The Big Day has arrived! You’ve found “The House” – the one where you’re going to put down roots and build a life together with family and friends and backyard BBQ’s. Congratulations!
Now, your homebuilder asks you to come to their design center to ‘make your selections.’ It sounds like a simple thing to do, but when you get there you discover that there are more than a few choices to make. From cabinet colors to countertop preferences, and should you turn a den into a bedroom, or a garage into an office? Then there’s flooring and security systems, and, “Oh my gosh – I wish I could buy it all! How do I know what’s most important to get now?”
Don’t worry – that a question asked every day by new home buyers. But there are a few basic considerations that will help you decide what you should get now – and the rest can wait until later (when the wallet allows).
First rule of thumb: Think “Everyday Convenience”
Everyone has unique lifestyle needs, so the best place to start is by taking a look at your current home and make note of a few things.
Remodeling = Pain
For many couples, at least one person claims the kitchen as their favorite room of the house. If you spend a lot of time in there, it’s best to splurge in this space – from the countertops, appliances and plumbing fixtures that you’re offered. Countertops especially can be a mess and expensive to change – so buying a little bit of granite or stone now will not only be a money-saver down the road – but it ups the value of your home, too. The same goes for added cabinetry, which is generally a smaller outlay at this point, rather than buying retail after-the-fact (and then there’s the ‘color-match’ issue). Appliances – sometimes, it just makes sense to use your builder’s credit on the standard appliances to put towards that upgraded range or refrigerator you love.
Electrical.
Wires everywhere? If you’re like most people, you’re powering up computers, scanners, chargers, lighting, accessories – and that’s before you even get to the entertainment center. So talk to you builder about adding electrical outlets where they make sense for how you live. A simple thing like extra outlets at desk-height can make life a whole lot easier in a home office. The same thing with cable or satellite outlets. You want to consider how to avoid that 20′ cable that ‘tries’ to hide by the baseboard in your bedroom as it heads from one wall to the other. Think “electrical convenience,” and you’re going to be happy you did.
Upgrade your Flooring
If you haven’t shopped for flooring lately, you’re in for a surprise. The industry has exploded with new materials thanks to technology, and a look that you might have thought was out of reach is now quite affordable – and durable. We’ve all been there – and we know that cheap flooring doesn’t last long. So avoid the expense and hassle of replacing worn out carpeting by putting hard surface floors in traffic areas – and get that beautiful berber carpet you love. It will last for years, and nice flooring has a way of just making you feel happier when you walk in the door at the end of the day.
If you’ve ever purchased a new home before, you know that this is a short list of the decisions you have to make in the process. Just keep in mind, this is your chance to make your new home “uniquely yours.” Spend wisely – and enjoy it more.
New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!