Design Center Do’s & Don’ts | Design Center Upgrades | Building Semi Custom New Construction

[@kimberleefarr]

Wow, this is exactly what I’m looking for!!! Thank you so much, I subscribed! Your husband is sweet and right with saying you’re very smart!

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you kimberlee. I’m glad you found value, you just made my day with your comment. Welcome to the Joy Famm!!!!!

[@MizJilly]

People think they don't want a tub till they get a pulled or sprained something and need that warm soak in Epsom Salts. Good tip.

[@JamesPrpich-z3o]

True. I just hate how much room they take up in the master bath

[@amanacatandhisdog8836]

True. They also don’t want a tub until they need to sell as well. 😉

[@MiVidaBellisima]

At the very least you can have the shower/tub we all grew up with 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@eddiefniii]

I bought strips to put in the bottom of my jacuzzi tub because at 65 it’s harder . Slip and falls. I take a bath about once a month. But if feeling yucky then more often!

[@perci313]

In my newly built home I did opt for the enlarged shower without a tub, the low profile would be helpful in my old age down the road… but I did add a hot tub for the lanai.

[@terence4427]

You are literally the only person who has mentioned the elevation out of all the KZbin videos we've watched about builder upgrades. Exceptional advice. Thank you.

[@eeldude]

I think lot upgrade can be a significant choice if it is a large community with a main entrance, I would not want a lot near the main gate where every resident will drive by my house every morning and evening. I'd rather have one towards the rear of the community or in a cul-de-sac to minimize drive by traffic. It is even more important if you have children who play, skateboard, ride their bikes, etc.

[@coppermutant]

I used to think that way but add up the extra 7 minutes driving in and out each day and that adds up. A place near the entrance buy not the main thoroughfare is better for me.

[@claireh.7605]

Cul de sac kids get run over by cars backing out

[@eeldude]

@@claireh.7605 Thanks for the info. What's your point? Bad things happen, but we still need to use caution and common sense. Parents still need to supervise their kids. Regardless, I'm a GenX 80s kid so I had no supervision. Played ball in the street and had to move the hockey net when cars came by. I would have loved a cul de sac!

[@claireh.7605]

@@eeldude cul de sac is bad for kids not safer that is the point; cause cars pull out and run over the kids; I’m also an 80s kid and I had cars run over me and I am just fine

[@unkindguy88]

Also I think for military members/ veterans should really consider shopping around for upgrades on real life, more so than regular citizens because of military discounts that they can get for flooring, kitchen appliances, counter tops, etc. small savings on big projects adds up. Usually its a 10% discount.

[@ab.6031]

Bingo…. That’s what we’re doing

[@tealkerberus748]

Subscribed for the wholesomeness of a husband being proud of his intelligent wife.

[@JoyFamm]

lol thank you

[@aninasalerno873]

Waterfront lots are worth a premium. We don’t even look at property with no water view. It’s a well recognized added value; it even raises your property taxes, so that’s a thing to keep in mind.

[@boardgameparadise]

How much would you say it adds? We're looking at getting the lot upgrade (47k increase 😬 on top of base price 642) because it's a 10,000sf lot (which is big in California) in the back of the community on a cul de sac, and it looks over a lake that the city is putting in. Lake won't be completed for 2 years. Worth it?

[@JamesPrpich-z3o]

I worry about floods flood insurance , home listed in a flood plane

[@zaalnibu]

Personally I don’t use my tub as often as I wish but when I do I’m glad it’s there, there is nothing more relaxing than a long soak in a hot bath, great after a rough workout or a long day on the job

[@MarshForever]

Definitely agree with you about the structural upgrades. Do those with the builder because doing it later are very costly and timely.

[@sheripie5]

This video was so concise and well done! We’ve been looking into new builds for the last month and this video was extremely helpful! Thank you 😊

[@jasoncolemanarizonaloanoff1574]

We got a larger lot because we wanted a 10' RV gate. We are offroaders and have a trailer we need to store. This is a huge hobby out here in AZ.

[@jean-paulnancyraut6596]

FYI if I’m not mistaken “re-decorating” (anything that does not require a permit) after you buy a house do not Impact your property tax which will be based on your purchase price. So if you are an experienced diy-er you might consider getting the thinnest non-upgrade flooring and light fixtures and installing the ones you prefer yourself. For example on the house we’re buying now and in the design stage just installing our own LVL on the main floor would save us $13,000, that’s after we buy the exact same LVL on the market and would save us $152 per year on our prop tax.

[@Peter-ok9bj]

Liked your video. But just one thing. I understand that you get some things after closing but a lot of people after buying the house don't have the extra money and it's easier to add it to the mortage.

[@clbynum1]

By no means am I an expert but GREAT advice!!! Especially the carpet pad upgrade. A good carpet pad is what preserves your carpet, less wear and tear!!

[@JoyFamm]

That’s true We didn’t even think about that, but that’s true, less wear and tear. We just wanted to have plush landing lol

[@AZtrinity888]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing this very important information!

[@JoyFamm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoeContrerasGenesisJoeC]

Great tips, some of the methods though make my skin crawl. Destroying the installed counter tops from the builder, storing, then reselling it seems like a nightmare.

[@lisaharris6549]

I’m near the end of my build process, but still found a great deal of value in this video.

[@felixjacinto5351]

This video is so helpful! We’re planning to go to the designer of Fischer homes in Atlanta a few weeks from now and I’m already excited! Im glad I came across your video! Im definitely gonna subscribe! ❤️

[@JoyFamm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ethanguerami1162]

Great video. You have some quality suggestions and you keep it entertaining too.

[@JoyFamm]

I appreciate that!

[@talisav4602]

I love the openess of a media room

[@josiansanchez998]

Great value!!! Superb recommendations. 100% on target.

[@ulrichchendjou8292]

Very good points. But for the elevations I can be necessary like myself and most people when bying a house the exterior is the first thing you see you will not even go inside if the exterior does not look like what you kind of like.

[@JoyFamm]

I’m thank you Ulrich, I can definitely understand that view of reasoning. That makes sense

[@dj.1094]

My elevation(stone) was automatically added in the sales price for my builder. Buyers had to choose from 2-3 elevations styles and it was not something you could opt out of.

[@tiffanyvaughan]

The aesthetic appeal of the inside and outside are so important to me that as a potential buyer, it was a hard pass “no” for a home that had an unappealing elevation. The inside is definitely more of a selling point, but for a home that I’m going to buy or live in, I want to love both aspects of my house. Thank you for all these tips and perspectives- it’s very helpful to think through and evaluate what is the most important in making choices for buying a home ☺️

[@margofesas3279]

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@patricegoodman5150]

This was very informative and I’ve learned a lot about upgrading because I love tubs and a master without a tub and a double closet is not a master in my opinion

[@dboone521]

We’ve already made all of my choices but wish I would have seen your video 1st- we had upgraded to a 5th bedroom and then removed it at the last minute not thinking about the fact that we didn’t have to use it as a bedroom smh other than this choice we actually did really good with our 1st build!! Great video

[@JoyFamm]

That’s awesome. Congratulations

[@LoriL010]

Also, remember anything that the builder does not offer or install themselves, it will not be included in your warranty with the builder. Great info, thanks! I've seriously thought about having my own custom cabinets made as I just don't like any of the builder options. They're pretty and quality material, I just want a particular color.

[@JoyFamm]

Great point!

[@marjoriegraham9885]

Re plumbing fixtures, realize that if you go with builder standard 4” faucet in your baths that’s what your sink/counter gets drilled for and you can’t upgrade to wide spread faucet later. So that’s a decision you should make at design center

[@JoyFamm]

Well said

[@pinkisforpimps]

Great vid. What builder did you guys have?

[@sytp2005]

Great content. I’ve built 3 homes and used a lot of the same concepts!

[@JoyFamm]

Great to hear!

[@jacqueline8566]

Clicked like before getting through minute 1! I love how you laugh with your husband when he is being funny 😭😂

[@JoyFamm]

lol you are awesome. Let me know what you think of this video though

[@jacqueline8566]

@@JoyFamm watched through! So much knowledge and wisdom. I like how you let us know what upgrades are worth it for the resale value

[@JoyFamm]

Hey Jacqueline, I need to send you more behind the scenes footage, (this is Dayo btw) we have too much fun just making this contents I have to try to edit most parts out so at least information is passed instead of just being silly. Lol But yes. Thank you for noticing that he little snippets I leave in there.

[@unitedstatesofafrica8700]

Thank you, it would be helpful if you could tell us your contractors, their price is very reasonable.

[@lachelsk]

I think you did an outstanding job. This would have been my same advice on a new build.

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you

[@alseward7902]

Amazing job! Very logical delivery and it makes so much sense, what you are saying.

[@JoyFamm]

Glad you think so!

[@Stephanie.Hudson]

Great video. I would say that these upgrades depend on how long you plan to stay in the home and whether this is a starter home or not. We didn’t upgrade a lot in our first home. We lived their 8 years before we grew out of it. On this house we upgraded our lot, upgraded for a painted accent wall, and upgraded the carpet pad and carpet, to name a few of the don’ts you pointed out. These were great for us because the costs were right and the lot was where we wanted to be. I wouldn’t have done any of these things had it been our first house and we weren’t planning to stay for a long while.

[@JoyFamm]

Well said

[@toddb6576]

Best video I have seen on the subject

[@ernestdy6834]

Wish I knew this before. Great work. Heading to my design studio end of month and worth hearing this experiece

[@dimplesd8931]

I picked a lot. My realtor picked a different one and said this lot is flat, deeper and it’s backed by trees. 30yrs later…. Best decision ever. BUT there was no price difference. So instead of paying more for a lot have a professional look at the plat and advise you. I’m team tub 🛀🏾

[@JoyFamm]

I agree

[@KariHiatt-z7j]

I also think it's ok to upgrade the lot for a view (ex: body of water) or if there is more privacy and you know this won't change.

[@tealkerberus748]

If there's something your builder includes but you don't like any of the options they offer, identify that before you sign and get that item removed from the contract. If you don't like their benchtops, don't be paying them for a benchtop. Get it written in the contract that you'll source your own benchtop! If you don't like the colours of paint they offer, put it in the contract that you will choose and supply your own paint! Houses are expensive. Don't pay for stuff you don't want.

[@naturl2012]

Hey!👋🏾 I definitely had to subscribe to your channel after watching this video. Excellent information. Thank you so much. 😊👍🏾

[@JoyFamm]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@shiningstar328]

Very informative video. Thank you.

[@tombeegeeeye5765]

I think the only thing I would send more for are better tile floors and a better grade if cabinets in the kitchen. It makes no sense to upgrade a counter top in builder grade cabinets.

[@onthatnote.official]

This was so helpful! Love hearing this perspective from a smart woman such as yourself:) I know your hubby is so proud. Thank you so much!

[@StephanieDeen-Abudu]

Very informative! Can you mention who did your countertops and closet ?

[@krystalchavis3785]

Thank you for this information. Definitely wished I would have seen this 1 month ago lol. We have just recently made our selections on our new build. We decided to upgrade to floors downstairs and upgrade the cabinets. This took majority of our little budget but I knew I didn’t want to deal with flooring and cabinets after we moved in. Some other hard choices we made was not upgrading to granite countertops but instead chose a beautiful laminate. Also, we did not like the stainless steel package the builder was offering so decided on black appliances so down the line I will put the appliances in that I really want. We also had to add pre wire to the other 3 bedrooms for a fan. I will chose and add the fans myself from a local place. We have the corner lot so we want to use the rest to add a beautiful fence

[@hellojuneau8917]

Amazing video! The most expensive upgrades we have chosen was lot size/location (corner, biggest in community), and a gen-suite with its own living room/kitchen. Other than that everything was pretty much standard except for extra canned lights, pre-wire for fans and painted cabinets. I think it’s more fun to be able to customize your home on your own and save for it rather than have it tacked onto your mortgage to pay interest on. There’s more options to choose from and you have more time to change your mind without feeling rushed or charged for it. Putting a hefty down payment helps a bunch too! :) happy home building

[@JoyFamm]

Absolutely!!, I’m sure your home will turn out awesome and heavenly.

[@JoeelKing]

Would you say that incorporating a coffered ceiling in the living room is a good investment for a custom home?

[@Kim_in_Cali]

GREAT TIPS!!! I was going to fight you over the tub until I heard you say keep the tub. I don’t know why people want these HUGE showers! Maybe you might have 2 people in a shower anything over that you are venturing into becoming Hugh Hefner. And my pet peeve is why are dining rooms so small and the laundry rooms so large now? Thank you again for your wonderful advice 🔥

[@JoyFamm]

🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂 I literally burst into laughter over the Hugh Hefner shower 🤣😂😂😭😭😭😭😭 thank you so much for watching!

[@Kim_in_Cali]

@@JoyFamm lol, I’m glad my comment made you laugh. I don’t like the new houses being built. I don’t like the kitchen, family room and dining room being 1 room. I have lived in a studio apartment which everything is in 1 room. Back in the day you had the front/living room, for the guests or adults. Then you had the den/family room where you could relax with the kids. And what’s with the huge utility rooms? I am now seeing big utility rooms, I know no one who wants to spend more time with the washer/ dryer (unless you are into that 🤨😜). And I won’t start in on the ‘community’ showers, those showers are almost as big as some New York apartments. Thank you for your great tips and I look forward to more 😄

[@ab.6031]

@@Kim_in_Calieah a lot of floor plans from builders are doing the open floor plans. They’re also doing shower only for the master suite. Having a tub Is like an upgrade

[@catpaladin1]

We took out the Garden tub that my mother used once and then broke her wrist when she fell getting out of it. She had not used it in 17 years. When they removed it there was black mold in the tubing. I put in a large shower in it’s place that can fit a wheelchair if needed. We left the tub in the hall bathroom. I am putting a storage unit where the old small (and broken) shower was. I tried to get a walk-in tub installed but when the installers came - it turned out the tub that fit the space was too small for anyone in the family.

[@myrnanaveira5376]

From experience comes knowledge. I really appreciate not only your content I also appreciate the way you explain things Very clearly. Lady "M"

[@uberwebd9824]

You can tile over tile.. no need to remove it

[@agwilson42]

Thank you so much for sharing! We're starting the building process in Texas with Bloomfield and the process is a little daunting.

[@rahrah_1212]

great video. one of the best ive seen

[@JoyFamm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlesbobo2781]

Thank you so much. Excellent presentation and solid advice. I will be using all your shared knowledge in purchasing my new home.

[@ccchoe3171]

I am so glad I stumbled on your video. This was great and helpful as I am looking into building a new home with a builder.

[@JoyFamm]

Congrats and all the best. Let us know how it goes

[@ajhourniforever]

You really blessed me with this video!!!!!!! Very much needed information and reminders! Thank you!

[@pavelzaro1471]

Thanks for this info

[@TreJ999]

Fantastic video! Thanks for explaining this so well!

[@michelleneuman579]

Great job! Do you know if it costs more at Design center to have different floors/cabinets/countertops in kitchen and bathrooms? Example if I have the same thing throughout or have changes in each room even when choosing standard.

[@blackmancer]

I've never understood the desire for a tub, I have a full size rectangular tub about 6x2 ish and I never use it, never been like 'ooooh can't wait', but maybe in a colder climate it might be more appealing???

[@jenerra11]

Great video!!! What is your take on adding the double sliding doors to the living room rather than keeping the standard windows

[@levi0596]

Great information. I have done many of the things you talk about. Thks for sharing. Your husband is so funny. ☺️👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you

[@angeln7870]

This is great info. Thanks Mary. I missed out on the gourmet kitchen, thanks to Dozie. He has not known peace since then. 😂😂😂

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you Angel. May peace be restored and forgiven

[@BlairOjong]

Incredible video. Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@JamesPrpich-z3o]

What about closets? I want to customize my master bedroom closets. Should I do that before or after closing

[@davyannajones]

One thing I will say about the flooring is that tile is heavier than carpet. In areas that the builder knows they will use tile they often reinforce the foundation so you changing it to tile down the road could cause a problem if you’re on a crawl space.

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great tips. I’ve heard about getting the standard carpet but to upgrade the padding. That’s good to know it may be around 1K for an upgrade in the padding.

[@JoyFamm]

Oh yeah it will vary based on sqft but yeah it's much cheaper to do that

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

Vey helpful and informative Jo.

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you

[@MrBrunohrd]

Awesome video! Thanks for taking the time for the content!

[@nancyenjay7966]

This is so helpful, thank you! I'm nervous about buying new construction and keeping costs in line with all those tempting upgrades. This information will be invaluable when we consider which upgrades are worth it. Thanks again!

[@JoyFamm]

You are welcome Nancy

[@mare6851]

Is it better to upgrade cabinets after closing?

[@lizzylou3142]

Good suggestions. I was struggling with whether or not to add tops to my cabinets. If the price is too crazy, I know I can have it added later and save money. I also wanted to take the hardwood flooring up the stairs. I'm now thinking my money would be better spent adding block and wiring for chandeliers, ceiling fans and surround sound (things behind the walls), and paying a carpenter for the other upgrades after closing.

[@JoyFamm]

I agree Lizzy, thanks for watching.

[@LifeWithKarisha]

I just can’t make floor changes after closing. I would rather my floors just be done. I can see a decade down the line if I just want something new, but not right after I just move in. You included some really good tips, thank you. I’ll be checking out your other videos as well. 🥰

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you Karisha. I can definitely understand that point of view and you make sense. That was just a tip to save money if someone wanted a particular floor that was over priced with the builder, then you can choose the basic carpet and then replace that. We just factored it has the house is still being built so we scheduled it the day we closed before we moved in. It felt a bit awkward tearing up something new but somethings must go for better to take its place!!!!!

[@patricegoodman5150]

When you ask for a gourmet kitchen, I am thinking double ovens and refrigerator. It’s it cheaper for the builder to install the double oven since it is structural and the refrigerator?

[@devilishangel108]

All your tips are so helpful! Thank you so much. Liked and Subscribed :)

[@akiaclark7990]

First of all, excellent information! I love the speed, the volume, everything! I have a question. What is the water line for to the outside grill area? A sink? What’s your opinion on a stackable laundry mud room?

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you Akia, yes water line for a sink, it comes in handy to wash utensils and hands before going into the house. If space is of concern yes a stackable washer and dryer is a good choice or maybe as a secondary laundry room, like in the master.

[@cynthiataylor5830]

This was EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE!!👍👍👍. Thank you!

[@claudiahansen4938]

Excellent, helpful and well organized video. You have good diction, and speak clearly. I found your guidance to be very much on point. Thank you!

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you for the feedback

[@Tidehigh999]

This was a wonderful video! So informative and we are using it as a guide on our upcoming build!

[@caitlinlittleford333]

Super informative, thank you!

[@JoyFamm]

You are welcome

[@anatrivel5443]

Tysm ! What’s better quarts or granite countertops? How to clean them? Pros and one will be appreciated ty

[@daisywandernurse2354]

This video was so helpful! My seller is only using limited floor plans and cosmetic upgrades because supplies are scarce due to the pandemic and I really wanted quartz counter tops because I love that white with the grey veining. I also wanted a frameless shower but again, supplies lol. Good to know I can upgrade later on down the line. I do plan to build on an outside patio as well and loved what you did with yours! Your video was very well put together and very informative. You have a new subscriber here!

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you Daisy. We are glad you going the information valuable. Welcome to the Famm

[@donnalafrance9028]

wonerful advice. thank you for this information..

[@JoyFamm]

You are so welcome!

[@soromidee]

Could anyone tell the similarities between the house here and the empty house tour house?

[@JoyFamm]

😮

[@JenniferVollman]

Thank you! Great information.

[@brendastraley8829]

Tub rule is normally 1 tub in the home. People have little kids/babies and even some pets that need a tub. Plus some people love having a bath.

[@JoyFamm]

Amen!!!

[@cedricwilford]

Great job with this video. Thanks for your thoughts

[@blueheart978]

Super helpful. Thank yo !

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you

[@linnsoltwedel]

This was a very informal video! :)

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you I guess

[@MiVidaBellisima]

If you’re going for a custom builder on this context, wouldn’t you be in an HOA for sure and therefore adding a pool later might be out of the question?

[@Beez187]

Great video, great advice and overall good stuff. Keep 'em coming. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you bee J

[@Beez187]

@@JoyFamm no, thank you. Keep the vids coming. 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾

[@SweetVillageGyal]

Great video and advice

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you nevaeh

[@nope_n0pe]

We chose to upgrade our lot for a small premium because we get a brick wall as part of our yard. Our lot is also longer. I was always against premium lots but for the plan we wanted/needed, we needed a bigger lot. So I chose the cheapest one lol We have some neighborhood amenities right by this lot, too. But I agree with you on upgrading a lot for the most part xo

[@JoyFamm]

It seems your lot came with a lot more added bonus, I think you made the best choice in that situation. Congratulations on your house. Thank you Felicia

[@Preciousjobel]

Mary you nailed it. Love this info

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you Chioma, So it’s only Mary that nailed it Abi lol

[@jasontran6916]

Very details and helpful! Thank you 😊

[@faithroy532]

Great information. Love the video

[@JoyFamm]

Thank you faith

[@TuTran-lq6vc]

Thanks for sharing

[@alwells7629]

Useful info thx

[@yakkityack6]

Pre wiring, do you mean at design center or with the builder when you walk through?

[@JoyFamm]

Both, sometimes you can get away with more by telling the builder in charge of your home to put it more pre wire. Both usually all the pre wire is included in the planning phase

[@Dreamasasn]

Thank you!

[@JoyFamm]

Yw

[@mariasubercool]

I would love to know the name of your carpenter doing that cabinetry! I'm in Houston as well

[@JoyFamm]

Sanchez cabinets Houston Tx (Saul)