“Upselling” may be the most frowned upon word in the English language, especially if you’re just a customer on a budget trying to get by with just the most essential purchase.

This leeriness comes two-fold when it comes to buying a home, as nobody really wants to hear about additional costs to what is already likely the biggest purchase of their lives. But there is a time and a place for everything, even upgrades, and plenty of new homebuyers today actually ask for them.

Like a brand-new car, the standard model is fine and can get you from point-A to point-B without a problem. But one with the all-leather heated seats, the latest info-tainment package, and the sleek alloy wheels is surely what gets more noticed and gives the buyer the most enjoyment of the drive. Same thing with homes, it comes down to needs and wants.

Do you really need the Italian marble countertop when a simple quartz one will do? How about that sleek stand-alone tub in the ensuite? Or those gorgeous wrought iron railing for the stairs? Maybe it’s not just what one wants, or what one needs, but also what one can afford.

But according to the homebuilders we spoke with, many of the requested upgrades these days centre on structural additions.

Leveling up the home’s potential

From smart home technology to the personalization of floorplans, and the latest trends in material finishes, there are plenty of upgrade options open to the homebuyer.

Sierra Shyian, Design Consultant at Trico Homes, states that a lot of design upgrades are meant to personalize the home to the client’s tastes and preferences.

“No upgrades are required for having a liveable home, as Trico Homes provides all the buyer needs. Everything still functions great and our standards still offer a lot of choices for people to be creative, but if you are wanting to make your house feel like less of a builder standard inventory home, it’s where those touches of personality lie.”

If the homebuyer does want to install upgrades, Excel Homes Marketing Manager Kristina Plank advises that they should focus on upgrades that give long-term value.

“Focus on upgrades that improve daily living, like an upgraded kitchen, main floor flex room or a basement suite. Structural changes should come first since they’re harder to change later,” Plank says. “Think about your lifestyle and budget, and don’t hesitate to ask your Sales Team for guidance on what’s most popular and practical.”

You’ll want these

Trico’s homes already include a high-level of standard features, but Shyian says that based on their most purchased options, homebuyers are looking to add flexibility to their home.

“Popular structural upgrades include changes to a home that help make it suitable for multigenerational living, like adding a bedroom and full bath on the main floor for aging family members. It is also very common to include a spice kitchen to be used for all the main cooking, dedicating the primary kitchen for hosting or bigger meals. Choosing a built-in appliance layout for your home can also help maximize cooking space for these lifestyle needs.”

As for popular interior finishing upgrades, she says Trico is seeing demand for full-height cabinetry not just to increase storage space but to guard against dust accumulation in those high out-of-reach areas.

“Wastebin pullouts are often added to island cabinetry to save of extra space and to keep your kitchen area looking less cluttered. Homebuyers will often upgrade from a pedestal sink to a full vanity cabinet, as the standalone sink can sometimes make a space feel unfinished.”

Bringing in additional cabinetry colour(s) is also becoming more popular to give more dimension to your home.

“Your kitchen is the main space where guests and loved ones come together. Incorporating two-tone cabinetry in the kitchen or a different colour in your upper floor bathrooms help differentiate it from the main floor. Upgrading the tile, countertop, and plumbing fixtures further include the space and highlight this as a focal point in the home.

Trico also recommends going with nine-foot foundation height so the basement will feel so much lighter and brighter.

“This adds more usable space and comfort in the basement, whether finished now or later.”

An upgraded lighting and kitchen package are also among the most popular requests at Trico Homes.

“Pot lights and enhanced fixtures make a big difference in ambiance and resale.”

Buyers may also want to consider having a patio or rear deck built with their home. “Especially in communities with smaller yards, this gives additional living space to enjoy well into the fall,” she says.

To make upgrade decisions easier for the buyer, Trico offers the Elite Plus specification that is their elevated signature upgrade package offering homeowners more at a fraction of the cost.” Find out more at tricohomes.com.

Essential upgrades

So far in 2026, Excel Homes has seen the popularity rise of several upgrade options including adding a spice kitchen off of the main kitchen and turning the flex room into a bedroom and adding a full bath on the main floor.

“Basement suites are also still very popular – especially the two-bedroom layouts. Other popular upgrades include granite backsplashes, waterfall islands and cabinet hood fans in the kitchen, as well as fireplace details and lighting upgrades that really make the home pop,” Plank says

Of course, even the base model at Excel Homes already comes with enhanced, value-added standard features – upgraded living with modern features and improved sustainability comes to you without any extra costs.

They include: upgraded kitchens, upgraded ensuites, smart technology, triple-pane windows, upgraded sustainability features, and so much more.

But if the buyer wants to personalize their home to their tastes, there are several upgrades available.

“Some of our most in-demand upgrades include a side entry to the basement, basement suite rough-ins, or even a fully finished basement suite (where permitted). These features are ideal for generating rental income or supporting multi-generational living,” Plank says, adding two-bedroom basement suites have been in demand.

“Another popular addition is a main floor bedroom with a full bathroom a thoughtful option for families looking to accommodate aging parents or extended family members with ease and comfort,” she adds. “Spice kitchens, likewise, are still very popular.”

One of the current trends is to have an open-to-below living room with a feature fireplace and large windows, Plank says, and this feature can be seen in their Mason showhome in Lewisburg in the northeast.

Excel’s latest duplex and front-drive garage showhomes in the new northeast community of Lewisburg present a perfect blend of standard and upgraded packages.

“These homes were precisely designed to appeal to a range of buyer demographics by offering versatility and flexibility with personalization options to suit different lifestyles,” she adds.

“We specifically chose a variety of product types to showcase how our floorplans maximize every square foot, creating homes that are not only functional and versatile but also ideal for families of all sizes and dynamics. Our designs reflect a strong focus on space utilization, flexibility, and livability, aligning perfectly with the diverse needs of the Lewisburg community.” For more information, visit any of their showhomes or go to excelhomes.ca.