Of the seven homes I have purchased, only two have been a new build (#6 and #7). Also, neither of the latest builds were custom. I bought these homes in planned communities, and I chose one of the floor plans offered by the builder. Other than the options available through the builder, I was not able to make structural changes to the floor plan for the last two homes I purchased.
So, after visiting several new home communities in my area, I decided to build my 7th home! My reason for building a new home was simple…..I needed more space and a bigger lot! Of course, a larger house and lot may come with a hefty price tag, depending on the area of the country you live in. Fortunately for me, I owned two homes that I planned to sell and use the proceeds for the down payment on the new house. This was a great strategy, so I decided to execute on the new build purchase.
If you’ve ever gone into a model home in a new community, you know that it is the show house and is loaded with upgrades and custom touches. Although I was in awe of the model homes, I knew that I didn’t want to add to my mortgage significantly. This was always my plan, so I stuck with choosing just the included options along with a few additional options listed below:
- Upgraded Appliance Package
- Third car garage
- Upgraded Bath Tiles and Cabinets (All bathrooms)
- Master bath cabinets
- Living room to office conversion
- Gas line rough-in for outdoor grill and/or fireplace
- Upgraded carpet pad
- Garage dedicated outlet
These options, although not cheap, didn’t break the bank! I always knew there was a list of projects I had in mind that I would complete before actually moving into the home. I had the cash to pay for these projects after the down payment, so I knew I could make the house my own with just the right touches!
After almost two years of living in my home, I now have some regrets about things I didn’t upgrade or options I didn’t select during the new build process.
“No regrets for LIFE JUST lessons LEARNED.” ~Book of Serenity
Mistake 1: Craftsman Style Exterior Elevation
I decided to go with the included elevation the builder was offering since I had paid a lot premium to get a ½ an acre lot that backs to a farm and had greenspace on one side. This meant I only had one adjacent neighbor, and I was thrilled! Now, I regret not upgrading to one of the craftsman style exteriors which included vertical accent siding or brick facade. This look would have given my home a more cottage/farmhouse look and curb appeal.
Mistake 2: Metal Roof
The builder was offering a metal roof, and I just couldn’t justify the additional cost at the time. I knew that I wanted to invest in some pretty significant renovations out of the gate, so the metal roof was on the chopping block. This minor accent makes a massive difference in the exterior of the home and would have also given the house (
Mistake 3: First Floor Bedroom
There was an option to turn the first-floor study into a bedroom (with a reach-in closet), and I couldn’t justify spending extra money when I already had four bedrooms upstairs. I would have to give up some space in my walk-in pantry, and the organizational junkie in me just couldn’t give up an inch of my pantry. I decided to keep it as a kid’s study/playroom; however, I have some minor regrets since an extra bedroom provides excellent resell value. Also, a first-floor bedroom is very common in homes that cater to multi-generational families.
Mistake 4: First Floor Full Bath
The option that goes along with the first-floor bath is the full bath that is both accessible via the first-floor bedroom and the mudroom. I debated this option; however, I quickly abandoned the idea of yet another full bathroom to clean! I also considered how the full bath would take away from the mudroom closet, and I didn’t want to waste valuable closet space. Now, I’m kicking myself for not spending just a little extra to have a full bath on the main level of the home as it would have made an excellent modern farmhouse bath with a lovely vanity and stand up shower.
Mistake 5: Quartz Countertops
The builder offered granite as a standard option for the kitchen; however, the options were minimal. They also provided quartz; however, I didn’t find an option (in my price range) that I could see myself loving for years to come. The upgrade from granite to quartz was pretty substantial, so I quickly walked away from that area of the showroom. I convinced myself that I would replace the granite in a couple of years with a marble-like quartz option and a new farmhouse sink. After all, the builder’s options were limited, and the thickness was not what I desired. Over the past year, the regret of not choosing quartz (since it will likely be a significant project both from a cost and time perspective) has weighed on me heavily.
Mistake 6: Additional Outlets in the Pantry and Master Bedroom Closet
I installed a makeup vanity in one of my master bedroom closets, and I really wanted to purchase one of the vanity lights that you need to plug into an outlet. Because I did not choose additional outlets for the closet, I am now forced to use battery-operated vanity lighting to apply my makeup. In addition, I really wanted to create space in my pantry to store and use my large appliances. This helps to keep the clutter off the countertop and the island. Luckily for me, an electrician can install these very quickly and with minimal damage to the drywall. I will be introducing these very soon.
Mistake 7: Recreation Room in the Basement
This is my most significant and most costly mistake made during the home construction process! The builder was offering a free recreation room for the basement (I’m sure you’re paying for it), and I decided to forgo the free finished recreation room, and take half of the value to apply to additional options for the rest of the house. To my surprise (and horror), the builder did not account for an egress window in my unfinished basement because I didn’t opt for the finish recreation room. I was not made aware of this until my pre-construction meeting, and they were unwilling to change the construction plans to allow this option. This decision will ultimately cost me thousands of dollars to correct. What a vast (and costly) lesson to learn!
Although I have some minor and one major regret about my new home build process, I am determined to perfect this manor one day at a time! I have already begun the renovation process for many areas of my home, so stay tuned to more information and inspiration!
