Choosing which options to upgrade when purchasing a new home can be quite a mystery. Dean and I have spent hundreds of hours contemplating our own personal new home design choices and have also assisted all of our new home buyers with their design decisions. Design Center decisions are one of the most important steps in the process of purchasing a new home. Mistakes can be costly and disappointing but with the help of an experienced professional, design center mistakes can be avoided.
I always like to start with some very basic choices. Flooring will be one of your most costly upgrades but also one of your most valuable upgrades. Flooring is the foundation of your home. Once all of your furniture is placed and you are all settled in, you don’t want to decide you don’t like the flooring choices you made. Scraped finish hardwoods and tiled baths are an absolute necessary for me personally. This is where we always spend a substantial amount of dollars but it adds so much beauty and value to the home. I offset the cost of the hardwood and tile by choosing not to upgrade the carpets and padding in the bedrooms of a home. Carpet is one of the easier and less costly things to replace down the road so we always choose to start with the standard carpet options.
Cabinets are another upgrade that I never skimp on. Staggered, 42 inch, rich wood tones are a must. Granite or Stone counter tops that compliment the cabinets also add tremendous value but if this is outside of your budget then opt for a granite look laminate that can be upgraded at a later date. If stainless appliances are within your budget then by all means, go for it. If stainless is not affordable to you then I recommend black rather then tan or white appliances.
Sticking with the standards for fixtures, lighting and ceiling fans can save you a ton of money. You do want to make sure that the rooms where you plan to hang ceiling fans are pre-wired but it is usually a huge budget savings to add your own fans later. Lighting is kind of a big deal to me. Creative lighting adds so much character to a home and the choices are endless. I always choose standard lighting when we purchase a new home. It is so simple and budget friendly to replace standard lighting and also a lot of fun. There are a ton of DIY lighting ideas available so recycle a few wine bottles, get creative and have some fun.
Design centers can definitely be intimidating places but choosing the right options, standards and upgrades does not have to be a daunting task. If you utilize these simple tips, you will move forward with the process with confidence and excitement in anticipation of your beautiful new home.