One of the best things about buying a pre-construction home is you get to pick your finishes, colours, and upgrades, so you can customize the home to your particular tastes.
Are Builder Upgrades Worth It?
The question is, which upgrades are worth doing through the builder, which is best to do afterwards, and what are the pros and cons?
The key here is not all upgrades are created equal. Some will be very expensive, if not impossible, after construction. Good examples are architectural upgrades, such as changing the floorplan or ceiling heights, making the bathroom larger, and changing the staircase or the home’s exterior from siding to brick, which will be extremely expensive.
On the other hand, builders often charge premium prices for things that would cost much less to do later. Here are some good examples of upgrades that will save you money if you do them after moving in:
Pot lights or Other Upgraded Lighting Fixtures
Opt for the standard lighting package. Builders tend to overcharge for pot light installation and hookup, so you’re better off doing the work after construction. It also means you can choose from a wider assortment of lighting options and personalize the placement of each light. Remember that the quoted cost will not usually account for the need to perform wall or ceiling repairs.
Granite or Marble Countertops
These luxury finishes are popular builder upgrades. They’re beautiful and durable but expensive. If you decide to get granite
after moving in, you’ll want a professional to install it. The benefit here is usually a cost saving, but always the advantage of shopping around for the perfect slab.
Crown Molding
Crown moulding is a decorative architectural detail that provides a finished look. It’s fairly easy for the builder to install, but it’s an expensive upgrade that may not offer as much return on investment as other improvements.
Faucets and Fixtures
That rain shower water head may look great in the model home, but bathroom and kitchen faucets and fixtures will almost surely cost you more from the builder than buying them later from the hardware store and installing them afterward. These are relatively easy to install.
Kitchen Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is another popular feature that looks great in the model. It’s a labour-intensive upgrade that builders tend to overcharge for, and another upgrade that is better to have done after closing.
What is the Benefit of Builder Upgrades?
If you upgrade after closing, remember that you’ll have to budget for these items because you’ll buy them out of your pocket or on credit. If you do them with the builder, you can incorporate the cost, or a portion of it, into the purchase price and include it in your mortgage. It also avoids the inconvenience of living through dusty, loud and intrusive renovations.
If you have any questions or want an opinion on which upgrades to go with, contact KT Realty at 1 (800) 617-0090.
