Smart upgrades to build into a home

Consider lifestyle when picking options

December 09, 2006|By Allison E. Beatty

Wondering which options to select in your new home? Before getting too focused on granite countertops and other design changes, consider some options that can be difficult and costly to add later.

One major change to consider adding during construction is a taller foundation. While this type of change is not as exciting as a decorative farm sink or a warming drawer, it is particularly important for those who want to finish their basements in the future.

Many builders include 8-foot high basements as a standard item, for example. By upgrading to a 9-foot height, a homeowner will gain the extra headroom and allow ample space for the heating and cooling ductwork that will go in the ceiling.

"Look toward the structure of the house before you look at the fit and finish," said Court Airhart, president of Airhart Construction. "The fit and finish is easy to change later."

At Airhart Construction, the cost to upgrade to a 9-foot ceiling in the basement starts around $3,500, depending on the size of the home.

The key to selecting the right options is to think about how you will use the home and your future plans. Those who plan to expand their families, adding children or by having in-laws moving in, should consider where those family members would sleep. Does the house have space that can be converted into a bedroom or bathrooms at a later date?

The area over a garage often makes a good space for a bedroom, but the space should be prepared early on. The floor joists could be installed, for example. And the interior opening to that space should be designed so that it flows with the second-floor hallway.

"If someone is planning to finish the space over the garage later we want to run heating and air ducts between the joists to keep air at a uniform level," said Curtis Perlman, project manager for Empeco Custom Builders.

When getting a ranch floor plan, home buyers should consider whether they want to finish off part of the attic space in the future. With some floor plans, the builder could add floor joists and other framing during construction to make that process easier. Also, buyers should look for a floor plan that includes enough headroom in the second-floor area so that costly roof changes are unnecessary.

The garage is another option that sometimes is overlooked. While a two-car garage might work for a few years, many buyers find they need more storage. "Adding a three-car garage now is a lot less expensive than adding it later," Airhart said.

Any changes to staircase configurations also should be planned while the house is being built. Staircases are an integral part of the floor-plan layout, making future changes complicated and costly.

Kimball Hill Homes has a floor plan that includes an option for a split staircase. Instead of a traditional straight design, the staircase would go up halfway, then have a landing that splits into two sides. One side goes to the kids' bedrooms while the other goes toward the master suite.

"The kids go one direction and the parents go another way," said Ruth Stefl, sales manager for the builder. "Aesthetically, it's pretty because it breaks up the long staircase."

This option is about $3,900, depending on the railings and other details. But the staircase also will eliminate about three feet of space from a second-floor bedroom.

Windows are another option that should be weighed carefully when selecting a floor plan. Will key rooms receive ample natural light? "Sometimes there is an option for adding a window in a garage or kitchen or adding a decorative window to let in more light," Stefl said.

In those cases, home buyers should consider the extra cost and how difficult it would be to add windows later. In many instances, it is less costly to add windows during construction. Some builders do not allow drastic changes to the windows, however, as it affects the overall production schedule and other factors, such as the placement of wiring.

In custom homes, there are other niceties that also should be considered during construction. Those who want the warmth of radiant heat under their feet in the bathroom should plan ahead. This way the builder can add the piping under the floor before tile or other flooring material is laid.

The use of radiant heat also can affect the heating system in the house, as some types require a boiler instead of a gas forced-air system. Others operate with electricity and are designed for smaller areas, Perlman said.

When selecting options, think carefully about future plans and priorities. Talk with the builder early to discuss what types of changes can be completed more easily during construction. This can save some major headaches and expenses down the line.

