7 New Construction UPGRADES You Should AVOID!

7 New Construction UPGRADES You Should AVOID!

When building a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and opt for upgrades that seem appealing at the moment. However, not all upgrades provide good value or practicality in the long run.

Once you have picked your floor plan, structural upgrades and lot you will sign a purchase agreement with the builder. The builder will then schedule an appointment at the design studio to meet with a design consultant, where you will pick your electrical package as well as any additional upgrades and add ons.

The design studio can be over whelming with so many different options to choose from; like flooring, countertops, cabinets, backsplash, appliances etc. As you can imagine adding all these different upgraded options to your shopping cart can get very big and before you know it, you are way over budget for your brand-new home.

Remember when you buy a new construction home, you will have the base price, lot premium and any structural options you have selected, those three things are already covered in your purchase agreement. What is additional is all the additional upgrades you will be deciding at the design studio, please keep this in mind when you go to the design studio.

My advice is to have a budget set in place before you even go to the design studio to help keep you on track. The design studio offers a wide array of upgrades and options that can quickly add up in cost. Without a budget, it’s easy to get carried away and choose features that push your overall spending beyond your financial limits. A budget helps you stay within a realistic range and prevents financial strain.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate which new construction upgrades you should avoid to ensure your investment is wise and sustainable.

1. High-End Flooring

Expensive flooring materials like hardwoods or marble can be stunning, but they’re also costly and can be difficult to maintain. Consider more durable and affordable options like engineered wood or high-quality luxury vinyl plank flooring.

When you buy a new construction home, the builder provides basic flooring throughout the house. Carpet will be in the main rooms and bedrooms and generic builder grade tile will be in your entry-way, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room.

You will need to decide where you want to put the upgraded flooring, and if you want any carpet in your house. Since we live in the desert, I highly recommend putting hard surface flooring throughout your entire house. But if that gets too costly, then I recommend only putting carpet in your bedrooms.

2. Luxury Countertops

Materials like marble and quartzite are popular, but they can be very expensive. There are many affordable alternatives, like granite and quartz. There are even different levels or tiers for granite and quartz. I recommend not going with the most expensive tier, but something that is more affordable, but still looks just as nice.

While investing in better countertops in the kitchen might be worthwhile, using high-end materials in secondary spaces like laundry rooms or guest bathrooms may not be necessary. I recommend going with what the builder provides for those rooms.

3. High-End Appliances

When you go to the design studio, they will offer different appliance packages. Top-of-the-line appliances can be very expensive and might not offer significant performance improvements over mid-range options. Choose reliable, energy-efficient appliances that offer good value for your money.

Also do not buy your refrigerator or washer and dryer from the builder. They over charge on these appliances and you can get them much cheaper when you buy on your own from Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Best Buy.

4. Premium Cabinet Hardware

Upgraded knobs, handles, and pulls for cabinets can add up quickly. Standard hardware can be just as functional and can be easily replaced later if you decide to upgrade. Or don’t choose any cabinet hardware and add them yourself after you close.

5. Luxury Plumbing Fixtures

Top-of-the-line faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures can significantly increase costs. Look for stylish yet affordable options that provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This is something you can change out yourself in the future.

6. Excessive Tile Upgrades

While upgraded tiles in bathrooms and kitchens can look beautiful, opting for high-end or intricate tile designs can be very expensive. Consider using standard tiles with a few accent pieces for a stylish yet affordable look. Or go with the standard 4” backsplash that comes with the countertops and have someone else put in more cost-effective tile as your backsplash after you close.

7. Custom Closets

Custom closet systems with elaborate designs can be very pricey. Basic shelving and hanging systems can be upgraded later with more affordable modular solutions. I recommend going with the builder grade closets and after closing get several estimates from different closet companies, this will save you a lot of money in the long run.

CONCLUSION

Upgrades You Should Avoid: Avoiding these costly upgrades can help you stay within budget while still achieving a stylish and functional home. Focus on essential upgrades that provide the most value and consider more affordable options for less critical features.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Las Vegas Valley, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll get back to you personally and promptly. Thanks for visiting!

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Angela O’Hare
Favorite Las Vegas Realtor
Home Realty Center
Lic. #180246
702-370-5112
[email protected]
www.neighborhoodsinlasvegas.com