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It is so easy to go over budget on the extras when it comes to building your home. Sometimes you just have to have a firm “no” and stick to it. However, there are areas that you can invest a little extra and get a lot of value. Sometimes you can only do this at the time you actually build. If you choose to wait and do it later, it may be impossible or much more expensive.

What Little Extras Are Worth the Initial Investment?

Because some things must be done at build, you need to consider very carefully whether or not you want to refuse these extras.

• Higher ceilings – Higher ceilings must be done at build. For a relatively minimal amount, you can heighten your ceilings by a couple feet. While this may not seem important, you will notice an immense difference. In fact, most model homes have heightened ceilings because they just have a more spacious appearance. It is really only necessary on the lower level of the home.
• Storage space – Turning dead space into storage space can be done very cheaply and increase the value of your home as well as making it more useful to you. This is particularly beneficial under stairs. There may not be a door to this area in the plans, but it costs very little to put one in.
• Garage space – You may be considering a single or double car garage. If that is the case, find out how much extra it would be to increase your garage space. You may find that it is worth your while to go up a size. Since many people end up leaving their car out to keep their stuff in the garage, you can eliminate the problem straight away.
• Addition – Many people plan small and hope to add on later as finances permit. The problem being that it is by far cheaper to add on at the time of the build when you will be buying your materials in bulk. Take this into consideration as you make your decision.

Benefits of Doing a Little Extra at Build

The most obvious benefit of doing these little extras at the time of the build is that you will be buying your materials in bulk and probably get a better deal. Another benefit that many home owners do not take into consideration is that you may be unable to get materials, such as roofing or siding, to match the main portion of your home later on. Often times manufacturers discontinue or change colors. Even if you get the same color, a different lot may have a color variance. These little things that do not cost a whole lot at build time will greatly increase the value of your home.

While sticking to a budget is a necessary and commendable thing, make sure that you make wise decisions when it comes to the extras.

Much time and energy goes into building a new home. It is exciting and stressful to choose the piece of land, select a plan, choose the right builder for the job, work with the financial institutions, and watch it all come together. In fact, sometimes people get so wrapped up in all of those decisions and projects that the fact that they will have to decorate their home almost gets lost in the maze.

From Wall Coverings to Floor Coverings

People get so caught up in the big stuff that they sometimes forget that the wall finish will have to be painted or covered and the floor boards will require some form of finishing. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer that prefers to do your own decorating or you have a hand-picked decorator handling this for you, you will still need to select the motif that will best suit your family.

That is right. It is something that everyone that lives in the house will probably want to participate in on some level. This can be a whole new battlefield. Don’t fall into the temptation to let these decisions create strife in your family.

How to Avoid Decorating Debate Blow-Outs

• Try not to rush decorating decision. It is easy to feel pressured and push the members of your household to come to an agreement. You will find that allowing yourself and others sufficient time to meditate on the decorating decisions that involve them will diffuse a great number of arguments before they happen.
• While you may not feel it is necessary to involve children in many of the decisions regarding decorating your home, allowing them some input into their bedrooms and any other rooms that will be greatly devoted to them will allow them to feel important and a sense of ownership in the new home.
• Some people change their room colors regularly, while others keep things the same for years at a time. Assess the type of decorator that your family is and keep that in mind when decorating. For example, if you do not intend to change your bedroom walls in your children’s room for at least five years keep it generic enough so that when your son is fourteen years old, he won’t still have Winnie the Pooh on his walls.
• Keep in mind that your fixtures, from lights to plumbing, will accent your home. Choose carefully to keep the same feel throughout.

Do not allow the task of building your home to tear apart your family. Keep things in perspective and do not allow things that may be changed within a couple years anyway cause friction in your relationships. Realize that home building can be a stressful time. It can consume your thoughts every waking moment. Be sure to take time to do something fun every once in a while. It will help you keep your priorities in order, as well as remind you that your sanity is still intact.