Some homebuyers want a brand new house. There’s something exciting about being the first to live in the home. If you are looking for a new build, chances are your realtor is taking you to plenty of model homes. These properties typically come with top-of-the-line fixtures, appliances, and an extra room utilized as a den, or entertainment room with surround sound and theater-like projectors that can add to the desirability of the home.

Before you fall in love with marble countertops and mosaic tile floors, take some time to consider which upgrades are a necessity and the ones that are nice to have. Don’t forget, that some upgrades can be turned into DIY projects or added at a later date. It can help keep the home’s price down, leaving you with some extra cash.
Here are a few upgrades that make sense to have the builder add to the house.

Electrical Upgrades

You don’t have to worry about the home’s electric wiring and other components being up to code. It’s something every reputable builder takes seriously. However, if you want to increase the number of outlets or add more light fixtures, now is the time to let the builder know.

It’s easier to add the necessary wiring before the drywall goes up. In the long run, it can also save you money. It’s expensive to upgrade a home’s electrical system after construction is completed. This is also the time to think about installing a smart home system since the wiring is already exposed.

Nursery

Any bedroom can easily be turned into a nursery, but some parents prefer to keep their little ones close by.
Your builder can add a second door in the master suite that connects to a smaller bedroom. When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, you aren’t wandering down the hallway in the dark. The added door is a minimal expense, even if you choose an upgraded finish.

Depending on your family’s size and the number of bedrooms in the home, you can move your child to a larger bedroom when they are ready. It can give them more space to store their toys and other gear, while also helping your child feel like a big kid. So, what to do with the nursery? It can easily be turned into a home office, study, or library. You can even turn the connecting space into a crafting room. The options are almost endless.

Flooring

Some homeowners have the skill, time, and patience to upgrade their flooring at a later date. If you don’t mind waiting, it is something you may be willing to skip having the builder take care of. Carpeting is standard in most new homes, but it’s not something everyone wants. Wood or tile floors, especially on the first level can give a home a seamless look, and it’s also easier to clean. Upgrading the floors will increase the home’s asking price, but it can also up the overall value of the property. It’s also easier to have your dream flooring installed at the time of construction.

Plumbing

Many homeowners choose to add to their homes instead of moving to a larger one. Whether it’s adding another bathroom or laundry room, it’s a good idea to pay the builder for roughed-in plumbing. Roughed in plumbing doesn’t mean pipes are exposed in the walls. It simply makes it easier for future contractors to access the plumbing without having to drill through your walls. In the long run, it will save you time and money when you are ready to add to your home.

Talk to Your Real Estate Agent

Your builder will try and sell you on a lot of extras, and most you probably don’t need. However, there are a few that may be worth the investment. Ask your real estate agent or broker about upgrades. A good real estate professional can advise on the types of home improvements that will increase the value of your property and stay within your budget. If you do not currently have an agent click here for a referral.