New Construction Design Center Tips: Don’t Waste Your Money on These

Save yourself tons of money and watch this video if you are thinking about building a new home or are in the process. These new home design center tips will help you know where you shouldn’t waste your money!
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[@CoralHoyt]

Learn how to create a home color palette with my FREE Color Palette Crash Course: bit.ly/2Z3LUnz

[@billriz4573]

refreshing to hear a frugal and sensible home building tip video...sending my father to meet yours to ask for your hand, we can offer 2 goats😁

[@JamesMcGovern2738]

I am curious as to why designers never specify shower bases as part of bathroom remodels?

[@barnes-md7mf]

I think the reason a lot of people upgrade with the builder is so that its financed within the mortgage and they dont have to come up with the cash or another financing plan.

[@patrickcruz8178]

Absolutely

[@jamesmulroy4919]

And your paying for that upgrade for 30 years do the math !!

[@natesm2893]

Upgrades usually do not add value to the loan appraiser. Unless it is more rooms and bathrooms. Quartz countertops or hardwood floors and other similar things will not bring up the appraisal value usually. So you will be paying cash for this upgrades as in a bigger down payment to make up the difference.

[@ariboog4069]

But then you're financing for 30 years that not-so-cheap-anymore flooring and installation cost tray you're supposed to toss the minute you close on the house.

[@USA-qm2bk]

@@natesm2893 nothing to do with the comment

[@z06realtor32]

Realtor advice: the front of your home is the first picture anyone see’s online when it’s for sale. In today’s market I strongly support choosing the best exterior look as that could be the difference of someone clicking on more photos of your home or not. I understand that day to day it doesn’t add much value to the inside, but overall it adds a ton of value to the overall home.

[@KathyYuenOfficial]

That's great advice! As a custom home designer who's designed 600+ homes, I can say that it's absolutely critical to have the front exterior perfect! We ways put a large focus on our front curb appeal.

[@zackshell4033]

Yeah, this is the only one I HARD disagreed with. What you see every day has to be something you like. What others see has to be something they'd be pulled to if you're selling your house.

[@sred5856]

Both of you are right. Some elevations are not all that different from each other, hence no need to waste money on a look that others may not like. But to your point, if adding a Bay window or an architectural detail is an option, it is worth it. Eventually it boils down to how much the builder doesnt jack the price.

[@w121mxb]

Not true, as a buyer I have realized a lot of houses with nice exterior look awful inside and vice versa.

[@z0diak08]

When I see a listing that shows interior first, I know the outside must be ugly lol If the outside is nice, I'm intrigued to see what's inside...

[@andyandyandandy9]

I disagree on the elevation. The elevation on the outside of your house does add value to the home.

[@JamesJones-zz6mr]

Yes, curb appeal matters

[@jshapiro34]

Depends on that elevation is it rock is it brick or is it just switching the same shitty vinal siding around? Yes value is there for instance modern farmhouses are blowing up thanks Joanne gaines so french country style is getting left out and in a few years will be worth more because they will have a smaller market and be different

[@brandona.deimel5155]

By definition it really doesn't add "value" Triple pane windows is value. I don't care who comes into the house they know 3 panes of glass is good. But elevation is based on taste. Some will find your elevation beautiful and think it adds value and others will find it ugly and think it decreases the value. To me value is what adds to the house price no matter who steps into the house to look at it. Windows, Insulation, Electrical, etc

[@pariskent6155]

Agreed! I upgraded my elevation to the most expensive brick and stone combo. It was only 3,000 more from the base price so I feel as if it was worth the money. Curb appeal is important to a lot of people.

[@marci.5597]

In our community elevations are pre-set by lot, but the builders do not charge more or less based on the elevation. If you don't like the elevation assigned to the house on a particular lot, choose another lot with the same model house and different elevation - same price. We like our stone exterior "European Cottage" elevation better then the "Western Regional Farmhouse" exterior. This is done to make sure the streets in the neighborhood have a good mix/variety of houses and look diverse.

[@engagedgothgirl]

What i summed it up as is get level one everything (as long as its cost effective to change later) and change it later . 👍

[@charbelkhouri9653]

i agree with everything except the granite, and backsplash part and elevation. if you are planning to live in the home i would strongly recommend to eat the bullet and pay extra for the countertop and backsplash that you like. this is not something that you will change in the short term so might aswell get it from the beginning. As for the elevation part, this would strongly increase your property value. having brick/ stone in the front of the house will add significant resale value as opposed to vinyl. trust me on this, even if you have to pay 15k for a brick/stone face you should do it, this will add at least 50k to your resale value. i would add to the dont waste your money list: sinks, toilet, door knobs, and faucets. one supporting point for paint upgrades is that the house will def settle in the first 1-2 years. this will create cracks in the drywall all over the house and you wil have to seal and paint the edges all over again. just choose the basic paint and have a mini project 2 years later with the color of your liking!!

[@jaxkewl]

Elevation is actually really important especially if they have it with a portico. It provides a large covered area that is really functional. Think of getting packages, places for security cameras , Xmas decorations, place to put coffee table and chairs. It’s like a deck but for the front. Curb appeal is really important if you want your house to stand out amongst the others who didn’t want to pay extra for the elevation.

[@andywilliams8928]

Totally agree and when she said that I pretty much threw everything else she said out the window…

[@jimmura9219]

So much of what you said depends on the specific builder. We found upgrade prices very reasonable with our builder and saved money upgrading versus doing it later.

[@eleanoreagly4844]

Purchased a new construction, had carpet removed, then had full thickness oak flooring entire first floor, right over the vinyl in kitchen. 18 years later so pleased I had it done. Looks great, adds value for resale.

[@Jtmony07]

These were really good tips. We did many of these upgrades on our own for a lot cheaper than what the builder was charging. I would also suggest doing your kitchen backslash to this list. Have the builder do the plumbing work, like adding a pot filler, but do the backslash yourself.

[@melbruning]

I'm actually glad i stumbled on to your channel. We just purchased a new construction home and this gave me great ideas for when i do get to meet with the design center. Thanks!!

[@gonefishing3644]

We have always had to replace the light fixtures, faucet sets, cabinet knobs and interior door handles, after purchase, in every new or used house we have bought. The low-end builder grade stuff just does not stand up to daily use or it just does not look good. And sometimes the cheaper builders even choose not to install knobs and handles on cabinetry of a new house, so the new owners have to get this done at their own expense or do without. If I did not like the basic tile options a builder offered, I believe I would have chosen the option of bare concrete floors with the builder just stacking the wrong-color tiles in a closet somewhere. After purchasing the house, I would have gone to a big box hardware store or an independent design center or hired a designer to find a really nice style of porcelain tiles as a forever floor covering and paid workmen to install the tiles. Or I would just not have signed a contract to buy from that builder/developer. There are plenty of builders/developers out there who are willing to not install something if you do not want it in your new house. I have learned it is better to pay more to get good quality solid surface flooring (tile or stone) installed on the ground floor instead of the less costly choice of wall-to-wall stapled down synthetic carpeting. Good quality solid surface flooring can last for several generations, is easier to keep clean, does not provide a home for dust mites and mildew, can add to the value of the home and costs less in the long run. And I would have priced hiring my own painters and buying my own interior paints versus the cost of choosing the builder's paint upgrades. I would have had the interior painting done in the desired colors before moving in my furniture. It is a real pain having to move furniture and art work from a room so that walls and ceiling can be painted. My current home's interior is painted in specialty colors of paints that are made without volatile organic compounds (no-VOC) and I hired the painting crew and bought the paint. Except for the four bathrooms, butler's pantry and laundry room, all my 12-foot and 14-foot ceilings are painted a very pale shade of silvery blue and the walls are in three different intensities of olive green because I was sick of all those pale shades of beige and gray and off-white that builders use. I have not regretted paying more to get the exact colors of high quality interior paint I wanted. The bottom line is: do it right the first time and pay a larger amount just once instead of settling for the cheaper, builder grade stuff and having to pay again later to get better quality replacements. Doing it right the first time with high quality materials usually costs less in the long run. And if a builder/developer is not willing to be flexible, I would just walk away and find a different new development where I could have the design choices I wanted.

[@ragdadtx1835]

I'm a realtor in SW FL. The two things I would advise a client is to 1) Select the elevation that you like the best that you can afford. Trying to change the elevation afterwards would be cost prohibitive, and your HOA would probably not allow it. And, 2) Upgrade your counters in the kitchen and bathrooms to a level 1 Quartz if you can afford it. O/W, stick with the basic level 1 Granite.

[@sidney2900]

Exactly 👌🏻

[@carolwilliams2356]

I mostly agree with all of your suggestions. We built on acreage and love our big windows.

[@bedi09]

This is exact same experience we had when we built our house 1 year ago. I followed almost all the points you mentioned. 1 thing I would like to add is that new homes come with LED lights. They may not hold the weight of fan or chandelier. Don't skip on getting fan boxes for places where you want these items. And add all the electric outlets as you can afford during construction. For holiday lights, for security cameras, for appliances and so on.

[@HollyWoodLife16]

Yes! Or if you dont get the LED option which is more expensive, there will be a lot of work to add it later. It is also pretty costly.

[@mermaidtingzzz]

You can adjust the number of outlets??? Good to know, or at least be aware of to ask the builder.

[@BinnieB81]

As someone who has tiled a home, it’s not that much of a pain and it adds value.

[@viewfromthehillswift6979]

Forget resale, the elevation is what you come home to after work, what you see when you're mowing the lawn or washing the car. It matters, just like your furniture and what you hang on your walls.

[@Sean-mc4iq]

Most elevations do add value when it comes to more brick on the outside. In addition, to curb appeal being a large seller these days.

[@WitdaSmiths]

Agreed!

[@happynurse1062]

Especially if you’re upgrading from vinyl siding to stone!

[@hkbabe242]

I agree we are purchasing a new construction home soon and our lot is a corner lot with the highest elevation. 😀 it looks beautiful!

[@mssan2016]

@@hkbabe242 Nice! At some point it's not about value, but what you like!!!

[@Michael-li3id]

upgrading our elevation from a single porch to a double stacked porch in Charleston was only $5k. It was a no brainer, we'll get that back 3fold when we sell.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I agree with you but most of the time, upgrades are built into the cost of the mortgage which is doable for most people rather than going to the store and opening accounts for 25% interest. You pay it over 20 or 30 years. There is that. Also, if something costs you 2000 at the store and the upgrade would be 3500 and the basic is 2000, now you've potentially paid for the store item plus your base item. Instead of 3500 now you are paying 4000 plus higher interest in a short amount of time.

[@MegaThepow]

MamaDee Don’t forget about $3500 you pay in interest for 30 years. It’s cheaper to pay 2000 afterward of you have money, or some store will provide you with 0 interest for 12-24 months

[@theparksfamily8739]

Yes and Yes. But no and also, no. It all depends on exit strategy for the home purchase. Out of pocket money is out of pocket money.

[@lazulin]

Why even build a home if you're going to be going cheap and later replacing fixtures, flooring, tiles, paint, and countertops? If I'm going to replace everything... I can get a way better deal buying a house that's not brand new and putting in the renovations. New homes are sold at a premium. So either get what you want... or buy an existing house. As a bonus, you'll get an established neighborhood too. Also - I definitely wouldn't skimp on elevations. If your house looks 'ugly' and you're reselling, a bunch of people won't even go and see it. So if the basic elevation is ugly... I'd definitely pay the money to get a nicer elevation. It's not really something you can change later.

[@adrianaleon8077]

exactly ✌️

[@jenniferwiilis5267]

And how is buying something twice cheaper 🤔

[@juliel5474]

I agree with you for the elevation. Choosing the one that suits your style and will have better resale is worth it. In terms of buying new or used home it all depends on your market. Where I live you could get a house from a builder for less than an older home because there’s currently a shortage and lots of bidding wars. With those bidding wars I’ve seen a-lot of people make offers with no conditions, no inspections. Wheres with the builder theres no bidding war, you pay what they list the houses at. Upgrades can be extremely costly, and could bring you over your borrowing limit, therefore doing some things later down the line, just like you would with an older home makes sense sometimes.

[@ChipsOutdoorChannel]

If the elevation adds brick, it decreases future maintenance and adds a bit of R-value to the home, so that's something to consider. I would be interested to see if having the builder put carpet in and later replace it with wood would be worth the hassle with the potential price savings. Something to think about anyways! Those were some good tips!

[@jaysantos536]

" I would be interested to see if having the builder put carpet in and later replace it with wood would be worth the hassle with the potential price savings." NO, do not waste time and hassle..Just get the wood flooring you want when the house is built. Most builders will just tell you to go to THEIR supplier and pick something out.

[@the1atcpc]

Thank you for the advice! I'm headed to the design center next month and your tips were great!

[@TheCandaceAmos]

Showing this video to my significant other. I followed all of your tips! lol...

[@annkoehler8017]

Coral, this was an extremely informative video. It was very well thought out, and very well executed. We're in our planning phase right now, and it's great to realize that it's about give and take, and that it's something to think about, whether or not to let the builders do their thing for the price agreed upon, then go in later to have changes done, like the carpeting/tile/wood flooring and painted walls and ceilings, or just have them do their upgrades. We also didn't know that construction companies won't let you bring in your "other team" to work on certain aspects of the house. I wonder if that's iron clad with all companies, or perhaps some of them will allow it; I guess it never hurts to ask . We also didn't even know what "elevations" were in construction. Finally, I know of two builders in our area that we just will not use. They build using their "cookie cutter" home models, and the only changes they will do are the colors, textures, and interchangeable items; never anything like resizing or shaping the structure. We're currently in the market for a developer or builder, whether custom or main stream, that will build to our specifications, or something close to it.

[@BusinessBox13]

What was the price difference btwn upgrading the flooring vs having it ripped up and replaced w/new flooring???

[@Prolui]

The production on this video is really nice. You gave a lot of great tips here.

[@CoralHoyt]

Thanks so much!

[@patkim8633]

That's a good information for those who are thinking about buying a new house. Thanks.

[@alexhamm-realestateinvesti5496]

Hello, Coral. Thank you for the content

[@TVBCStudios]

Excellent tips. My wife and I are looking to go with new construction and will take advantage of those tips on going with level 1 paint and carpet to save on costs. We plan to get the nice quartz countertops though. thanks again

[@callalilly4743]

Just started this process and trying not to get overwhelmed.

[@natashafuller-lucas6840]

Me too 😩

[@HollyWoodLife16]

it definitely can be a lot

[@mrs.delgado7370]

We had a fixer upper as a first home, a new construction for our second. What I learned when we removed carpet at the fixer upper, it is expensive to do floors and it is a pain to deal with the contractors. With the new construction we learned, get the structural upgrades that you need if you can afford it. Floors, counters, cabinets, patios are all worth it. The builder gives you a good deal compared to what you would pay out of pocket in labor and material with a contractor.

[@tinadsmith1281]

Going to design center tomorrow lol thanks Coral, your video was so helpful!!!!

[@xxTypeRxx]

Thank you for your advice. We’ll be purchasing a home this year and definitely don’t wish to waste our money where we don’t need to.

[@NoFeArChiC2]

This is insanely helpful. Thank you so much!

[@marissaschultz9179]

Most elevations are predetermined based on the lot you are choosing. We had the cheapest lot but with the most expensive facade but was still 100% worth it. The other lots were still $10k more than ours & we have the best curb appeal, just on a corner lot.

[@CoinsInTheWild]

great video this is very helpful!

[@jaynefranzinoromero1640]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@RicardoHernandez-zr1pw]

I did the design center in about an hour and it was via FaceTime. I’m excited to see my choices in my new house tomorrow.

[@AmandaAvenue]

Thanks for sharing.. im in the middle of building. Very helpful. You have the same type of pendant light in yiur kitchen that I use to have. I went to lowes and bought just the pendant shades and replace the shades only. Cost me only $50 (two shades).

[@yngdubu]

This video was sooo helpful. Thank you!!

[@dianaw4072]

Super helpful! Thank you:)

[@arianejackson4349]

Yes she is spilling so much tea🍵 smart woman all your advice is .amazing👏 yall everything is true 👍 always wait to upgrade 😉

[@casper8058]

Thank you that was very beneficial I’m looking to buy my first home and I needed to know that thank you very much it was very helpful

[@aksmaydeo]

Hello Coral, thank you for sharing such great tips! Have a question : I'm considering the wood feel tiles for our house, but would like to know how the tiles feel during the winter days? How cold does it get at your place?

[@raphaeloffodile3906]

Thank you so much. You ve saved me money.

[@lissaunique]

This video was so helpful . Thank you so much

[@windcancersurvivor5120]

Great info! Thanks!

[@springs1978]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@christinazamora7277]

Interesting really good point! I agree with your flooring suggestion if it does price out better but always do it if you will replace tile! I think the granite part does depend on tastes. It is not something you want to pay out of pocket for afterward and might not be that expensive to get something you actually like (grand scheme of things $30 in a payment?)

[@ThomsonVarghese22]

Well Elevation upgrades can adds lot of value and strength to your house! A Brick elevation is worth the additional 1000s of dollars when compared to a cement board siding or even versus a vinyl siding. When a storm or hurricane rolls by, you would be glad that you invested in brick or stone elevation

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great information. I appreciate it.

[@recoil669]

QQ I want water to come out of my fridge like the one you pictured, I think I have a fridge included but is it a pain to run a waterline to the fridge after the fact?

[@sivapraveenkumarchabrolu437]

@Coral Hoyt Can you pitch in on kitchen cabinets or shelves, is upgrading in that area is a better way to go? Please explain

[@cque7450]

I love hardwood flood throughout the whole house. It looks so clean

[@jimmura9219]

Unless you have dogs ..... then see them scratched within months. But I hate carpet... so LVP and area rugs that can be tossed

[@Angelaius]

Thats same with tiles. Makes home clean looking. Way more than hardwood.

[@ariboog4069]

While I see that builders overcharge for upgrades,there is no way I'm saving that much money by having to buy things twice. The flooring example being a good one. You pay the builder for cheap flooring and pay the store for nicer flooring before you use up the cheap kind. Maybe the savings aren't as relevant if your add your numbers properly. For example, with your plan, you're paying for installation twice, but because the builder isn't giving you the disclosure of that cost, you think you're in savings haven. My builder had an allowance system that included a small amount for their basics and then I could buy whatever I wanted and have them install. That worked really well for us. The only thing I regretted was landscaping, wich was a rip off and we still had to upgrade after closing, but I didn't get rid of what he builder gave me and in the end we got the house we wanted.

[@sidney2900]

Completely agree

[@bamawhitney]

A few good tips here for sure. We are in the process now and only spent $ on upgrades for the cabinets and 8 foot doors. We plan to rip out the builder carpet, tile, toilets, sinks, counters, tacky wire shelves, change all door hardware and more before we move in. $100K after we close to make a production build more custom and unique is the route we are taking.

[@ab.6031]

Love the video. I just subscribed

[@sergioperez5730]

So much craziness!! That’s why it’s better to pay cash in phases. I have the options for what ever I want.

[@tulipthorn]

Thanks for sharing.

[@happynurse1062]

All the level one granite is ugly though, I upgraded mine and have no regrets. The speckled 90’s granite is so unattractive to me. I’m not the average buyer though lol

[@BNV_STUDIO]

I’ve upgraded my granite in my former house too. It was definitely a must because I would have to put up with the level 1 granite and it would have bothered my eyes lol

[@mrs.delgado7370]

First time we bought new construction We choose the level 1 granite. Under construction again, we now did level 2. It is so much nicer! If it is within budget I say get the upgrade.

[@drewcutrer5767]

Whatever.

[@lustrae]

We had a builder that put in pull chain lights for us everywhere to save even more money over “boob lights”. We went in and put in all our own lighting fixtures. I agree with the tile and carpet statements. I recommend having the builder NOT put in those big plain slab mirrors in the bathrooms. They damage your wall if you take them off. Purchasing individual mirrors looks so much better. Do not have builder install knobs and pulls on cabinets. Put up your own tile backsplash in the kitchen. You have many more options than the design center. Have builder put insulation in the ceiling between the floors of two story houses to cut down on noise. If you want solid core doors, have the builder put those in. Have the builder finish your basement (if this applies to you). It’s more expensive to do after the fact. If you live in a very hot or cold climate and have bedrooms over a garage, think about extra insulation in your garage walls. You can add insulation to garage doors yourself. If you drive, or are planning on driving, an electric car, have the builder at least wire your garage for a charger. Also, if you need a plug for a freezer in the garage, have them do that as well.

[@shawn2296]

love everything you said one thing to add would be if anything structural like a window or patio door or covered patio to do it because that is hard to do later but love this advice

[@anjusspicegarden7900]

GREAT CONTENT!!

[@elijahtimarky3857]

Thank you so much

[@natashaanderson8333]

The upgraded elevation adds curb appeal when you are selling your home later down the line.

[@todddenen]

Good stuff... thanks.

[@truckingwithtobee]

Thanks!

[@csApollo11]

Thank you so much for the informative video! One question: why didn't you put carpet on your kitchen floor and go with the flooring company like the rest of the living area? Bathroom tile I understand since it goes up the walls that's not the case for kitchens.

[@annenniee6375]

Helpful Video! My husband and I just signed the contract. Going to the design center nextweek!

[@CoralHoyt]

That's awesome! Have fun!

[@annenniee6375]

@@CoralHoyt We just had it yesterday and It was fun! Your video helped us decide on where we should focus our budget with upgrades

[@CoralHoyt]

@@annenniee6375 I'm so glad to hear that! 💗

[@vazyvas4712]

Great video! How long did it take to build?

[@lauraloock3171]

How much cheaper was it to add the flooring you wanted? I think our flooring is 8,000 with the upgraded flooring. I’m thinking ripping out carpet and having it installed would be about the same..

[@TotesMAGoats69]

Many builders are different. Ryan homes usually only offers color scheme packages to make it easy. Others you can choose a la cart options. Many don't offer granite or add standard like your builder did. As a former New Homes Sales person and Builder, I would say always upgrade to granite if not already. If bathrooms are vinyl, upgrade to the lvl 2 tile (12"x16"). Recessed lights in the kitchen. Upgrade kitchen and bath cabinets to White or Java (Lvl 3). Always get the ceiling fan prewires in the BRs and Family Room. Upgrade the outside elevation if you can afford the extra $10000 for stone or brick and usually a longer porch. If you home has a basement, make make make sure you get the bathroom rough in. And maybe and exit out of the back if you think its worth it.

[@RicardoBaladron]

Instead of saying “a loooot” more money, tel us How Much! 🙄

[@JamesJones-zz6mr]

Exactly! Vague statement versus quantified adds context.

[@dianaw4072]

I'm sure it varies so much that it wouldnt make sense to give a number.

[@ashleywest326]

@@dianaw4072 she could give examples or percentages. Idk to her 1000 bucks might be a ton of money, but to me its really not, depending what its for. Its hard to have any frame of reference if shes just saying youll save a ton of money.

[@bravehats]

She doesn't want her friends to know.

[@wordeeone4996]

ashley otto ask the builder you’re working with because it will vary.

[@TheAndrew1969]

Great video! My wife and I are trying to figure out if it will be worth it to install wood like tile through an independent contractor after closing. My only concern is the price will be a lot higher due to ripping up the tile that has to be installed in the kitchen/bathrooms. I wonder how much I can save by doing this

[@jaysantos536]

"ripping up the tile that has to be installed in the kitchen/bathrooms?" No no and NO. Ripping up tile is ALWAYS more expensive AND a big hassle because you will be out of the house (in a hotel) at least a week while its being done. Get the tile or wood you want DURING consruction!

[@erichaglund7429]

I think you have to be careful about just assuming you can "do it better later". When you do that, you are really paying twice for something you could have just paid for once in the beginning and been done with it. When we built our home, the cost for them painting rooms in the colors we wanted was extremely reasonable. Same with flooring-- get what you want that doesn't blow your budget. Otherwise, again, you are paying twice for materials and installation. And now you have the additional burden of having to move stuff around, potentially be displaced, etc.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Depends on how much they're charging, what paint they use and how good a job they do. If I find paint where it doesn't belong (inside breaker box door) or they figure I won't look inside all the closets, I'm going to wonder what else they half-assed. Or, if they use cheap paint and basically slap it up there. Then charge way too much for that. It has to be at least Behr's Marquee.

[@g-higbee9870]

What editor do you use?

[@ginger_breadman]

Are these tips for production builders? If I’m going the custom build route will it be different?

[@gerardoarroyo5227]

I have a question would u upgrade your kitchen tile to wood look tile

[@dnvr12]

I agree with a lot of this with the exception of the exterior… While yes its very well possible to get similar value on the home with most exterior I will say the durability of a Brick front as opposed to a traditional siding is vastly different and will out last cheap warping siding so thats something to be mindful of depending how long you are staying in the home. Also Vinyl shows dirt a bit more than brick so you may just have to pressure wash more than you will with brick depending on where you live. Painting i agree Appliances i agree, some opt for certain things because they dont have the liquid cash to go buy certain things so the use mortgage

[@dhiraj027in]

Is there a quality difference in a Level 1 vs Level 5 wood flooring? or its just more color options you get with Level 5?

[@annamariethompson116]

The builder's upgrades are inflated,often not worth it! We chose an over the range microwave instead of the hood ,the 450.00 dollar charge(turned out to be a 100.00 dollar model as we later found out.) Before looking for home's, Go price out item's,it could safe you some money.

[@mermaidtingzzz]

Great advice! But opting for the microwave probably changed electrical needs and parts. So considering labor costs if you'd installed w a 3rd party, you probably still paid a reasonable price with everything considered, right?

[@annamariethompson116]

@@mermaidtingzzz The hood having both vents & lighting ,Would have required the electrical outlet as well. If not,then you'd be correct and the electrical would need to be considered. I'm pointing out the cost of just the microwave.Which we later had to replace. My husband & Granddaughter installed it,Turns out it's not that difficult, just a little heavy.

[@carissafisher7514]

It is the installation. I still have my microwave on my counter because I wanted the button that you push, to open the microwave door.

[@annamariethompson116]

@@carissafisher7514 Yes,less stress on that handle, which for us was plastic & eventually broke.

[@kondradtan1570]

Very helpful

[@CoralHoyt]

Thanks!

[@e-commerceebooks1033]

Informative video. Can i refer you to a new business directory to post your video? No charge

[@sheratzubair2504]

How much did you spend on Installing tiles (Tile cost, labor cost, removing existing tile and carpet cost) and what was the square footages?

[@lailagarces6958]

How do you feel about silestone ?

[@virginiac5471]

I have that same tile in my bathroom and really hate it, do you have any ideas on how to make it look better or how to give it a different look?

[@mermaidtingzzz]

What do you hate about it? Maybe try some spa-like decor to improve the over all aesthetic, that tile seems like it would go well with that!

[@kianabrash]

The highest for my builder was tier 5- I got EVERYTHING at the highest level and EVERY upgrade except for built in surround sound. NO regrets- especially on the floor expensive for sure, but the vinyl scratch/stain resistant flooring ran throughout will NEVER have to be replaced... we built for $510k and its already appreciated to $550k in ONE year with the higher upgrades making a HUGE difference for the comps!

[@janehoe.]

But paint?

[@iamsimplyychrissyy]

Awesome video. It really helped give a better idea of what are better options. Were your wood floors laminate by chance? I noticed you said wood tiles. I wasn’t sure if that was different or the same thing

[@CoralHoyt]

They are different. What we had installed is actually porcelain tile. It's just made to look like wood floors. We decided to go with "wood look" tile because it's so durable and still looks like wood floors.

[@mermaidtingzzz]

@@CoralHoyt I noticed you said tile too. Very nice! Never heard of porcelain wood-style tiles before, they look legit! Are they colder because of the material? How have they held up so far?

[@Queenin06]

Omgggg you look like Melissa Joan Hart(Sabrina the teenage witch) anyway good tips thanks ♥️

[@Beautyboss22]

We upgraded everything and no regrets 🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@BekaRuth]

I disagree about the elevation if you are moving into a neighborhood with an HOA. If you can get the builder to do what you want, you don't later have to try to convince the HOA to approve changes.

[@ttof80biz]

Spot on on everything but the elevation

[@kmb655]

Cuuuute jacket😊

[@lifeismusic5529]

Do builders allow you to not put some things on at all? Like not put flooring down? So you can come in and have someone put on w/o having to pull up carpets? Or do they have to at least put carpet down?

[@TreJ999]

Great advice overall! I think all the semi custom builders offer different things. So, do the research and compare prices.

[@jurgen129]

So builders in the US typically allow to exclude certain parts of the work entirely? E.g. leave the floor "unfloored" or without kitchen and get cash instead?

[@tombeegeeeye5765]

What about kitchen cabinets the basic builder grades are bot that nice motly particle board.

[@michellepacheco1187]

When exactly does the closing happen? After design center; before construction begins or midway? Thanks!

[@Swimmeret317]

@MichellePacheco closing is when construction is complete, flooring/painting/cabinets etc.

[@puja9689]

Would you be able to share how much your upgrades costed..so we can opt for those..you definitely make a lot of sense and it worked out for you..so maybe we can sallow the same process

[@jorgesmith2000]

What if there is an option to upgrade to quartz countertops instead of granite?