New Construction Condos: Choosing Finishes and Upgrades Before You Close

Miami’s skyline keeps growing, and many of our clients buy their homes before the building is finished. Purchasing new construction is exciting: a brand new residence, modern amenities and often a spectacular view. But the months before closing are also the moment when the most important design decisions are made, and many buyers only think about the interior after they receive the keys.

Planning early saves time, money and a lot of demolition.

Understand What the Developer Delivers

Every building has its own standard of delivery. Some units arrive fully finished with flooring, kitchen and bathrooms. Others are delivered with a more basic package, and some leave floors and certain finishes to the owner. The first step is to read the specifications carefully and understand exactly what is included, which options exist and the deadlines for choosing them.

Upgrades Worth Considering

Not every upgrade adds value. The ones we usually recommend are those that are difficult or expensive to change later.

• Electrical and lighting points. Additional recessed lights, outlets in the right places and wiring for shades and automation are simple before the ceilings close and complicated after.
• Flooring. If the developer offers a floor you love, installing it before closing avoids moving furniture and managing building rules later.
• Kitchen and bath layout. Small changes in plumbing or cabinetry are far easier during construction.
• Blocking in walls for heavy art, TVs and floating vanities.

Purely decorative choices, such as some light fixtures or hardware, are often better handled later in the interior design phase.

Design Before You Receive the Keys

The best moment to hire an interior designer is before closing, not after. With the floor plans in hand, we can develop the full layout, furniture plan, lighting and millwork. We use 3D renders so clients can see their home before it exists, and we order furniture with long lead times in advance. When the unit is delivered, installation can begin almost immediately.

Know the Building Rules

Condominium associations set rules for renovations, contractors, insurance, working hours and elevator use. New buildings often have additional restrictions in the first months after delivery, when many owners are moving in at the same time. We plan schedules around these rules from the start, as we explain in Navigating Luxury High Rise Condominium Renovations.

Buying From Abroad

Many new construction buyers in Miami live in other countries. For them, managing finish selections, deliveries and installation from a distance can be overwhelming. Our turnkey interior design service takes care of every step, so the home is complete and ready when they arrive. Read more in The Art of Turnkey Living.

Closing on a new condo in Miami or South Florida? Contact our team before your selection deadline, and let us plan your interior from the floor plan up.

start your project.