During the home construction process, the decisions can feel endless. Decision fatigue is real, and it can be easiest to defer to the builder’s choice. However, builder-grade finishes can date your home before you even move in and cost more in the long run when you decide to replace the builder finishes after you move in. So, if you’re embarking on building a new home, consider avoiding the selections below, so you have a home with design longevity.
Generic appliances
Leaving the appliance selections to your builder can result in appliances that don’t meet your functional needs and don’t align with your ideal kitchen aesthetic. Builders often select appliances that are available in bulk for cost savings. However, if you leave the appliance selections to the builder and decide to upgrade them later, you will pay for two sets of appliances in a short amount of time. Building the home around the appliances you want will result in appliances that meet your needs, add to the home’s values, and help prevent the new construction from looking dated.
Poor lighting selections
Standard, builder-grade lighting selections are one of the most significant ways to date your new build before you occupy the house. Statement lighting can be considered the home’s jewelry and is one of the easiest ways to elevate your home’s aesthetic. Moving into a home filled with builder-grade lighting can feel like a home that needs updating. Selecting statement lighting during the building process will create a designer-inspired home that is elevated beyond the standard lighting selections.
Basic cabinet hardware
One of the easiest ways to update a kitchen or bathroom’s aesthetic is by upgrading the cabinet hardware. Of course, generic hardware serves its functional purpose, but upgrading the hardware can create a significant visual impact on the space. For example, a builder-grade hardware finish might be brushed nickel, while elevating your cabinet hardware selections to polished nickel or antique brass—or combining these finishes—will create an elevated yet timeless look.
Afterthought kitchen backsplash
Deferring to the builder to select the kitchen backsplash or choosing the backsplash material as an afterthought is an easy way to date your new build before the project is even complete. Whether it’s the tile choice, backsplash material, color, or pattern, be deliberate in the backsplash selection to avoid a final result that went out of style years ago. For example, marble and classic white subway tiles are timeless options. Or, carrying your counter stone up through the backsplash is a new take on smaller backsplash tiles.
Replacing wood with a look-alike material
Hardwood flooring is the most timeless option that will stand the test of time. An alternative selection like wood or luxury vinyl plank flooring is an option in rooms more susceptible to water damage, such as the basement, mudroom, or laundry room. Avoid other look-alike wood flooring options, like tile designed to look like wood flooring. This type of material will result in a dated appearance.
