Design Center Tips for First-Time Buyers in Sherman: What to Upgrade and What to Skip

The design center experience can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially if you’re a first-time buyer building a new home in Sherman. Between flooring, countertops, lighting, and dozens of other options, it’s easy to blow your budget. In this guide, I’ll walk you through which upgrades are worth it, which to skip, and how to make decisions that protect your wallet and future resale value.

Why This Matters in Sherman’s New Construction Market

Sherman is rapidly growing, with builders like:

• D.R. Horton (Heritage Ranch, Pebblebrook)

• Highland Homes (Bel Air Village)

• HistoryMaker Homes (Bel Air Village)

• Riverside Homebuilders (Austin Landing)

Each builder offers different standard features and upgrade packages. Knowing where to spend—and where to hold back—can make or break your experience as a first-time buyer.

“Most buyers regret spending too much at the design center—or not enough in the right places. I help my clients strike the right balance between beauty and value.” — Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI

💡 Top Design Center Upgrades Worth the Investment

✔️ 1. Kitchen Cabinets and Layout

• Taller cabinets (42” vs 30”) give more storage and resale appeal

• Soft-close hinges are worth it for noise reduction and longevity

• If the layout offers an island—get it. It adds function and resale value.

✔️ 2. Upgraded Flooring in Common Areas

• Choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile for durability and modern design

• Carpet in bedrooms is usually fine—but go hard surface in kitchens, living rooms, and hallways

Tip: Upgrade flooring now—it's expensive and disruptive to do later.

✔️ 3. Electrical Prewiring

• Add outlets, TV/data ports, and ceiling fan wiring where needed

• Include exterior outlets if you plan holiday lighting

• Ask for a conduit for wall-mounted TVs

✔️ 4. Kitchen Backsplash and Countertops

• Choose quartz or granite with neutral tones for long-term appeal

• Backsplashes are typically affordable—add one that complements your counters

✔️ 5. Bathroom Upgrades (Selective)

• Upgrade the primary bath shower to frameless glass or tiled walls

• Keep secondary bathrooms basic to control costs

✔️ 6. Energy Efficiency Packages

• Radiant barrier roof decking and upgraded insulation

• Smart thermostat and double-pane windows

• Tankless water heaters (if available) = long-term savings

🚫 Common Upgrades to Skip or Do Later

❌ 1. Overdoing Light Fixtures

Builder lighting is often basic, but you can replace most fixtures yourself later—cheaper and with more style options.

❌ 2. Crown Molding and Decorative Trim

These are purely cosmetic. If you're budget-conscious, skip them now and add them post-closing.

❌ 3. Garage Floor Coating

Looks nice, but doesn’t improve functionality. Save it for after move-in if needed.

❌ 4. Extensive Landscaping Packages

Basic sod and a few shrubs are standard. Builders often overcharge for upgraded landscaping. Hire your own landscaper after closing for better customization and pricing.

❌ 5. Whole-House Blinds or Drapes

Ask what’s included—many builders offer temporary blinds. You’ll likely want to choose custom window coverings later anyway.

Real Cost Examples (Typical in Sherman in 2025)

Upgrade Category	Average Builder Cost
Quartz countertops	$3,000–$6,000
Upgraded flooring (LVP)	$5,000–$12,000
Cabinet height upgrade	$1,500–$3,000
Tile shower surround	$1,800–$3,500
Lighting package upgrade	$1,200–$2,500

My Role as Your Buyer’s Agent During the Design Process

As your REALTOR®, I:

• Attend your design appointments (if allowed by builder)

• Help you balance personal taste with resale value

• Prevent unnecessary spending on trendy or overpriced options

• Give you honest advice based on years of buyer feedback

📎 Learn about my certifications and experience:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/dallas-realtor-designations

📎 Read reviews from first-time buyers I’ve helped:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/reviews

Final Thoughts

Designing your first home in Sherman should be fun—not financially draining. By focusing on functional, high-value upgrades and skipping the fluff, you’ll build a home you love without the regret.

Let’s Design a Smart New Home Together in Sherman

From floor plan to final walkthrough, I’ll help you make every dollar count—so your first home feels like a win for years to come.

📞 Call or Text: 469-269-6541

📧 Email: info@nitinguptadfw.com

🔗 Contact Page: https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about city of Sherman and available homes!

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About us: Professional Sherman Relocation & Real Estate Services.

As a top Sherman Real Estate Professional, I understand the challenges that arise from a Relocation. I work with families including physicians who are relocating to Dallas metro area including cities like Sherman. I have earned a number of real estate certifications and designations in an effort to learn and provide excellent customer service to my clients. As a CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as an Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.

Whether you are an individual simply relocating to Sherman from California, or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to transferring with your company, we can help. Our Sherman relocation professionals ease the transition whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. Since many of our clients are relocation buyers, we have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.

What is most important to you in your new city? With a little bit more info about what you’re looking for in a new city, we can help you determine whether or not Dallas would be a good fit. Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com, fill out our Relocation Questionnaire, or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Dallas that you can use to help make your relocation decision. In the meantime, check out our Guide to Relocating to Dallas.