81k In Upgrades?!?!?! Cost You Should Expect When Building Your Semi-Custom New Construction Home

When we started building our house there were a lot of costs we weren't aware of and the number for those costs caught up with us so fast!
We were told to be prepared to spend anywhere between 10%-15% more on upgrades in our home, but we thought there could be no way we could hit that number, but boy was we wrong!!!!
In today's video, I'm sharing what costs you should expect to pay when you're building your Semi-Custom New Construction home, the costs, and numbers we incurred along the way, and some tips to help you plan as you start your journey to building your own new construction home.
0:00 Costs You Should Expect
4:28 Pre-Contract Costs
7:40 Structural Costs
21:55 Design Center Costs
37:52 Electrical Costs
Please keep in mind that even though I'm sharing numbers, these are just figures that were accurate for us at the time we signed our contract.
Depending on your builder your numbers could be higher or lower, but I know when I was looking for information I wanted to hear actual numbers to help me be better prepared.
I hope this video is helpful and please leave a question if you have any down in the comments and Tim and I will answer them in an upcoming video.
Be sure to also connect with us over on Instagram at / kaewhitaker to get a better look at how this family of 6 survives me working as a full-time entrepreneur from home and all of their busy schedules.
Don't forget to like and subscribe and I can't wait to see you in the next video!
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#newconstructionupgrades #newconstructionhome #newconstructiontips #semicustomhome #luxuryhomebuild

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any questions and we'll answer them in a later video!

[@lornabolden8538]

In your kitchen you picked a lot of what I picked. Our backsplash and countertops are literally in reverse. I did gray veining in my countertops and pure white glass 4x12 beveled subway tile’s with a curved glass range hood. My cabinets don’t touch the ceiling however I added 6 inch filler with 3 inch crown molding.

[@ohthatsfrafra]

I'm so glad I've found this channel. I can really relate to EVERYTHING you've discussed.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Awww I’m so glad you’re here! It’s my goal to be a relatable resource so that makes me really happy to hear! Thank you so much for being here!

[@ReyniLaChula]

Wow amazing information, thank you so much

[@KaeWhitaker]

Aww thank you! And you’re very welcomed!

[@shabyareid1927]

Thank you for being so detailed! This was very helpful. Thinking about a semi custom build for our next home.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Awww thank you! I’m so glad it helped. Trying to make it easier for you guys!

[@ChelseyRivers]

The cost of the upgrades is no joke! We did 45k and that did not include a lot premium. Just structural and design. I wouldn’t change a thing though

[@KaeWhitaker]

It’s crazy isn’t it?!? I’m happy with what we chose too, I think we have great bones to build on.

[@you_only_have_4000_weeks]

Our builder gave us 20 grand in upgrades but we still spent 30 grand extra.

[@coralpetals]

This video was so incredibly helpful! I was latched onto your every word! Thank you for taking the time to share the costs and your rationale behind the decisions you made. Hope your home is complete and you are fully enjoying it now! (This is my first video of yours.)

[@KaeWhitaker]

Awww yay I’m so glad it helped!! And we’re almost there just a few more weeks until we move it! Welcome to the family and I hope your home turns out amazing!

[@inhalethefutureandexhaleth7014]

This was so informative, tysm!

[@KaeWhitaker]

You’re welcomed!!!

[@eladaaustin1214]

Very good info thanks for sharing

[@KaeWhitaker]

Absolutely

[@Dawn-tv1bk]

Great video! Super helpful

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@heathers1677]

Thank you this was really helpful.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Absolutely no problem!

[@cyber5006]

We're building soon not in Texas but building all the same, so this video is EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you so much for your transparency and for sharing your exciting journey.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Absolutely! And I think any bit of info helps at least you have an idea of what to expect. I had no clue what to expect so I wanted to help some one else

[@melsmedia]

This is indeed a great video. It’s great that you and other KZbinrs have now started to share more info on how much extras you’ve paid for upgrades. We’ve lived in our house now a little over 1 year. Though our upgrades didn’t add up to so much, it is so true that the numbers you share should be taken with a grain of salt as each builder is different and each region is different

[@KaeWhitaker]

So true! I shared because I was looking for expectations and couldn’t find it anywhere. I was ok off the numbers were different but I washed to know what to expect if that makes sense. This video has helped so many people because of that and that was the goal.

[@cheernurse48]

Thanks for sharing your specific numbers. When I was looking to build I didn’t see anyone divulging such information either. I have been under contract for my home since April 9th and I was just informed 2 days ago that we’ll be breaking ground tentatively next week! Excited to see your home come together. Congratulations to you and your family!

[@KaeWhitaker]

Absolutely! I am a person that likes details so I didn’t see a lot of it either so I decided to share. Congrats to you as well!!! I’m sure you’re going to build a beauty as well!!!

[@derekjohnson7013]

We are also building with Highland in Texas, and Yall are around 2 months ahead of us, so we love following along with your journey!

[@KaeWhitaker]

They've been amazing so far you're going to love your journey! Congratulations to you I know your home is going to be gorgeous!

[@KPsquared]

I feel you on the wait for starting. We went under contract in Feb, sold out first home in March, and they JUST said they're going to break ground in about 2 weeks. Insane. But yeah those upgrades add up very quickly! I decided to do a lot things myself (lights/fixtures, some electrical, etc.) because the way they charge for stuff is wild.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Congratulations!!! I can’t lie, February would have me losing it right now, I’m already on edge from April! I wish I had a little more patience to do what you’re doing. Tim isn’t the handy man so we’d be waiting forever to get stuff done lol

[@JustMarieHomemade]

Hey girl I’m new to your channel & you’re stuck with me now ! 😂 Your video was so informative , hubby & I are planning to build a home next year so your video helped me put some things into perspective. I’ve seen highland homes online & they are beautiful ! Can’t wait to follow along with your journey ! 😀💓

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hey new friend!!!!! Welcome and thank you so much for watching!!! I’m sure you’re so ready to start your build process you’re going to love it!

[@swlancaster1964]

You are so kind in your speaking. I enjoyed your video very much.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Aww thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching!

[@rosemarymensah9921]

Thanks so much for making this video. My hubby and I are looking into building with highland as well

[@KaeWhitaker]

You’re more than welcomed! Good luck to you and the hubby!

[@janellef6902]

Oh my gosh I absolutely loved your video..... I am about to start my home building process....I wasn't aware of most of these costs so thank you so much for your transparency. I'm really nervous now lol :-)

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you so much and don’t be nervous. It’s good to be informed so now you know what questions you should ask. It’s going to be a lot of fun!!!

[@moore3boyz]

Love the video, this has been great! I’m building a new home as well. My structural add-on/ design options initially came in at close to $110k! I was like hell no, lol 😂. The structural item are completed when you sign the contract. I went home and started looking for cost savings (my builder provides upgrade cost list). First thing off the list was the $1800 pot filler, I don’t even like to cook. I ultimately shaved off little under $20k. I learned from my other home make all structural updates during the build process. Lessons learned from my last home hardwood everywhere, upgrade the granite, and bathrooms. My last house had 3 full baths and now I have 4.5. Also learned elevations are important, I did not want another boxy home, they change a window, add a dormer and change the brick color but basically the same house as 25-30 of your neighbors. Standard with the home was 3 car garage BUT I signed in latter April 2021 and they have not started construction on any homes, they are calling the community a boutique community (such BS) and there are 9 homes ahead of me plus the model. Did I mention I brought this home sight unseen smh. Build should start early September l learned this week. Can’t wait to see your new home🙂

[@KaeWhitaker]

I am not surprised that those upgrades got up there, if it weren't for my husband being the budget manager I could've easily gotten there too, lol. Why does it feel like $1800 is the magic number for all the upgrades, lol? We were going to change all the hardware in the bathrooms to a matte black and it was $1800, lol. I hope they start building soon, I know your patients are probably running really thin, but it sounds like it's going to be beautiful. Anything boutique is always fancy and I'm here for it!!!!

[@cohleensamuel9745]

Thank you for this video, very informative, so you don't know when building a house. I like your vibe. New subbie 😁😁

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you friend!!!! I appreciate you being here! Are you building right now?

[@cohleensamuel9745]

No not right now, just trying to be informed so that if I do build there will be less surprises.

[@TheSimplyDone]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have been prepping for my custom build for a while now and your videos are so thorough! And yessss, I love windows better than the sliding door too! I don't want Lord of the Flies, wasps, bees, birds in my home xD

[@KaeWhitaker]

Listen! Those doors are easy access for outside critters and I’m not here for it lol lol lol! Thank you for watching I can’t wait to learn more about you here!

[@joycewesley]

I completely understand. We’re building also, and I can’t believe there are so many extra fees I wasn’t prepared for. LOL

[@KaeWhitaker]

Right!!! It hits you out of nowhere! Talk about blowing your budget quick lol

[@mrswilliamsforu]

Omg! Im so glad I found your channel. This is just the info I needed. I was clueless about the design center. I go in 8 days with a 40k budget.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Aww I’m so glad I could help! Just remember some upgrades are worth it some can be done later. I’d focus on structural stuff and do the decorative later. Good luck and enjoy your new home!

[@thedavisathome9637]

Thanks for sharing all the gist. It’s great info for people trying out this process. For our first home we didn’t have to pay anything extra for the lot but had to pay 15k for the one we are building which was hard to swallow. I am still upset about not putting a bathroom in our basement but the house was getting too expensive. Hopefully God makes a way for us to be able to get a basement bathroom cheaper lol.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you for watching! And yes these upgrades will make you rethink some things lol! You’ll get your bathroom for cheaper for sure or God will give you the extra coins to get exactly what you want I like that option better lol! Congrats on your build are you documenting the process too?

[@marieroberson8228]

I just moved from San Antonio after 4yrs of living there. I was in Stone Oak and it's very hilly out there so I'm sure your lot will make your home even more gorgeous. I loved those hills

[@KaeWhitaker]

That's what I love about the area it's the hills. We moved here from Houston and it's flat there so the scenery makes it so much easier to transition.

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

It’s crazy how much it all adds up. We are looking into a home in Hill Country as well. We will also do a 5 bedroom home and we want a bigger lot.

[@KaeWhitaker]

It adds up quick lol

[@marieroberson8228]

Girl Highland homes,Coventry homes, & Perry homes are all gorgeous. I feel you can't go wrong

[@KaeWhitaker]

So true!

[@tlcarr08]

I needed this. Thank you so much. Do you have a video on how to talk to the bank about your prequal process?

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hi there! I don’t but I will be making a q&A video today and I’ll be more than happy to answer that question in the video.

[@TheThomasMom]

In the home building process now, design center up next and this was very helpful! We’ve already spent $80k on structural, but our base price was low so this was expected. Hope you and your family are loving your new home!

[@KaeWhitaker]

Congratulations and good luck to you! We love our home and I hope you love yours as well once you’re in!

[@DonnaHall8117]

To God be the Glory. Congratulations 🎉🎉 Love Love Love watching this

[@KaeWhitaker]

Amen!!! Thank you so much!

[@caramelchic8835]

THIS VIDEO WAS EVERYTHING HUNTY! 🥰 I am so happy God blessed your video to pop up in my feed!! I stay in TN! Me and my husband are looking to build. I know prices will be different but this was helpful! 🥰 By the way u have gained yourself a new subbie 😂😊😊

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you friend!! It was so hard for me to find info when I was building I’m so glad this helped you!

[@caramelchic8835]

@@KaeWhitaker ❤️

[@eyeswideopen23]

Thank you for your video so when I do build my house after I get my BA degree I know what to look for and ask

[@KaeWhitaker]

That’s right!!!!! And you’re more than welcomed!!

[@tiffanyjenkins4323]

So Crazy!! I am looking at Highland now and I HAVE to have that hutch! I was just saying I was going to sit down and ask prices, directly, because I am tired and need to plan this Spring 22 move! LOL and thank you for the standalone tub, gas line, floor plugs. It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a majority of the costs prior to!

[@KaeWhitaker]

Girl!!! That hutch was an argument cause Tim was not trying to pay them extra coins for it 🤣🤣🤣🤣. But I told him you can not have a kitchen without that hutch it balances out the space so I won lol! You’ll love building with Highlands I certainly have! Keep in mind these prices have likely increased since I made this video but at least you have a good starting point. I was on the struggle bus looking for pricing so I’m so glad I could help! What plan are you building?

[@tiffanyjenkins4323]

@@KaeWhitaker I wish I knew you in real life girl! I am excited for you like it's my own home! I am glad you have a positive review of them. It can be nerve-wracking going with a different builder. I am in a Perry right now. I am downsizing in Houston, so I am looking at plan 215 but with the Mother-in-Law suite instead of 4 bedrooms. I have the major deals quotes but some I knew I would have to discuss under contract. I am also looking at Drees Homes, too. I was (actually) emailed from the associates in the community I am looking at and got this: Extended Master Suite - $6000... Extended Outdoor Living - $7000...Sliding Glass Doors - $7500... Flex Gen Ste ilo 2 Beds/Bath w/ Powder ilo Storage - $7000. I have to add in the hutch, standalone tub, wood floors, counters I like all white too) and audio/visual prep in 2 rooms. Oh and the pendant prewiring! That should be standard! LOL

[@Toldbytaylor]

Love this video! Thanks for your transparency! Also , unrelated, what type of camera do you use for your vlog?? Considering starting my own & have no clue what to get! Lol

[@KaeWhitaker]

You’re very welcomed and I am using a Sony A7III right now but a good old iPhone or Samsung will work too 🤗

[@DanielleLaShawn]

I'm watching you and agreeing with your decisions because they're a lot of the same ones I made... Especially when it comes to the kitchen. I wish the elevation that was included with our house was anywhere near as nice as the one you guys got. It was all siding and that wasn't going to work. It's so interesting how different things are from state to state and builder to builder.

[@KaeWhitaker]

It really is funny how different things are from builder to builder. The little bit of siding at have on the side of my house is driving me crazy right now but I’m learning how to deal with it. Who’s your builder?

[@bosstwinmoms3554]

Thanks so much for this video! We built our first home which was a starter home but we are planning to move to Texas in 2 years and build our dream home so this helps for sure!! Thank you!🙏🏽

[@KaeWhitaker]

You’re very welcomed! You’ll love Texas when you get here!

[@bosstwinmoms3554]

@@KaeWhitaker we can’t wait! Hopefully a great change from Virginia

[@user-yh3ej5ni5r]

Hi girl ! Thanks so much for the video! It's been extremely helpful since we're looking into this same floor plan ,but I do have a question. Would you remember by chance how much the patio sliding doors were?

[@KaeWhitaker]

No problem I think they were somewhere around 10k

[@karandonnakaran]

Thank you for sharing pricing!! it has been so hard trying to find out what upgrades cost as I plan on buying/building next year but need to have some sort of idea of what certain features cost and it is very hard to get that information from builders. and even from realtors who you think would know and share.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Absolutely! I’m sharing what I was looking for. Now keep in mind a year from now it might be completely different and can vary greatly from builder to builder but I like to have ideas of what you expect so that’s what I was hoping to do here. Good luck to you I’m sure you’re going to build an amazing home!

[@karandonnakaran]

@@KaeWhitaker yes i know. and i was looking for a range. pricing is changing daily lol. but a few of you amazing people have shared actual numbers and its been super helpful.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Yay! That’s so good to hear!

[@DoogieHowser93]

I’ve noticed that a lot of ppl in Texas build through these developer based contractors in master planned communities. Though some of the finish work is nice, they rip folks off with their so called “upgrades”. They take you through these beautiful model homes and about 50% of the finish work are upgrades. I am on my 3rd build right now, and I’ve always went fully custom and designed with an architect. Seems like the better option, but not for everyone.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Yeah it’s like that a lot here. So for custom builds of course you need your own land and that’s hard to come by in Texas. We have them but they’re mostly in rural areas or extreme outskirts so if you want the feel of a grand home and be close to lifestyle stuff master planned communities or subdivisions are your options. We looked at custom options but the land was dang near half the cost of the house then the additional costs of utilities, driveways etc just far exceeded going with a community and getting the upgrades through the builders. I’d love to build custom though, it just wasn’t in the budget at this time. I do watch people building custom and get all bubbly because it looks like such a good experience. What state are you building in?

[@rebeccadeandalicona3283]

We built with highland as well and did the Godiva stained knotty alder shaker cabinets and it would be hard to paint because of all the knots and natural cracks etc. Just a thought. I bet your home will be beautiful!

[@KaeWhitaker]

I didn’t think about that! Thank you for that insight. Is the Godiva the dark stain? We did Ebony because I wanted them as close the black as possible and black wasn’t an option?

[@rebeccadeandalicona3283]

@@KaeWhitaker yes Godiva was the closest to the ebony stain they had for us. It definitely is black. We love it! The stair rail and fireplace mantle are ebony at our house too and it looks great together:)

[@machellekennedy2199]

Awesome video, this was what I've been looking for. My only question is where does the base price of the home come from? Is it based off of the floor plan you choose? Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hi there! Thank you so much for watching the base price of the home is what is listed at the sales office. So when you go to purchase you’ll choose a house from a sales agent and that is where the base price comes from

[@jackieestevez7406]

Wow thank you. We r also moving to San antonio from NYC n we r looking to build. Question what if you r only pre qualified for a certain amount n then u find yr model home in that price range n then you go over in the design center. How do you pay for yr upgrades?

[@KaeWhitaker]

That’s a great question I’m going to answer it in my upcoming video. It will release Sunday evening so keep your eyes open for it. I try to tag you in the comments once it’s up

[@His_ChristieRose]

I may want to do a new build in 2023. I’m am TOTALLY new to the idea. Can you still have a lender? Do these fees HAVE to be paid upfront? What do I pay to start this process? See, I know nothing. 😂 I have a lot of homework to do. Any questions you could answer would be helpful. Btw, you are beautiful. Your locks are gorgeous and you are well versed. I’m sure your family is proud.

[@KaeWhitaker]

I got you lady!!!! Thank you so much for watching and I'm making some videos to answer these questions in upcoming videos so stay tuned. It's so exciting to be thinking about this process already, I hope I can provide some good info to help you in your process!

[@sleepandmeditationclub3276]

I’m in Atlanta and I am currently building a semi custom… My lot premium was 42,500 😳… I’m still wondering if it’s too late to cancel, Lol.. Add on extra bed/bath $5690, add extra bath $6700, add sunroom $16,800…. Just did my electrical appointment $4825… I don’t even want to see what home design will be like 😩😩😩

[@KaeWhitaker]

How big is your lot friend? Your bed and bath was inexpensive compared to ours were spent 17k on that. How big is your home going to be?

[@eveharris1852]

Did your builder give you a hard time for wanting white sand/mortar for your brick? Did they ever suggest it wasn't ever done before because your choice of brick wasn't pure white? Thanks for all the detailed information. Can't wait to see the your finished home!

[@KaeWhitaker]

Thank you and actually they didn’t give me a hard time on the sand and mortar. The lady at the design center recommended it so I could get it as close to white as possible. No problem on my end for that part.

[@JazzysStyle]

It is crazy how much more expensive these upgrades have gotten since 2021. : ( You picked a good time to get a house.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Oh man I could only imagine how much things are now. I think we def purchased at the right time.

[@JazzysStyle]

@@KaeWhitaker I didn’t go with highland homes but someone very similar. And the markup on prices was insane. I went to the design center with a budget and didn’t go over. I don’t regret the structural upgrades at all. But now with inflation things are never going to magically get cheaper. Even McDonald’s is expensive. Lowe’s would do my bottom floor all tiles for 15k and the design center wanted over 40k to upgrade to what I wanted and I just passed. Somethings are worth doing afterwards then overpaying for.

[@KaeWhitaker]

@@JazzysStyle 40k for floors!!! That’s insane I would never I can’t believe the way prices are right now there’s no way I’d pay for something like that. Give me the standard options and I’ll do the rest myself later I’m with you!

[@claudiahansen4938]

Very detailed and helpful! What was the all up total, then? Would love to see the finishes.

[@KaeWhitaker]

So I’ll say this, if you were to build this house and do the additions we did with the builder today, you’d be hovering around 800k here in Texas. That’s not what we paid back in April but if you were to buy today that’s what it would cost you.

[@claudiahansen4938]

@@KaeWhitaker wow! That's above our budget. But our new build with Toll Brothers is for only 2,300 sq ft, one story house.

[@KaeWhitaker]

@@claudiahansen4938 honestly it’s above ours now too lol we didn’t pay anything close to that but that’s what it’s costing people now. It is a big house though it’s like 4300 sqft and a nice size lot

[@claudiahansen4938]

@@KaeWhitaker , yes, I watched your video you made on your lot, too. Very nice choice!

[@josephinebournes8212]

Buying a new construction townhome in high cost of living DC, and I'm up to $90k in upgrades: 4th floor loft addition, 2nd full bath on the 4th floor, bump out to increase size of 1st guest room, etc.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Man the townhomes are racking up too! Congrats on your purchase you’ll love every bit of those upgrades once you get in!

[@terence4427]

Nice video! I think the 16,500 for the extra bedroom and bath was a good investment.

[@KaeWhitaker]

It’s been great

[@jameslamarpayton601]

We're looking at the same exact floor plan so your videos are incredibly valuable for us... I think you mentioned it in the other design center video, but we were told that design center wants 50% of design upgrades paid at the design center consultation. Can you confirm?

[@KaeWhitaker]

That’s so exciting and I’m so glad to hear they’re helping!!! That makes me so happy to hear! To answer your question, yes, you’ll be required to pay 50% of your electrical and design center upgrades when you sit with your sales consultant (for us it was about a week or so later) to confirm the upgrades you chose to make at both appointments. The structural options don’t require a deposit, at least they didn’t for us. I hope that makes sense.

[@jameslamarpayton601]

@@KaeWhitaker Yes, that makes perfect sense. Thank you for that! We're going to be watching all your videos as your build progresses. We're actually not too far from you (down a ways on Hwy 46). Living this Hill Country Life! 👍🏾🙌🏾✊🏾

[@KaeWhitaker]

Well hello neighbors!!! Thank you so much for the support! I’ve got a trip to Dallas next weekend and they’ve got a model of our floor plan out there so I’m going to go take pictures and record so be on the lookout for that too! Good luck to two our homes are going to be amazing! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@mattiejackson4615]

Your nails look cute lovely 😍 💕

[@KaeWhitaker]

Aww thank you lady!

[@mattiejackson4615]

@@KaeWhitaker you're welcome girl 😍

[@michellewhitley8668]

If you don’t mind me asking where did you get your house built? I chose Ventana out in Bulverde

[@KaeWhitaker]

I’m in Boerne I won’t name the community here but it’s not too far from you. There’s a couple of people here on the channel building out in Ventana it’s a beautiful community we looked there as well.

[@dericgeter3079]

Curious, did you have an option to add another garage? If so, what was the cost associated with it?

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hi Deric, so we didn’t have an option to add another garage because the developer of our community set the parameters around how many garages could be present in our subdivision. But I will say this, the builder had to add another garage to the plans because the developer demanded they do so that’s how we ended up with a 4 car tandem and we were told that addition cost them 16k at the time which they passed some of that cost on to the buyers via an increase in the base price to the home. So knowing that I would assume it be around that cost maybe a little more. That’s just an assumption though.

[@lokntryfed4869]

Hi I'm just wondering if the upgrades are included in the total price or is that an out of pocket expense? Beautiful home btw

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hi there and thank you. So the upgrades are in addition to the base price of the house. Depending on the builder you’ll pay a portion out of pocket and finance the rest.

[@andrewjarvis7777]

pro tip, watch this at 1.75 speed it's fun lolol good video thanksssssss

[@KaeWhitaker]

Lol thanks so much for watching ok have to try that myself

[@nikki.khristmas.british6155]

Hi new subscriber here...Can you explain how do you pay for it all...Your lot premium, price of house, upgrades...Is lot premium in the price of the house 🏠 or is everything calculated separately...Do you go to the design center for upgrades with a blank check or is that in the mortgage...Thank you for explaining it to me...

[@KaeWhitaker]

Ok so for our builder the lot premium was in addition to the base price of the house, so it’s added to the finance amount of the house. We went to the design center then a week later met with our sales counselor to semi finalize our choices then we paid 50% of the total cost of upgrades via their online payment system and the rest will be added to our finance amount. Everything has been online for us. I think I go into details in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5rMnZRrYrynbM0 But if you have more questions please feel free to ask

[@nikki.khristmas.british6155]

@@KaeWhitaker Thank you for answering my questions because other You Tube channels never explain the money part...👍🏾

[@kanisharoberson5512]

What type of flooring did you select? Is it wood-like tile or actual wood flooring?

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hey there it’s a wood like tile. I didn’t want the upkeep up the wood floors here in Texas and the tile is so easy to clean for me and looks gorgeous

[@MrsLionessy]

Do you remember what the dual tone cabinets would have cost you?

[@KaeWhitaker]

I believe it was a couple of thousand plus the cost to paint the upper cabinets which was also a couple thousand

[@marieroberson8228]

Are you going to do a home tour

[@KaeWhitaker]

Yes!!! I’m documenting the whole process I can’t wait to do a full home tour!

[@Bob-Fields]

What I've found in looking at semi-custom homes is that there are too many compromises made in the purchase of such a home. I understand that many of us don't have a choice, but for god's sake why does one have to walk through the master bath to get to the master closet? Also, as you mentioned, what is it with having to buy selections in "packages"? You are buying a newly built home and you should be able to select and reject what you want. The process you and others describe is infuriating. The lighting "prewiring" also sounds a bit suspect, too. I mean, what is the difference in the wiring for standard ceiling fixture vs a chandelier? Then, what is the difference in materials and labor for said prewiring? I have a 5 acre lot in Houston proper and I want to put a home on it. Sadly, it's out of my reach. Everywhere I've asked, it'll cost me 1 mil to build a 3k sq ft home, even though I already own the land.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Yep building right now is really expensive! That’s why we didn’t do custom it was out of our reach so we decided to go semi citation and get the bones we wanted so we can expand on them later. Idk if it’s going to get any better right now either, it’s a tough decision if you’re just deciding to build, idk if we would be building right now had we have not signed our contract when we did.

[@SC-ug5mk]

oh please you got a deal las Vegas talking 20% upgrades plus 30k for lot

[@KaeWhitaker]

We’re not too far off as far as the lot is concerned. Now that 20% idk I’d be a little annoyed if it took all of that to make decent. That seems like a lot

[@reonedanielle0103]

We’ve been under contract since 3-20 and there just grating the lot this week

[@KaeWhitaker]

Geeessshhhh I thought I’ve been waiting a long time! That’s a month longer than us! Are you building with Highlands or someone else?

[@reonedanielle0103]

@@KaeWhitaker no in Atlanta

[@cleronclarke5202]

Tub for me, ❤️🍸

[@zwatwashdc]

So what price did you pay?

[@KaeWhitaker]

For upgrades or for the home?

[@claudiahansen4938]

For both!

[@samanthac9173]

Yours and Everyone else's "upgrade costs" are overly shocking! People need to understand that not only are upgrades non essential, but if it takes you over your budget then you should review what you added on..... Now if you have the money and want to throw it all in the house, then by golly go for it but maaaaaaan.. We just purchased a house, and broke grounds this month.... including the lot, the structural upgrades, add in the master bath, water door for the toilet, making an office and VP flooring only added on an additional $30,000 to our Base price of our home. We are so excited and can not wait to close in September.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Hey Samantha, so congrats on your new home I’m sure you purchased what you wanted. As far the cost of mine or other creators upgrades I’d like to say we purchased what we wanted which is what I encourage any home owner to do once they arrive to a place in life that affords them to opportunity to do so. We’re at a stage in life where we can afford to pursue the things we want not what’s “essential” and can choose based on desire not need. This video has been designed to provide insight into what some costs may be should someone else here looking to buy what they want and not out of necessity can plan and budget to enjoy their purchase as well. Best of luck on your build, it’s a crazy world out here but I’m sure you’ll be happy that you got what you needed and could afford.

[@samanthac9173]

@@KaeWhitaker I loved how informative your videos have been as well as seeing the progress of your house being built…. During the time of us looking before buying i was doing a lot of research and was shocked by how much you are charged for certain things… (I.e- being charged for master bathroom doors 🤣😂)so being able to watch your videos and many others helped me go into the process with knowledge on what to expect! My husband and i were talking last night how they will say “you can add this and that, and it will only tack on an additional $5/$10/$20” and before you know it you are above your budget.. I stress over everything and the upgrades we did i was still questioning if whether we should have done it or not, but honestly after seeing all these numbers i fee so much better. ❤️❤️

[@KaeWhitaker]

@@samanthac9173 if you were able to get what you wanted for only $30k you did exactly what I set out to do help people get what they want and be proud of it! We decided to do some and hold back on others for that reason as well. So glad these videos are helpful mission accomplished

[@abiyah3176]

😳😳😳

[@KaeWhitaker]

🤔🤔🤔

[@stephanyeasley8750]

222k in upgrades 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@KaeWhitaker]

Girlllllllllllll what did you get? I’d love to know what upgrades you made! Have you already closed and if so did you have problems around appraisal time?

[@akaneik]

Girlllll that's a second home. Love to know what you upgraded.

[@E_Static]

I love seeing folks reaching their goals and dreams. However it concerns me to see so many people spending so much money on these "dream" homes and accruing so much debt in the process. I'd rather have enough home and be financially comfortable that stretching myself for too many frills and extras. Many middle class families are buying $500 -600k houses and the market is getting worse.

[@KaeWhitaker]

Don’t be “concerned” friend. You don’t know what strangers financial capabilities are just be happy for people if that’s what you really want to be. People will do what’s best for them just like you’re doing what is best for you. No “concern” needed allow people to pursue what makes them happy and worry about their own bank accounts. #DontWorryBeHappy

[@E_Static]

My concern is rooted in my genuine regard for the well being of others. With that in mind I agree people will do what they believe is in their own best interests. Hopefully this recession doesn't get as bad as 2007 did. If it does, once again it will be guys like myself buying short sale and auction properties at significant discounts which helps my portfolio but hurts those individuals losing their homes. I understand it's a free market and there will always be winners and losers. As for worrying thats not the case. I just happen to be someone who maintains a level of empathy for others. Have a good one.