As an inspector I have inspected and seen countless new construction homes. Everywhere from totally custom builds to the bare builder with no options. I have also built a home myself using a well known local builder in 2020. This is a list of upgrades/options I recommend getting when building a new home.

1. Vaulted Ceilings in Living Areas

Don’t skip this. It not only looks good but it helps with resell down the road. I built a Maple with McBride homes. Before deciding what options to get, my wife and I toured dozens of builds. I visited a maple floor plan house with vaulted ceilings in the living room and without vaulted ceilings in the living room. The difference was night and day. The plan with vaulted ceilings looked like a completely different home. It looked like it had 300 more sqft in the living room. Pay the extra and get vaulted ceilings!

2. Deep Pour Basement

Pay the extra for a deeper pour basement (9ft+). We didn’t and I regret it. With the standard 8ft pour, once finished, it feels cramped, especially in areas where duct work is (~7ft of head space). Pay the extra and get the deepest pour you can, especially if you have a walk out basement. It will make it feel like you’re on the main level.

3. Widened Driveway

IF NOTHING ELSE PLEASE DO THIS! After driving around my neighborhood I am one of 3 people who did this out of 50+ homes. For like $1100.00 at the time you could opt to have your driveway widened on each side by 2ft. That’s a 4ft wider driveway at 30ft long (give or take depending on neighborhood) for $1100.00! You will NOT be able to get that added for that cheap after the fact. Why do this? Well ask anyone who didn’t do it where they’re stepping when 2 cars are parked side by side in the driveway. I’ll tell you, they’re stepping in the grass/mud. The widened driveway gives you enough space to park two cars side by side and have walking room on each side and in the middle. DO IT!

4. Architectural Shingles

I think McBride calls this level 2. The upgrade was less than $2500.00 and is well worth it. Architectural shingles look better, last longer, and are much stronger. They hold up better against hail and wind. 3 Tab shingles (the free standard) show sheathing lines more, are easily blown off wind relatively low winds, and cannot take a hit from hail or tree limbs. Prevent headaches down the road and just upgrade to architectural shingles, you won’t regret it.

5. Extended Garage

Notice a pattern? Most things I recommend are structural because you can’t do them after the fact. I opted for the extended garage which makes the garage two feet deeper than standard. I recommend this for everyone but especially those with trucks or long SUV’s you want to pull into the garage. With our extended garage I am able to have a work bench, tool chest, and refrigerator against the back wall and am able to pull our vehicles into the garage with room to spare (fit a Durango and Atlas in there). I believe with  McBride this extension was $3000.00. If you have a lifted or tall vehicle you may want to opt for the taller garage opening as well.

6. Basement Bathroom Rough In

This add on was like $900 and well worth it. It would cost thousands more if you were to do this after the fact because your basement floor would have to be jack hammered among other things. Spend the extra and get a rough in, it helps will resale too.

7. Two HVAC Systems on 2-Story Homes

If you are getting a two story home then I HIGHLY recommend getting a second HVAC system if the option is available. One system is not enough to adequately condition a 2 story home. Not to mention that whichever floor the thermostat is on is going to be the ideal condition floor and the other floor is not going to feel the same. Invest the extra and get a second system installed.

This concludes my list. I may add more down the road but for the most part these are the main things I would add and not skip on. Think structure and think things that would cost a lot more to do after the fact. New flooring, door handles, etc. are easy to do after the fact. Extending a garage, plumbing a basement bathroom, and vaulting a ceiling are not easy or cheap to do after the fact.