New Construction Upgrades: What to Add Now Vs. Buy Later
Building a new construction home comes with countless decisions, and one of the biggest challenges my clients face is choosing which builder upgrades to include in their purchase price versus adding after closing. As a former new construction listing agent who sold over 80 homes (and built my own home in Lakeville!), I've guided countless Twin Cities families through the builder selection process and upgrade decisions.
The standard features in new construction base prices often leave room for important additions - from window blinds to water softeners, and everything in between. But here's the real question my clients always ask: should these upgrades be financed through the builder or purchased independently after closing?
Whether you're considering building with a national builder or local Twin Cities builder, understanding the true cost and timing of these upgrades can save you thousands while creating the move-in ready home your family dreams of. Let's break down the financial framework first, then analyze each upgrade option to help you make the best choice for your new home build.
The Financial Framework of Selecting Your New Construction Finishes
Builder Financing (Rolling into Mortgage):
- Spreads cost over 30 years, making items more immediately affordable
- Adds interest cost over loan term (example: a $3,000 item becomes ~$5,000)
- Preserves cash reserves for emergencies and moving expenses
- Often requires minimal upfront cash with small impact on down payment and closing costs
Out-of-Pocket Purchase:
- Lower total cost without mortgage interest
- Flexibility to shop sales and compare prices
- Potential for no-interest financing or holiday sale prices on specific items
- Ability to choose exact models/styles
- Requires significant cash reserves post-move
Now, let's analyze each common upgrade option:
Window Blinds
Builder Pros:
- Installed before move-in
- Professional measurement guaranteed to fit
- Coordinated with construction timeline
- Immediate privacy upon move-in
- Installation covered by builder warranty
Builder Cons:
- Limited style and color selection
- May have longer lead times for repairs working with builder warranty team
Recommendation: Worth including with builder for most families. The immediate necessity of window coverings and clean installation make this a practical choice, especially with young children.
Washer/Dryer
Builder Pros:
- Ready for use on move-in day
- Coordinated delivery and installation
- No need to schedule separate delivery
- Included in final walkthrough inspection
- Installation covered under builder's warranty
Builder Cons:
- Limited model and feature selection
- Less ability to take advantage of sales
- Typically basic color options
- May miss out on newer models released during build
Recommendation: Consider your timeline and options if you order these appliances outside of the transaction and they are delayed. The convenience of move-in ready laundry is worth considering, especially with young children. If the builder only offers basic units, consider selling them after move in (facebook market place is a great option) when you get around to ordering your preferred set.\
Water Softener
Builder Pros:
- Installation covered in builder warranty (retrofit often voids some plumbing warranty!)
- Usually a very good value on price of unit and installation
Builder Cons:
- Limited brand selection
- May miss newer technology releases
- Restricted placement options
Recommendation: Strong consider for builder installation, especially in Minnesota. The integrated installation and immediate protection of your plumbing make this a practical choice.
3rd Stall Garage Door Opener
Builder Pros:
- Matches other openers for uniformity
- Included in final inspection
- Synchronized with other units
Builder Cons:
- Limited model selection
- Restricted to builder's preferred brand
- May not be necessary right away as door will still have manual lift
Recommendation: This is one that I think you can go without IF you don’t need that stall for a vehicle. The door will still have a manual lift and lock. Typically builders run electrical to the site for future install so no specialty trades work would need to be done.
Garage Insulation
Builder Pros:
- Installed during construction
- No need to remove/replace drywall later
- Matches home's insulation package
- No disruption to garage storage
Builder Cons:
- Less flexibility in insulation type
- Limited choices in R-value
- Fixed installation method
- Cannot adapt to specific needs
Recommendation: This one depends on your specific needs. Minnesota winters are brutal. If you’re heading into cold season and want a space to keep vehicles and storage a tolerable temperature, I would install right away. However, if you’re in the warm months, it’s a project that a handyman can tackle. Many homes also never have insulated garages, though it’s a great selling feature.
Landscaping (Beyond sod)
Builder Pros:
- Immediate curb appeal
- Part of construction timeline
- Professional installation
- Coordinated with irrigation system
Builder Cons:
- Limited plant and rock/mulch selection
- Standard installation patterns
- May not match your style preferences
Recommendation: Stick to the basic package (sod and irrigation) and develop your landscape over time. It’s worth researching which plants are best in sun and shade and plan accordingly. Your builder’s landscape packages are planned by the direction the home is facing, they may not be the best fit for the sun exposure on your lot and the plants may not make it. If you know the shape of the landscaping you’d like, many builder suggest mapping it out in spray paint on the ground before they install sod and irrigation so you have less corrective work to do later.
The Bottom Line for New Construction Upgrades
Here's my tested advice:
1. Must-Consider Builder Items:
- Window blinds
- Washer and dryer
- Water softener
2. Situational Builder Items:
-Garage Insulation
3. Usually Better After Move-In:
- Extended landscaping
- 3rd Stall Opener
- Decorative features
Remember, there's no universal right answer - it's about balancing your family's immediate needs, move-in timeline, and long-term plans.
Want to dive deeper into new construction options? Let's connect!
