Are you thinking about finally building the home you’ve been dreaming of? It’s no secret that new builds come at a price. If you’re trying to make your budget stretch, you might be thinking about omitting a few features from your new build. Although some home improvement projects can be pushed off until later down the road, there are certain features you definitely don’t want to cheap out on! In this blog post, we’re sharing 8 things to not cheap out on for your new build. 

Stopping by our blog for the first time? Welcome to Hearthside Homes! We’re a semi-custom home builder based in Liberty, Missouri. Since 1987, we’ve built nearly 2,000 long-lasting homes. We currently build in the Kansas City, Parkville, Kearney, and Liberty areas. Our homes range in price from $350k-$700k. You can check out our available listings here. Don’t forget to check out our gallery! You can click here to learn more about the other communities we build in. We hope you enjoy hearing our take on the 8 things to not cheap out on for your new build!

1). Kitchen

Most people will agree, the kitchen is the heart of every home! The kitchen is the space you’ll use every day, and will most likely be the main gathering point when entertaining. Some of our favorite kitchen elements to splurge on include ceiling-high cabinets, granite countertops, appliances, and lighting. 

When it comes to building the home you’ve been longing for, we wouldn’t suggest you cheap out in the kitchen. The most affordable cabinets and countertop surfaces may cause frustration as they’re not very durable. Consider the long haul and do it right the first time! 

2). Primary Bathroom

After a long day of tackling your to-do list, you’ll likely want to relax with a hot shower or bubble bath. Investing in the primary bathroom is great for self-care. Imagine stepping into a walk-in shower with floor and wall tile, a high-pressure faucet, heavy-duty shower glass, and a bench. Or wash the stress away in a jetted tub. You’ll also want to consider a double vanity as well as a water closet with a door for privacy!  

3). Flooring

If you’re building a home, definitely research flooring options before committing! This is especially important for high-traffic areas, such as the foyer and main living areas. Even if a flooring option looks beautiful in a showroom, that doesn’t mean it’s durable. Do your research to find floor types that are scratch resistant and optimal for each area of your home! 

4). Appliances

Appliances are definitely worth the splurge! We’re not suggesting you go broke by buying a top-of-the-line stove and refrigerator. However, finding a middle ground with your appliances can be extremely useful in everyday life. 

Not only do better appliances offer more convenience, but they can also save you on utility bills. This goes for all the appliances throughout your home! From your washing machine to your dryer, furnace, and more, the cheapest option isn’t always the obvious choice. 

5). Roof

 Investing in a good roof is like adding an additional insurance policy to your home! Of course, you want your roof to last a long time. The climate you live in ultimately determines the lifespan of a roof. Architectural asphalt shingles are often a safe bet for the long run. Make sure to consider all roofing types rather than automatically going with the cheapest option!  

6). Windows

Windows might not be something you think twice about. Yet, purchasing good windows can save you in the long run. For example, double pane windows with a thin metallic coating can help retain the heat inside your home during the colder months of the year. Contrary, good windows can also help retain your air conditioning in hotter seasons.  

7). HVAC System 

An HVAC system probably isn’t on your Pinterest board. It’s important to get the right size system for your home’s square footage. Did you know that purchasing the right HVAC system can make your home more energy efficient?  

8). Insulation 

Did you know that air leakage accounts for more than 30% of a home’s heating and cooling costs? From fiberglass to cellulose, and open cell spray foam, there are a lot of insulation options. It’s important to consider which insulation option will work best in your climate throughout each area of your home. 

House Hunting in Kansas City?

We hope you enjoyed hearing our take on the 8 things to not cheap out on for your new build! Are you having a hard time finding a reliable home builder? If choosing all the material selections for your home is overwhelming, make your life easier by choosing Hearthside Homes! Our experts have done the heavy lifting by choosing optimal materials that combine durability and affordability. You can click here to check out our listings! 

Hearthside Homes is a semi-custom home builder. This means our clients get to purchase one of our expertly designed spec homes or build with us from the ground up. Click here to check out our 2-story, 1.5-story, reverse, ranch, and split-style floor plans. 

Purchase With Confidence

No two home builders are alike! At Hearthside Homes, we understand that buying a home is a big deal! You want to make sure the home your purchase isn’t one you’ll regret in the future. That’s why all of our homes are inspected by third-party experts. In other words, we hire impartial third-party industry leaders to review each of our new construction homes! This comprehensive assessment involves a: 

  • Cosmetic inspection
  • Third-party HVAC duct cleaning
  • Third-party sewer line inspection
  • Third-party home inspection

Many home builders don’t subject themselves to these extensive inspections. At Hearthside Homes, we want our buyers to have confidence in their purchase! That’s why we hire impartial pros to look over our work. In addition, we proudly offer a 12-month warranty on all of our homes. We even have a Warranty Manager on our team to make sure you have a go-to contact to reach out to if needed. You’ll have peace of mind when you buy with Hearthside Homes! 

Connect With Us

To request more information about purchasing with Hearthside Homes, fill out this form on our website, or feel free to give us a call at (816) 781-0234. We’d love for you to follow all the behind-the-scenes fun on our social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Did you know we have a Design Center located at 1915 Industrial Dr #300, Liberty, MO 64068. This space showcases material selections including cabinetry, doors, flooring, faucets, paint, tile, and more. Click here to learn more about our Design Center. 

Hear From Our Happy Homeowners 

Just like any business, no two home builders are created equal. At Hearthside Homes, we prioritize customer experience and satisfaction. Did you know Hearthside Homes of Kansas City has over 100 5-star reviews on Google? Click here to check out our Google reviews and hear from some of our happy customers. Our client, Mehtab, shares:  

“We did not expect to find ourselves building a house, but when we found Hearthside we were blown away by the quality of their work and their utmost professionalism! The entire team at Hearthside were amazing and they were so transparent and up front about the building process! They worked with us through all the hurdles that come with building a home and we couldn’t be happier with the finished product! We love our new home and would recommend Hearthside to any one looking to build a quality home with peace of mind!”

Want to see more? Click on the video below to watch one of our customer testimonials. Viktoriya and Minh canceled a contract with another builder who wasn’t giving them the confidence, reassurance, and professionalism they deserved. Instead, they purchased with Hearthside Homes and are very happy with their decision! Click here, or on the video below, to watch Viktoriya and Minh’s testimonial.