Not only is building your dream home exciting, but working with a builder to develop your brand new home as part of a larger community project is an exhilarating feeling. You often get to see your home go up at the same time as your neighbors and might even start moving in at the same time they do.

The fact that you get to customize your home the way you want it, from the very beginning, along with being able to select upgrade options is the amazing benefit of choosing this path to homeownership. At a certain point however, you may feel a little overwhelmed with all of the options given to you – don’t stress, the professionals here at Gallery Homes are here to help.

Our team has put together a list of our top five tips when it comes to making the right decisions about what upgrades to choose, when it comes to your new home.

1. Consider the Timeline

If you plan to make structural changes, the builder needs to know this early on in the process. Builders need this information as early as when or immediately after you sign the contract.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the more changes you make, the more time it might tack-on to your move-in date.

2. Stick to the Budget

It is helpful to keep in mind that the model home for the development likely had all, or most of, the best available upgrades installed. However, adding all of these can cause the cost of your home to increase.

Remember to stick to your original budget, unless your financial situation significantly changes – such as if you get a promotion or perhaps get more than expected on your current home sale.

3. Prioritize Needs

It’s very easy to get carried away with all of the possible bells and whistles you want for your new home, such as marble countertops, hardwood flooring and high-end fixtures. Start with the needs first.

For instance, do you need wheelchair access or options to ensure a family member can enter and exit the home unaided? Would you need to extend the garage out for more vehicles? Perhaps you need to make the dining room larger to accommodate a large family around the table.

4. Consider the Resale Value

Once you get the needs locked down, you might still find room in the budget for a few desires. Americans remain in their homes for an average of 13 years, so it is not only important to love your brand new home and enjoy it, but chances are you might resell it in the future.

Most upgrades are worth the cost for home value. Factor in what upgrades might boost the resale value as a starting point, and rank what you would most enjoy on a daily basis.

5. Ask for Mockups

A mistake many people make when building, is to assume that how they see the model house is enough to make final decisions on choices for their own home. However, if you’re only choosing one or two options from an entire look, keep in mind they might turn out looking very different together than they did as part of the whole.

Other considerations include lighting and the time of day that you view a model home. Depending on the direction your home faces, both of these can impact the look and feel of some of the options you are choosing. Always ask for mockups to get an idea of the final result, even if it’s just a simple sketch. When in doubt, simply ask your builder – they can help you get some additional insight.

The Most Important Priority – Choosing an Experienced and Trusted Home Builder

When building your home, the right home builder is a partner – someone who is responsive to your needs and questions, and someone who communicates honestly and has the integrity to honor commitments.

At Gallery Homes of Deland, trust is the cornerstone of every home we build. Our promise is straightforward – a quality-constructed home you’re proud to own at an exceptional value using the latest construction technology and carefully selected quality materials. Contact us online, or call our team at our Deland location: (386) 873-7474,  or our Ormond location: (386) 944-9407 for more information today!