Quick Answer
Upgrades and options let you customize a new build beyond its standard finishes, whether that means better countertops, a finished basement, or an extra bedroom. Most selections happen at the builder's design center, and costs can add up quickly if you are not tracking them against your builder allowance.
- Selected at
- The builder's design center, typically
- Two main types
- Finish-level upgrades and structural options
- Timing
- Structural options often must be chosen earliest
- Effect on price
- Added to the base price of the home
Finish Upgrades vs. Structural Options
Finish-level upgrades change the look and feel of a home, think upgraded flooring, cabinetry, or lighting fixtures, and are generally selected against a category's builder allowance. Structural options change the footprint or framing of the home itself, like adding a bay window, a bedroom, or a finished basement.
Structural options usually need to be locked in earliest in the build process, sometimes before the foundation is poured, while some finish selections can be adjusted later depending on the construction stage.
Budgeting for Upgrades and Options
It is easy for a base price to grow substantially once popular upgrades are added, so ask for an itemized options list before you tour a model home, since models are often built to showcase upgraded finishes rather than the standard package.
Prioritize the options that matter most to how you will live in the home or that hold value at resale, structural changes and kitchen upgrades tend to matter more long-term than cosmetic swaps that are easy to change later.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Upgrades and options
Which upgrades tend to be worth it at resale?
Kitchen and primary bathroom upgrades, finished basements, and structural additions like extra bedrooms tend to hold value well. Highly personal cosmetic choices are less likely to matter to a future buyer.
Can I add my own contractor for upgrades instead of the builder's design center?
Most builders require upgrades to go through their own process during construction, both for warranty and scheduling reasons. Some buyers add cosmetic work after closing through their own contractor instead.
Do upgrades affect my mortgage approval?
Yes. Upgrades raise the purchase price, which affects your loan amount, so it is worth discussing planned upgrades with your lender early in the process.
Are options the same in every community from the same builder?
Not necessarily. Available options and their costs can vary by community, floor plan, and even by which phase of the neighborhood is being built.