**MUST WATCH** What We Spent at The Design Center | FULL BREAKDOWN Over $50K | New Build Home

If you are in the process of building your home or looking to do so in the future, this is the video for you.
We're going in depth to show you every option and upgrade we chose during our design center appointment . We break it down into three sections. Structural options, electrical option, and interior options.
We explain what home upgrades we did and why! Plus a few design center tips along the way
Social Media handles:
Akeems IG: akeemknows
Missie's IG: missiedenise
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[e-mail]
Missie's Online Boutique: www.KennedyJade.com
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[@TheChosenSeer]

I love seeing a successful black couple. It’s so motivating. You guys seem so chill!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you for that! I’d like to think we’re pretty chill lol. We love to have fun, and enjoy life we’re literally best friends and that’s makes it easy for sure.

[@prosfromdover8860]

What about the blue and the green couples?? Why does it have to be about color?

[@MissieandAkeem]

@@prosfromdover8860 it’s not about color. It’s about connection and representation. The same way a single mom can be proud of another single mom from accomplishing something major despite the odds Kudos to all the blue and green people that accomplished something major. Any decent human would be happy for them but watching someone of your culture do it hits differently and any decent human should understand that also. When the Asian American community showed pride/proud of Suni Lee for just winning the gold medal for Team USA, it’s not to say they wouldn’t have been happy with whomever won, but the fact that they share the same heritage is inspiring to their culture.

[@Chan_Chan3300]

I love this video, finally a couple that breaks down cost because everyone else keeps it so secretive. I love y’all’s house tour video.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you! I understand why most are private but our goal is to be as transparent as possible as long as it's not putting us in a bad situation. We noticed when we look for things on YT, no one talks numbers.

[@Tee.Rogers]

I’m glad you all got what u wanted.. after u wait for new construction.. who wants to really have to go through renovations (after closing) to get what they really want.. so I say if you have the money and they have the options you want go for it.

[@MissieandAkeem]

very true! We just had to go for it

[@josephinebournes8212]

I completely agree 👍🏾 I'm building new construction in DC and I've already submitted 2 change orders to get the builder to do most of my add-ons. Labor and materials are more expensive in this Covid era.

[@Tee.Rogers]

@@josephinebournes8212 it’s Shane people go through new construction and then still have have to do renovations. I could see if your just adding features for decor or the builder doesn’t have the option🤷🏽‍♀️

[@desp9734]

I loved the detail and breakdown of the figures.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you...Im glad you enjoyed the content. I was curious about how people would receive it

[@nursebondemcanada]

Same

[@ssairn]

Hey ya'll! Fellow Houstonian here 👋🏾 My hubby and I just went through the build process and I wish I had this video a year ago when we first started building. Very helpful video. I can't wait to see your interior design

[@MissieandAkeem]

Hey!!! :) we're glad to hear it was helpful. That means a lot

[@AM-ro9cr]

New subscriber! I'm so excited about finding your channel! Can't wait for all the home decor content and family vlogs! Your house is beautiful, you guys did an amazing job!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you so much!!

[@NikkiKaNikki1]

Beautiful home!! So informative. So authentic. Love y’all! It’s the kids running around the home that their parents built FOR them, for me…❤️ (Hey Zhuri!!😘) #motivation

[@MissieandAkeem]

Now just waiting on you and Gigi to visit :)

[@MyNicknash]

I was born and raised in Detroit but currently living near San Antonio! Congrats to you both, your home is beautiful. Looking to buy our forever home in 2022! New subscriber 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@MissieandAkeem]

Awesome! Thank you! How long have you been in Texas?

[@savannarummel7935]

Hi!! I’m new here, I just got done watching the house tour, it’s gorgeous by the way!!! Also Congratulations on the news house! I love how you guys broke down all of these pricings. Me & my fiancé are looking to build a house as well so this helped so much. !

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you so much!! Glad it was helpful :)

[@KaeWhitaker]

Y’all just made my day! We have the Winterstone brick and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how it would look but I’m so excited to see it and 900% satisfied I chose it! Keep winning guys we’re down in San Antonio we lived in Katy before we moved out here you’ll love the community!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Congratulations! Thank you!!

[@brit1908]

Thanx for this video, I loved it! We are in the process of building our home too in the DFW area and my final design center appointment is tomorrow. So now you guys are gonna get me in trouble because now I'm wondering if we can change to those herringbone floors 🤔 lol. Can u say budget blown ! I am a new subbie and I can't wait for more videos. Congratulations you guys on your beautiful forever home!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thanks for subbing! I get it 😂 I tried so hard to stick to the budget, but like I mentioned somethings you can’t go back on or it may cost more so you gotta get what you can 😅. Our upcoming video will talk about things we passed on and if we regret then or not! Just make sure you know what you can upgrade or add later and what you will need to do now. Good luck and congratulations!!

[@youssefhamidi8152]

Im with you on the double doors. Its a must for me.

[@avalanchecannon7911]

I love seeing successful people making their dreams comes true. It's beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you for watching

[@MissAmani_]

This was very informative and helpful!! A lot of the options you chose I am looking into myself. Thank you!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tracytuten5116]

We are going to be building in November and your videos have really been eye opening to what to expect during the process. Thanks so much for making them.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Congratulations! Glad we could help!

[@kim301516]

I can appreciate what you both did in this video. My husband and I are wanting to build so your video was very helpful.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@honey2002c]

Congratulations on your new home!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you!!

[@topkick57]

Great content. Just found you guys and now a new subscriber. I'm a numbers guy, so this type of content resonates. Beautiful home. Love the upgrades. We are building our fourth home. We've been under contract since June 21 and the lot grading is not yet complete. We are quite anxious to say the least. We thought our last home would our "forever home." We added a significant amount of upgrades to that home. When we sold it in 2021, though we sold for a great price, we only received pennies on the dollar for the upgrades. Accordingly when we contracted to build our current home we were somewhat reserved about upgrades. This builder didn't make it easy as they require 100% of the upgrades upfront. The upgrades you have shown have given us something to think about. Specifically the larger ceiling fan, floor outlets and larger cook top. Our builder requires an additional $450, per change order, per item, in addition to the cost of each item. Given how beautiful your home is, the upgrades may be worth the expense.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Hey Michael that’s for subbing and for commenting. There is a delicate dance to adding upgrades that bring you value from a livability POV and other add value from an appraisal POV. It’s fought asking for that kinda cash up front.

[@jordynnb9575]

Just found you guys and love y’all already, keep making videos

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you and we will. New videos every week

[@RP-ip4se]

Great content, keep it going. You both really thought ahead.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you! Will do!

[@marieroberson8228]

Love love love all the transparency of this video. And you tell your hubby that no everybody doesn't know about Pintrest at least I didn't until one of my besties turn me on to it a few years ago. Overall this video was great because ya'll were thorough, informative, & so helpful 👌

[@MissieandAkeem]

wait....so how many years ago did yo find out about pinterest lol?

[@marieroberson8228]

@@MissieandAkeem Maybe 2 yrs ago. I still don't use it much but she sends pics of alot of stuff from them. I know girl, I'm super late 😄

[@MissieandAkeem]

@@marieroberson8228 it’s my lifeline 😂😂 I literally put everything on there. It’s under Missie Denise if you ever want to check out my boards!!

[@meaganyvonnetv]

Thanks for sharing. This is very insightful and helpful. Beautiful new home.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jordynsmommy529]

Great video! I plan on doing new construction so I was taking notes!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@3KRacing]

My wife and I just purchased a new construction and those home upgrades add up quickly! We spent 60k in upgrades 😬 but it was cheaper to do it now vs trying to pay a contractor to demolish and install something different like tile ect. We also upgraded our appliances and insulation. The prices in Seattle are insane though I feel we could have got a ton more bang for buck and the house design is not exactly what we wanted but the location was the biggest draw for us vs design. My wife’s brother lives in the same neighborhood so was great to be neighbors long term. We spent 780k for a 3400sq ft farm house home, it’s 3 levels which we like but it doesn’t look that modern on the outside which is a downside for us. Our home will be finished in September so only a month or so left, we’re so excited!! 🙌🏽

[@MissieandAkeem]

That is AWESOME! Congratulations...that feeling as you get closing to closing is one ill never forget

[@onsbymiles4516]

Awesome home Fam!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

thank you!

[@mrssunflower72h78]

I think at times it’s better & easier to just let the builders do the upgrades! Love your video & the information! We started with a spec home but still had time for few upgrades.

[@MissieandAkeem]

So true! You got the best of both worlds too

[@karandonnakaran]

thanks for this!! its so hard finding out what upgrades cost before settling on a builder

[@MissieandAkeem]

No problem!

[@kandace1908]

Hi, Beautiful People! I just found your channel and I have been binge watching as if this is a Netflix series 😂. My husband and I will be pulling the trigger on a new construction home very soon. We live in the Humble area currently looking in the Porter, Conroe, and Katy areas. I’m just curious what home builder did you all go with? You all have a beautiful home. Congrats!!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you and congrats. We built with Perry Homes

[@ATINA271]

Thank you for this information. This video will help guide some of my decisions when its my turn. Thank you.

[@MissieandAkeem]

So glad we could help! Our new build regrets video will be coming soon!!

[@delovelyday430]

This was very informative took some great notes ...new sub and congrats💐🖐🏾

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you for subbing

[@divinakriplan6416]

You have a very beautiful house🌸. You both have a very good vision and your home turned out amazing. Can you please tell us how much was the total cost and exact area . Are there any other homes in your available I am interested. Thank you 🙏

[@Ebonyeyez7]

Love y'all videos!! We do it big in Tx lol our home is under construction and we went the same color tones... Light smokie brick with black magic paint! Love y'all's homes and enjoy watching you guys!

[@MissieandAkeem]

AYYEEE!!! Thank you! We love that Black Magic color

[@Ebonyeyez7]

@@MissieandAkeem you're welcome!

[@demegirl74]

Hi...welcome to Houston. I'm a fellow Houstonian well Sugar Land a suburb of Houston. This was an awesome video and VERY informative. I love your home, I will hopefully be building my own home in December and wish I could hire you both to design my home LOL!!! New subcriber and cant wait to see more!

[@MissieandAkeem]

LOL thank you! I'm sure yours will be beautiful! Are you documenting the process?

[@demegirl74]

@@MissieandAkeem I thought about it but its stressful trying to find a quality builder. I've purchased a home before but never built one. Do you mind sharing your builder? After talking to a few folks everyone says Perry has the best craftsmanship. Not sure who you guys used but yours is BEAUTIFUL.

[@MissieandAkeem]

@@demegirl74 We built with Perry Homes :) What area of Houston are you wanting to build in?

[@demegirl74]

@@MissieandAkeem WOW!!! My home won’t be as big as you guys…we are a family of 3. I’m looking at Harvest Green or Veranda in Richmond not too far from where I am in Sugar Land.

[@MissieandAkeem]

@@demegirl74 The good thing about Perry Homes is the quality is the same no matter what the home size is. Those are both beautiful communities too

[@NitasHomeDecor]

I enjoyed this video guys! Very informative! I also enjoyed you guys, Missy seems so low key but not low key(off camara)....definitely can tell...lol!!! Thanks guys...just subbed!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

LOL! Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it. More coming soon. Make sure you sub if you haven't already :)

[@crystalblocker976]

You have a beautiful home! We are looking to build in Houston as well. Congratulations!!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

It's a fun process... What part of houston?

[@crystalblocker976]

@@MissieandAkeem Cypress

[@ericnoak3320]

Very helpful! Thanks!!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eveharris1852]

Great info. I'm currently working on a new build and wanted to know what color mortar for your brick you chose.

[@MissieandAkeem]

We chose white mortar

[@sobunch4079]

Again congratulations very informative you guys are cute couple can't wait to see the upcoming videos on how you guys decorate I know it's going to be also

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you so much!!

[@lilyappiah4097]

Great and insightful content. Did the builder mark up the upgrades?

[@MissieandAkeem]

All the upgrades are reasonably priced

[@roslynjones5886]

This video was so informative!!!! Thank you for this information. Thank goodness you missed that horrible winter freeze. With that in mind, did you guys think of buying a generator for your home just Incase of a blackout? If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready

[@MissieandAkeem]

Glad it was helpful. We have talked about getting a generator...from the whole home to one just to power the necessities...still deciding tho

[@nietojourney9183]

Your home is so beautiful. We are building are home in Texas also! We just started the process. We are building with John Houston..is that who you guys went with?? Glad I found your channel 🤗

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thank you! We built with Perry homes.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Congrats on your build btw

[@queenpeterson1976]

Hi, thanks Missie I didn’t know either about what Pinterest was, but seen it advertised:) So no I didn’t know.

[@MissieandAkeem]

I was wrong. Lol my apologizes. It’s addicting once you do get on though. 💕

[@kchaney9735]

Yes Missie we definitely know what Pintrest is.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Seeeeee! Lol Pinterest used to be life!

[@kimlynch5830]

Good to know! Whew!

[@DivineOriginal84]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing. New subbie 😉

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thanks for subbing!

[@sirdomino1000]

Love your videos, Please what good area would you recommend for families to move to in Houston in order to build a new house? thank you

[@MissieandAkeem]

anywhere in the NW or SE suburbs of Houston

[@pamsthebest4447]

Thank you so much for sharing! New subby here! Did you guys have to pay the 60K upfront, a percentage, or add to your mortgage?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thanks for subbing! Typically with new construction, you pay a percentage (we did) of it as Earnest money that you then receive as a credit towards closing cost or you can pay for it so it doesn't get added to the mortgage

[@chocl8te]

I apologize if I may have missed it…did you share who your builder was; your home is beautiful💜💜💜

[@MissieandAkeem]

Perry Homes

[@tanishacollins7634]

Hello, nice home! Did you say what builder you used?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Perry Homes

[@ashquig836]

Black excellence! Love it 😍

[@SC-ug5mk]

Outstanding! may i ask how much was the house? moving to las vegas they are saying 20% in upgrade cost plus 25-30k on the lot on a price of $420,000

[@MissieandAkeem]

Hello at the time of closing we paid between 500 and 600 thousand, but we have gained a ton of equity due to home price increases. So this house has gone on a significant amount since 8/2020. Hope this helps.

[@tolu.a9725]

Did Westin homes build your home pls?

[@nikita4179]

Love this! Did I miss who was the builder?

[@MissieandAkeem]

we built with Perry Homes

[@mattsonfire3992]

Hi. Thanks for the information. Beautiful house! We are from Michigan too. How much was for the entire house?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Oh yea...what part of michigan?

[@mattsonfire3992]

@@MissieandAkeem Grand Rapids on the west side. We're also building a house & have been watching new construction videos. Most of the new construction video suggestions to me are Texas homes & they always seem so huge compared to here! 😅

[@MissieandAkeem]

its a lot of growth opportunity out here and the new construction market is so different

[@marvettejohnson5029]

Loved the video. Very informative. Totally agree about the double oven. I don't like how new homes now come with only a range and have the microwave above. P.S.--I wish this video didn't contain that background music. Quite distracting.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Double oven is very nice to have! A few people commented about the background music. Def should have been lowered more.

[@85Luck]

What’s the name of the herring bone tile used?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Norway- Norland Gray - interceramicusa.com/product/norway/

[@dmaxwell10686]

We are building in Wisconsin. Your upgrade prices are sooo much cheaper then up here.

[@MissieandAkeem]

really? Thats somewhat shocking becuase I know a lot of the lumber and materials now are starting to come from canada

[@MiaBrattain-Halcomb]

Our flooring upgrade cost us $25,000! It was a hard pill to swallow. We upgraded from carpet/tile to actual hardwood floors since our builder didn’t offer LVP. We ended up widening the planks and adding a distressed texture for an additional cost after that. Flooring ain’t cheap 😭.

[@MissieandAkeem]

I know that's BEAUTIFUL! Yes flooring is expensive but so worth it every time you walk in that door!

[@ThompsonsTakeOn]

Your builder's upgrade costs are very reasonable. When you said the electrical total was 1900, I about fell on the floor. Our electrical upgrades alone were over 25k. Toll Brothers is our builder. They get you coming, going, and hiding in the closet, but they do make a nice house.

[@MissieandAkeem]

yes. Perry does an amazing job with standard features

[@MissieandAkeem]

Toll Brothers is one of our favorite builders also

[@tlleaphart]

Your kitchen island looks like an upgrade. Is it? Can you provide more details about your island, such as is it custom made?

[@MissieandAkeem]

The size of the island and cabinets are standard but We got to choose where we wanted certain doors and drawers. The only thing upgraded is the countertops. We chose quartz instead of granite

[@tlleaphart]

@@MissieandAkeem 🤩 Wow! That’s Awesomesauce. Thanks so much for the information. Love your home 🏡 😍

[@thedripdrop]

What type floors is it? What type of tile and where from?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Its interceramics - Norway grey

[@zacfarnsworth]

How much was the base price for the plan you chose? At the time I should say... aka base price you started from

[@MissieandAkeem]

530K i believe

[@PrettyPlanWithMe]

Who was your builder? Which model? Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@MissieandAkeem]

We built with Perry Homes. Our plan is the 4098

[@Chan_Chan3300]

Did y’all get any incentives from the builder for structural or design upgrades?

[@MissieandAkeem]

yes, 10K

[@ihustle8599]

It’s crazy that your flooring upgrade only cost $10k.. here in Nevada for just the first floor will cost us $30k-$40k… the 10k was only to add a free standing bathtub.😢

[@benjaminjoseph2601]

Did you add/install anything yourself? Or did you pay people to do majority of the work?

[@benjaminjoseph2601]

Aside from the speaker installation

[@MissieandAkeem]

Speakers, pendant lights, cameras, are things we’ve done or plan on doing ourselves. For some of our future project ideas check out our latest video on regrets. Things we didn’t do through our builder but that we plan to do over time, including carpet removal of the steps

[@demidoll]

I don't know if it's just me but the background music is loud and distracting, but otherwise the video was very informative.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thanks for the feedback...trying to find that delicate balance when audio mixing

[@prosfromdover8860]

Good informative video....only complaint.....music is very distracting, you dont need it.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Thanks for watching. Noticed the same thing and removed music from talking head video since.

[@carmenburgos9003]

🕊✨ Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ✨💛✨ 🤲🏼 Blessings!

[@MissieandAkeem]

Same to you!

[@concernedcitizen8448]

Hi! Loved it...didnt hear where you mentioned the paint. If so, forgive me in advance and could you indicate the marker?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Which one? cabinets or wall color?

[@concernedcitizen8448]

@@MissieandAkeem both

[@MissieandAkeem]

Its Eider White by Sherwin Williams

[@concernedcitizen8448]

@@MissieandAkeem Thank you so very much!

[@anedracheree8163]

I live in Michigan I need to move to Texas hell lol

[@MissieandAkeem]

It’s a vibe lol. Seriously we do love it out here.

[@carolsegal7000]

How much was the trash/recycle drawer?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Under $200

[@batman6749]

How much did your house cost and was it worth it

[@MissieandAkeem]

The base price when we purchased was 515K. It was absolutely worth it. Aside from having a place for our family to live and grow that they can call their own....the base price has increased to almost 700K as of today. So we purchased at a perfect time.

[@danielastoica2110]

I’m building a house now but it’s not anywhere near as big as yours , $330,000 total how much was the total cost of the house did it include the lot ?! Your videos are so good! I love the stairs and high ceilings I know I can’t have that

[@MissieandAkeem]

Why do you feel like you cant have it?

[@danielastoica2110]

@@MissieandAkeem I don’t make anywhere near the money you guys have ! I’m so happy for you ! House looks great! I love high ceilings but my floor plan doesn’t offer that.

[@djames5713]

So without watching every minute..what was the total cost for everything?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Hey! The exact total is at the end. The approx amount is in the title of the video

[@danaburks3091]

Are the front doors 8 feet?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Yes all first floor doors are 8ft

[@danaburks3091]

I plan to do black exterior/white interior windows. Black on black is a costly upgrade. Were you all concerned about decorating around the bronze interior windows?

[@MissieandAkeem]

@@danaburks3091 in the beginning yes because I wasn’t sure how much the bronze would stand out against the black, like if it would be super noticeable. After being in our home 2 months now, you honestly can’t even tell. I feel like going with the super white walls really does help hide the fact that some hardware items in the house are bronze because of the drastic contrast. -Missie

[@danaburks3091]

This is the best video EVER! I have the option of granite or quartz included in my contract. I thought granite was an upgrade from quartz!!! 🤔🤭

[@kristab5024]

Pinterest is the best!! 😁😁

[@MissieandAkeem]

This!!!

[@littlebytes7578]

I absolutely hate that the majority of houses built here in the USA , are built from wood. I will def be using cement brick

[@MissieandAkeem]

where are you from?

[@littlebytes7578]

@@MissieandAkeem Detroit, but I'm well travelled

[@MissieandAkeem]

Oh ok..I thought maybe you gre wup in a area where concrete was more of the norm based on your original comment. With modern design...anything is possible. Where do you see the most beautiful cement homes...i want to check some out

[@thedcfgrp938]

People like VISUAL breakdowns… even if it’s on the iPad….

[@Ninun721]

What's going on with the background music??? It's masking your voices and makes it impossible to watch the video 😢😢😢

[@futureriver]

You better tell him your knees still work!! 😂😂😝😝

[@MissieandAkeem]

LOL

[@ashokkolla11]

You guys did a good review. It will be nice if you can remove background music. Can’t concentrate on what you speak. Thanks

[@MissieandAkeem]

Hey Ashok. Yes we got that feedback a few times. We didn't realize it was up as high until it was too late and there is no way to remove it after the fact.

[@vienna844]

Perry ?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Yes

[@dokassi7976]

What home builder?

[@MissieandAkeem]

Perry homes

[@vienna844]

Thought so

[@shawngoode571]

The music in the back make it hard to heat

[@MissieandAkeem]

We know. We’ve addressed this previously.

[@ambertyler1684]

Can y’all turn the music down next time? It’s hard to listen and follow you guys.

[@MissieandAkeem]

We got a few comments saying the same. We definitely appreciate the heads up and we fixed it in all our videos since

[@DELACREMEDELA]

I can only imagine how amazing your conversations and interactions would be if y’all get high together.

[@MissieandAkeem]

Lol