What are worthwhile splurges you would recommend?

Hi All,

I will be starting a whole house renovation and addition soon. I don't have the funds to do a very high end build, but I also wouldn't mind spending a little extra on worthwhile things that are beneficial.

  1. What are the splurges you highly recommend when building a home?
  2. What are the splurges that weren't as impactful as you thought they'd be or you regret making?

Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments!

Edit 1:

Wowow! I'm super grateful and impressed by all the responses received.

I think I should share a few more details about my remodel. I am located in the Bay Area, CA and the current house is a 1300 sqft, 3 bed/1 bath, single story home. The remodel includes an addition and whole house renovation to make the home 2150 sqft, 4 bed/2 bath.

Things I would like to incorporate into my own build:

  1. Sound proofing - I live on a relatively busy street and can hear a lot of vehicle noise inside the house. I will be installing mineral wool insulation, 5/8" drywall, solid core doors, and mass loaded vinyl for exterior walls and between bedrooms.
  2. Natural gas tankless water heater with a dedicated hot water recirculating loop.
  3. Variable speed heat pump (future plans to go solar)
  4. Wall hung toilets (so much easier to clean!)
  5. Smart light switches
  6. Lots of skylights (Would have loved to have 9' or vaulted ceilings, but this seemed like a good compromise due to cost).
  7. Hardie fiber cement exterior siding
  8. Fiberglass windows