop is an upgrade that will go a long way, both for yourself and for your future buyers.
With formal dining habits on the decline, eating at kitchen islands is becoming the new norm. A kitchen island that is multi-functional for eating and as an extra workspace is now highly desirable among buyers today, making it another good investment.
- Pro Tip: Busy kitchens can develop clutter quickly. Investing in extra storage space and organizers can dramatically improve the quality of daily life.
3. Install Premium Cabinetry
We also suggest upgrading your bathroom and kitchen cabinets. This means choosing taller and premium materials and opting for higher-quality hinges and drawer slides. Since handles and knobs are easily replaceable and are more design-orientated, we suggest that you pass on making these upgrades with your builder.
As for the type of material for your bathroom and kitchen countertops, that is entirely up to your tastes. Granite or quartz countertops will still add some value to your home because they’re high-quality and sturdy. The con is that they tend to be very pricey. You may also find that trends may shift in a couple of years, and perhaps the new “in-style” countertop material is butcher block or something else.
We recommend that you choose the countertop material you love and suits your needs but keep in mind that you may need to upgrade to suit your future buyers’ style and tastes to maximize your home’s value. The good news is that replacing countertops is a relatively non-invasive procedure, especially compared to re-designing your kitchen layout or replacing your cabinetry.
- Pro Tip: If you already know you’ll need extra space for your toiletries, invest in this upgrade so you don’t spend money on an expensive bathroom remodel a few years later.
4. Jazz Up the Master Bath Suite
We’re here to say that if you want that extra nice jacuzzi bathtub for yourself in the master bathroom, we fully support new construction upgrades like this. You deserve it. Master bathrooms are another highly desirable feature, adding to your home’s resale value. Much like the kitchen, bathrooms are expensive to renovate, mainly because of plumbing. So, it’s best to upgrade on features you want personally for your home and think about what your potential buyers may want now.
One upgrade to think about is a separate shower and tub. The basic tub-shower combo may satisfy your needs for cleanliness in a master bathroom, but it may not do very well in attracting future buyers. Although you may not use a separate tub, many homes on the market today feature separate bathtubs and showers in the master bathroom. After all, a floor plan with options is always a bonus when appealing to future homebuyers.
- Pro Tip: European trends are catching on, and more Americans are talking about how bidets are life-changing conveniences. They are not expensive to install and are another great option to update in the bathroom. They can also help you save on costs for toilet paper and reduce waste!
5. Get Energy-Efficient Windows
When it comes to windows, we’d like to just say that more is more. More windows = more natural light. New windows are among the best new construction upgrades because they improve energy efficiency and the appearance of your home. More windows will give the insides of your home more airiness and give the impression that it’s bigger than it really is. Keep them simple, high-quality, and what suits your house’s design the best.
For the types of windows, we recommend energy-efficient windows. They may have a higher price tag right off the bat, but they will save you money on energy bills over time. Higher quality windows can also last longer, saving you money on repairs and replacements later on.
Put The Best New Construction Upgrades in Your New Build
The best upgrades are timeless, add more value, and above all, make you happy. But first and foremost, you should find and build a house for yourself. Our home builder partners are experienced in making homes with both aesthetics and functionality, perfect for choosy homeowners who know what they want.
We are experts in real estate. If you want to buy a new construction home, then we can connect you with the right resources. We can also find a solution for your existing home so you can use equity toward the home of your dreams!
