You’ve likely already crunched the numbers and know what you can afford. You’ve also likely scoped out ideas for your new home and started a wish list – perhaps with a few things on it that could stretch your budget. Knowing when to splurge and when to save will help you make room for those nice-to-have items, while ensuring you have all that you need.
Windows and Insulation: Choosing quality, energy efficient windows and insulation will make your home more comfortable – think cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – while saving you money on your utility bills. Those savings will soon add up, meaning more to splurge on elsewhere.
Electrical, Plumbing and Gas lines: Maybe a finished basement isn’t in your budget now, or you’re thinking of adding a sound system a few years down the road. Getting the electrical, plumbing, and/or gas hook-ups in place now – when your house is not in its finished stage – will save you money in the long run and avoid the need to turn your home into a construction zone (again).
Storage Space: This goes for your garage, pantry, mud room – wherever you store your belongings. Storage space is not something you can easily add after your home is built, so it’s a good idea to budget for the storage space you know you’ll need before your home is finalized.
Flooring: There are nearly endless flooring options nowadays, and many of the budget-friendly options are in close competition with their pricier counterparts. Laminate and vinyl flooring can easily imitate hardwoods, although they offer more durability and a lesser price. Your builder can help you select an affordable option for each area of your home.
Lighting fixtures: Fancy lighting fixtures are nice to have, but not a need-to-have-right-away. As long as the wiring is in place, fixtures can be upgraded at any time.
Countertops: Marble and quartz countertops are eye-catching additions to any home – but so are laminate countertops that are made to look like marble or quartz. File countertops under the nice to have, but not need-to-have-right-away list.
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