Where to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck in New Home Upgrades

 

Poplar Grove by Southeastern

If you have picked a new construction community, picked the lot on which your home will be built and picked your floorplan, your next big decision-making process will be the upgrades that you want to put into the home. This is when you pick the structural options that will affect how the home is built (for instance, an open loft or an additional bedroom, arched doorways, or traditional doorframes).  You will also select the designer finishes that can entail everything from wall color to the style of faucet in your kitchen sink.  Builders typically offer standard features that are included for the base price of the home, but many also have a tremendous variety of other options aka “upgrades” that you can select for additional money.  This can be an exciting and overwhelming process and often buyers experience huge sticker shock when they see the total from their list of selections.  The National Association of Homebuilders, via HouseLogic, recommends spending your upgrade dollars on the following:

1.  Higher-end kitchen cabinets. The kitchen is the heart of the home where most families spend a lot of time. Function and durability can go a long way. It’s a good way to increase storage and ensure that they will look good for years to come. This also a good opportunity for personalization in selecting the color, style, finish, and hardware.  Cabinets are expensive so it’s best to spend the money upfront as an upgrade rather than the huge project of replacing them in their entirety down the road.

2.   Opt for upgraded carpeting. The better quality the carpet, the better it will wear after years of foot traffic, still looking and feeling good.  Higher-end carpet will offer a wider range of color and style options. In addition to spending more on carpet, upgrade the carpet pat, it will add additional cushion and increase the longevity of the actual carpet. You also can be eco-friendly by purchasing non-toxic pads with low VOCs.

3.  Increase the amount of hardwood floors you’re putting in.  Hardwoods are always classic and look good, ideal spots are the living room, great room, and kitchen.    They are a good way to add value for resale.  Again, this is a project that is easier to have done prior to you moving into the home rather than after the fact.

4.   Ceiling fans are important in the Lowcountry.  Rooms are often pre-wired for a ceiling fan, and it can be a good idea to go ahead and add the actual fan as well, particularly in bedrooms and family rooms. They are typically a low-cost upgrade that can increase both comfort and energy savings- particularly with our brutal Charleston summers.

5.   Invest in the upgrades that add to your quality of life. After all, this is supposed to be your dream home, right? So save some funds for the feature that will make the house exactly what you want, whether it’s a screened porch for outdoor entertaining, a spa-style bathroom or appliances to rival a commercial kitchen.

 Curious about the various upgrades that Charleston-area builders have available? Many have designated design studios or option selections available for viewing at their model homes.  Check out these neighborhoods to learn more.

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