7 Worthy Upgrades Often Overlooked by New Construction Home Buyers
So you've taken the leap and chosen to invest in a new construction home. Congratulations! You are now among a select group of forward-thinking homeowners who have chosen to embrace an exciting and transformative journey. But there are a few things you should be aware of.
88% of new home buyers wish they made different decisions during the construction process, including 39% who wish they spent more on luxury upgrades.
The Importance of Upgrades When Building a New Home
In the world of new home construction, the saying "hindsight is 20/20" takes on a whole new meaning. Every decision made during this process, whether by you, the future homeowner, the builder, architect or designer, can have far-reaching consequences. Only through the lens of foresight will you able able to avoid costly or even devastating results. Meaningful upgrades then, are the key to creating a home that reflects thoughtful design, informed choices, and better construction outcomes.
“Would you rather opt for vetted tradespersons now, securing warranty-backed upgrades, or invest extra time later testing unaccountable, and often times, unreliable trades? How much do you value your time and peace of mind?”
Here’s another reason why you may want to carefully consider these 7 upgrades: Would you rather opt for vetted tradespersons now, securing warranty-backed upgrades, or invest extra time later testing unaccountable, and often times, unreliable trades? How much do you value your time and peace of mind? For real estate agents, improvements or enhancements made to a new construction property can make it more attractive to potential buyers. With that, let’s delve into seven often overlooked upgrades that have the potential to transform a newly constructed home into a haven of comfort and practicality.
1. The Power of Properly Scaled Windows
Unless you have light sensitivity issues (or you’re building a prison) natural light will play an important role in the construction of your home. Windows are not only the messengers of natural light, but they also provide warmth, ventilation and a connection to the outside world. They even help define the style of the home. So it’s important to decide how many (or few) of them you will need to be happy with your purchase.
When choosing windows for your new home, it's important to consider the size and scale. Larger windows will let in more natural light, while smaller windows can create a more intimate (aka darker) feel. It's also important to choose windows that are the right shape for your home's style. If you’re a builder who is creating a spec home, it’s probably best to err on the side of more natural light rather than less.
2. Kitchen Cabinets that Reach Luxury Heights
There’s nothing worse than having a beautiful room that you have to move heaven and earth just to keep clean. A few years back it became popular to hang the kitchen wall cabinets 1/3 of the way up the wall. This left 1 to 3 feet of open soffit area above them. Everyone loved it— until they realized that the 1 to 3 feet of open soffit above the cabinet is a magnet for dust, grease and dead insects. This method of installation also made small kitchens appear even smaller. And large kitchens with cabinets hung this way gave a dwarf-like appearance to the cabinets themselves.
To avoid these issues, opt for cabinetry that embraces the full height of your walls. Those with ceilings higher than 9 feet can blend smaller glass front cabinets above the standard 36” or 42” cabinets to create more storage and a captivating visual display. A less costly option would be to simply close the space between the top of the cabinet and ceiling, and add a faux cabinet front to match the rest of the kitchen.
Designer Tip: Adding accent lights inside of the glass fronts can take a kitchen from basic to high-design in an instant.
3. Basement Rough Ins for Future Expansion
For some new construction buyers, finishing the entire basement simply isn’t in the budget. However, if you plan to save up for a future basement remodel why not split the difference by including the basement rough-ins during construction. This will make it easier to finish your basement later on. Basement rough-ins include things like electrical wiring, plumbing for a bathroom, and HVAC. And while you’re at it, why not add an egress window or a basement walk-out entrance into the home.
This hidden gem could pave the way for future buildouts (a theater, mother-in-law suite, a rental unit, etc), transforming your basement into a versatile space. Embrace the foresight to craft your home's foundation into a canvas of endless opportunities. J
Designer Tip: Leaving the basement unfinished but with rough-ins in place will allow homeowners to easily detect and address cracks or other problems that may develop within the first year after construction. When your new home build is complete, be sure to test the basement for the presence of the naturally occurring, but harmful radioactive gas called radon. With the walls still open you will be in a better position to remediate the issue.
4. Plumbing and Power in the Heart of Your Kitchen (The Pantry)
A well-designed kitchen is often the crown jewel of a home. But it can quickly deteriorate into an eyesore when the counters become cluttered with clunky appliances like air fryers, toaster ovens, rice cookers, mixers and various coffee pots. Create a culinary sanctuary, and keep your counters clear, by adding electrical outlets and plumbing to your pantry. It’s a savvy decision allows for smooth small appliance integration, and elevates your pantry to a hub of convenience.
5. Embrace the Beauty of Eggshell and Satin Finishes
When it comes to paint finishes, there are several options. But in new construction the the most common are flat and eggshell/satin. Flat paint is the most common option, but it can be difficult to clean and it can make a room feel dull since flat painted surfaces don’t bounce light around the room. Escape the monotony of builder-grade flat paint by selecting eggshell and satin finishes. They're easy to clean, not too shiny and not too dull. Additionally, spaces painted in eggshell and satin finishes photograph beautifully and give spaces a more polished look.
6. Unlock Hidden Potential with Additional Storage Options
No matter how large a newly constructed home will be, storage will always be in demand. But it can be hard to find and easy to overlook when planning a new home. That's why it's important to consider additional storage options with the builder, architect or designer. From built-in shelves to clever nooks, let every inch of your home count. Discreet yet smart and efficient storage options will free your home from chaos, allowing each room to breathe.
Designer Tip: The empty spaces flanking the sides of a fireplace or a television wall are the perfect spot to add bench seating with open storage underneath for firewood, or closed storage for children’s toys, or guest shoes. And adding inset bookcases above the bench seating creates the perfect setting for a library or collection.
7. Embrace the Symphony of Home Professionals: Architects, Builders, Realtors, and Designers
Building a new home is a complex process, and it's important to have a team of experienced professionals by your side. So learn to recognize the roles and value of each home professional as they weave your dreams into reality. Architects mold the blueprint of your aspirations, builders infuse life into your vision, realtors connect your dreams with reality, and designers transform spaces into reflections of your soul. Embrace their expertise and forge a bond that nurtures the essence of your home.
