Home upgrades worth the investment

House upgrades are a great way to boost the liveability, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and resale value of your home. If you decide to build a house, consider the must-have home upgrades before commencing construction of your dream home, as some features may be tricky and more costly to retrofit down the line.

7 new home construction upgrades that add value

These days, to upgrade your home is to make it sustainable. Designing for sustainability means it can stand the test of time and feel brand new even if you decide to sell. Most house and land packages offer premium inclusion sets for potential buyers which comprise of value-added upgrades for your home.

It's important to identify these house upgrades at the outset and discuss them with your builder so you can prioritise upgrade items within budget, saving money in the long run.

1. House orientation

A northerly home orientation is a simple way to maximise the sun's path and natural breezes to heat the house up or cool it down. To make living at home more comfortable and energy-efficient, the active spaces of the house - living room, kitchen, dining area - should face north to take advantage of the sun.

This orientation provides rooms with a free source of heating in winter and a free source of cooling in summer which is especially important in Queensland's tropical climate.

2. Kitchen benchtops and storage

Commonly referred to as the heart of the home, it makes perfect sense to make upgrades to the kitchen space from the outset. Start with the benchtop material and design. It should be simple, durable, and timeless for you to use now, and for others to use later (if you choose to resell).

Choose a design that's least likely to go out of style to raise the resale appeal of your home. Think of high-quality materials like quartz bench tops - stylish, easy-care, and long-lasting.

Upgrading the kitchen storage is yet another smart decision. There's no such thing as too much storage, and it's a home upgrade that adds value! Maximise your kitchen space by setting up cupboards and cabinets where they matter - pot drawers, overhead cupboards, and other cabinets that nearly reach the ceiling (it's a clever way to avoid dust collection).

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3. Electrical outlets

Installing electrical outlets is exceptionally important in a technology-driven world. Upon receiving your floorplan, consider where you might place appliances and furniture, and mark the location on your electrical outlet map.

Consider investing in dual outlets with USB ports in the key areas of your home such as by the bed, entertainment room and home office. Be smart about the placements in each room - it’s expensive to get an electrician in to install additional power points.

4. Insulation

Insulation can reduce the amount of heat transferred into your home, adding comfort, and saving you money. It acts as a barrier to prevent heat from entering and exiting the house, keeping the temperature at a comfortable level.

You can insulate your roof, walls, and floors to close the gaps in which air can pass through. As heat flows from warm to cold areas, the warm air inside the house during winter will want to escape. In the summer, the heat from outside will want to enter. Beyond the cost savings, this also lessens the energy emissions coming from your home.

5. Heating and cooling

To complement Australia's extreme weather, ducted or split-system air conditioners are often the way to go. Go after high-efficiency air conditioners with higher energy ratings; not only does it save you money and increase your resale value, but it also saves you from excessive repair and energy expenses in the future.

6. Premium flooring

All flooring is prone to wear-and-tear. To maximise the life of your flooring, it's a home feature worth spending more on. Wood flooring (such as timber) is often the top pick for its durability and timeless design.

For the carpeted rooms of your home, consider upgrading the carpet and the underlay to work alongside the insulation to keep your home warm during the cooler months.

7. Outdoor living

Many homebuyers are looking for outdoor areas for their kids, pets, and social activities. You can opt to design your alfresco area for outdoor gatherings with a deck, dining area, ceiling fans, extra storage, barbecue, or even a wood-fired pizza oven! If you're feeling lush, you can even install a freestanding bath or outdoor shower.

When building a home and working within a limited budget, it's always handy for homeowners to set aside some extra money for important house upgrades that are worth the investment.