New Construction Homes: What’s Worth Upgrading and What You Should Skip When Building

“Standard features” and “upgrades” in homes vary from builder to builder. Ask the builder for a specifications sheet that will detail everything that comes standard with your new home. Also ask for a list of upgrades or “upgrade packages” and their associated costs.

What Upgrades Are Worth IT When Building New Construction

Tip: If you have to be budget conscious, consider investing in upgrades that are expensive or near impossible to change in the future and then defer the other items until a later date. Here’s a list to consider.

Good investments

• The right floor plan/elevation

• Lot location

• Square footage

• The best bones in a kitchen such as island, tall cabinets, and good lighting; you can upgrade appliances and counters later

• Structural options

Skip or defer

• Crown molding outside of common areas or basements

• Wood floors upstairs and/or bedrooms

• High-end counters and appliances

• Upgraded finishes in secondary baths

• High-end fixtures

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