Designing your new home will be one of the most fun, exciting, and rewarding things you will ever do. Taking your home from a mere idea to a personal treasure will be a journey unlike any other. While the experience will be an adventure, it may also seem overwhelming at times, and you will have countless decisions to make – big and small. Many of those decisions will revolve around what upgrades to incorporate into your new home.

Fortunately, when you build a home with John Houston Homes, part of your build process will involve an appointment at the John Houston Homes Design Studio, our custom home design center. 

“Instead of just a couple hours, you will have nearly a full day to browse John Houston Homes’ 6,000-square-foot design studio, where you can explore textures, colors, and looks of diverse materials and products, and work with a design studio consultant to make selections customized to your personal preferences,” says Lara Bailey, manager of the John Houston Homes Design Studio.

While John Houston Homes’ finishes are already high-quality products to begin with, you may decide to upgrade some materials and products in your home. There is no doubt that exceptional materials and quality upgrades can greatly enhance your enjoyment, as well as the value, of your home. Here are some upgrades currently popular with not only John Houston Homes clients in North Texas, but also homeowners across the nation:

Structural Home Upgrades

Three-Car Garage: If you own more than two cars, would like extra driveway space, or could simply use some additional storage space, a three-car garage is a wise investment. It could also prove a huge asset to your home’s future resale value!

A Game Room or Media Room: Having versatile space for a dedicated home theater or a media room can be a nice addition if you think your family will spend time gaming, watching movies, or simply enjoying TV. This extra room allows for an immersive experience with dazzling visuals, sensational sound, and much more.

Extending Patio Space: While increasing the square footage of your patio space will add to your total homebuilding cost, it will also add to your overall home enjoyment. Especially here in North Texas, where a milder climate allows plenty of outdoor living opportunities. It’s definitely more efficient to upgrade your patio size during homebuilding, and it is sure to enhance your long-term home value!

Extra Powder Bath: Most homeowners would agree that extra bathroom space is a good thing. The building process is the perfect time to add that extra half or full bath in your home for guests, kids, or simply convenience.

Additional upgrades to consider:

• Dining nook for kitchen
• Reading nook in master bedroom
• Cabinets or countertop in utility room 

Home Design Upgrades

Countertops: Countertops are historically one of the first go-to upgrades homebuyers consider during the building process. Many homeowners want to upgrade from granite to quartz, according to Lara Bailey. She says white, cool greys, and warm greys are popular choices for design studio clients. The kitchen is a smart space for upgrades because extra spending here often translates into a good return on investment in the future.

Flooring: It wasn’t that long ago that homeowners did not want to even entertain the thought of vinyl flooring. But luxury vinyl flooring has become quite popular thanks to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and comfort. Lara says her current customers often prefer luxury vinyl planks over engineered wood flooring due to its lifespan, myriad color and finishes, and ease of care.

Glass Front Door: The front door of your home is an integral component of your home’s total look. A beautiful glass front door not only looks elegant, but helps establish the feeling for the rest of the home. An impressive entryway will elevate your home’s curb appeal.

Tile: Incorporating patterned tile in kitchens and baths allows for creative design expression and distinctive style. “Tile upgrades might include sleek subway tiles or textured surfaces that are wavy, pillowed, embossed, or debossed,” says Bailey. This is also a smart upgrade to do during the building process, rather than later down the road. You will save a lot of time, energy, and money overall.

Farmhouse Sinks: Thanks to the influence of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ popular makeover program “Fixer Upper,” farmhouse sinks have increased in popularity the past several years. They continue to be a favored selection when it comes to new home upgrades. Homeowners love the classic look and timeless appeal of this coveted kitchen feature.

A Mud Bench for Storage: Incorporating a mini mudroom closet or a mudroom bench into your home is one of the most budget-friendly upgrades you can make. Talk about getting a bang for your buck! This little gem will be worth its weight in gold when it comes to organizing your family’s daily gear, hiding clutter, and creating smart storage space.

Additional home upgrades to consider:

• Tile or faux stone on fireplace floor to ceiling
• Decorative wood vent hoods
• High-quality trim such as shiplap or ceiling beams
• Barn doors into study

Tips to improve your custom homebuilding process

• Consider how you will live in and use your space
• Plan as much as possible before building starts
• Keep energy efficiency in mind
• Remember that good communication is essential
• Enjoy the process! The end result will be amazing

Visit the John Houston Homes Design Studio

To learn more about the John Houston Homes Design Studio or to discuss how you can elevate your new home’s interior or exterior style, contact a John Houston Homes New Home Advisor today at 866-599-5317!