Dear Dave,
My husband and I are buying a new construction home and are very excited to build a house we love. We’ve decided on our lot and are about to meet with our builder to decide on some major aspects of the home. Our question for you is—what upgrades should we go for? What holds the most value? High-end finishes vs. larger square footage? I’m sure our builder will also have an opinion, but we’d love to hear what you think as well!
— Becca
Dear Becca,
First of all—congratulations! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of building a home from the ground up. Having the chance to customize your space and design a home that fits your lifestyle is a unique opportunity, and it’s smart to approach those decisions with an eye on both livability and future resale value.
When it comes to choosing upgrades, start with the basics—your lot and floor plan.
1. Pick the Right Floor Plan
Go for a layout that’s functional now and appeals to future buyers. Features that tend to hold long-term value include:
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Open great room concepts with vaulted or raised ceilings
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Split-bedroom designs (primary suite on one side, secondary bedrooms on the other)
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Spacious kitchens
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Luxury primary baths
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And if possible, a three-car garage
Even if you can’t get everything on that list, try to prioritize the ones that fit your lifestyle and budget. And remember—today’s open concept plans often live larger than their square footage. So, a well-designed, smaller plan might give you more flexibility to splurge on higher-end finishes.
2. Lot Positioning Matters
If your builder allows flexibility on where your home sits on the lot, take advantage of it! Consider:
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Maximizing backyard space by pushing the home forward
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Preserving RV parking space on the garage side, if possible
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Choosing the best layout for privacy and curb appeal
RV parking is a big value booster in our market—especially here in Mesa County—so if your lot allows for it, don’t overlook that opportunity. A few feet of space can go a long way when it comes time to sell.
3. Focus on Finishes
This is where your home starts to feel like yours. If this is your forever home, lean into the features that make you happy. But if it’s a 5-10 year plan, aim for finishes that are timeless and widely appealing. You can’t go wrong with:
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Wood or tile flooring
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Granite or quartz countertops
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Neutral paint and carpet tones
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A pop of color or texture on an accent wall
High-end finishes in key areas like the kitchen or primary bath often add more value than simply increasing square footage. That said, bigger isn’t always better—smart space usually wins.
At the end of the day, this is your home—so choose what you’ll love living with. But if you can blend your style with practical choices that future buyers will also appreciate, you’ve hit the sweet spot.
Enjoy every step of the build, Becca—this is where the fun begins!
Warmly,
Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team – RE/MAX 4000
Have a question? Ask Dave!
