Easy DIYs to upgrade!

3 Ways to Upgrade Your Builder Grade Home

There are many advantages to a new home in a master-planned community. One of the drawbacks is they are generally basic in their initial design. Most builders offer a range of design upgrades, but I suggest only doing structural upgrades and flooring, living in the house for a year and getting a feel for what you might actually need or want. Then doing some simple upgrades to add the right style to match your life. 

Living Room Built-in Bookcase, Fireplace, Media Center

Every living room needs a “built-in” something that anchors the space. A bookcase wall, fireplace, media center or combo unit. I use air quotes because it does not have to be built-in, scroll social media and you will see a whole world of ideas. For budget friendly options, search Ikea Hacks!

Doorknobs and cabinet hardware

Builders have upgrade options for hardware, just compared the cost of their options against what you can find online. When we did our house the builder did not have anything we liked, so we swapped out our own door knobs and cabinet hardware, easy fix!

Small backyard? Fill every inch with fun for the kids!

New homes generally are built on smaller lots, which means smaller yards. In my experience that just means I don’t spend every weekend taking care of the yard. Just because it is small, that does not mean you can’t fill every inch with plants and fun for the kids!