The Homebuilding Splurge List I Wish Someone Had Given Me
If you’ve ever built a house, or even just thought about it, you know the budget doesn’t stay neat and tidy for long.
Somewhere between the blueprint and move-in day, you start hearing phrases like “for just a little more…” and suddenly your “must-have” list has grown legs.
The problem? Not every upgrade is worth it. Some will make your daily life better for years. Others are more like… a very expensive Instagram moment.
After years of watching builds (and living through my own), here’s the short list of splurges that actually deliver and the places you can safely save.
1. Spend on What You Can’t Easily Change Later
If it’s behind the walls, under the floor, or part of the structure, do it right from the start.
My forever splurge list:
Quality windows and doors - better insulation, less noise, more security.
Insulation in interior walls (bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry) to keep noise down.
Radiant heat in bathroom floors - pure daily happiness in winter.
Extra plumbing and electrical rough-ins for future additions (garage sink, outdoor shower, EV charger).
Once the drywall goes up, fixing these is a headache and a big bill.
2. Upgrade Daily Comfort
These aren’t the sexy upgrades you brag about, but they make life smoother every single day.
My favorites:
Hot water recirculation so you’re not wasting time (or water) waiting.
An oversized garage - even if you think you won’t need it.
Mudroom storage for shoes, coats, and chaos.
Zoned heating and cooling so everyone’s comfortable without a thermostat war.
3. Buy Yourself Some Quiet
Noise creeps in everywhere. Stopping it at the design stage is the real luxury.
Solid-core doors instead of hollow ones.
Rockwool or acoustic insulation between rooms.
Layouts that separate noisy areas from bedrooms.
4. Treat Outdoor Living Like Real Living
A great backyard is an instant lifestyle upgrade.
Think beyond a patch of grass.
Covered patios for year-round use.
Outdoor kitchens or grill areas.
Proper lighting and irrigation from day one.
Even a hot tub or plunge pool if it fits your vibe.
5. Wire for the Future
Tech changes fast, but it’s easier to plan now than to tear into walls later.
Ethernet to every bedroom and office space.
Pre-wiring for security cameras and doorbells.
Extra capacity in the electrical panel.
Conduits for solar, battery backup, or EV charging down the road.
Where to Save
Here’s the stuff I’ve seen people spend too much on—only to redo or regret later:
Trend-of-the-year tile and backsplashes.
Designer light fixtures in every room (swap them later when you’re ready).
Overly custom built-ins that don’t adapt as your life changes.
Extra-large master suites that eat up square footage from spaces you actually use.
The Real Rule
Think about how you live, not just how you want your home to look.
The prettiest kitchen won’t matter if you can’t plug in your coffee maker without an extension cord. The biggest bathroom won’t feel luxurious if the floor is freezing.
Design for you. Build for comfort. Splurge where it matters, and save where it doesn’t.
That’s how you create a house that actually feels like home.