Who doesn’t love owning a new, custom-built home?
To achieve the home of your dreams, your chosen home builders are likely to offer a comprehensive list of great upgrades you can add to your new home up front. Some of these add-ons, of course, come with a steep price tag. The thing is, many potential upgrades may have to fall off the priority list as your budget reaches its limit.
When you’re building a new custom-built home on a budget, you need to be strategic. Passing on a few upgrades and just settling on the home builder’s standard features (for now) help you save a lot of money. It also allows you to explore more options with the types of materials and features available elsewhere – which could be better and cheaper than the ones offered by your new home builders.
If you’re working with a home builder, here are 7 upgrades you can feel comfortable skipping.
Master Bedroom Bump Out
Who doesn’t want to come home to a bigger master bedroom? If you want to keep the home for yourself, with no plans to resell it in the future, then do as you please.
But if you want to add value to compete with other homes for sale, expanding your master suite will only cost you sums of money with little to no return on investment. The extra footage wouldn’t be much of an asset since the master’s bedroom simply adds the least value of all the common improvements you can make.
Wood flooring
Need to add extra money for the wood flooring? You might want to pause for a bit.
While wood flooring is preferred by many, it may not be the best option if you’re saving money. Firstly, installing wood flooring is pricey. Secondly, they’re not as durable as they seem, since they’re prone to scratches and water damage.
If you want the same look for a lot less, opt for a laminate instead. They look like wood, but they’re more affordable, long-lasting, and resistant to water and scratches.
Crown Molding
Your new home builders may also try to sell you on crown molding for your walls and cabinets. Resist it. While it looks extremely appealing for your home, crown molding is easy to install on their end yet is offered at a steep price. Save money for builder upgrades that will really matter.
Backsplash
Like crown molding, leaving the tile work to your home builder isn’t the smartest choice.
Tile work is one of the simplest and cheapest upgrades you can do on your own after you move in. Not having a backsplash, for now, allows you to browse the tile shops to score something more visually appealing and on sale, and then hire somebody to do the job for a less expensive cost.
Marble Countertops
Marble has always been a go-to choice for kitchens. Though they are a beautiful addition, marble countertops are not a pretty solid investment. Marble is a porous, high-maintenance surface, which chips, stains, and receives scratches easily. In a high-traffic space where there’s a lot of spilling and slicing going on, be ready for extra work and cost.
If you want to mimic the look, going with quartz is a more practical choice. It’s a bit more expensive but it’s more durable and long-lasting.
Appliance Package
If higher-grade appliances are crucial to you, ditch this upgrade. Chances are that your builder will only offer a three-appliance base package consisting of a fridge, stove, and dishwasher.
The same goes for their light fixtures, which aren’t that fascinating. Browse online or take a trip inside a home depot, and you’ll see a wide array of light fixtures that aren’t just stylish and unique but are highly affordable too.
Painting upgrade
This is another upgrade that’s cheap and easy to add on your own later.
Many builders give you a few color selections from their limited options and painting the rooms the color of your choice means increased price.
Another concern is when you patronize a brand of paint that’s eco-friendlier. Chances are that the builders’ painters will only color match your paint selections to their preferred brand.
5 Home Builder Upgrades You May Say “Yes” To
You know which ones to skip for now. How about the ones that are worth your investment? If you’re building a new home, here are essential upgrades that are worth leaving to the home builders.
Kitchen upgrades
It’s the heart of your home, so it’s worth every penny to ensure your kitchen has good bones for both aesthetics and functionality. Think about taller cabinets, kitchen island, LED cabinet lighting, and built-in racks.
Smart energy-efficient upgrades
Energy-saving upgrades, including energy-efficient windows, light fixtures, and space heating and cooling units, are innovations that add value not only today but in the long run.
Storage solutions
Storage makes the everyday functionality of your home better. Invest in storage solutions like built-in cabinet organizers, pull-out shelves, secret compartments under the stairs, and a bigger pantry or more closet space.
Large windows and glass sliding doors
Large openings not only give you amazing views they also flood your home with magnificent light and air.
More lighting solutions
An abundance of lighting can help a home feel larger, airy, and more inviting. Focus on areas where lighting is necessary, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
