Buying New Construction? My Top Tips to Choosing Your Best Options

So many options - what an exciting time it is going to be! It’s not often that we get to define the aesthetic we want in a home. Once you decided to go with new construction, there will be layouts, finishes, and more choices coming your way. 

And then...

Indecision! The ultimate thief of excitement, and sometimes, good judgment!  

Being presented with so many options on a specific budget can get really stressful, fast! I have seen many clients grapple with the choices and have this impact their initial excitement. No fun, right?

The root of this evil

Buying newly constructed homes is vastly different from resale in that when you look at existing homes in your price range, you have very few choices available to you. With resale, you go in with a good idea and choose the best of whatever is available or wait until you find what you love.

Some buyers decide to have their homes newly built rather than wait and risk more disappointment. But going into the process without a clear definition of what you are actually looking for is a recipe for overwhelm. So many combinations seem to be perfect! 

So, how do you approach the decision-making process to get to a point where you have the home you love living in, every day for years to come? 

Think Ahead

First - what good is a dream home if no one else likes the end product? If the resale value of your home is not good, it’s not really an investment.

A good rule of thumb is not to let yourself be led by trends. But I disagree. Some things can be trendy, and some things really should not be led by fads.

Home offices, for instance, seem to be an excellent upgrade. Everyone had been working from home for over a year and it seems that more people will continue doing so for longer. Right? Wrong. It still falls in the nice-to-have category. If you can afford it, by all means, add it to the list, but first, you need to be looking at things like:

• Windows
  An excellent investment - perhaps not first on your initial list, but integral when you think about them a bit more. Not only do they bring light and add to the general aesthetic. They are a structural part of your home that would be very expensive to replace. Done well from the start, they add to your home’s value.

• The Flooring
  No doubt I don’t need to say much here. It’s the first thing after curb appeal that could make or break a sale. Also, we walk on them, spill on them and so think further than just the “wood floor look” - instead of laminate, go for real wood or Bamboo. If you want carpets, go for thick, luxurious, and stain-resistant. If your budget won’t allow this, make sure high-traffic areas are done as best you can.

• A Lovely Kitchen
  Another classic place that is always high on the list of things in a home that can make or break the sale. The good news? Here you can go big and trendy. Kitchens are easy to upgrade and an easy selling point.

• Strong structural features
  Think steel entryway, strong roof, good garage doors, quality HVAC, and siding. There are many more features that would increase your home’s value, but these are the most important ones in my experience.

With these things in place, you can put the rest of your budget towards finishings.

A few tips on Finishing touches

Normally, with finishings, the rule is to go with what makes you happy. I agree, but would also add the following tips:

• As close as neutral as possible
  The harder the finishing is to replace, the better to lean as close to neutral as possible. A backsplash behind the oven, for instance, is easier to replace than all the faucets or light fittings. I say as close as possible, because if the completely neutral look does not make you happy, then go for the option that does!  
  

• Limit yourself
  Don’t stretch this decision-making, theming period over a long stretch of time. Rather than being luxurious, it’s a recipe for disaster. You will find yourself changing your mind and starting to question your taste and style.

  Also, don’t make decisions in the showroom without having decided on 2 - 3 styles you could absolutely go with. Gather your information beforehand and yes, make sure that it makes you happy and will continue to do so for many years! 

I help all my clients decide on the best options for their unique situations and all of them are truly happy with their choices. Let me guide you through this process to keep it fun, memorable, and valuable in the long run!