Custom Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth It

Matt Harcus • June 4, 2025

What Platteville Homeowners Say They’re Glad They Invested In—And Would Do Again

Building a custom home is a rare opportunity to shape your living space around your needs, not just settle for someone else’s idea of “good enough.” But with so many options on the table—from flooring and finishes to smart features and square footage—it’s easy to overspend on upgrades that don’t really add long-term value.


At Martin Construction, we’ve helped many homeowners across Platteville, Lancaster, and the greater Grant County area bring their custom homes to life. Based on real feedback from recent clients, here are the upgrades they say were absolutely worth it—and why they’d make the same decisions again.


Insulation and Energy-Efficient Systems

You may not see it once the drywall goes up, but nearly every homeowner we work with says energy-efficient upgrades make a noticeable difference. Spray foam insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and top-rated windows all contribute to year-round comfort—and lower utility bills in Wisconsin’s extreme seasons.

What homeowners say: “We’ve had summers and winters in the house now, and we’re amazed by how stable the temperature stays. Worth every penny.”


Kitchen Layout and Storage Improvements

The kitchen is where real life happens—and homeowners almost always say they’re glad they upgraded things like walk-in pantries, oversized islands, and quality cabinetry. Functional flow, smart storage, and durable finishes hold up far longer than flashy but impractical options.

What homeowners say: “The layout works so well for entertaining and daily life. We use every part of the kitchen because it was designed around how we live.”


Lighting and Electrical Customization

Want more light? Add it now. Whether it’s under-cabinet lighting, dimmer switches, additional outlets, or prewiring for smart systems and surround sound, upgrading your electrical plan during construction is far cheaper than retrofitting later.

What homeowners say: “We added recessed lighting and extra outlets in every room—small upgrade, big difference.”


Master Suite Comforts

Your bedroom should be a retreat, not just a place to crash. Larger walk-in closets, tiled showers, heated bathroom floors, and better lighting are all upgrades that add both daily comfort and resale appeal.

What homeowners say: “The heated floors were a splurge, but every cold morning we’re thankful we did it.”


Smart Storage and Functional Spaces

Mudrooms, laundry rooms, and built-in storage areas are often afterthoughts—but they shouldn’t be. Homeowners consistently rank well-planned utility spaces among the most appreciated upgrades, especially in family homes.

What homeowners say: “Our mudroom gets used all day, every day. It’s the best ‘invisible upgrade’ in the house.”


Outdoor Living Features

From covered patios to screened porches, outdoor living spaces are no longer considered luxury add-ons—they’re essential. When designed well, they extend your home’s usable space for three seasons or more.

What homeowners say: “Our back porch is where we host everyone in the summer. We use it way more than we expected.”


Build Smart, Not Just Big

At Martin Construction, we work with homeowners across Southwest Wisconsin to ensure your custom home isn’t just beautiful on Day One—it’s smart, efficient, and livable for decades to come. That starts with making upgrade decisions based on long-term value, not short-term trends.

Whether you’re building on land in Platteville, Belmont, Cuba City, or anywhere in Grant County, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.


Ready to Start Planning Your Custom Home?
Call Martin Construction today or contact us online to schedule a design consultation. Let’s talk about what matters most to you—and how to make it part of your new home.

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