The Usual Upgrades You’ll Find in New Construction On The Jersey Shore
There is a certain appeal to the uncluttered style and easy upkeep of a new build. For a lot of homebuyers, that is what makes new construction so attractive. But perhaps the best part is the opportunity to put your own stamp on it with new construction upgrades that suit how you live.
For those in the market for an affordable new construction home with an open floor plan, it pays to be in the know about what is out there. Some of these options are must-haves; others are just for show. Since builders will present you with a combination of inclusions and add-ons, being clear on your choices is the best way to get the house you have in mind without going over budget.
So, What Is a New Construction Upgrade?
Put simply, an upgrade is anything the builder offers that is not in the standard package. It could be a step up in flooring, a nicer set of kitchen cabinets, or some structural work.
While some are for looks, you will also find ones that put more comfort or value into the home. You may see them listed as:
Builder upgrades
Home builder options
Upgrade packages for new homes
Custom home features
It comes down to knowing what is already there and what will cost you.
Standard or Upgraded? Structural Upgrades That Add Value
It is worth making a side-by-side comparison of standard vs upgraded finishes before you commit. The former is what you get for the base price; the latter is where you put in some extra cash for something with better style or longevity.
A case in point: the builder might put in carpet for the bedrooms, but if you prefer the look of hardwood, you can make that an upgrade. Or you might have to pay for recessed lighting when a simple fixture is all that is included. Having a handle on this is how you figure out where to put your money.
A Look at Common New Home Options
Builders put forward a good number of upgrade options in new construction. Some are minor, some are a bit of an investment. Here is what you are likely to come across.
1. The Kitchen
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where you will see the most kitchen upgrades in new homes. This is especially true in an open-concept design where the room is on display from the living area.
You can expect to see:
Countertops in granite or quartz
A larger island
Cabinets with soft-close hardware
A tile backsplash
A higher-end sink, faucet, or appliance
2. The Bath
Bathrooms are another place where a few changes go a long way. Bathroom upgrades in new homes are often in demand for a more polished feel and to make daily life a little easier.
Double vanities
A walk-in shower or soaking tub
Tile on the walls
Upgraded mirrors and fixtures
Hardware in brushed nickel or matte black
Extra storage
3. Flooring
What is underfoot is hard to miss. With an open layout, the material in the living room will likely be the same as in the dining and kitchen, so a good flooring upgrade ties the whole place together.
Options like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or a more substantial tile pattern can give the home a sense of continuity.
4. Lighting
It is easy to let it be, but lighting upgrades do a lot for the character of a room. Recessed or pendant lights, dimmers, and even some well-placed exterior security lighting can make an open space feel much more inviting.
5. For the Utility Bill
If the goal is to keep energy use in check, there are energy-efficient home upgrades for that. Better windows, an improved HVAC, a tankless water heater, or some ENERGY STAR appliances will run you a little more now but should be a help down the road.
6. A Smarter Home
You can’t ignore the tech side of things. Smart home upgrades like a video doorbell, smart lock, or a home automation system are becoming table stakes in a new build. They are as much about security and convenience as they are about being current.
7. Making Changes to the Structure
Then there are the structural upgrades. These are the ones that actually alter the footprint or function of the home, and for many, they are the most practical of all. You will find a variety of possibilities here, such as:
Living rooms with more room to spread out
More windows
An additional bedroom or two
A garage with some extra space
Sunrooms and covered patios
Ceilings with a bit more height
Open staircases or a wider entryway
Since structural work is put in place from the ground up, it tends to cost you more. But if it means you can use the home in a better way, it is usually a good investment.
8. Exterior Upgrades
There is no shortage of options for the outside of the house. Exterior upgrades might be:
Some brick or stonework
New siding
A front porch with a few extras
Garage doors of a higher caliber
A landscaping plan
Lighting for the yard
Any number of covered areas
It is a surefire way to put your best face forward and up the curb appeal.
9. Interior Design Upgrades
Builders will often put on the table some interior design upgrades for those who want a touch of style and their own stamp on the place. Think:
A different palette of paint
The kind of trim and molding used
A nice surround for the fireplace
Shelving that is part of the wall
An accent wall or some patterned tile
The finish on the hardware
You don’t have to do much to make a stock home seem one of a kind.
Move-In Ready Upgrades
Then there are the move-in-ready upgrades for the buyer who doesn’t want to be left with a to-do list after the keys are in hand. We are talking about having the flooring, the appliances, the lighting, and even the window treatments all in place. It is a matter of preference; some like a home that is done and dusted from the get-go.
What Builder Upgrades Are Worth It?
They are not all created equal. Some are for show, others make for an easier day-to-day. When you are weighing in on new home upgrades, consider how long you will be in the house, what you can afford, and what is going to be a pain to put in down the road.
The ones with the most value are typically the hard-to-come-by later on:
Anything structural
Altering the kitchen’s footprint
Putting in more outlets or lights
Tiling and shower work in the bath
Making the home more energy efficient
You can always go back and change the color of the walls or swap out a fixture if you want.
How to Choose the Right Upgrade Package
Rather than picking and choosing, some builders will present you with an upgrade package for new homes. It can be a time-saver and a money-saver, but you should still see what you are getting into.
A few questions to put to them before you put pen to paper:
What comes with the standard?
What is in the base price?
Where does it cost the most?
Is there any give on a bundle?
What is possible to add on at a later date?
It is the only way to be sure you are not putting down something you don’t need.
New Build Upgrade Ideas for the Budget-Minded
For a home that has some flair without the bill to match, you can be selective. Here are a few new build upgrade ideas that do the job:
Put in some quality flooring where you spend your time
Recessed lights in the kitchen and living area
A backsplash
Cabinet pulls and knobs of a better make
A kitchen island with some heft to it
Two sinks in the master bath
A smart thermostat
Some good exterior or porch lighting
There are ways to have your cake and eat it too, as far as comfort and cost are concerned.
The Appeal of Open Layout Homes
When you are on the hunt for affordable new construction home floor plans with open layouts, you are looking for a certain feel. An open concept is just more modern and makes for a better flow when you have guests or are keeping an eye on things.
In that kind of space, these upgrades stand out:
Flooring that is the same from room to room on the main level
Good lighting
A substantial island
Cabinets and counters with some character
Storage you don’t have to think about
Windows to let in the light
With so many spaces tied together, a well-placed upgrade has a lot of impact.
Final Thoughts
When building a new home, the best new home upgrades are the thoughtful upgrades that can improve resale value, boost home value, and give you a stronger return on investment without overdoing upgrade costs. In new home construction, features like higher cabinetry, better light fixtures, more storage space, upgraded tile, and practical storage solutions can make a brand-new home feel more high-end while also helping future buyers see more value in the property. Larger square footage, flexible structural options, a finished basement, and improved outdoor space like outdoor kitchens can also add value to your home and increase the appeal of outdoor living, especially when new home builders include them as part of a smart plan. On the other hand, some new home upgrades to avoid are certain upgrades that don’t match the market or the neighborhood, because the goal is not just to make your new build home look good, but to choose upgrades on a new home and types of new construction upgrades that truly add the most value and improve the resale value of your home. Even details like smart home technology and the right paint colors can make a difference, so the best approach is to focus on the upgrades for your new home that add value, work well for daily living, and make the most sense for a brand-new home.
From the major to the minor, there is a lot to be had in a new build. Whether it is a kitchen upgrade in a new home, some bathroom work, or making the place energy-efficient and smart, the opportunity to put your mark on it is there.
It is about what fits your life and your finances. Once you have a handle on builder upgrades and home builder options, and know the ins and outs of standard vs upgraded finishes, the decision is easier.
For a home that is both modern and sensible, take a good look at the upgrade options in new construction and the floor plans with the room to accommodate you.
