“Upselling” may be the most frowned upon word in the English language, especially if you’re just a customer on a budget trying to get by with just the most essential purchase.

This leeriness comes two-fold when it comes to buying a home, as nobody really wants to hear about additional costs to what is already likely the biggest purchase of their lives. But there is a time and a place for everything, even upgrades, and plenty of new homebuyers today actually ask for them.

Like a brand-new car, the standard model is fine and can get you from point-A to point-B without a problem. But one with the all-leather heated seats, the latest info-tainment package, and the sleek alloy wheels is surely what gets more noticed and gives the buyer the most enjoyment of the drive. Same thing with homes, it comes down to needs and wants.

Do you really need the Italian marble countertop when a simple quartz one will do? How about that sleek stand-alone tub in the ensuite? Or those gorgeous wrought iron railing for the stairs? Maybe it’s not just what one wants, or what one needs, but also what one can afford.

But according to the homebuilders we spoke with, many of the requested upgrades these days centre on structural additions.

Recommended upgrades

Building a home to its full potential doesn’t need all the bells and whistles money can buy to make it all work. Sometimes having it all can even work against the functionality of the home, but there are definitely some upgrades that are recommend for new homebuyers.

“While every buyer’s lifestyle and priorities are different, there are a few upgrades we consistently recommend because of their long-term value and wide appeal,” says Trico Homes Director of Sales, Carmen De Luca.

Excel Homes Marketing Manager Kristina Plank says the homebuyer should focus on upgrades that give long-term value.

“Focus on upgrades that improve daily living, like an upgraded kitchen, main floor flex room or a basement suite. Structural changes should come first since they’re harder to change later,” Plank says. “Think about your lifestyle and budget, and don’t hesitate to ask your Sales Team for guidance on what’s most popular and practical.”

“Focus on upgrades that improve daily living, like an upgraded kitchen, main floor flex room or a basement suite. Structural changes should come first since they’re harder to change later.

You’ll want these

Any Trico Homes home already comes with a high-level of standard features, but De Luca says that based on their most purchased options, homebuyers still are opting for upgrades. The most in-demand of which include increasing basement ceiling height, and separate side entrances

Trico recommends going with nine-foot foundation height so the basement will feel so much lighter and brighter. “This adds more usable space and comfort in the basement, whether finished now or later.”

Getting side entrance and mechanical relocations done at the outset is highly recommended, De Luca says. “It’s a great investment for buyers considering a future legal suite or added flexibility.”

An upgraded lighting and kitchen package are also among the most popular requests at Trico Homes. “Pot lights and enhanced fixtures make a big difference in ambiance and resale.” As for kitchen upgrades, De Luca says to go for a chimney hood fan, built-in microwave and upgraded appliances. “They are not only functional but highly desirable in the resale market.”

Buyers may also want to consider having a patio or rear deck built with their home. “Especially in communities with smaller yards, this gives additional living space to enjoy well into the fall,” she says.

Trico offers the Elite Plus specification that is their elevated signature upgrade package offering homeowners more at a fraction of the cost.”

Essential upgrades

Plank says the upgrade they most consistently get at Excel Homes has to do with a developed secondary suite in the basement.

“Some of our most in-demand upgrades include a side entry to the basement, basement suite rough-ins, or even a fully finished basement suite (where permitted). These features are ideal for generating rental income or supporting multi-generational living,” Plank says.

“Another popular addition is a main floor bedroom with a full bathroom a thoughtful option for families looking to accommodate aging parents or extended family members with ease and comfort,” she adds.

Excel’s latest duplex and front-drive garage showhomes in the new northeast community of Lewisburg present a perfect blend of standard and upgraded packages.

“These homes were precisely designed to appeal to a range of buyer demographics by offering versatility and flexibility with personalization options to suit different lifestyles,” she adds.

“We specifically chose a variety of product types to showcase how our floorplans maximize every square foot, creating homes that are not only functional and versatile but also ideal for families of all sizes and dynamics. Our designs reflect a strong focus on space utilization, flexibility, and livability, aligning perfectly with the diverse needs of the Lewisburg community.” Find out more at excelhomes.ca.

Top shelf standards

Trico Homes makes sure that clients get their money’s worth with an already elevated set of standards. “At Trico Homes, our single-family homes include a high-quality, all-inclusive Elements Specification designed to provide exceptional value right from the start,” De Luca says.

The starting price of a single-family home already covers all the essentials like high-efficiency furnace, nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, LED lighting throughout, quartz countertops and full-height backslash in the kitchen, and even a 3-piece bathroom rough-in for the basement.

“This thoughtful and modern standard spec ensures every Trico home is energy-efficient, functional, and beautiful, all at the base price. Buyers also enjoy a one-on-one interior selections appointment to personalize their home further,” she adds.

Buyers can see for themselves all of what comes standard and what can be upgraded in any of Trico’s showhomes, but one of De Luca’s favourites is the Sandalwood showhome in Glacier Ridge in the northwest.

“The Sandalwood showcases an elevated yet attainable lifestyle and includes several thoughtful upgrades that really resonate with buyers but includes a lot of our standard finishes.

It features an efficient layout for its 1,818 square-foot of living space with no wasted square footage. It has an upper floor laundry conveniently located near all the bedrooms for added practicality, a spacious private owner’s suite with large walk-in closet and double vanity ensuites – a true retreat from the rest of the home.

Some of the upgrades that De Luca points out works well for the Sandalwood include a chimney-style hood fan, gas range, built-in microwave and upgraded fridge. An upgraded lighting package with four-inch LED pot lights, and ambient under cabinet lighting. Visit tricohomes.com to find out more.