Most Common Upgrades When Buying a New Construction Home in Phoenix AZ
As low housing inventory continues to sweep around Arizona, new construction home may be the best course of action for many home buyers. When you are building new construction, you’re tasked with making a lot of decisions. The base price of your home (the advertisement flyer) is the cost of the structure plus all the standard finishes. If you are planning to customize (and if you’re building a new home, you probably are), then you have to also factor in the cost of upgrades. As a Realtor that help my client purchasing new build in Phoenix area, here are typical upgrades are for new homes should be considered at the time of purchase and what can be deferred.
Lots
If you are building a new home, you will have the luxury of where you want your home to be build. Here are some of homesite option: corner lot, cul de sac, north/south facing, hillside lot, waterfront lot, golf course lot and others. Premiums are charged and added on top of a standard lot. This is an important upgrade since you won’t be able to change it later and will affect the future value of your home.
Structural Changes
Adding an additional garage, an extra bedroom or bathroom is not easily accomplished after the home is built. Many builders in Phoenix offer the option to add bedrooms, bathrooms, casitas or garages and in most cases they are presented as options in the floor plans.
Electrical Changes
Consider making electrical changes such as adding outlets, recessed lighting, pre-wire ceiling fan prior to construction, especially it is two-story home. By performing the rough-in during construction you can avoid paying more later and avoiding the hassle of an electrician cutting into your brand-new drywall to install the lights and switches.
Read some of the most important things to consider when buying new construction.
Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen and bath cabinets are a common upgrade. Many builders offer smaller height cabinets as the standard cabinet. Be sure to check what height is offered in the bathrooms. Consider the tallest upper cabinets in the kitchen and the finish you want. Be prepared to pay extra for different color and finish. Upgrading cabinets in the future is rather costly because it requires removal of existing cabinet, counter top and more. Many builders will offer other bells and whistles such as cabinet door knob or handler. This is something that can be done at a later date.
Countertops
Homebuilders offer a variety of countertops as their standard tops. Often they do not even display their standard top on the models. You may be allowed to change between a few basic colors at no cost of what is offered as the standard but any change in materials will be an extra cost. Solid surface tops vary in cost as to the type of material and how it is detailed and how the sinks are installed. If you are considering an upgrade in your countertops, keep in mind that you will also probably need to change your backsplash to match. If you are going to upgrade the countertops, you are probably going to want an upgraded sink, so that will also be an additional cost.
Flooring
Your builder will probably offer a variety of colors within the line that is offered as standard. You will pay extra for changes in the quality of the flooring and variations in carpet padding. There are more options for flooring such as custom tile designs, wood flooring, and now very popular luxury vinyl plank.
Extended Garage
Has anybody ever complained about having too much space in their garage? This isn’t always on the list of offered new construction upgrades. It depends on your lot size and the layout of the community, but if it is, go for it. Garages can be expanded both width and length wise to accommodate more vehicles and depth-wise to fit things like gardening supplies, extra storage, and bikes. It’s an upgrade that’s guaranteed to be both functional and a wise investment, so always go with the bigger garage if you can.
Roughed in Plumbing
If you are buying a home with basement and is come with unfinished you will definitely want to think about having your builder rough in plumbing for either a full or half bath. That way, if you ever decide to finish the basement you’ll be able to add another bathroom to your home. And if you don’t do it, you’ll at least be able to offer it as a potential asset to the next person who lives there.
Tech Stuff
Anything that is wired in your walls is best done when the house is being built. Think speakers, outlet placement, conduits for equipment wires, data ports, alarm systems or smart-home technologies. Again, punching holes in drywall all over your house to accommodate these items is more than an inconvenience, and it’s an expense you’ll want to dodge.
Stairs Railing
In two-story homes, most builder only provide drywall staircase as standard. It is worth the money to upgrade the railing, especially you have over-look first floor vaulted ceiling floor plan. By simply upgrade to wood railing on your staircases can make a huger difference in enhancing the appeal and make your home look bigger and more open.
Conclusion
Here’s my basic rule of thumb as an Realtor…..if it would require a structural modification, big tear out, expense and mess to replace, spend the money now and get a product you will be happy with and functional for a long time.
New Homes for Sale Phoenix AZ
Wondering how much house you can afford?
Click here to access the Mortgage House Payment Calculator. Simply add in the price of the home you are considering and the calculator will return your estimated house payment. Change length of loan and interest rates to adjust results.
Phoenix AZ Housing Market Trends Report
View Phoenix AZ Housing Market Report. The data used this Phoenix AZ Market Report is consolidated from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, and more. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.
Selling your home in Phoenix AZ
Contact Us or call Swee Ng at 480.721.6253 today to discuss your potential Phoenix House Value and our comprehensive marketing plan. We will prepare complimentary competitive market analysis (CMA) to find out what your home is worth at today’s market.
New Listing in Last 24 hour Phoenix AZ
Swee Ng, Realtor and Phoenix East Valley resident specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients’ best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.
If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Phoenix AZ and surrounding area, we hope you will consider us. Contact us today for complimentary consultation.
Search and view your dream home your way
Receive email alert as soon as a Phoenix property matching your criteria hits the market. Be one of the first to see new listings. Simply type in everything you want in a house and save your search here to be notified.
