New Homes

Buying a house that is under construction gives you the opportunity to customize your new home by adding special features to the basic home. When deciding on additional features, consider how they will affect the re-sale value of the home and whether these additions will over-improve your home.

Money spent to improve and modernize kitchens and bathrooms is almost always a good investment. Granite and corian counter tops, side-by-side refrigerators, tile flooring and whirlpool tubs are popular upgrades. If the builder's standard flooring for the living room, dining room or foyer is linoleum, changing to hardwood or tile will increase the resale value of the home. And even if you don't enjoy sitting around a roaring fireplace, the next owner may want one. If you plan to finish the basement later, you may want to "rough-in" the plumbing for a bath during the original construction. You should consider your own enjoyment--and what will increase the value of your home when you sell.