New Construction Upgrades – Your Best Investments
Now that you’ve decided that you’re going to purchase new construction, you need to look closely at which upgrades you’ll add on to your new home. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll want a few, but if you’re like most buyers, you need to make some decisions when it comes to where you’re going to spend the extra money. Everyone’s pocket has a bottom, and you want to make sure you get the best long-term value for the upgrades you eventually choose.
At some point in time, you may be looking to sell your brand new home to another family (even though you can’t imagine it now), and the upgrades you choose can boost its resale value in the future. We’ve polled both experts and recent buyers to find out which upgrades “make the grade” with homeowners and prospective buyers. If these possibilities are on your list, they’re definitely worth a second look.
Premium Lot
While not strictly a construction or product upgrade, spending a little more to get a more desirable location in the community should certainly be a consideration. Corner lots, larger lots or lots that back up to beautiful views may have a higher price tag, but in the long run, you’ll be pleased with your choice.
Explore our available homesites in Ernest communities here: Ernest Homes Communities.
Structural Upgrades
Adding a bonus room, expanding the size of rooms, raising ceilings, installing fireplaces, adding more windows, enlarging closets or creating a larger owner’s bath suite is much more difficult to do once your home is built—making these upgrades far more expensive later.
And don’t forget your garage! Adding an extra bay to your garage may seem unnecessary now, but extra storage is always a premium. Plus…your toddler will one day be a teenager who needs a parking space!
Brick and Stone Upgrades
If you think you’d like brick or stone accents on the façade of your new home, it’s much more expensive and complicated to add these later. It’s smart to let your builder install these exterior features during construction.
A Bewitchin’ Kitchen
You can’t go wrong with most kitchen upgrades. Families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and even buyers who don’t cook often will appreciate an upgraded space when you decide to sell your home.
Popular upgrades include:
- Taller cabinetry for additional storage
- A functional kitchen island
- Roomier pantries
- Granite or upgraded countertops
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Garbage disposals in all sinks
- Trash compactors for convenience
Kitchen renovations are often the most expensive home improvements, so choosing upgrades during new construction can save you time, stress and money down the line.
Outlets, Switches and Lighting
You can never have too many outlets! Consider exterior outlets for holiday lights, pantry outlets, additional garage outlets, and extra outlets for computers, gaming systems and charging stations.
You may also want your builder to add wiring for surround sound or enhanced connectivity. These upgrades are far costlier once the walls are finished.
Three-way switches are incredibly convenient, allowing you to turn lights off or on from multiple points. And if you’re considering recessed lighting or skylights, these are best installed during initial construction, not afterward.
Make sure task-focused rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, and home office have both ceiling fixtures and targeted lighting to reduce shadows and improve usability.
Energy Savers
Many homeowners stop at energy-efficient kitchen appliances, but there is so much more you can do!
Consider upgrading to:
- Tankless water heaters
- High-performance windows
- HVAC systems with high efficiency ratings
- Additional insulation packages
Learn more about energy-efficient home features from ENERGY STAR here: ENERGY STAR Home Efficiency Guide.
Flooring
If hardwood floors are your dream, it’s almost always better to install them during new construction. Hardwood is expensive to retrofit, especially across large areas. When added during the initial build, the cost is more manageable and rolled into your mortgage.
If you have questions about ranking your upgrades, trust the professionals at The Gallery at Ernest Homes to walk you through the process. We’re here to help you build your ideal home!
Browse available floor plans to see which upgrades fit each design: Ernest Homes Floor Plans.
Looking for inspiration or move-in ready options? Visit: Quick Move-In Homes.
