When building a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun stuff like granite countertops and hardwood floors. But the smartest upgrades to splurge on are the upgrades you can’t see.

These behind-the-scenes improvements could save you thousands later and make your daily life better. Here are five upgrades that fly under the radar but deliver serious value:

1. Weather-Resistant Roofing and Ventilation

Your roof takes a beating every single day, and spending extra here could save you from costly repairs and replacements down the road.

“Cut corners on decor if you have to, but don’t skimp on the exterior. The roof and siding are what keep the structure protected. If you upgrade anything, start with the parts of the house that face the weather every day,” said Justin Whitmer, co-owner of Diamond Roofing Pros.

The best upgrades are proper ridge and soffit ventilation for balanced airflow, and extra ice and water shield protection if you live in an area where snow, ice, or heavy storms are common. These improvements prevent costly moisture damage and extend your roof’s lifespan significantly.

2. Superior Insulation and Air Sealing

Don’t ignore what you can’t see. The things that keep you comfortable year-round are usually the most overlooked during the building process.

“Proper insulation and air sealing are absolutely vital and usually overlooked, given that they operate behind the scenes and homebuyers don’t spend enough time in the home to experience the potential issues,” said Uri Pearl, owner of Nealon Insulation. Once drywall goes up, improving insulation becomes expensive, and interior renovations are also disruptive to daily life.

Do it right from the start, and you’ll be comfortable year-round and have the bonus of having lower energy bills.

3. Future-Proofing Electrical Work

Today’s homes need tomorrow’s technology. Planning ahead during construction costs pennies compared to retrofitting later.

“One of the most understated upgrades I always flag but rarely see prioritized, is the way you wire and light the home,” said Karen Watts, founder of DomiSource, a platform that helps homeowners settle in during their first 90 days of ownership. “Things like conduit for future-proofing in case you want to add EV chargers, solar or smart home tech. All add almost nothing to your immediate aesthetic but save thousands (and a massive headache) later.”

Try to imagine what you might want five or 10 years from now. Running conduit gives you flexibility to add whatever comes next without tearing into finished walls.

4. Heat Pump HVAC Systems

Instead of having a system to heat your home and a system to cool it, consider an energy-efficient alternative that does both.

“Homeowners should consider putting in a heat-pump, rather than a straight-cool AC system with electric heat. A heat pump will heat the house much more effectively and efficiently, saving significant money on energy bills,” said Adam Ross, executive director of South Florida Academy of Air Conditioning.

Heat pumps work year-round, providing both heating and cooling more efficiently than traditional systems, and they’re also better for the environment.

5. Kitchen and Bathrooms

When it comes to return on investment, some rooms matter more than others.

“The upgrades that are always going to bring the most value later on are in the kitchen and the bathrooms,” said Ralph DiBugnara, president of Home Qualified. “It’s great to have bedrooms and the family room to meet your needs, but the spaces of the homes that get repaired most are the kitchens and the bathrooms. On resale, these areas of the house will bring the most value.”

Focus on the infrastructure in these rooms rather than just the aesthetics. Upgraded plumbing, electrical capacity, and ventilation will serve you better than fancy finishes if the underlying systems can’t handle daily use.

The Smart Money Strategy

The common denominator of all of these upgrades is that they’re all much easier to do during construction than afterward. Structural elements, mechanical systems, and future-proofing cost less during the building phase but become major expenses afterward.

These unglamorous upgrades won’t wow your friends during the housewarming party, but they’ll keep you comfortable, save money on utilities, and protect your investment for years to come.

“Your house doesn’t have to be perfect as soon as you move in. Things can be done over time, but foundational upgrades such as plumbing electric, and HVAC should be done upfront as they will be most likely permanent fixes for you as long as you live in the home,” said DiBugnara.

Invest in the bones of the house first, knowing that granite and hardwood can wait. Your future self will thank you for making these practical choices now.