As you start to custom build your new home in the Indianapolis area, you’ll need to decide which builder upgrades you want. Some upgrades may seem like a no-brainer. But for others, you’ll have to consider if the investment of money and time is warranted. After all, you will have the option to upgrade items that are less of an expense and hassle at a later time.
For now, you may want to stick to upgrades that add value or long-lasting enjoyment to your home. When deciding which upgrades to make, consider the expense of maintenance, removal, and/or replacement. If these expenses outweigh the value, then these are the home upgrades to skip in Indianapolis.
The Five New Home Upgrades To Skip In Your Indianapolis Custom-Build:
1. BUILT-IN MEDIA NOOKS CAN CONSTRAIN YOUR TELEVISION
Built-in bookshelves are great upgraded details that help to organize your home and reduce clutter. But television and media cutouts are not as practical. When you have a built-in media nook, you lock in the exact size and style of your TV for the life of the cabinet. And while there may not be a dimensional jump like there was from a tube to flat screen, a built-in media cabinet also means it’s harder to upgrade from a 44” to a 50” down the line.
2. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS ARE NOT ALL THEY’RE CRACKED UP TO BE
While concrete countertops are trending, they are also heavy, porous, and can require costly maintenance. Cracks are unavoidable whether due to pressure or normal settling. If the sealant cracks, the porous material can absorb liquids and germs. But even sealed concrete can become stained by liquids such as wine and coffee, and it can show scratches over time. With so many wonderful custom kitchen upgrades you can do, you may want to stick to granite or quartz.
3. ORNATE MURALS OR WALLPAPER SHOULD WAIT
Painting ornate murals or applying hand-painted wallpaper to enhance the look of a room may sound like a good idea, but comes with a certain amount of risk. The problem is that a room looks one way when it’s being built, and another when it’s filled with your furniture and personal mementos. If you consider the cost and difficulty of removing wallpaper or painting over murals, then you may want to wait until you know exactly what will mesh with your style.
4. SMART TECH THAT SHOULD STAY DUMB
Smart tech and home automation are great to have to help promote safety and energy efficiency. Controlling the lighting and temperature through your smartphone helps you keep your house comfortable and stops things from running when you are away from home.
However, some smart devices may not be the best use of your budget. After all, do you really need an automated toilet or a voice-activated beer tap dispenser? Also, technology that’s in its infancy may be a new home upgrade you should skip. There usually is a better made and more reliable version right around the corner from a first-generation gadget.
5. ITEMS THAT PUSH YOUR BUDGET
Upgrades can be as big as a built-in wine cellar or as small as custom cabinet hardware, but all can be an addition to your budget. If there is an upgrade that prevents you from getting large improvements — like plank flooring or a modern kitchen — then they should be skipped. This custom-build may be your forever house, so you should concentrate on the essentials first.
Old Town Design Group Can Help You Decide Which New Home Upgrades to Skip
Deciding which upgrades to make to your custom-built home can be difficult. You have to ask yourself which upgrades will add the most value to your home and which home upgrades to skip. After weighing all the options discussed, our experienced consultants and builders can help you decide which builder upgrades to avoid in your Indianapolis custom-build. Call us at 317.816.3151 and begin your journey to a new custom-built home with us.