5 Upgrades You Should Never Buy from a DFW Builder (And Do Yourself Later)

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In 2026, the five upgrades you should never buy from a DFW builder are lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, kitchen backsplashes, flooring (especially carpet/LVP), and premium landscaping. Builders typically charge a 25% to 50% markup on these items, providing limited selections that often look generic. By opting for "builder grade" basics or credits and installing custom versions after closing, you can save between $10,000 and $35,000 while increasing your home's unique resale value. For instance, a builder might charge $2,500 for a designer lighting package that you can purchase and have a local electrician install for under $1,200.

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1. Designer Lighting Fixtures

Builders often offer "tier" packages that include basic chandeliers and pendants with high price tags.

• The Builder Trap: You are paying for the fixture plus a significant markup and labor fee, but the style is rarely unique.

• The DIY Pivot: Ask the builder for "junction boxes" only, or accept the base fixtures. After closing, buy high-end, unique fixtures from local Dallas boutiques or online. A professional install in DFW averages $230–$580 per fixture, often still costing less than the builder's "designer" upcharge.

2. Cabinet Hardware (Knobs & Pulls)

This is one of the most overpriced "convenience" options in the design center.

• The Builder Trap: Builders may charge $500 to $1,500 to install basic handles that cost them pennies.

• The DIY Pivot: Have the cabinets delivered with no hardware (and no holes drilled, if you are confident in your placement). You can buy premium solid brass or hand-forged hardware for a fraction of the cost and install them in a single afternoon.

3. Kitchen Backsplashes

Builders love the backsplash because it is a small area with a huge visual impact and a massive markup.

• The Builder Trap: You might pay $2,500+ for a basic subway tile install.

• The DIY Pivot: Accept the standard 4-inch granite lip or a plain wall. Post-closing, hire a local tile pro or DIY a custom herringbone or marble tile backsplash. In DFW, the average professional backsplash install is roughly $1,000, giving you much more room for high-end materials.

4. Upgraded Flooring (Carpet & LVP)

Flooring is the largest continuous surface in your home and where builders make their biggest margins.

• The Builder Trap: Builder "Level 3" carpet is often still low-quality compared to what you can find at a dedicated DFW flooring warehouse.

• The DIY Pivot: Stick to the base flooring. If you want high-end wide-plank wood or premium waterproof LVP, have a local crew install it after you move in. You will likely get a better wear layer and more modern color tones for $4–$14 per sq ft installed.

5. Premium Landscaping & Trees

DFW builders usually provide a "minimum required" landscape package to satisfy the HOA.

• The Builder Trap: Paying for "Tier 2" landscaping usually just gets you a few more shrubs and a slightly larger tree at a premium price.

• The DIY Pivot: Accept the base sod and trees. Spend your money later with a local Dallas landscape designer who understands North Texas soil and "Texas Tough" plants. A custom design typically costs $2,200–$6,180 but adds significantly more curb appeal than a generic builder bundle.

Conclusion

In the 2026 DFW market, the smartest new-build strategy is to build the bones and buy the beauty. By avoiding the high markups on cosmetic items like lighting, hardware, and backsplashes, you keep your cash liquid and your home's style unique. Save your builder budget for things that are difficult to add later—like extra insulation, gas stubs for an outdoor kitchen, or electrical pre-wires—and handle the finishing touches on your own terms.

Key Takeaways

• Markup Awareness: Expect a 30%–50% markup on builder materials.

• Focus on Structural: Invest builder dollars in high ceilings, extra outlets, and garage space.

• DIY Aesthetics: Lighting, hardware, and tile are easy and cheaper to replace after move-in.

• Landscaping ROI: Local designers provide better variety and health for North Texas yards than builders.

• Resale Advantage: Custom finishes (backsplashes, hardware) prevent your home from looking like every other "spec" on the block.