What are the pros and cons of builder-grade homes? In most cases, the quality of the home is pretty reliably good! The downside is the finishes tend to be a little uninspired. And that’s okay! That is why I’m here 🙂 To add a little inspiration to the basic box and make her sing just a little more joyfully.
Upgrade Your Lighting
My #1 favorite thing to add – and almost always the first thing to select – is upgraded lighting. Upgrading your lighting is an easy win as it’s a great investment. It stays with the house and doesn’t get “touched” so it doesn’t suffer from wear and tear. Translation? They’ll last a long time and are worth the investment.
Great lighting will get you a lot of style – fast. Builder basic lighting does nothing for the overall aesthetic of your home but inspired lighting will instantly improve everything! Even without furniture!
Add Decorative Wall Treatments
The addition of a decorative wall treatment like wallpaper, a wall texture, and architectural details is the next easy add to upgrade and personalize your builder basic dream home. A little creative ingenuity will go a long way to give you that luxurious and decidedly NONE builder basic look. And it need not be the same throughout the home.
For example, you might consider a fabulous and unique ceiling treatment in the foyer, wood molding in the living spaces, and accent bedroom feature walls with wallpaper. Consider wainscoting your dining room and adding a bold color choice in a powder room.
Elevate Windows With Sophisticated Drapery
Window coverings will be a necessary item regardless, as you’ll need privacy. Why not put in something that adds a little style and character as well? The home may come with builder-basic mini blinds, but let’s ditch these tired items for something in a sound-dampening fabric.
Roman shades are a great modern option for a clean fabric look. Plantation shutters are popular. I am a personal fan of draperies over privacy blinds but there are many combinations to choose from, depending on the specific needs of your space.
Enhance Your Exterior
Next up? Think OUTSIDE the box! What additions or modifications can be made to the exterior of the home? A new front door color is an easy upgrade as well as new exterior lighting, house numbers, or mailbox. All of these are simple weekend upgrades.
Have a little more time and budget? A new door is not as complicated as it sounds and can completely change the look. Simple upgrades to the front walk, exterior lighting, and new pavers can all personalize your builder basic to stand out in the neighborhood.
Give Your Backyard a Makeover
The builder basic house typically is graced with a small concrete pad for a patio with MAYBE some grass if you’re lucky. But for your backyard? The options here can be limitless as well. Love to garden? Want to grow your own veggies? A new swimming pool or playhouse? Maybe a she-shed! What are your long-term family goals? What do you like to do?
Phew…sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? Here’s what I can share: Make a plan! This does not have to be done all at one time. It certainly CAN be immediately implemented, of course, but you’ll get the best results if you have an eye on what you want the end result to be.
If you would like a professional’s opinion about transforming your builder-grade home into a beautiful dream, then let’s chat about the options!
