If we have the budget to spend, most of us want to upgrade a few things in our new home to ensure we not only fully enjoy living there, but that we also gain the most value for our investment. Some upgrades are worth spending the money on, and some are more for our own benefit than the overall return on investment. 

It's up to you to decide what is important to you. Let's take a look at a few common upgrades that are worth spending a little extra for.

Location 

This one is probably the most important in your home buying journey. Once you build your new home, you can't pick it up and relocate it, so choosing the ideal community for what you need and want is important. If you're looking for a specific lifestyle, close to schools, close to work, or any particular high-end amenities nearby, you might want to consider spending a little extra to build in exactly the right community.

You may love your home, but if you don't love your neighbourhood, at some point you'll look to buy again somewhere else. Consider the distinctive elements of estate communities and determine what's most important to you. 

Adding to the Floor Plan 

If you see your family growing or changing over time, in order to grow into your home instead of outgrowing it, it may be worth the extra spend to add extra bathrooms or bedrooms to your floor plan. Almost anything is possible with home customization, so discuss any of your additional needs with your builder. 

It costs money to sell a home and buy a new one, so if your best interest is to remain in one home and build equity, building a home you can grow into will benefit you in the long run. This may mean developing your basement as well; don't forget there is an entire floor of possibilities lying just under your main level and you can really maximize space in your basement. 

Beyond a Standard Kitchen 

Everyone knows the kitchen is the ultimate decision maker for most home buyers. It's the room quite likely to be the most used space in the entire home, and it has to fit your own needs. It also has to be a space you'll enjoy being in for many years, so upgrading it isn't out of the question. There's no doubt the investment you make in your kitchen is highly likely to return as value added in your home. Should you ever decide to sell your home, the kitchen will make or break a deal for a new buyer, so investing in this space is worth it.

Imagine yourself in the space. If you like to cook, do you have enough preparation room? Are your appliances located in efficient areas, and are they premium kitchen appliances to please your inner chef? If you love to host, does your design include the must-have kitchen features for entertaining? Consider every possible function in your kitchen to ensure it's exactly what you need to enjoy the space.

Flooring

It's definitely worth the cost to upgrade your flooring. This is probably one of the most difficult features to change in your home, as it requires moving your furniture entirely out of the space, and is a lot of work to pull up old flooring and install new. Choose your flooring carefully based on your tastes, your lifestyle, and your needs for durability. The style of floor you choose also determines the colour and finish of everything else in the space, as it's the most overarching finish in every room.

This type of upgrade includes choosing a high-end custom flooring option like true hardwood for better quality and finish, more beautiful tile, and upgraded underlay under carpets to create that ultimate plush softness under your feet.

Lighting 

The light fixtures you choose make or break a home's overall look. Lighting has come so far in terms of functionality and design, and choosing the right fixtures gives the rest of your home its perceived value. If you stick with standard, boring lighting, the rest of your home will follow suit. Select show-stopping high-end custom lighting options that provide the correct level of light for the ambience you are trying to create. Guaranteed, this will go a long way toward the overall value of your home.

Carefully selecting certain upgrades for your home will ensure your own enjoyment for many years. Not only will you love your home as a representation of your own tastes and style, but by choosing certain upgrades, living day-to-day will have less of a wear and tear effect and your finishes will last longer. After all, your home is an investment, and you want to be smart with your choices.