New-Build Home Upgrades That Just Make Sense

Whether you’ve already broken ground or you’re simply breaking down your budget, it’s time to kick your new build into overdrive. We’re talking about new-build upgrades. From simple additions like extra outlets to major changes like moving the laundry room upstairs, we've compiled new-build upgrades that are worth the added expense.

Your front door sets the tone for your home, so don't skimp on it. A basic builder-grade door will make your entire home feel builder-grade, while a beautiful custom door will have the opposite effect.

Many soon-to-be homeowners choose cheap blinds or simply skip the window treatments altogether to save money during the build process, opting to install them later. Believe us — it's worth having your contractor install premium window treatments on the front end. Not only can they be difficult to install correctly, but hiring this out later will bring added expense and hassle.

If you love to cook and entertain, an extra-wide range is a must. Even if you can't afford your dream range during your new build, you still need to plan your cabinet spacing according to the range you plan to get. You don't want to rip out cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and flooring at a later date.

While you don't have to install a gas fire pit or natural gas lanterns right away, go ahead and run auxiliary gas lines for anything you plan on adding in the future.

Run a water line for a pot filler. Sure — you have water in your sink, right? So, why would you need water on your stove? For avid cooks, having water on hand at the stove is a game-changer. Also, no more lugging your filled-to-the-brim stock pot across the kitchen.

Only if your ceilings are 12 feet tall should you stop your cabinets short of the ceiling. However, for those with normal height ceilings, there is no reason for this. Not only does it look strange, but you miss out on so much storage space. Go ahead and take your cabinets all the way up.

For those unfamiliar, let us introduce you to the miracle that is a tankless water heater. Instead of heating a large tank of water, tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through them, meaning you never run out of hot water. Plus, because there's no tank for water to sit in constantly, tankless water heaters outlive traditional water heaters by several years.

There are few things as jarring as stepping out of the hot shower onto a freezing tile floor. What a way to start the day! Enter radiant heat floors. If you can't afford the expense throughout your home, save this luxury for the main bathroom and never experience a freezing floor again.

No one has ever regretted adding more windows to their home. You can just never have enough natural light. So, when in doubt, add more windows. Sure, this will be expensive now. But the price to add extra windows later on will be astronomical.

Add a recessed cavity behind your TV with power and any necessary cables and connections. This lets your wall-mounted TV sit flush with the wall for a super seamless look.

Do your future self a favor and move the laundry room upstairs (or whichever level the majority of the bedrooms are on). This is one of those upgrades you just don't think of until you've traversed the stairs for the 50th time of the day, so we're thinking of it for you.

Use your soffits to transform your outdoor space. We recommend adding lights, speakers and outlets for powering Christmas lights without all the extension cords.

Leaving your devices to charge on the countertop doesn't just create clutter, it turns your tablets into targets for food spills. Solve the problem with a device drawer — the outlets are inside, so your gadgets can stay safely tucked away. Powered drawers are also great in the bathroom for things like curling irons and blow dryers.

Repeat after us: You cannot have too much recessed lighting. Yes, you should still install the cool pendants and chandeliers but don't forget the recessed lighting, especially in spaces that need ample lighting, such as the kitchen. Pro Tip: Put your recessed lighting on dimmers for even lighting at any time of day.

Why is that the houses we all grew up in had only one spigot, leaving you to drag the hose around the house wherever you needed it? It's really not that much of an expense to add a hose bib on each side of the house, circumventing the dragging of the hose through your flower beds.

You don't have to splurge on the most beautiful washer and dryer set to have a beautiful laundry room. (Believe us, the looks don't make them last any longer.) The secret to making your laundry room both beautiful and functional? Install cabinetry for storing detergents, dryer sheets, towels and all the loose items that seem to pile up.

Whether you've already ditched fossil fuels or you plan to in the future, there's no denying that EVs are becoming more and more popular. EV power in your garage is a must-have if you plan on electrifying your commute.

The smartphone-compatible electric charger in HGTV Smart Home 2023 allows you to schedule charging when energy is cheapest, get reminders to plug in, track all your charging in one place and find places to charge away from home.

We all love the look of wall-mounted lighting beside the bed. Plus, it frees up space on the nightstand for books, alarm clocks and more. Have your contractor install wiring for lights beside the beds so you don't have to plug in sconces to achieve this look.

Your new-build contract likely includes some basic shrubs and flowers surrounding the home. Odds are, you'll end up ripping them up later on and planting something you want, only to wait years for the plants to mature and look good. Skip the hassle and opt for landscaping you love on the front end.