Building a new home is a thrilling yet intimidating experience. There are a lot of things to learn about, like the ins and outs of home builder promotions. Free upgrades, often included in promotions provided by builders, can add a unique flair to your home and elevate its aesthetics and functionality.
But how do you know you’re getting the best deal? And which promotional offer will give you something you truly need? This article is here to shed some light on the crucial factors you should keep in mind when considering these free upgrades for your new home.
Upgrade Benefits
Depending on the size of the home, many builders will offer upgrades in the $10,000 – $20,000 range. The important thing to remember is these upgrades should not cost you anything. The purpose of any promotion should be to save money. If you really want to get granite in your kitchen but could not afford it before, the upgrade options are a great way to get them.
What Do I Choose?
There are several ways to decide what area is worth a free upgrade in the home you want to buy. First of all, you should look at your favourite home plans and decide what you want if money was not a deciding factor. Consider your needs as well – what would add value to your home and your life?
For many buyers, the kitchen is the first area they want to upgrade. Everyone loves to have a big beautiful kitchen. Depending on the home builder, they will usually have several options to choose from in this area. Ultimately, the promotion you decide on should be something you already want so you are getting added value from your purchase.
Construction Model Options
Before getting started with the construction process, your builder will walk you through several different model options for your desired home. It is important to understand what you really want in this part of the planning process.
Although upgrades are great, never choose what type of home you build based on the free upgrades. For example, if you really need four bedrooms in your home, do not decide to build a three-bedroom home just for nicer cabinets. Or if there’s a deal on a duplex and you really need a single-family home, don’t let the slight discount sway your immediate needs. This is a recipe for disappointment several years from now once you outgrow the home.
The more time you spend planning the construction of your home, the happier you will be with the end result. The best home builders are those who build a home to your specifications. A free upgrade as a home promotion is only beneficial if it aligns with your overall goals for the home. Free upgrades can take your home to the next level once you decide what is best for your model.
Is It Really Free?
Free home upgrades should not cost you anything on the purchase price of the home. However, there are some builders who will build the free upgrades into the cost of the home. Although this is rare, this is something that you should look out for.
Remember, a promotional offer is only as good as the home builder offering it. A tremendous deal won’t compensate for poor workmanship or a stressful building process. So, while evaluating promotions, ensure you also investigate the reputation of the builder.
Compare the Value
While evaluating builder promotions, it is important to discern the actual value the upgrades offer. Promotions may seem attractive on the surface, but it’s essential to look beyond the initial dazzle and get the full details. For instance, high-end appliances might seem like a great deal, but if they’re not energy efficient, they may cost more in the long run due to higher utility bills.
Similarly, a sumptuous marble countertop may seem tempting, but consider its maintenance demands and durability compared to other materials. Always assess the long-term value and practicality of the upgrades, and not just their aesthetic appeal. Don’t be scared to negotiate with a builder either. They may be able to upgrade something you want that’s not currently being advertised.
Don’t Be Fooled By the Show Home
Yes, it’s always a good idea to tour different floor plans you like and a show home will give you an up-close look at what you can expect. But make sure to ask the area manager questions about which features are included and which ones you see in the show home are upgrades. If they’re offering a promotion for premium countertops or kitchen appliances, and you find that most of the other features you liked in the home are upgrades, then it may not be that great of a deal if you’re paying more than you expected.
This is why it pays to ask questions and look for builders who are transparent with their pricing and can show you exactly what’s included in the base price of a home. These details matter and any good builder offering a promotion should be providing something extra without strings attached.
Make Sure You Understand the Timeline
An often overlooked aspect of home builder promotions is the timeline of implementation. Will these upgrades delay your move-in date? If the builder is offering a high-end appliance suite or custom cabinetry, it could take weeks, if not months, to order and install these items. While a delay may not be a concern for some, it can create significant inconvenience for others, especially if they’ve already planned their move based on the original timeline. Therefore, it’s critical to discuss the expected timeline for each upgrade with the builder and consider the possible effect on your moving plans before making your decision.
Is The Promotion Practical?
Builder promotions and free upgrades can certainly be appealing, but it’s crucial to consider whether these offerings align with your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. If you’re someone who loves to cook, then an upgraded kitchen with high-end appliances might be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re more of an outdoor person and love to entertain in your backyard, then upgrading to a larger patio or an outdoor fireplace might be more beneficial to you. Remember, a home promotion is only a real advantage if it meets your requirements and enhances your living experience. Always consider your specific needs and wants when evaluating promotions, rather than being swayed by the allure of ‘free’ or ‘upgraded’ features.
Ask About a Referral Program
In addition to the wide array of upgrades and promotional offers, many builders also offer referral bonuses. These are incentives provided to existing clients who refer new customers to the builder.
If you’re impressed with the work your builder has done and refer a friend, family member, or colleague who ultimately decides to build with the same company, you stand to receive a reward. Check with your friends and family too – if they’ve recently built a home you could both benefit if you use the same builder. These bonuses can range from cash rewards to substantial discounts on future services, or even free upgrades on your current home.
Referral bonuses are not only an excellent way for builders to cultivate and expand their client base but also provide tangible rewards to existing clients for their loyalty and advocacy. As with any promotion, however, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of referral bonuses, ensuring that they truly provide value and align with your needs.
Consider the Financial Aspects
A vital aspect to consider when evaluating new home promotions is the financial impact. These promotions can sometimes be tied with specific financing options, such as using the builder’s preferred lender or financial institution.
While this exclusive offer can potentially offer convenience and possibly some additional discounts, it’s essential to do your homework and carefully review these financing options. Make sure to compare interest rates, loan terms, and overall financing costs with other lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Remember, while a lower interest rate or waived fees may seem attractive initially, they may also come with other trade-offs like higher closing costs or loan amounts. A thorough financial analysis will help you understand the complete picture and make an informed decision.
Have You Shopped Around?
Upgrades are a great way to make your home stand out. The key to having a great experience in the building process is shopping around for a builder who has a track record of success helping clients. Many people wrongly assume that all builders have the same level of customer service and support or that most builder promotions are the same. Nothing could be further from the truth.
You want to work with a home building company that has your best interests in mind. Some companies in the industry are just looking for quick construction projects to make money on. Building a new home is an arduous process, and you must ensure everything goes smoothly.
Spending some time researching builders is time well spent. With all of the quality builders out there for you to choose from, you’ll be able to find one who does great work and has a home promotion that makes sense for you.
Originally published Sep 26, 2017; updated Jul 11, 2023
