When you buy a new home from San Joaquin Valley Homes, you’re faced with an array of upgrades that will allow you to customize the purchase to your exact taste. In most cases, upgrading prior to escrow allows you to include the cost of the upgrades in your mortgage, including them in your monthly payment at a lower interest rate than other loan options.

But which upgrades are worth the additional expense? How do you pick the upgrades that you and your family will use? A few guidelines:

• Put it in the kitchen and bath. Kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms that impress visitors and buyers the most—and the ones that you use constantly. So it makes sense to put most of your money into these rooms. If the budget allows, add higher-quality appliances, customize your countertops or upgrade your cabinets. Consider whether you really need tubs in all the bathrooms. In some plans you have the option to stall just a shower. You’ll enjoy the fruits of your decision every day and will most likely get a high return on your investment when you sell.
• Bring in light and privacy. All the large windows in your new home flood your interior with natural light. But they also expose what you’re doing inside to neighbors and passersby. Choose a great blind and shutter package for immediate privacy as soon as you move in. For additional brightness without sacrificing any privacy, take a look at this Pinterest page for some great ideas on window treatments.
• Things expand to fill the space. One of the reasons for buying a new home is so that you and your family gain more space. However, your possessions typically expand to fill the space no matter how expansive it is. So always opt for more storage whenever possible. Add additional cabinets, include organizers to your wardrobes, put sheds in the backyard, and integrate utility shelves and cabinets in the garage.
• Feel the power. If there are any rooms that you intend to use as office spaces, hobby rooms, or entertainment areas, include extra outlets and switches to accommodate the extra electrical devices that these activities entail. Include a ceiling fan to more efficiently eliminate the heat that your equipment generates. Consider adding more outlets in these locations: the pantry for small appliances, the walk-in wardrobe for an iron, the garage for all your power tools, and under the eaves for Christmas lights.
• Go low maintenance. A main floor that uses wood, tile, carpet and stone may be exciting to look at, but you’ will need a different cleaning solution for each one. Intricate moldings and switch plates, dark-colored countertops and chandeliers may all be very glamorous, but do you have the time and energy to maintain them? If you don’t, go for options that are easy to take care of. Use neutral colors, one material for floor surfaces, and simple designs. For exterior maintenance, consider a full rain gutter wrap will prevent splashing and dirt from staining stucco.
• Be water wise. The California drought isn’t going away any time soon, so choose outdoor landscaping that uses little to no water. If you enjoy greenery, eschew lawns for drought-tolerant native plants. Transform your grassy spaces into outdoor rooms by using decks, patios, and other hardscapes. You can still enjoy plants and flowers by confining them to containers, which take less water to maintain.

In most cases, upgrading before escrow allows you to include the cost of the upgrades in your mortgage at a lower interest rate than other loan options. Your new home sales agent will have more suggestions and ideas about upgrades that add the most value to your dwelling. Check out our Design Center, where you can begin creating and customizing. If you have any questions or want to buy a new home, please contact us.