How to Upgrade a Builder-Grade Home

Apr 28

Maybe you bought a newly-constructed home, or you had it built and didn’t know there were other options—either way, there are a few tricks that can easily upgrade your builder-grade home.

What is builder-grade? It’s typically the most simplistic, bare-bones material. Builder-grade is the most inexpensive mass-produced product to keep building costs as low as possible.

Hardware

This is a standard go-to for a builder to insert lower-quality hardware throughout a home. Often, these pieces can be flimsy, cheap-looking, or a color that doesn’t match the rest of the fixtures in your home. If you have the budget, swap these items out to the finish of your choice. If you don’t have the budget, spray paint is a fast and easy way to change the look of your hardware.

upgrading builder grade home with texas interior designer saguaro west — Room for Tuesday

restoring antique hardware texas interior designer saguaro west — “How We Painted Antique Door Hardware”

Ceilings

Don’t overlook the power a dressed-up ceiling can have on a room. Transform the typically stark white space into something worth looking at. You can dress up this area of your home by painting it a contrasting color or taking your wall color across the ceilings. Want to take it a step further? How about a faux wood beam?

Try one like this from Home Depot.

Cabinets

One of the most significant transformations you can make in your kitchen or bathroom is painting or refinishing cabinets. While you’re working on cabinets, look in the kitchen. Often, these cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling. Create a high-end look by extending cabinets to the ceiling or adding molding to fill this gap. Don’t forget to swap out or refresh your hardware, too!

Lighting

This one is very similar to hardware—it’s often cheap-looking, sized incorrectly, and doesn’t match the finishes in the rest of the house. It’s often fixtures you’ll see in every other house on the block. The best part? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to upgrade the lighting fixtures in your home. Get my tricks for Lighting for Less here.

Trim + Baseboards

Adding trim around windows and doors or replacing what’s there can go a long way in making your home feel like an upgrade. Find a trim profile that you love and fits with the overall style of your home. When it comes to baseboards, do the same. But in some cases, you can simply add to your current baseboards to make them feel taller and more luxurious.

Doors

Make your doors stand out by painting them a contrasting color to your walls. Black and gray interior doors are trending and making a statement against crisp white walls. On the exterior, paint your front door and give it a pop of color or a bold black.

Tile + Countertops + Backsplash + Flooring

This category is for items that may not be within budget right now, but when they are a reality will make a significant impact on the look and feel of your home. Start with what “bugs” you the most and work down the list from there. Swap out carpet for hardwoods—or upgrade your laminate. Put in granite where there used to be formica. Take out the backsplash that everyone else has or is too trendy, and put in something classic and timeless.

Curb Appeal

When houses are built, curb appeal is sometimes not accounted for in the budget. Take some time and dress up the exterior of your home. Add in sidewalks or walking paths. Add flowerbeds and landscaping. You can even add shutters to your windows. These details help a home feel upgraded, lived in, and loved.

Plan your next home renovation or custom home build with a professional designer. Learn more!

Mary Pedigo