Choosing the design options for your new construction home is exciting. You’re starting with a blank canvas you can personalize however you see fit and create the home of your dreams. From countertops, backsplash, flooring, structural options, and more to choose from, it can be hard to know where to allocate your budget.

While it might be odd to think about your home’s resale value while it’s still under construction, experts agree it’s an important consideration to keep in mind. You’ve spent the time saving the down payment, researching mortgage rates, and calculating your design option budget. Like any important investment, you need to plan for the future. After all, life can throw you a curveball, and you might need to make a change – perhaps even sell your beautiful dream home.

Before your first design appointment

As your first design appointment approaches, make a plan. Familiarize yourself with the standard options the builder offers, determine how much money you want to spend on upgrades, and figure out your style. Think about durability, functionality, and how your household lives now and in the future.

For inspiration, browse popular design websites like Pinterest or Houzz and see what’s trending on Instagram or TikTok. We recommend walking through the builder’s model homes, so you have a better feel and visual of the floor plan’s layout, different materials, and what other finishes could look like in your home. Knowing your likes and dislikes will allow the designer to be prepared and tailor the design appointments to suit your needs better.

You may encounter an additional cost if you select a finish or material that is beyond the builder’s standard offering. When making these selections, it’s essential to balance what you want with how much you are comfortable spending. While individual budgets vary, in general, most customers invest 5 – 30% of the base price of their home toward their personalized selections and finishes. Financing design selections into your home loan allows you to add upgrades while adding only a fraction of the cost to your mortgage.

Let’s explore the top seven design options that can add the most value to your home:

1. Kitchen upgrades

Rutgers Floor Plan, Traditional Homes Collection, Elyson Community, Katy, Texas

The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home and the room most likely to add value. Not only should your kitchen be aesthetically pleasing, but it should also be functional. Choosing the oversized island, extra cabinets for storage, a trendier backsplash, and beautiful countertops can make your home feel more luxurious for you and potential future owners.

2. Flooring

Asher Floor Plan, Laned Collection, The Orchards Community, Edmonton, Alberta

One of the most significant decisions you will make when choosing finishes for your home is the flooring. Not only does it cover a considerable amount of square footage, but it sets the tone and feel of your entire home. If your budget allows, it’s typically worth it to upgrade your flooring to laminate, hardwood, luxury vinyl, tile, or plusher, stain-resistant carpet.

3. Primary bath upgrades

Residence 2, Luna Collection, The Landing at Tustin Legacy Community, Tustin, California

While communal rooms, such as the kitchen, may be designed around how others will use the space, the primary bath is an area you can personalize however you see fit. Elevating the primary bath to a spa-like oasis has become more appealing to homebuyers. Aesthetic features, such as hardware selections or tile and cabinet colors, and functional upgrades, like a freestanding tub or oversized shower, add a luxurious touch to a functional space.

4. Structural options

Dakota Floor Plan, Highland Sage Collection, Alamar Community, Avondale, Arizona

Structural options are a significant consideration in the new home building process, as investing in these items now (instead of embarking on a major home renovation later) is typically a wise choice. These options involve changes to the home’s structure, square footage, and configuration rather than just cosmetic changes.

Structural options include a covered patio, deck, sun room, screened porch, multi-gen suite, additional bedrooms, finished basement, expanded garage, additional windows, and more. Thoughtfully chosen structural options can significantly improve your home's overall value and appeal.

These decisions may have to happen as early as time of contract, so it’s important to speak to your sales representative to know when your structural options need to be chosen.

5. Additional lighting

Glendale Floor Plan, Townhomes Collection, Lakeside at Trappe Community, Trappe, Maryland

Any experienced designer will tell you that lighting is an essential design element in your home. Take advantage of prewire options, such as pendants over the kitchen island or ceiling fans in the bedrooms. Additional features such as under-cabinet lighting and extra recessed lights illuminate the space and accent your finishes. Adding lighting down the road is typically more complicated and messier, so incorporating it during construction may be a wise investment if your budget allows it.

6. Additional outlets and electrical upgrades

Residence 3, Indigo at Canvas Park Collection, New Haven Community, Ontario, California

With advancements in home technology and security features, buyers are placing a higher importance on this part of the design process. Adding state-of-the-art entertainment features or home security systems is becoming a “must” for many homeowners, and they are opting for more outlets, wall conduits, and USB plugs to support their equipment better. Behind-the-wall improvements are typically worth exploring while everything is open and accessible.

7. Smart home technology

Integrating smart home technology for security, lighting, temperature control, and entertainment during construction is often easier than retrofitting these systems later. The modern home is now an experience designed to unlock a higher level of convenience and security. The best smart home devices can easily automate your home, make you feel safer, and even help you save money. You’ll have seamless connectivity from day one and appeal to potential tech-savvy buyers in the future.

Signature Collection, Woodhaven Community, Aurora, Ontario 

It’s not necessary to spend a single dollar on design options to have a beautiful Brookfield Residential home; however, now is the time to create a home you will love not only on the day you move in but for years to come.

After that, it’s our turn to transform your design dreams into reality. Our team will ensure your new home is ready, and you can move in on time into the home you’ve always imagined.

Looking for more resources? Check out our blog for information on How to Choose a Home Builder, our Guide to the Mortgage Underwriting Process, and more!

We can’t wait to welcome you to your dream home. Check out where we build and connect with our sales team to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!