You have found the perfect plot of land, and now it is time to let your imagination soar. What type of home do you want to build on that property? What home features do you want to include that you do not have in your current home? Though some new lot owners will choose a custom build, the majority will select a design that is pre-made by a builder and adjusts it to suit their needs.
Anyone who has built a home from the ground up before knows that the process of designing a home invites a whole lot of preparation, and that also applies to the planning to upgrade your home from the builder’s model that you’ve chosen.
Everything about your new house will be completely, and uniquely, yours. Building a home is the time to make those house “wishes” come true, so it is important that you choose wisely and know which upgrades are best for you and your new
home.
First, understand that any changes that you make to your home plans, whether structural or cosmetic, will add to the cost of your home build. Though it can be something as small as a few thousand dollars, some upgrades will cost you tens of thousands to alter existing plans. Discuss your options and choices with your builder before you sign off on any plans.
Here are the upgrades worth investing in when you’re ready to build.
Kitchen
Kitchens are one of the most substantial ways that you can turn an upgrade into a long-term investment for your home. Anything from improving the choice of wood for your cabinets to adding a center island with a breakfast bar will add value to your home in the long run. There are a few smart ways to upgrade a kitchen that may cost more but will pay off handsomely if you decide to sell your home down the line.
No one has ever seen a kitchen and thought “This doesn’t need to be any bigger.” It doesn’t matter the size, every kitchen can use an extra few feet, some more cabinet or pantry space, or an eat-in breakfast area that makes the kitchen the best place in the house.
Upgrading appliances and countertops are also a tried and true way to make your home more valuable. Investing in high-quality brands and materials that will last considerably longer than average priced ones will add a whole lot of flair – and a few thousand extra – to your home’s value.
Bathrooms
Bathroom upgrades are another surefire way to create a more desirable home, and a good bathroom design now can translate to added value down the line.
Everyone has their ideas when it comes to their bathroom functionality, but just because you may not see the intrinsic value of a spacious, contemporary bathroom doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in this upgrade. You don’t have to choose the perfect sink or tub or décor, but you do have to ensure that the bathroom space is being used smartly.
Leave room for a walk-in shower, a jacuzzi tub, and extra-large cabinet storage, or add something special by adding a large window to your bathroom that offers some fantastic views without sacrificing privacy.
Floors
Choosing a flooring option is a tough decision, but you simply cannot go wrong with a natural-looking tile or hardwood floor. There is something wholly unique about the way that natural elements, be they wood or stone, make us feel like our home is built on a solid foundation.
Not only do these floors look beautiful to everyone’s eye, but they will last a lifetime if treated properly, making them a no-brainer enduring investment in the quality and value of your home.
Not all upgrades are equal. There are a lot of upgrades options that you may want to skip in terms of increasing house value.
Adding a Room or Changing a Functional One
While a sunroom may seem like the best way to add a relaxing space to your home, what will a potential buyer think about this space? These type of room additions, or changing a functional room like a bedroom into a specialty room can hurt your home in the long run. If you plan on staying in your home for decades, these rooms make sense. If your new build is an investment for a future sale, think twice about dropping or adding rooms.
Going Too Custom
Before you opt to go avant-garde or choose any home design decisions that make your home identifiable from miles around, you may want to consider how those choices will affect your home’s future value. Certain decisions about home style also need to be reflective of your neighborhood’s home standards, HOA rules, and environmental considerations.
There are a lot of ways to showcase your personality in a home, but transforming main structures to suit artistic tastes may be a strike against your home when it’s time to sell.
Adding a Pool
Real estate buyers are pretty split when it comes to pools, but no one is interested in sacrificing backyard space for a pool, no matter how hot the climate is. A pool can be a blessing or a curse, so think long and hard about how functional a pool will be for your new home build before you add one to your building plans.
Avid daily swimmers, growing families, and anyone with an ample amount of backyard space could all benefit from adding a pool to their property – maybe. If you are not one of these three, think again before considering digging a massive hole.
