Searching for “new construction homes near me”? One of the most exciting parts of building a new home is choosing which upgrades to include during the design process. However, because upgrades can quickly blow a construction budget, it’s important to understand which will add value and which aren’t worth the extra expense. In addition, some upgrades are much cheaper to implement during construction versus after a home is built.
With the right upgrades, you can add enjoyment and convenience to everyday living and boost the resale value of your home. Here is what Gateway’s experts recommend if you are looking to invest wisely in your project!
The Top 10 Upgrades for New Homes in Cheyenne
Finished Basement
A finished basement can become a home theater, hobby room, exercise area, additional bedrooms and more. A basement finish not only gives you an extra room (or rooms) in your home, it can also add tremendous value to your property in the long run.
Even if you don’t plan to finish the basement anytime soon, it’s a good idea to include rough-in work for mechanical, electrical and plumbing lines now. It is especially difficult to add drain lines after concrete has been poured. That’s why at Gateway, we include plumbing rough-ins as standard during the building process.
Nine-Foot Basement Ceilings
Many older homes have basements that are only eight feet high, resulting in a space that feels cramped and dark. A higher ceiling makes the space more inviting and the cost of the upgrade will be returned in better resale value in the future, in addition to a more enjoyable environment while you live in the home.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
With winter temperatures in southeast Wyoming averaging 39 degrees for highs and 17 degrees for lows, paying attention to energy efficiency when you are shopping for “new construction homes near me” can really have a positive impact on your pocketbook in the future. This is why Gateway Construction, LLC includes many energy-efficient features as standard in the homes we build, including ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, Nest Learning Thermostats and high-efficiency water heaters. If you are looking for additional energy savings, talk to our pros for recommendations.
Floor Trusses
Floor trusses use the same engineering principle as a truss bridge. Like a bridge built on two piers can span a river, floor trusses rest on two exterior walls. The design creates tremendous strength across the floor, reducing the need for intermediate bearing walls, beams and columns to bear weight. This results in floors that are flat with no bounce and an open floor plan with more design possibilities.
Upgraded Flooring
Gateway homes include carpet as standard everywhere except the kitchen, bathrooms, hallways and entryway. If you prefer upgraded carpet, hardwood, engineered wood, tile or LVP, this is the time to add it! Removing carpet and matching existing floors can be a challenge after move-in because it is tricky to match the exact color of a floor once it has been exposed to sun and foot traffic for a while. Replacement also creates a mess and makes living in your home difficult until the floor is finished. Ultimately, upgrading flooring options prior to installation will save you headaches and increase value immediately.
Master Bathroom Tilework
Tile upgrades on the floor and shower/bath surrounds can really add up. To save money, go with the standard tile options in every bathroom except the master bathroom, then upgrade the surfaces of your master bathroom to make it feel special. Choose long-lasting materials that you find attractive. Popular options include geometric tile, graphic tile accents, large-format tile on the floor, waterfall tile and inset shower niches.
Impact-Resistant Roofing
Because the Cheyenne area sees more than its fair share of hail, a Class 4 impact-resistant roof is a wise upgrade. Impact-resistant shingles resist damages from high wind, hail and flying debris that ruin standard shingles. The Class 4 rating is the highest shingle rating and indicates the shingles have been tested to withstand cracking, splitting and breaking. An impact-resistant roof may also qualify you for a discount on your home insurance premiums.
An Oversized Garage
Many garages fit only two average-sized cars, leaving no room for extra storage. If you need space for larger vehicles or you want to use your garage to store lawn equipment, bicycles and other bulky items, opt for an oversized garage. The extra storage space can be put to good use and, during Wyoming winters, you can keep all your assets protected from the cold and snow. If you have room on your property, building a larger garage is always an option to expand usable living space.
Eight-Foot Overhead Doors
Overhead garage doors are available in many different styles and configurations. Seven-foot-tall garage doors are the most common height in residential construction, but eight-foot-tall garage doors are being included in today’s higher-end homes. A taller garage door is an excellent upgrade if you have a large or specialty vehicle, such as a lifted truck or cargo van.
Backyard Landscaping
While front landscaping is often standard with a new build, especially in urban neighborhoods, backyard landscaping is generally an upgrade. This is because homeowners use their backyard space in so many different ways. Some may opt for an outdoor entertainment area, while others want to add a shed or garden. However, professional backyard landscaping typically increases curb appeal and nets a healthy return on investment.
Looking for ‘New Construction Homes Near Me’?
There are many decisions to make when building a new construction home. By keeping these upgrades in mind during your build, you can ensure that the upgrades you choose meet your goals without breaking the bank. Reach out to the professionals at Gateway today for more guidance on upgrades that will make your home more valuable, functional and efficient. If you are ready to build a custom home, we have lots available in Cheyenne’s most popular communities. To get started, call our team at (307) 632-8950 or contact us online to speak to a member of our sales team.
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