How to Choose the Best Options and Upgrades When Building a New Home
Now that you’ve made the decision to build a new home, how do you make the best choices to make it your own? In other words, which customizations are right for you and your family? The vast array of choices can often be overwhelming. We have some tips to hopefully make the process a little easier.
Early Decisions
If you are interested in making structural additions or changes to a home, you should do so at the time you sign the contract or very soon thereafter. For example, if you wish to add a room or a garage or even move the location of doors, it may impact the building permit or require walls to be opened. These changes would be costly to make after a home is done or further into construction.
Upgrades After Purchase
Some changes or cosmetic features are best added after the purchase of your home. For example, paint, landscape, lighting, crown molding, and even appliances are often made after closing. It is a good idea to consider buying these things through the builder as you may be able to roll the cost into your mortgage.
Budget
Prepare a budget and try your best to stay within it. A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay approximately twelve percent of the home base price on interior upgrades. As part of your budget, make a list of those extra items that are must-haves and those that are want-to-haves.
Be Mindful of Resale
While you are attempting to build the perfect home for you and your family, be careful that you don’t over-customize. You should always consider the resale value of your home when deciding on finishes.
Choose a Builder you can Trust
Before signing a contract to build a home, do some serious research to find the right builder. Look up their accreditation and prior customer reviews. Examine other homes that they have built. Talk to former clients. Ask the builder questions. Additionally, look at the work of their design team to make sure it fits with your personal aesthetic. You don’t want to choose a builder who specializes in building Victorian-style homes when you prefer modern homes. You also want to choose a builder you feel comfortable talking to and one who quickly and respectfully communicates with you.
Zbranek & Holt specializes in building custom luxury homes in the greater Austin area. We have experience with home builds in Westlake, Horseshoe Bay, Wemberley, Lakeway, and Dripping Springs Texas.