| Recently my wife and I had a home built in a brand | | | | you think you might want speakers, cable jacks, |
| new sub division. The house was a semi custom | | | | plumbing or extra electrical outlets you will probably |
| home meaning we got to pick the upgrades, colors | | | | want to have the builder put them in for you since they |
| and features but didn't get to choose the floor plan. | | | | can be very difficult to add later. On the other hand, |
| Honestly, the process of building the house was very | | | | adding some extra cabinets, changing out fixtures and |
| exciting. However, one of the most difficult parts was | | | | putting up blinds are all things that you can do yourself |
| knowing what upgrades to choose from the extensive | | | | after the building process is finished. Plus, you can |
| list of options. It was definitely very difficult to pick. | | | | probably save money by hiring someone other than |
| However, we discovered a few things during the | | | | the builder to do it for you. |
| process that I thought I would pass along. Here they | | | | 4. The builder will price the upgrades on the list |
| are... | | | | according to their cost and their desire to do the |
| 1. It is absolutely essential to choose a budget and stick | | | | upgrades. You will find that some upgrades seem like |
| to it. This is really tough since they will give you so | | | | a great value while others seem overpriced. The |
| many options. However, if you aren't careful it is easy | | | | overpriced ones are most likely ones that the builder |
| to spend tens of thousands of dollars more than you | | | | doesn't really want to do anyway. The same will apply |
| wanted to spend. For my wife and I, we had to sit | | | | if you ask the builder to make customizations to your |
| down prior to our meeting with the design center and | | | | home that they don't really want to do. They may |
| choose some of the options that were must haves | | | | quote you a price but they will certainly charge you for |
| and some that would be nice. We didn't end up getting | | | | their hassle. |
| too many that weren't on the must have list. It is | | | | 5. The builder makes a lot of money on ALL of the |
| always helpful if you ask the builder for a price list prior | | | | upgrades that they do. This is something to remember |
| to your meeting with the design center. | | | | when looking to purchase appliances, fixtures, blinds |
| 2. There are some upgrades that will build value in your | | | | and other items as part of the building process. If you |
| home and others that won't have any resale value at | | | | buy these items through the builder you will most likely |
| all. This is something to keep in mind but it shouldn't | | | | pay more than retail for the items and you will probably |
| completely control your decision making process. | | | | get less choice than you would if you just go to your |
| Choose what you like. Remember that almost every | | | | local building supply superstore. |
| house is going to have some upgrades to it and that if | | | | These are just a few things that we learned as we |
| you don't choose anything your house might be too | | | | walked through the upgrade process for our new |
| plain. Make choices that will give your house character | | | | home. We are now moved in and are continuing to |
| and help to make it your home. | | | | make our house our home. Overall, we are happy with |
| 3. Remember that there are some upgrades that you | | | | the upgrades we chose and we were able to stick to |
| can do after the building process is done and there are | | | | our budget. Something that is easier said than done. |
| others that you can't (or will cost you a lot to do). If | | | | |