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What to Upgrade First in a Builder-Grade Home
Moving into a new home, especially a builder-grade one, comes with a mix of excitement and reality checks. Sure, it’s fresh. It’s functional. But it probably feels… basic.
That’s because builder-grade homes are designed to be neutral and cost-effective not personal.
The good news? You don’t need a full remodel to make it feel like yours. You just need to know which builder grade upgrades actually make a difference and in what order.
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1. Start with the Lighting It Changes Everything
Builder-grade lighting is usually the cheapest option that fills a box on a checklist. Think flush mount dome lights, basic pendants, or generic vanity bars.
Why this should be your first move:
Lighting controls how your entire space feels. Swap it, and you immediately change the mood even if nothing else changes.
Where to start:
- Entryway fixture (sets the tone)
- Kitchen island or dining light
- Bathroom vanity lights
- Main hallway or living room flush mount
How to Install a New Light Fixture (DIY Guide)
10 Things That Make Your House Feel Dated (And How to Fix Them)
2. Repaint the Walls with a Color That Actually Works
Most builder-grade walls are painted in flat off-white or a bland gray-beige. It hides imperfections but sucks the life out of a space.
Why paint is next:
It’s the fastest way to make your home feel intentional, and fresh paint helps define your style better than any furniture can.
Go-to paint tips:
- Use a warm white or soft greige for main areas
- Choose eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim
- Don’t skip the primer if covering builder-grade flat paint
How to Paint Like a Pro (No Mess, No Streaks)
DIY Projects That Actually Boost Home Value
3. Upgrade the Cabinet Hardware (Yes, It Matters)
Builder-grade cabinets usually come with simple knobs or worse, none at all. And hardware is one of the fastest visual upgrades you can make.
Why it matters:
Hardware adds contrast and style. Matte black, brushed nickel, or soft brass finishes feel current and pull the whole room together.
What to upgrade:
- Kitchen cabinet pulls
- Bathroom vanity hardware
- Entry or hallway storage handles
Revamp Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
10 Things That Make Your House Feel Dated
4. Switch Out the Light Switches (Seriously)
You touch them every day and most builder-grade switches are cheap, almond-colored, or slightly crooked.
Why this upgrade works:
New white switches and screwless wall plates instantly sharpen a room. It’s a low-cost, high-impact change that feels surprisingly premium.
How to Replace a Light Switch or Outlet
The Tools You Actually Need for DIY Electrical Work
5. Address the Trim and Baseboards
Even new homes come with bland, thin trim painted in builder flat white.
How to make it better:
- Repaint trim with a soft white semi-gloss
- Re-caulk seams for a crisp edge
- Consider upgrading to thicker, craftsman-style baseboards if you want a long-term project
How to Maintain Caulking Around Trim and Doors
DIY Fixes That Are Cheaper Than Calling a Pro
6. Update the Bathroom Mirrors and Fixtures
That giant frameless mirror above your vanity? Pure builder-basic.
Easy upgrades:
- Replace it with framed mirrors
- Swap out the faucet for a matte black or brushed nickel model
- Add matching towel bars and hooks
Recommended Products for Easy Bathroom Upgrades
- Black Framed Bathroom Mirror (24×36) – Modern, clean-lined mirror perfect for single or double vanities.
- Matte Black Bathroom Faucet – A sleek, easy-install faucet that upgrades the entire look.
- Matte Black Towel Bar Set (5-Piece) – Matching towel bar, hooks, and toilet paper holder — the full set for a unified finish.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 08:10 pm GMT
7. Consider a Kitchen Backsplash It’s Easier Than You Think
Most builder kitchens skip a real backsplash in favor of a painted wall. That’s fine… until you realize how much better a tile or slab backsplash makes everything look.
Why it’s a worthy upgrade:
Backsplashes pull the whole kitchen together and protect your walls. Plus, they’re easier to install than you think.
How to Install a Tile Backsplash
DIY Projects That Actually Boost Home Value
8. Replace Cheap Door Hardware for a Cohesive Look
Mismatched brass knobs and hollow levers make your home feel cheaper than it is.
What to do:
Pick a finish (black, brushed nickel, or soft brass) and swap all your door knobs and hinges for a unified look.
Matte Black Interior Door Lever Set (Keyed and Passage) — Durable, modern, and perfect for swapping out builder-grade knobs.
KNOBWELL 8 Pack Modern Square Passage Door Lever, Interior Lever Door Handles, for Both Right/Left Handing, Matte Black Finish (No Lock/Key)
$99.99 ($12.50 / Count)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 08:47 pm GMT
9. Upgrade Outdated Window Treatments
Mini blinds. Short curtains. Awkward rods. They all date a room immediately.
How to fix it fast:
- Mount curtain rods higher and wider than the window
- Hang long, neutral panels that reach the floor
- Swap blinds for simple roller shades if you want a cleaner look
Easy DIY Projects for First-Time Homeowners
10. Start with the Projects You’ll Notice Every Day
This isn’t about gutting your house or following a trendy checklist.
It’s about upgrading the small things that make you love walking into a room.
Start with:
- Lighting
- Paint
- Switches
- Hardware
These touchpoints give you the most impact for the least money and make every other future project feel easier.
Beginner DIY Home Upgrades That Pay Off
Recommended Products for Your First Upgrades
Black Cabinet Pulls (10-Pack) – Perfect for kitchens or bathrooms
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 08:47 pm GMT
Matte Black Interior Door Levers – Upgrade from hollow knobs
KNOBWELL 8 Pack Modern Square Passage Door Lever, Interior Lever Door Handles, for Both Right/Left Handing, Matte Black Finish (No Lock/Key)
$99.99 ($12.50 / Count)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 08:47 pm GMT
Warm LED Light Fixtures – Clean, modern, beginner-install lighting
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 09:20 pm GMT
Matte Black Adjustable Curtain Rod – Pairs with neutral panels for a finished look
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/06/2025 09:20 pm GMT
Final Takeaway: Builder Grade Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring
Start with lighting, paint, and hardware they’re your first wins.
Tackle the projects that make the biggest difference in how your home feels, and you’ll transform your builder-grade space one easy upgrade at a time.
