Brand-new home brings with it hard choices

One of the most exciting parts of buying a brand-new home is picking cabinets, flooring, fixtures and finishes to make it your own. Going into a designer showroom is like being a kid in a candy shop, and there’s a lot to choose from.

Homebuyers should keep in mind, however, that it all comes with a price tag, and the model home that made them fall in love with the development features thousands of dollars’ worth of upgrades. The standard or “included” version of a home can look much different.

You should decide what’s worth spending money on and what can wait. To do that, consider how long you’re planning on staying in the home. If it’s a starter home that you’re planning on selling in a few years, get only the upgrades with a good resale value.

Before you talk to designers, create a priority list — and have a budget. Most homebuyers spend an average of 12 per cent of the cost of a home on upgrades. Be sure to ask if upgrades can be included in the mortgage.

Although it’s a nice aim to have everything perfect by the time you move into your new home, it’s rarely practical. Many cosmetic things can be done later and probably for less money, but be sure to check the warranty — you won’t want to make changes that will void the builder’s warranty.

Make the upgrades for which waiting would not only cost more money, but also a cause headaches, such as cabinetry, countertops and electrical.

If you’re buying a two-storey home, the stairs often set the tone in the entryway. Many standard homes will come with carpeted stairs that have plywood underneath. If you plan on having hardwood floors, now is the time to add hardwood stairs.

Add any electrical connections you think you will need. This includes lighting, outlets, built-in speakers and alarm systems. You won’t want anyone tearing into the walls of your new home. This is also true for insulation.

Don’t get caught up in the glam and glitz of selecting upgraded lamps, hardware range hoods or paint colours. These things can be easily replaced and you’ll have more choices than the builder can offer. If the backsplash is a budgetbuster, consider leaving it out for now so it can be added later.

The most important thing is to do your homework. Make lists of your top wish-list items, as well as must-haves. Then, try to stick to it. While fulfilling that wish list is often the most fun part of buying a new home, budget differences and identifying needs versus wants can also cause their fair share of headaches. Don’t be afraid to add the items you feel are necessary.