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Step 1
Upgrading your lot to a larger or more preferred lot is a great upgrade to purchase since you generally cannot change the lot your home sits on in the future.
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Step 2
Structural changes are also a great thing to upgrade. Adding an additional garage, an extra bathroom, or a covered back porch are not easily accomplished after the home is built.
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Step 3
Electrical or plumbing additions are a good thing to upgrade. If you were to add electrical or plumbing at a later date, it would often require wall repairs.
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Step 4
Kitchen cabinets are a great thing to upgrade. Get the tallest kitchen cabinets in the finish that you want. Upgrading cabinets in the future is rather cost prohibitive because it requires removal of the countertops, backsplash, appliances, plumbing, and more.
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Step 5
Kitchen countertops are good to upgrade, but can often be upgraded at a later date for about the price of a builder upgrade, but maybe even less. Keep in mind that you will also probably need to change your backsplash at the same time since the backsplash sits on top of the kitchen countertops. If you are going to upgrade the countertops, you are probably going to want an upgraded sink, so that will also be an additional cost. If you upgrade your countertops, make sure you also get an upgraded backsplash. Generally, if you have a natural stone countertop, you will also want a natural stone backsplash.
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Step 6
You may want to upgrade your kitchen appliances, depending on what the builder is charging. Research the cost of appliances; if you sell your new generic appliances and purchase new, you may end up ahead. Look online to price refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, and dishwashers to see if the builder is charging more than you can purchase new. Appliances are usually very easy to replace later, so consider saving your money and replacing them with upgraded appliances once they break.
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Step 7
You may also want to upgrade your front door, but once again, price what a new door plus installation would cost to see if it is cheaper or more expensive than what the builder is charging.
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Step 8
Upgraded lighting sold by a builder is usually not that thrilling. It is usually the same generic light fixtures that are just a little larger in size. This would be a good item to purchase later for probably a lot less (if you install it yourself). Research the price of light fixtures online and see what is available before making the decision to upgrade with a builder.
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Step 9
Flooring upgrades might be a good option, but then again it might not. If you LOVE the tile flooring that comes with your home and just want to add it in more places, then go ahead. If you do not love the flooring, you may want to upgrade it on your own at a later time.
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Step 10
Crown molding and other trim work is relatively easy to add later. It will require 2 tradesmen - a carpenter and and a painter.
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Step 11
A sprinkler system is something that can be added later, just check to make sure your home has the necessary plumbing and electrical requirements for the system you select.
