COLUMN: Consider new-home upgrades carefully

DEAR GAIL: We just signed the papers to purchase our second home. With our first home, we went with the standard features offered by the builder. With our new home, we want to upgrade but are overwhelmed by the number of options available. What advice can you give in making the right choices? -- Ryan D.

DEAR RYAN: Whether you are buying a tract home or a semicustom home, builders are offering more options and upgrades than ever before. The selection process can be overwhelming, confusing, costly and even frustrating, but do not despair.

As with all decorating, take it one step at a time.

Before going to your appointment at the design center, make a list of the items that you must have, items you would like to have, and items that you do not want. Next, figure out how much you are willing to spend.

Planning will help you keep focused and within your budget. It is easy to get excited and overspend.

One item I would consider upgrading is flooring. This is a large part of your budget, and a long-term item that is not quickly replaced. Always upgrade to the best pad for the carpet you select, and consider placing a hard surface such as tile, stone or wood in high-traffic areas instead of carpet. Purchase the best carpet you can afford -- a good quality carpet with proper maintenance can last 10 to 15 years.

Upgrade the foyer by adding a tile medallion or patterned design in the floor. This is the first impression visitors have of your home.

Consider a solid surface for the counters if tile is standard. If upgrading all of the counters is not in your budget, upgrade the kitchen since it gets the most use. You could also upgrade the tile backsplash with a deco liner or accent tile.

You will probably be given a choice of cabinet woods, stains and door styles. If the standard is acceptable to you, you would be better off to stay with the standard. If you do not like the standard cabinets, by all means upgrade to what you like. Most likely, this is not an item that you will replace.

If you have to limit the upgrade, first select the wood that you like, then the stain and finally the door style. A flat panel door can be easily upgraded with hardware.

Many builders also offer packages or additional outlets for electricity, phones, cable TV and ceiling fans. Add anything that you believe you will need. I have found that it is less expensive and easier for the builder to add these items than it is for the homeowner to add them later.

Flat paint is the standard in most homes, however you will probably have to repaint within a short period of time as such paint cannot be scrubbed. It can be cleaned gently, but be careful or you will be down to the wallboard.

If the builder allows you to select a color with at least a low sheen or eggshell finish, upgrading is generally cost effective. If not, consider having your home painted before move-in. It is cheaper for a professional to paint a home while it is empty. Or, if you have time, you can save money by painting it yourself.

There are many other upgrades, among them are several that I believe are worthwhile investments, such as windows, doors and appliances. Consider upgrading the permanent items at closing, and then changing or adding some of the others later such as security systems, decorative paving, patio covers, plumbing fixtures, lighting, window tinting, window sills and treatments, and moldings.

With each item, ask yourself: Is this something that I absolutely want? Is this something that I can easily add or replace after I move in? Is this something that will cost me more to add later?

It is wonderful that builders are making homes more custom. But be smart in selecting upgrades or you may price yourself out of the home.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave, Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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