What Upgrades Should I Choose for My Charleston New Construction Home?

Charleston, SC new home builders offer a dizzying array of upgrades to choose from.  Save money by avoiding over-upgrading, and choose which upgrades to do before moving in.  Also, be sure to select options that will benefit you for resale and long-term value.

First off, you should sit down and figure out your budget for upgrades.  Upgrades will be added to the base price of the home.  Most Charleston real estate builders are semi-custom builders, which means that you get to choose from their small list of floor plans and lots.  Then, you also choose your colors, floors, cabinets, counters, lighting, etc.  Once you settle on a budget, try to stick to it.  There are so many gorgeous options and upgrades now for Charleston new homes that you can over-upgrade if you aren’t careful.   Look at the lower options before seeing the higher options.  This could save you from spending more than you wanted to or from being disappointed that you weren’t able to afford the amazing Brazillian cherry wood floors. 

Certain upgrades will cost much less if they are done prior to occupancy of your new home.  Electrical items such as sound systems, alarm systems, phone/cable jacks/outlets, boxes for lighting, etc. are usually much cheaper to go ahead and have done before the drywall is put up, so you don’t have to paint and mend drywall later.  Also, structural changes to your home are cheaper, easier, and are covered under your original home warranty.  Decks, covered porches, room expansions, etc. are all upgrades that some Charleston new construction builders offer.  Appliances may be more or less than you can find in stores, but the selection is pretty limited.  Doing some research before going to your design appointment with the builder will help you make a faster, more educated decision.

Deciding on your most expensive and most important upgrades is always a good plan.  Flooring is a great place to start, then cabinets, countertops, lighting, etc.  These are the upgrades that most buyers look for when they are searching in the Charleston real estate market.  Once you make your decisions, it is normally not easily changed.

The most are in Charleston for new homes is Mount Pleasant.  John Weiland is one of the best builders out there for the money.  They build hardy plank, semi-custom new homes that are of high quality with thousands of upgrades to choose from.  John Weiland builders currently have Charleston new homes for sale in Dunes West and Hamlin Plantation subdivisions in Mt. Pleasant.  When thinking about resale and long term value, know that certain options sell better in the Mount Pleasant real estate market:  site finished wood floors that are medium brown color, black/grey/brown granite countertops at least in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, screen porches, slightly upgraded beige plush carpeting, brushed nickel or bronze fixtures and lighting, and earth tone/white/grey/black exterior paint with dark shutters.   Upgrades for the average buyer in Charleston are about 25k-35k in the 400+ price, so it may be best for you to consider homes just under your max price point, so you can add the upgrades you want.

An appointment with your Mt. Pleasant home builder lasts for about 3-4 hours, and it is normally scheduled shortly after you write the contract.  You will be able to go to a walk-thru a week or so before closing, and then a final walk-thru just before closing.  If you absolutely cannot make the walk-thru, you need to at least have your local Charleston real estate agent take pictures of your new home for you. If something is not what you ordered, speak up at your walk-thru because this is your last chance to be heard on cosmetic items!  And of course, you will have your systems and the structure under warranty.