When building a new home, the choices you make for your kitchen and bathrooms have the single biggest impact on your daily life and long-term resale value. For homeowners in Southern Indiana and the greater Evansville area, the key is to balance personal style with market trends to create a space that serves you today and appeals to buyers tomorrow.
But with so many options, knowing which upgrades deliver the best Return on Investment (ROI) can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process by focusing on high-impact features—from durable countertops to smart storage solutions—that add measurable value. Whether you’re building a fully custom or a semi-custom home with Reinbrecht Homes, these insights will help you make smart decisions that pay off for years to come.
The ROI Framework for New Builds
When building a new home, every decision impacts your long-term Return on Investment (ROI). This value is measured not just in your daily enjoyment but also in how appraisers and future buyers perceive your property. To make choices that pay off, it helps to follow a clear framework.
We call these the three laws of new-build ROI:
- Prioritize layout and storage before luxury finishes. A highly functional floor plan is permanent and foundational to a home’s value, while a countertop can be changed later.
- Invest where the camera looks. In today’s digital market, first impressions are everything. Focus your budget on photogenic elements like countertops, cabinetry elevations, statement showers, and strategic lighting.
- Choose durable, low-maintenance materials. Finishes that last reduce future warranty calls and lead to better long-term owner satisfaction, protecting your investment and reputation.
To stay on track, establish firm budget guardrails. The kitchen and primary bath will rightly absorb the largest portion of your selections budget. However, never starve essential systems like electrical, venting, or waterproofing to fund trendy finishes. Instead, adopt an “Included vs. Upgrade” mindset. Start with the high-quality standards included by Reinbrecht Homes, then make strategic upgrades where they will compound the most value.
Kitchen Upgrades with the Best ROI
The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home. It’s where family and friends gather, daily meals are prepared, and design choices set the overall aesthetic tone. Because of its pivotal role, kitchen upgrades tend to have a significant influence on resale value. Below are the top kitchen improvements that can deliver strong returns for those building in Southern Indiana or Eastern Illinois.
Layout and Storage Improvements
A well-planned layout can enhance both daily routines and overall functionality. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or busy family, features like ample walkway clearance, effective “working triangle” distances between the sink, stove, and refrigerator, and designated prep stations are key. In many kitchens, ensuring at least 36 to 42 inches of aisle space can help prevent crowding and promote efficient movement.
An island often serves as a centerpiece for the room. A multi-functional island can offer extra counter space for cooking, serve as a casual dining area, and act as a welcoming hub when guests visit. You might enhance it with built-in appliances (such as a microwave or dishwasher) or keep it open for a streamlined, clutter-free look.
Storage is equally essential. Many home cooks favor practical cabinet configurations, such as deeper drawers for pots and pans, vertical tray dividers, or roll-out shelves that ease access. If your cooking style requires it—like frequent baking—consider adding features such as a pull-out spice rack or a dedicated mixer cabinet. These thoughtful provisions can boost functionality now and appeal to future buyers.
Cabinets
Cabinetry typically anchors the visual design of the kitchen. Even with an understated look, consistency and smart functionality go a long way. Cabinets with clean lines, neutral tones, and contemporary hardware tend to have broad appeal. Investing in drawer-base cabinets can simplify organization and elevate aesthetics.
Soft-close technology on cabinet doors and drawers is another feature that reflects quality. Such mechanisms prevent slamming and reduce wear, contributing to a smoother, more refined overall experience. When selecting among cabinet options, models featuring soft-close components frequently enhance both everyday satisfaction and ROI.
Countertops and Backsplash
Well-chosen countertops can transform the look and feel of a kitchen. For contemporary living, quartz countertops are a popular choice due to their durability and minimal upkeep. Unlike natural stone, quartz resists stains and scratches while eliminating the need for regular sealing. Additionally, its availability in various colors and patterns means you’re likely to find a style that fits your overall vision.
Complementing the countertops, the backsplash completes the kitchen’s design. Classic subway tiles offer a timeless, clean backdrop that adapts well to changing design trends. Neutral tones are often favored as they appeal to a wide range of tastes and help maintain strong resale value.
Appliances and Smart Features
Appliances play a critical role in everyday functionality as well as in enhancing the home’s resale appeal. Consistent finishes, particularly in stainless or brushed steel, can tie the overall design together. For those with flexibility in their budget, smart appliances controllable via apps or voice commands can attract tech-savvy buyers who appreciate modern convenience.
Even without full smart home integration, reliable mid-range appliances can make a substantial difference. Many buyers appreciate well-known brands that consistently perform well, as a high-quality dishwasher, oven, or refrigerator can subtly influence future purchase decisions.
Flooring
Given the heavy use kitchens typically receive, selecting flooring that can handle foot traffic, spills, and frequent cleaning is essential. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is gaining popularity due to its resistance to scuffs, stains, and moisture—making it a practical choice for busy families. Furthermore, LVP can mimic various wood grains, offering an affordable aesthetic that combines durability with style.
Bathroom Upgrades with the Best ROI
While bathrooms might have less square footage than kitchens, they significantly influence a home’s ROI. The primary bathroom, in particular, can serve as a daily retreat, making thoughtful design and material choices especially important.
Shower Features in the Primary Bathroom
Upgrading your shower installation can add a strong sense of luxury to a home. For example, a tiled shower featuring a built-in niche and bench not only looks refined but also brings practical benefits. The niche helps keep bath products neatly stored, while the bench provides additional seating or storage.
It is also crucial to invest in a comprehensive waterproofing system, including quality membranes and underlayments behind the tiling, to prevent long-term water damage. Regardless of aesthetic appeal, functionality and durability are paramount in ensuring the shower stands the test of time. A qualified builder who understands local climate considerations is essential to achieving these standards.
Other Key Fixtures and Layout Considerations
Following the shower installation, upgrading vanities, toilets, and lighting can further elevate a bathroom’s ambiance. Double sinks in the primary bathroom can enhance functionality, while well-made faucets and matching hardware contribute to an overall cohesive look. Even seemingly minor touches—such as towel bars or drawer pulls—can tie the design together effectively.
Maximizing countertop and cabinet space also adds convenience in daily routines, keeping the area organized and clutter-free. For those who enjoy a luxurious soak, a freestanding tub can be a focal point. While not every buyer prioritizes this feature, in some markets a beautifully designed tub can leave a lasting impression.
Secondary Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
Secondary bathrooms, such as hall or guest bathrooms, deserve careful consideration too. Even in smaller spaces, choosing cohesive finishes that harmonize with the rest of the home can markedly enhance their appeal. For those mindful of budget constraints, upgrades like a stylish vanity, updated faucets, or a clear glass shower door can have a significant impact.
Powder rooms also offer an opportunity to create visual interest. In these compact spaces, elements such as unique wallpaper, upscale lighting, or a statement sink can make a lasting impression without incurring high costs.
Upgrades to Skip or De-Prioritize
While many upgrades add significant value, some can be safely de-prioritized without hurting your home’s long-term appeal. These features often have low photo impact, create maintenance headaches, or are too taste-specific for broad appeal, offering minimal ROI. Consider skipping or saving on:
- Over-custom appliance garages that may not fit future owners’ needs.
- Hyper-trendy cabinet colors and hardware that can quickly date your space.
- Pot fillers, which look impressive but often have very low actual use.
- Exotic stone countertops that require frequent sealing and specialized care.
- Ornate, oversized tub decks that consume valuable floor space.
- Super-niche smart gadgets with limited practical application for the average buyer.
Good/Better/Best Approach to Upgrades
Managing your budget is crucial to keeping your new build on track financially. Many homebuilders and designers find it helpful to use a “Good/Better/Best” model to guide upgrade decisions. This tiered approach helps clarify which features align with your budget and priorities, making it easier to see where your investment will have the most impact. Below are examples of what these packages might look like for kitchens and baths.
Kitchen Packages
- Good ($): This foundational package focuses on quality essentials that are both durable and stylish. It typically includes Level 1 quartz countertops, full-overlay soft-close cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, a vented hood, a single-bowl undermount sink, and a basic, clean backsplash.
- Better ($$): Stepping up to the next tier adds enhanced functionality and visual appeal. This level often includes taller upper cabinets with crown molding, drawers in the island for better storage, a slide-in range with a chimney hood, pendant lighting over the island, roll-out shelves in the pantry, and a backsplash that extends to the ceiling at the range for a statement look.
- Best ($$$): For a truly custom, high-end feel, the best package incorporates premium features and luxury finishes. This can include premium quartz, a paneled dishwasher that blends seamlessly with cabinetry, an upgraded hood insert with a custom cabinet surround, mixed drawer organizers for ultimate convenience, dimmable under-cabinet tape lighting, and an induction-ready circuit for modern cooking.
Bath Packages
- Good ($): The good-tier bathroom package provides a solid, modern foundation with practical upgrades. It often features a quartz vanity top, a comfort-height vanity, an upgraded, quieter fan, durable LVP flooring, and a tile surround in secondary bathrooms.
- Better ($$): This mid-tier package elevates the primary bath into a more spa-like retreat. Key features include a primary tile shower complete with a niche and bench, a frameless glass shower door, a dual vanity for added convenience, and a combination of handheld and fixed showerheads.
- Best ($$$): The best package delivers a luxurious, high-end bathroom experience with premium comfort and design elements. This level typically includes curbless shower waterproofing for a seamless, accessible entry, heated floors in the primary bathroom, a linen tower for ample storage, and premium valves and finishes for all fixtures.
These categories aren’t mutually exclusive—a “best” shower might be paired with “good” or “better” flooring in other areas. The goal is to align your upgrades with both your lifestyle needs and potential financial returns.
Local Insights for Your New Build in the Southern Indiana Market
In Southern Indiana and the greater Evansville area, maximizing your ROI means aligning your design choices with local buyer preferences and navigating the practical realities of the building process.
Key Local Market Trends:
- Open Floor Plans: Buyers in Southern Indiana favor multi-functional spaces that merge the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: Areas that feature a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces—such as a covered porch—tend to be highly valued.
- Long-Term Value: Energy-efficient features and durable, low-maintenance materials are highly sought after to manage operating costs and withstand our region’s varied seasons.
- Modern, Not Trendy: The most popular homes feature modern finishes and clean designs that feel current but have timeless appeal.
Smart Planning for a Smooth Build:
- Order Specialty Items Early: Custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and unique fixtures often have long lead times that can impact your schedule.
- Finalize Decisions Before Framing: Locking in your choices for layouts, tile, and flooring early on prevents costly changes and keeps the project on track.
- Account for Weather: Proactive scheduling with your builder is essential to mitigate potential weather-related delays common in our region.
This proactive approach ensures your upgrades meet the high-quality standards that lead to long-term homeowner satisfaction and strong resale potential.
Smart Home Features: A Growing Trend
In recent years, “smart home” technology has become increasingly popular in Eastern Illinois and Southern Indiana. Although not mandatory for every home, strategically implemented smart features—such as energy-saving thermostats or integrated lighting controls—can appeal to modern buyers. Smaller additions, like USB charging outlets or universal docking stations, also align with the evolving needs of today’s homeowners.
For those planning new constructions, investing in some smart home integrations before walls are closed can be more cost-effective than retrofits later, while also immediately boosting the home’s perceived value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are quartz counters worth it over granite in new builds?
Yes. Quartz offers higher ROI due to its superior durability, zero-maintenance appeal, and modern, consistent look that buyers prefer.
Do I need a tub in the primary bath for resale?
No, as long as another bathroom has one. Most buyers now prefer a larger, high-end walk-in shower in the primary suite.
Is a tile shower really better than an acrylic unit for ROI?
Yes, significantly. A custom tile shower signals quality and luxury, boosting perceived value far more than a standard acrylic unit.
Will a vented range hood matter at appraisal or inspection?
Yes. A properly vented hood is a key sign of quality construction that improves air quality and is expected by appraisers and buyers.
Are black or brass fixtures a fad—will they date the home?
They are modern staples, but for timeless appeal, pair them with classic designs. Chrome and brushed nickel remain the safest choices.
Is under-cabinet lighting worth the cost?
Absolutely. It’s a low-cost, high-impact feature that provides essential task lighting and makes the kitchen feel more upscale.
Induction or gas—how should I rough-in to stay flexible?
Run both a 240-volt electrical circuit (for induction) and a gas line to the range location to accommodate any future choice.
Which cabinet upgrades add value vs add cost only?
Value-adders: Soft-close hardware, drawers in base cabinets, and pantry roll-outs. Cost-only: Hyper-specific organizers.
What upgrades are easiest to add later vs must do now?
Do now: Anything inside walls (plumbing, electrical), tile, and layout changes. Add later: Faucets, light fixtures, and hardware
Maximizing Investment: Building a Home for Today and Tomorrow
Do now: Anything inside walls (plumbing, electrical), tile, and layout changes. Add later: Faucets, light fixtures, and hardware
Thoughtfully planning kitchen and bath upgrades can create a home that meets your lifestyle needs today and stands out in the market tomorrow. Prioritizing high-quality materials, efficient layouts, and modern yet timeless features ensures you get the most value from your investment. Whether it’s a spacious kitchen island, a beautifully tiled shower, or durable flooring that withstands daily wear, these upgrades can make your property more appealing to future buyers.
If you’re ready to start building or would like expert guidance, contact Reinbrecht Homes to explore how we can help you shape every aspect of your new home with transparency and attention to detail. Let’s work together to build a living space that you’ll enjoy now and into the future.
