Must-have new construction upgrades for today’s homebuyers

Real estate in the Triangle is in an exciting place due to the massive amounts of new construction popping up across the region. One of the great advantages of new construction is that buyers can find a modern, on-trend home that offers ample opportunities for customization. Yet the list of potential new construction upgrades can feel endless when you’re choosing from premium flooring, gourmet kitchen packages, extra-deep porches, smart-home systems, and more. You may start wondering if upgrades are actually worth the investment. And what are the advantages? Will they increase a home’s value, boost resale potential, or simply make everyday living better?

Some upgrades deliver on all of those advantages. The following list explores the upgrades that consistently deliver strong returns, both financially and for long-term livability.

If you have a limited budget, focus on the big three: structural upgrades like extra space and porches, kitchen upgrades, and flooring upgrades. These are the upgrades buyers notice the most, and which are hardest to change later.

The kitchen is one of the most influential selling points in a home. Today’s kitchens include the features people want in a modern home: a kitchen island with seating, functional storage space, and premium appliances. Thoughtful upgrades here almost always deliver value because they can add thousands to perceived value alone while improving your day-to-day life from the moment you move in.

If you are interested in kitchen upgrades, several investments will be worth it during the building phase. For example, check with the builder to see if they are designing with today’s most popular asks, such as quartz countertops, upgraded cabinetry, and a pantry. If they aren’t included, these have become top preferences for buyers. Be sure to ask about appliance and backsplash upgrades, as well as customized storage solutions that ensure your kitchen is efficient and flexible enough for daily use.

Buyers overwhelmingly prefer premium flooring in main living areas, especially in open floor plans. Upgraded flooring is one of the new construction upgrades that can pay off for years to come. High-end hardwoods, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, and carpet can increase comfort and functionality, increase energy efficiency, and boost the value of your home from the start.

Depending on your budget, you can choose from different types of flooring upgrades that offer a high return on investment. LVP is water-resistant, durable, and stylish for any home. Meanwhile, hardwoods throughout the main floor bring a 118% return according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). In short, flooring sets the tone of the home and is expensive to replace later. Upgraded flooring makes it one of the smartest up-front investments you can make in your new home.

Structural changes usually offer the best long-term value because they’re difficult, or even nearly impossible, to add after move-in. In today’s new construction homes, some of the top asks from buyers include 9’ to 10’ ceilings, a walk-out foundation, extended porches, as well as lofts, a sunroom, or a third-car garage.

Structural upgrades like these dramatically boost the resale value of your home down the road because these features are often the things they want most in a home. Many of them end up being aesthetic and lifestyle choices that buyers want in a home.

If you have the ability to add flex space to your home, it’s always a good idea to make that enhancement, which pays off significantly. When you have flex space like a bonus room, you can easily converted them into guest or in-law suites. This is a feature many of today’s buyers want. Lofts can be used for entertainment rooms or offices. And finished basements are always highly sought after, especially in the Triangle, where basements aren’t often found in homes.

Extra space and functionality are always good things to consider when you’re building new construction. They tend to be in high demand from buyers looking for added space in a home.

If you have the budget to make additional upgrades, the following is where you can start to add additional appeal to your home, as well as up-front comfort for yourself today.

A well-designed owner’s suite provides both comfort now and strong marketability later. Like today’s kitchens, many of today’s most popular owner’s suites come with the most popular features, such as walk-in showers, standalone tubs, dual sinks, and walk-in closets.

Ask your builder about upgrades to your bathroom, because next to the kitchen, the owner’s suite is one of the top rooms that buyers look at when considering a purchase. Spa-like finishes can add high-end and increased desirability while ensuring your comfort as the homeowner.

Outdoor lifestyle upgrades have grown in importance, especially in the Triangle, where residents enjoy a mild climate in the winter and hot summers. Value-boosting outdoor upgrades for the ways North Carolinians live include screened porches and extended patios, swimming pools, and upgraded landscaping packages.

It’s also beneficial to upgrade your elevation, such as stone or brick façades and slider doors. When it comes to outdoor living, buyers love usable outdoor space. A well-designed exterior creates a strong first impression for the future while giving you the ability to enjoy it today.

Some buyers overlook lighting and electrical, yet they are hugely impactful. This is why these new construction upgrades are so important. Simple requests like recessed lighting in main areas, under-cabinet lighting, landscape lighting, and high-end lighting fixtures increase your return on investment by more than 50% or more. You can also request additional outlets in spaces like the garage or kitchen.

Lighting affects comfort, mood, safety, and everyday usability. It’s also one of the most affordable upgrades with high return. And electrical upgrades can make your everyday life easier, too.

The key to determining the upgrades you want to make is to think long-term. In addition to your budget, when choosing new construction upgrades, keep your lifestyle and trends in the Triangle market in mind, too. A well-chosen upgrade package can add tens of thousands of dollars in value, reduce future renovation costs, and make your home more enjoyable from day one. Before you start working with your builder, make sure to work with a real estate agent who is experienced in new construction, so they can help you work through the upgrades that will help you get the most return down the road.