what upgrades are worth getting in a new home

10 Must-Have Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth It

1. Zero-Threshold Showers. Eliminate barriers and get a sleek look by switching to a shower that lacks the lip or edge...
2. Cool Roofing. Heat is the problem everyone is interested in tackling right now, according to Matt Power, editor of...
3. Kitchen Countertops. Countertops are an integral part of your kitchen's...

Full Answer

What are the top 10 home upgrades worth?

Home Upgrades That Are Totally Worth It 1 Start in the Kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, the spot where you will spend the majority of your time and make the most memories. 2 You Can Never Have Too Much Light. ... 3 Walk This Way. ... 4 Energy Savers. ... 5 Holy Closets! ... 6 Sit, Eat, Study, Hang Out. ... 7 Electric Company. ...

Do upgrades add value to your home during new construction?

With that being said, there are some upgrades that will be much easier and more cost effective to complete during construction. To help you decide which upgrades to add to your home right away and which ones to wait on, we’ve compiled the following list. These high-ROI projects will typically add value to your home during new construction. 1.

What projects add the most value to a new home?

These high-ROI projects will typically add value to your home during new construction. 1. Wood floors Generally, carpet comes standard everywhere except for the kitchen, bathrooms, entryway and hallways.

Should you upgrade your home’s lighting?

And if you don’t do it, you’ll at least be able to offer it as a potential asset to the next person who lives there. A standard new construction home comes with lighting, of course, but when you’re upgrading you will have the option to add more light. Do it—you can never have too much.

Which new home upgrades are worth the money?

8 New Construction Upgrades That Are Worth the Money (and 5 That Aren't)The kitchen. Your kitchen is the focal point of your home. ... Deeper basement. ... Roughed-in plumbing for a future full or half bath. ... More lighting. ... Energy savers. ... Bigger garage. ... Innovative storage options. ... Carpet padding.

How much should you spend on new home upgrades?

Custom home upgrades can cost anywhere from 10-20% of your total home cost. This includes upgrades like fixtures, flooring, countertops, electrical additions, etc. So if you are building a $250,000 home, you would spend anywhere from $25,000 - $50,000 on home upgrades.

What are the best upgrades to do to your home?

The 6 Most Valuable Home ImprovementsUpscale garage door replacement. ... Manufactured stone veneer on exterior. ... Wood deck addition. ... The kitchen (within reason) ... Siding and vinyl window replacements. ... Bathroom remodel.

How do you negotiate new construction upgrades?

How to Negotiate Upgrades on a New ConstructionBuy During the “Off Season.” ... Ask the Builder to Cover Closing Costs in Return for Upgrades. ... Choose a Cheaper Lot. ... Buy a Finished Home That Hasn't Been Sold Yet. ... Just Ask!

Whats the most expensive part of building a house?

When it comes to the actual home construction, framing will be the most expensive part of the process. Based on the same $428K figure for the average custom home, framing will eat up about $41K of that budget. The cost of framing will depend on the materials you choose and the size of the home.

How do you increase the value of a new build?

6 Tips to add value to a new build homeTip #1: The Front Door. ... Tip #2: Redecorate. ... Tip #3: Replace windows with double glazing. ... Tip #4: Kitchen makeover. ... Tip #5: Freshen up your bathroom. ... Tip #6: Create a gorgeous garden. ... Find a New Build home with Peabody.

What raises home value the most?

8 ways to increase the value of your homeClean and declutter. ... Add usable square footage. ... Make your home more energy-efficient. ... Spruce it up with fresh paint. ... Work on your curb appeal. ... Upgrade your exterior doors. ... Give your kitchen an updated look. ... Stage your home.

What home improvements add the most value 2021?

11 Home Upgrades With the Best Payback in 2021Garage door replacement. GagoDesign / Shutterstock.com.Manufactured stone veneer. Artazum / Shutterstock.com. ... Minor kitchen remodel (midrange) ... Fiber-cement siding replacement. ... Vinyl window replacement. ... Vinyl siding replacement. ... Wood window replacement. ... Wood deck addition. ... More items...•

Do ceiling fans add to home value?

Adding ceiling fans to rooms like bedrooms, the living room, or family room will add value to your home immediately.

What questions should I ask a new home builder?

These 10 questions to ask when buying a new construction home will help get you started.Is the lot cost included? ... How long will building take? ... What warranties are provided with the house? ... What are the standard finishes? ... Are you allowed to purchase your own appliances or materials?More items...•

Are lot premiums worth it?

Are Lot Premiums Worth It? Although a premium location can help the property preserve its value, there is no assurance that the additional investment will be recouped. The additional value will be determined by the demands of prospective house purchasers when you sell.

How much can you negotiate with a builder?

It is always possible to negotiate on the quoted price. A good bargain would lead you to at least a 5-10% discount of what you might have expected. You just need to be informed about the feasibility of your bargain and the seller will concur.

Why are builder upgrades so expensive?

There is a ton of markup in the builder upgrades – as it includes both cost of material and labor. It's one of the reasons why some builders can afford to offer credits. Even if you were to remove something, it would cost you. We added 10ft high ceilings across the home, and a 9ft high basement.

Can you use your mortgage to buy appliances?

Similar to new furniture, many homebuyers can't wait to get that new stove or refrigerator for their new kitchen. Just like furniture stores, many appliance vendors offer no interest financing. However, they still run your credit and should be purchased after your loan closes.

What is a mortgage upgrade?

By refinancing into a home improvement loan, you can pay for upgrades with one mortgage, one mortgage payment and one interest rate. The remodeling costs are rolled directly into the mortgage.

How much does it cost to upgrade a house to Stardew?

How to Upgrade the FarmhouseUpgradesDescriptionCostHouse Upgrade 1Adds a bedroom as well as a functional kitchen.10,000g, 450 WoodHouse Upgrade 2Adds two new rooms, including one with children's beds and a crib, allowing players to have children. Also enlarges the bedroom and kitchen.50,000g, 150 Hardwood6 more rows•Jan 17, 2022

What are some upgrades to a kitchen?

Kitchen upgrades not to be overlooked include quiet, quality dishwashers; microwave drawers, which are easier to access; stand-alone hoods and under-counter beverage centers, so kids and guests can help themselves without getting in the way of food prep. Cabinets, too, are expensive to replace later.

Why do people stress about upgrades?

The reason so many people stress about upgrades is because they didn’t plan for them. Earmark a slice of your budget ahead of time and the process won’t feel nearly as overwhelming, so you can focus on where to get the most bang for your buck.

Is tankless water heater worth upgrading?

Energy Savers. There are so many ways to save on your energy bills beyond buying the right kitchen appliances. Tankless water heaters, as well as plumbing and air conditioning units with high efficiency ratings, can make a huge difference almost immediately and are totally worth upgrading to.

Can you forego upgrades?

There are upgrades you can easily forego, and there are those you should hold on to for dear life.

Can you replace cabinets later?

Cabinets, too, are expensive to replace later. Even simply upgrading to the semi-custom variety will provide more finish options and better-quality materials. Consider dovetail joinery and divided drawers, as well as both deepening and lengthening cabinets to ceiling height for a sleek, custom look and extra storage.

Do pull out pantries take up space?

Combs also recommends pull-out pantries over open shelving. “They provide more storage, easier access and take up less space,” she says. Springing for soft-close doors and premium hinges will help extend the life of all of your cabinetry.

What are some upgrades that add value to a home?

New Construction Upgrades that Add Value. These high-ROI projects will typically add value to your home during new construction. 1. Wood floors. Generally, carpet comes standard everywhere except for the kitchen, bathrooms, entryway and hallways. Many homeowners desire the seamless look of hardwood or laminate throughout the first floor.

Why is it so nerve wracking to commit to a new home?

Committing to a new-construction home can be nerve-wracking because there are so many options to choose from! By keeping these things in mind when you commit to a new build, you can ensure that the number of upgrades you choose don’t get out of hand. In turn, your base price will stay as low as possible and the projects you save for later will be ...

Why do you need to tear up flooring before installing a bathroom heater?

Because floor-heating systems require the flooring to be torn up before they can be installed , this is an upgrade you don’t want to save for later. An in-floor heating system is an energy efficient option that will add warmth, comfort and luxury to your bathroom.

Can you add a bathroom to your home?

If you ever want to add a bathroom to your home, make sure you pay for roughed-in plumbing. This will save you time and money. Imagine having to drill through concrete in a basement to add piping — it doesn’t sound easy or cheap, and it isn’t! Roughed-in plumbing is well worth the cost if you’re even considering adding a bathroom to your home.

Do upgrades pay off in a newly built home?

These potentially risky upgrades may not pay off in a newly built home.

Is it expensive to build a new home?

However, building new can be costly if you aren’t careful with the upgrades you choose. The base price of a home may fit perfectly within your budget, but it’s shocking how quickly it can go up when you realize how many upgrades you want.

Does crown molding recoup value?

Crown molding is a beautiful upgrade, but unfortunately, it doesn’t recoup much value. If you really want crown molding, identify which rooms you want it in and hire a contractor after you close. This may be a good project to complete when you decide to paint the walls.

Where to put money when renovating?

When building or renovating, it’s often best to put your money where your water is — that is, in the kitchen and bathrooms. You will find more function and resale value in upgrading those areas of the home, and many of the following suggestions are for upgrading those rooms. 1. Extra-height kitchen cabinets.

Is it worth upgrading to a 24 inch fridge?

If you are able to upgrade to a deeper, 24-inch cabinet, it’s absolutely worth it. A deeper cabinet makes the fridge look more built-in, particularly if the fridge is counter-depth. It also gives you a deeper space for storage, avoiding the exposed, good-for-nothing area on the top of the fridge.

Is it cheaper to upgrade to wood flooring in the upper hallway?

Wood in the upper hallway. Upgrading from standard carpet to wood flooring is less expensive to do after you take possession of your new home , but if you decide to spend a bit of money on your flooring, wood in the upper hallway is a nice upgrade to do.

Can you order glass cabinets after the fact?

Ordering odd kitchen cabinet pieces such as boxes and doors is usually not possible for a custom cabinet company after the fact.

Do you have to upgrade grout?

9. Special grout. Sometimes you don’t have to upgrade the tile to get the look you want. Some builders have their design team preselect the grout for each standard tile available — often a close match to the tile itself — simply to alleviate the strain their clients face in having to make yet another selection. Ask if this is the case, and whether you’re able to select your own grout to go with your tile selections. This strategy could give your standard tile a stylish, unique look.

What adds value to a home?

As you look around your home and wonder which updates are worth making, consider whether the project would help a buyer see your place as somewhere they want to live. Are certain rooms of the home dated by decades? Maybe you focus there.

What percentage of real estate agents say that home renovation activity is on the rise?

Joint Center for Housing Studies / Harvard University (Oct. 2020) Nevertheless, as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, 76% of real estate agents say that home renovation activity is on the rise.

How much does it cost to landscape a house?

To mow the lawn, prune shrubs, apply mulch, and plant about 60 perennials or annuals over about 2,800 square feet costs about $3,000 — but has a 100% return on investment, NAR says.

How much does it cost to replace vinyl siding?

In a midrange home, replacing a 300-square-foot band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the street-facing facade with adhered manufactured stone veneer costs an average of $9,537 but recovers about 96% of that at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

You can do a minor kitchen remodel of a 200-square-foot kitchen for about $21,000, and recover about 77.6% of your spend at resale. Compare that to a major, upscale kitchen remodel, which will only recoup 58.6% of your costs.

What is the key to a bathroom remodel?

But the key with bath and kitchen remodels is to keep costs down and avoid total overhauls that don’t have great ROI. Think functional and updated, rather than breathtaking and luxury.

How much does an unfinished basement cost in Georgia?

Even among homes ranging from $250,000 to $400,000 in Georgia, an unfinished basement can add about $15,000 to $20,000, Russell says. If finished, a basement can add even more — up to $40,000 or $50,000 to the asking price.

What are some energy saving upgrades?

Energy saving upgrades are the gifts that keep on giving. If you’re provided with the option, spend extra on things like energy efficient windows, appliances, space heating and cooling devices, and more. The more efficient you can make your home, the more you’ll save in utility costs every month. Your home will also do more work for you, naturally staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As a bonus, you’ll be doing right by the environment, which is always something to strive for.

Is it better to have storage or light?

Storage is universally desired among homebuyers, and for good reason. Like lighting, it’s one of those things that’s more obvious the less you have of it, and it also makes the every day functionality of your home just that much better. Fortunately, adding in innovative storage solutions like built-in cabinet organizers and pull out trash and recycling bins aren’t terribly expensive. You don’t have to add in every extra storage option available, but do choose a few that make the most sense for your home.

Can you upgrade standard lighting?

The standard lighting fixtures offered by builders are generally nothing special. Look through the options of upgraded lighting fixtures and you’ll see that those aren’t very exciting either. With so many great options online for buying not just stylish and original lighting but also highly affordable lighting, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to opt for builder upgrades in this area. Have your builder put in the standard fixtures and then swap them out as you find other fixtures that you like.

Can you sell crown molding?

Your builder will definitely try to sell you on crown molding, either for your walls or your cabinets or both— it’s an expensive upgrade and easy to install on their end. And while it will certainly look extremely appealing when you see it in the design center, crown molding is for aesthetics only and won’t increase value in other ways. Resist the crown molding urge and save yourself the money for the new construction upgrades that will really count.

Is wood flooring expensive?

Wood floors. This is an unpopular opinion, I know, but stick with me here. Wood floors are expensive, and they’re also prone to scratches and water damage. You can get the same look for a lot less by going with laminate instead.

Can you have too much lighting in a new construction home?

Do it—you can never have too much . Make your money count by focusing on rooms where lighting is most necessary, such as the kitchen and bathrooms.

Can you expand a garage to fit more vehicles?

Has anybody ever complained about having too much space in their garage? This isn’t always on the list of offered new construction upgrades—it depends on your lot size and the layout of the community—but if it is, go for it. Garages can be expanded both width-wise to accommodate more vehicles and depth-wise to fit things like gardening supplies, extra storage, and bikes. It’s an upgrade that’s guaranteed to be both functional and a wise investment, so always go with the bigger garage if you can.

When selecting builder upgrades for your new home, do you need to be strategic?

You want to choose the upgrades that will save you hassle and money by doing them upfront. But many potential upgrades will have to fall off the priority list as your budget reaches its limit.

What to change out after moving in?

3. Lighting . One of the easiest things to change out on your own after you move in is your lighting . A standard builder’s lighting package is pretty basic and uninteresting, but their upgrade packages often aren’t much better. Take your time seeking lighting later and find interesting fixtures to dress your home.

Can builders paint match paint?

The other thing is that builders’ painters will just color match your paint selections to the brand they prefer, so if you love a particular brand of paint, wait until later and do it yourself.

What to do if it would require a big tear out, expense and mess to replace?

Here’s my basic rule of thumb …..if it would require a big tear out, expense and mess to replace, spend the money there and get a product you will be happy with for a long time.

Is redoing texture expensive?

Redoing that texture is expensive and a dirty job. No one enjoys living through that in a remodel. It’s the equivalent of a popcorn ceiling, but on the walls.

Can you change out decorative lighting?

This is often the first place homeowners will go to upgrade. Changing out the lighting is a relatively easy fix! It can be done in a day with little or no mess.

Can you change the standards on a house after you own it?

I would suggest to let the builder install their standards and then you come in and change them out, after you own the place and have maybe had some time to save up for these extras.

Do builders use flat paint?

Builders typically use flat paint on the walls, in a lower quality, and it will show fingerprints and mark up fast. If you can upgrade here and make sure they are painting with the quality you intend, then that is a good investment just in the maintenance of your home.

Can you install 75 cent cabinet pulls?

As long the holes are in the location you want with your new hardware, then letting them install their 75 cent cabinet pull is just fine. (The hard part is drilling the holes properly!)

Should I invest in higher quality cabinets?

If you know what to expect with regard to upgrading your cabinets, then I would invest in higher quality cabinetry.