What are standards, upgrades in new condo construction?
If you’re looking into new construction in the Houston luxury condo market, upcoming decisions will need to be considered regarding standard and upgrade choices in your home.
Being aware that what each of these encompasses is an educational necessity as a buyer, so be ready to make decisions.
According to SimpleCondoAdvice.com’s article, Which Condo Upgrades Add Value When Buying PreConstruction, understanding how to choose your upgrades cost-consciously as well as with long-term property resale potential is the perfect way to address the important points when it comes to the overwhelming process.
Realizing there are both structural and cosmetic choices to be made is an excellent starting point. Structural are those items that are connected to the actual structure and can’t be changed later. Cosmetic upgrades, however, can be customized when construction is completed. This includes items such as paint, tiles and flooring.
Local interior designer Erica Baumgartner explained the differences.
“Standards are materials that are included in the sales price of the condo. This does not mean that that materials are ‘standard.’ We include many luxury materials as a standard in all condos. Upgrades give people options and are most often a higher-end product,” Baumgartner said.
Structural options can range from storage lockers to parking spaces, and electrical upgrades, which can affect lighting and smart home technologies.
Other items available to be upgraded include a wide range of personal touches for your home, Baumgartner said.
These include countertops (porcelain or stone), appliances, tile/stone, cabinet styles and finishes, plumbing finishes, lighting, and toilet accessories (washelt/bidet additions).
Homeowners can also add custom sliding doors, tile to an outdoor terrace, and custom landscaping for the penthouse outdoor spaces.
“Upgrades for home automation are endless,” she said.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the perfect place to make a statement with upgrades. Areas such as these with extra features also tend to increase the resale value of a condo.
“Upgrades in a kitchen would be the finish and style of the cabinet door type, upgrades on plumbing and lighting, and upgrades for countertop and backsplash materials,” said Baumgartner.
For the bath, Baumgartner said plumbing finishes, lighting, tiles and stones, barrier-free showers and air systems in bathtubs can also be upgraded.
Finally, there is the chance to upgrade flooring. For this, it’s more of a lifestyle choice with selections in laminate and real hardwoods.
Some condo homeowners find they need a little more when it comes to upgrades as well.
“People have added some really awesome custom wine rooms and/or displays as an upgrade,” said Baumgartner. “Some buyers have modified master bathrooms to have a wet room, such as a large open shower with the tub inside, and some have added steam showers.”
Most importan to know is upgrades are typically given only when a building is under construction.
“Once all materials are ordered for the project, there can no longer be a change,” she said.