New Home Build Regrets: Lessons I Wish I Knew Beforehand
Through the process of building a new home, I've learned some valuable lessons that I want to share with you today. I’ll be discussing which upgrades are worth incorporating during the construction phase and where you can save money by upgrading later, possibly for less than going through the builder.
If you’re new here, I’m Dia, an interior designer, stylist, and home improvement enthusiast. Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart: new home build regrets.
Whether you’re a design enthusiast like me or in the market for a new build home, this video is packed with practical insights to help you make informed decisions.
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Are you considering a new build house? Trust me, I’ve been there. As both an interior designer and a homeowner, I’ve had my share of experiences—some great and some not so great.
But through it all, I’ve learned some valuable lessons, and I’m here to share them with you.
I’m passionate about creating beautiful and practical spaces, but even with my background in interior design, I’ve encountered quite a few surprises in new build homes.
That’s why I’m here today to give you a heads-up on what to watch for.
Customization Options
Let’s start by talking about the importance of customization options. Many new build homes offer various upgrades and customizations during the building process. It’s tempting to go all out with upgrades, but it’s crucial to prioritize what really matters to you.
Which upgrades are worth incorporating during the construction phase and where can you save and upgrade later, possibly for less than going through the builder?
Structural upgrades like flooring, tile work, upgraded kitchen cabinets, and countertops are best made during the building stage because it’s too much trouble and cost to make those changes later.
For convenience, some things like epoxying the garage floor are best done before you move in.
On the other hand, items you can save on and update later include paint colors, lighting (provided the electrical plan is laid out properly), bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures, cabinet pulls and knobs, and window coverings, just to name a few.
Of course, if you’re not the type who wants to fuss with future upgrades, then include what you want within your budget during the build-out process. That way, you can enjoy your home just the way you envisioned it from day one.
We had multiple regrets in this category.
The main reason was that although we wanted to upgrade some key items, the builder’s sales representative recommended that we curtail our upgrades because there was a possibility the house would not appraise to the actual purchase price.
We were new to the States and on a budget that had some wiggle room, but not much, so we took her advice.
Regret: Kitchen Cabinets
So, what were the upgrades we regret not doing? Initially, we wanted to take the kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling to avoid that dead space above that collects dust.
However, we decided to keep the 42-inch cabinets as they were to save money. But now, every day I look at the cabinets, I regret not taking them to the ceiling.
Regret: Outdoor Area
Another regret was not making the back patio larger. This was a $3,000 upgrade, but having that extra lounging space in the back of the house would have made spending time outside more enjoyable.
In hindsight, we should have gone with the upgrades we wanted because, in the grand scheme of things, it would have been rolled into our mortgage payment, making the monthly amount insignificant.
Trying to upgrade these items afterward would be a lot of trouble and would probably cost us much more.
Close Quality Control
Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of close quality control. When you’re buying a new build home, you expect everything to be pristine, so take the time to pay attention to the details.
When buying a house, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions. It’s your money, so you want to make sure that things are done to your liking and correctly.
Regret: Not Monitoring the Project
Our regret is not monitoring the project closely enough. Due to our work schedules, we could only visit the construction site on weekends. We relied on the builder’s project manager to ensure that everything was done correctly—big mistake.
The project was proceeding very fast, but during our final walkthrough, I noticed issues in the guest bathroom. The tiles were not aligning properly. Fixing this would have delayed our move-in, so we left it as is.
Luckily, it’s just cosmetic, but it’s a reminder every time I scrub the tub surround. If you notice something is amiss, communicate with your builder in writing. This written communication can be invaluable later on if issues arise.
Example 1: Cracked Walkway
For instance, shortly after we moved in, we noticed a weird crack in our walkway. We filed a warranty claim right away. Despite several surface repairs, the crack persisted and kept coming back, and we kept submitting warranty claims. Two and a half years later, our walkway was deemed structurally unsound. Thanks to our records, the builder was obliged to replace the walkway and also repair damages to our stone flower beds and driveway.
Example 2:Gap Under the Bay Window
Another instance was when we verbally communicated with the project manager about a gap under our bay window. He assured us that it would be sealed off before closing. In hindsight, we should have gotten it in writing and double-checked afterward because a year and a half later, we were faced with the costly issue of mice in our attic, who were coming in from the outside through that unsealed gap.
Electrical Layout
Lighting and electrical layout is another crucial thing to consider when building a house.
Think about how you will use the space and if there are any elements you want to highlight with lighting.
Also, consider where you want your electrical outlets and Ethernet connections based on how you plan to arrange your furniture.
Colors and Materials
Part of the building process is choosing colors and materials. Choosing the right color palette and materials can completely transform the space, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming.
I recommend starting with your flooring choices first as a foundation. Once you’ve decided on flooring, you can coordinate cabinet colors, countertops, backsplash, and wall color accordingly.
Regret: Carpets in the Bedrooms
Looking back, we regret installing carpets in the bedrooms. It would have been a better option to have luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the entire home. This would have been easier to keep clean and would have kept allergens at bay.
Neighborhood Dynamics
Lastly, it’s crucial to research and understand the neighborhood dynamics before you build your house. Factors like school districts and future developments can significantly impact your daily life.
Regret: Neighborhood Research
One of our regrets is not fully researching the area. While we love our floor plan and premium lot with a view in a charming community, we didn’t anticipate the challenges posed by inadequate road infrastructure and traffic patterns.
This oversight means that commuting to work can take up to an hour, and reaching our favorite organic supermarket takes about 30 minutes.
So, whether you’re a design enthusiast looking to create your dream home or you’re in the market for a new home and are considering a new build, keep these lessons in mind as you navigate this journey.
Do you have any new build regrets to share? Let me know in the comments so we can avoid others making the same costly mistakes.
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