Tips on Selecting the Right Upgrades for Your Home

5/10/2006

(NewsUSA) - You've found the perfect neighborhood, selected a home plan of your dreams and chosen a reputable builder. But the decision-making doesn't stop there: There are literally thousands of innovative upgrades that you can incorporate into your new home as it is being built.

According to Angie Stevens, design coordinator with Kopf Builders in Cleveland and a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, there are several advantages to upgrading during the building process. First, it usually is much more convenient to have the builder upgrade items during the construction process. Plus, you may be able to take advantage of financial incentives so that the upgrades don't break the bank.

Here are some tips from Stevens for choosing the best features and upgrades for your new home.

Make the house your home.

One of the best reasons to upgrade your building plan is to infuse it with your own style. Whether you want a country look or a contemporary flair, the options you select will help convey your style throughout the house.

Do the math.

One major benefit of upgrading during the building process is rolling the cost of the upgrades into your mortgage loan. Although you may pay slightly more in taxes initially, the upgrades will be paid off at a lower interest rate than if you later decided to upgrade and took out a home equity loan. In addition, most builders will include upgrades in your home warranty.

Think about resale.

What you choose now can play a big role in determining the resale value of your home in the future. Name-brand appliances and popular custom upgrades will appeal to potential buyers. The smartest plan of action is to put money into the most-used areas of the home, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms. Some of the items to consider upgrading include the faucets, flooring, appliances, countertops, cabinets and lighting.