Buying a new home is an exciting time. It’s also wonderful that most builders allow you to customize your home with numerous upgrade options to choose from. You’ll want to make the right decisions and spend your upgrade dollars wisely. So let’s take a look at the different options and upgrades available and make this the most exciting time in decorating your home.
Pre-Planning. We’ve talked about planning many times before and it’s just as important to take the time and plan your home finish selections, as we do when decorating with furniture and fabrics. You’ll want to spend some pre-planning time before going to your design center appointment. Start with making a list of the following items:
- Items you must have in your new home. Maybe a sink in the laundry room would make hand washing easier. Or a desk in the kitchen is a must for a central computer space. Or a walk-in shower is a necessity since you’re not able to step into a tub. “Must haves” are those items that you need to make your life easier and a necessity to making your home functional for you.
- Items you would like to have in your new home. “Like to have” is different than “Must have”. You’d like to have a wine chiller, central vacuum, and intercom system or maybe accent lighting under the kitchen cabinets. “Like to haves” are those items that you would just like to have if your budget allows.
- Items you do not want in your new home. Did you hate your wall-to-wall carpet in your hallways? Did the glass block in your master bedroom just heat up the room? These are the items that you have already had in a home and never want again.
The next thing on your list needs to be how much you are willing to spend on your upgrades.
You won’t be able to put a number to each item, but if you have a general idea of your budget, it will help you stay focused and not overspend without making the conscious decision to do so. With the number of upgrades and options available, it is very easy to get excited and their costs add up quickly.
Upgrade Options. Depending upon your builder and home, there can be hundreds of items available to upgrade. We’re going to look at the most common items that most builders offer as upgrades.
Flooring - One of the items I would consider upgrading is your flooring. This will be a large part of your budget and a long-term item that is not quickly replaced. Purchase the best carpet you can afford. A good quality carpet with proper maintenance will last 10 to 15 years. Always upgrade to the best pad for the carpet you select.
If selecting tile, look at the larger size tiles and place them on a diagonal. Placing them on a diagonal will normally add about 10% to the cost, but it opens up any area. Consider placing a hard surface; such as tile, stone or wood in your traffic flow areas instead of carpet.
Upgrade your Foyer by adding a tile medallion or patterned design in the floor. A tile rug design using a tile border and then placing a smaller tile inside the border at a different direction than your floor tile, is a simple and inexpensive upgrade.
Counters - Consider a solid surface for your counters if tile is your standard. A solid surface is easier to maintain. If upgrading all the counters is not in your budget, upgrade the kitchen since it gets the most use. If you choose to select the standard tile for your counters, consider upgrading the tile backsplash with a deco liner or accent tile.
Cabinets – You will probably be given different cabinet woods, stain colors, door styles and additional areas as upgrade options. If the standard is acceptable to you, you would be better to stay with the standard and then add additional cabinets in some of the areas that are offered. It is normally less expensive for the builder to add the extra cabinets, than for you to do afterwards. To dress up your cabinets, you can add hardware after you move in.
If you do not like the cabinets, by all means upgrade to what you like. This is not an item that you will probably ever replace and much more expensive to change at a later date. If you have to limit the upgrade, first select the wood that you like, then the stain color and finally the door style. Again a flat panel door can be upgraded with hardware.
Electric - Many builders also offer electrical packages, additional outlets for electric, phones, cable, and ceiling fans, and extra can light locations. I would add anything that you feel you will need. I have found that it is less expensive and easier for your builder to add these items, versus you doing them later.
Paint – Flat paint is the standard in almost all homes. You will have to repaint your home within a short period, as standard flat paint is not scrubable. You can only gently clean flat paint. Be careful cleaning, otherwise you’ll be down to the wallboard.
If your builder will allow you to select a color of your choice and at least a low sheen or eggshell finish, upgrading is normally cost effective. If not, consider having your home painted before you move in. It is less expensive for a painter to paint your home without furniture. Or, if you have the time, you’ll save thousands by painting it yourself.
Windows - In our climate the Low “E” windows really do help with heat control. Windows are expensive to replace at a later date. You are not able to take advantage of the credit you’ll receive from the builder for the standard windows you are switching out.
Appliances – There are all kinds of wonderful appliances now; even blenders that can be built into your counter with interchangeable pieces. You should do your homework on what you want and price them out before selecting. Appliances are easier to change later than other items. Although, you’ll have to consider any cabinet or counter remodeling you would have to do with new ones. If your builder is giving you an upgrade for the standard, you’ll probably have more credit money to use. But if the standard is very base grade, you might want to price what you want out before upgrading.
There are many other upgrades you will be offered. If your budget doesn’t allow you to upgrade everything you’ll want, upgrade as many of the permanent items. Then at a later date, change or add some of the items that were on your “Like To” list; such as: security systems, decorative paving, patio covers, faucets, light fixtures, window tinting, window sills, window treatments, and moldings.
With each one, ask yourself: Is this something that I absolutely want? Is this something that I can easily add or replace myself after I move in? Is this something that will cost me more to add afterwards?
It is great that the builders are making all priced homes more custom. Another wonderful thing about upgrading, is that they will be done when you move in. Be smart in selecting what items you upgrade and make sure and do some research on the items you are considering and what a fair price for them will be.