Customizing Your New Home: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Customizing Your New Home: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
By Steven Thomas, Refind Realty
Introduction
Building a new home is a rare chance to create a space that fits your life. But if you're not careful, upgrades can blow your budget fast. Some builder options are smart investments. Others? Not worth the markup.
I’m Steven Thomas with Refind Realty, and I help buyers across Dallas-Fort Worth make informed choices when it comes to customizing their new homes. Let’s walk through which upgrades are worth it — and which you can skip or handle after closing.
Where to Splurge
1. Kitchen Upgrades
The kitchen is a top resale driver. Spend here.
Prioritize upgraded cabinets, quartz or granite counters, and practical storage.
Go for soft-close drawers and upgraded appliances if they fit your budget.
See what builders are offering in the Dallas-Fort Worth New Construction Homes listings.
2. Structural Layouts
Big changes like taller ceilings, larger windows, or extended patios should happen during construction.
These add long-term value and are costly to modify later.
If you're planning to entertain or grow into your space, it's worth the upfront investment.
Explore these options with our New Construction Webinar to learn what to expect from local builders.
3. Energy Efficiency
Investing in things like radiant barriers, upgraded insulation, and tankless water heaters pays off over time.
They reduce energy bills and appeal to future buyers.
Ask about builder incentives for energy packages — and remember to Get Pre-Approved early so you know what fits your budget.
Where to Save
1. Lighting and Fixtures
Skip builder-grade lighting and hardware upgrades.
Builders charge a premium.
You’ll get better pricing and style selection post-close with your own contractor or even from a home store.
2. Secondary Flooring
Upgrade the main areas like living rooms and entryways, but hold off on bedrooms or game rooms.
Standard carpet works for now — and it’s easy to replace later.
Focus spending where foot traffic is highest.
3. Paint and Wall Finishes
Stick to the builder’s basic paint package.
It’s cheaper to hire a local painter after closing.
Want an accent wall, custom color, or wallpaper? That’s your project once the keys are yours.
Bonus Tip: Use a Rebate Program
If you’re working with a builder, don’t go it alone. You may qualify for our New Construction Homes Rebate Program. I help you navigate the upgrade process and put money back in your pocket at closing.
Conclusion
You don’t need to overspend to build a great home. With smart upgrades and a trusted advisor, you can customize your home to fit your lifestyle and protect your budget.
Download the Lone Star App here
https://lonestarliving.hsidx.com/@sthomas
You're Always Home With Refind Realty!
FAQs
Q: What upgrades add the most value?
Kitchen features, extended patios, high ceilings, and energy-efficient systems.
Q: Which upgrades should I skip through the builder?
Lighting, paint, window coverings, and decorative mirrors. You’ll save more by handling those after closing.
Q: Can I negotiate upgrades?
Yes. I help my clients negotiate builder incentives like design credits, closing cost assistance, and appliance packages.
Q: How do I get money back after closing?
Use the Refind Realty Rebate Program. It’s designed to reward buyers who choose us for their new construction home.
Q: Is it better to finance upgrades into the mortgage?
Only when they boost long-term value or are hard to change later — like floor plans or energy upgrades.
