When you're building a new infill, the upgrade options are infinite! How do you choose? Below is a list of our favourites, all of which offer value, convenience, and elevated design. Honestly, you can't go wrong with these 9 upgrades in your new infill if you want a clean, timeless look:
10’ Ceilings (or higher!)
10’ Ceilings (or higher!)
There's nothing more satisfying than walking into a new home and seeing smooth, crisp ceilings as far as the eye can see. There's an element of elegance and next-level craftsmanship achieved, and it instills instantaneous confidence in the quality of the home.
Extra Large Windows and/or Skylights
Ample natural light never goes out of style! Adding skylights or extra-large windows to a new infill (especially of the semi-detached variety) really helps to make the home feel more spacious and welcoming. Our favourite places to add skylights or extra-large windows? On stairwells, in the living room, master bedroom, and on any North-facing wall.
Heated Floors
The comfort offered by heated floors is out of this world, especially with tile. Master ensuites and basements are common spaces to find upgraded heated floors as these are the areas most often to be colder in the winter months. Not sure you want to fully install in-floor heat just yet in your basement? If you want the option later, you will need to have this roughed in at foundation stage – unfortunately it can’t be added later on if you change your mind! Feet want heat - need we say more?
Open Web Joist Construction
Say farewell to basements with low ceilings and bulky bulkheads. Open web joist construction in the basement means electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc., can run through the open webbing. This eliminates the need to run them under regular i-joists and conceal them with bulkheads. The results are clean lines, taller ceilings, and more open space.
Upgraded Party Wall
This one is simple. Upgraded party wall = increased soundproofing and privacy. You'll thank us later!
Open Riser Staircase
Open riser stairs offer a stylish way to add a little flair to the interior design AND visually open up the space. They're also easier to keep clean with no risers to help dust and debris accumulate. Plus, more natural light can work its way down to the main floor with open-risers!
Ceiling Speakers
Whether they're used for a family dance party in the kitchen, surround sound in the theatre/rec room, relaxing music in the master suite, or all three, ceiling speakers are an upgrade the whole family will love!
Home Automation
There are many reasons to love home automation, but lower utility costs, better home security, and convenience are at the top. There are many provider options and add-ons, so the possibilities and customizations are endless, and any smart device is a remote control.
Cooktop with Wall Oven/Microwave
Home chefs love this upgrade because it makes meal prep so much easier. The wall oven option frees up the space below the cooktop for pots and pans storage, spice drawers, and other customizable storage options. Another perk of this arrangement is it cuts down on bending, kneeling, and crouching to transfer piping hot dishes. Plus, with a cooktop you have more flexibility for an oversized option with an extra burner or two!
Hardwood Upstairs
Speaking of cleaning, hardwood floors upstairs are a game-changer. They're easier to clean, more durable than carpet, and help maintain a home with less dust and allergens. And if those reasons aren't enough, they can elevate the home's value because hardwoods are associated with quality. Prefer a plush carpet when going to bed? Often, we will see infill buyers upgrade to hardwood in the upper hallway but leave carpet in the bedrooms.