The Most Important Design Center Upgrades for New Construction Homes | Unnecessary Builder Upgrades

[@brendahutcherson7086]

I love the way you bring things out and more realistic with them.The information you give is preparing me more and more every time you come to this channel.I appreciate you so very much and my home will be in North Carolina just haven’t decided where in n.c. But I promise I am coming for you in every way that I need help.Thank you so very much,you are a blessing.👍👍👍👍🎉👏👏👏

[@advisorSirAshley]

Wow! Thank you Brenda for the kind words. I would be honored to assist you when the time is ready

[@djdj216]

Just signed a purchase agreement and have a design center appointment lined up, and I'm glad to say - my wife and I made all the decisions that you advised! Brings me peace of mind. Thank you, and keep doing what you're doing!

[@BIGJ-kb3vc]

Having a home built now, and everything you suggested is exactly what I did when I went to the design center. It saved me a lot of money. And the design center doesn’t have a large selection on things like ceiling fans, but the markup is ridiculous. You can even do better on certain lighting. Just have builder do the pre wire. Very informative video! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@lors9]

Ever since i found this channe ive been binging all your videos, Cant wait to watch as many as possible!

[@Love4puppies]

Extremely helpful as always! I completely agree! I am with you on flooring. Unless you have the time and money without putting it on a credit card to do it after closing but before moving in, I feel like doing the flooring with the builder is worth it for not having the hassle:)

[@dalmighty5568]

I bought my new build last year and I WISH this video was posted before then. This is probably the best advice video I've seen so far.

[@dawnagest2918]

Great advice! I appreciate that you were detailed in your explanations. I am starting the build process on my 6th house and everything you have said is spot on! Looking forward to more videos.

[@KDB-sw8gi]

Fantastic, content! Our home is a new construct, here in NJ. Getting ready to relocate to the Carolinas and find all your info. GREAT!

[@advisorSirAshley]

Come on down! If you need any help or have any questions about the Carolina. Dont hesitate to reach out.

[@Ms.T2U]

Good advice! Our builder offered a beautiful backslash that was standard for our community. We went with it. We're building in Richmond, VA.

[@tparentful]

So helpful! I'd love a video on floorplans that help resale! Like include a study, opt for 4th bedroom vs loft, master downstairs and so on.

[@jonathanbumstead1183]

Great video, clear and straight to the point. My wife and I have our design center appointment in two weeks in Florida. The biggest take away for me is writing for ceiling fans. We’ll install them ourselves but hadn’t even thought of getting it set up for them. Great tips.

[@lesliehatun2044]

I upgraded my home bc the Builder didn't offer. So the first thing I did was tile my bathroom floors and added Quartz counter top. The 2nd thing I did was put in a new floor. The luxury vinyl sucked. I put in engineered wood. The next thing I did was the garage flooring. Looks great. And finally put in built in closet space using closets by design. Builders want too much money for basis stuff. No wonder homes are unaffordable today.

[@yoreljm]

This was very helpful. I have a design center appointment and the only thing I'm planning to upgrade are the floors and the trash can drawer. Everything else you mentioned seems standard with my builder (granite counter, bathtub, tile shower, 42inch cabinets, tile back splash, fans, etc).

[@collincurbo757]

Watched a few of these videos today in preparing for our two trips to the design center. This was the most helpful so far! I like how you gave recommendations and the why. Thank you!

[@SylviaD1223]

Having a house built now & this was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@FRMN8R_T4R]

I love that I found your channel! I hate that it was 2 years after we built this house, but it is what it is. All of this was amazing knowledge and tips that I wish we'd had before we built. We were definitely overcharged for a lot of what we selected, not knowing that we could have done it cheaper on our own - especially the stuff like the backsplashes (which we switched out anyway), bump-outs, outlets (definitely not enough outside outlets and j-boxes for stuff like garage floodlights, security lighting, etc.).

[@reddfoxx2601]

This was interesting. I really wish I was able to pick things out for my home. I was not able to pick the color of my home, the elevation, or any design choices inside the home. It took the "excitement" out of being a first time homeowner and being able to make choices. The next time.. because I am not in my forever home.... I will do more research before picking a builder if I chose new construction again.

[@Lady_Mystique05]

Unfortunately I’m learning that the builders went away with all of that. They don’t really let you choose anything anymore :( some builders do. But the majority don’t since they claim there’s shortages but I think it’s about putting more houses up faster without being held up

[@reddfoxx2601]

@@Lady_Mystique05 The builder of my home said they don't give the options for upgrades or customizations because it allows them to build a more affordable home. I guess I get it, and of course I can do my own upgrades so my home won't look so builder grade basic. I've done a few things since moving in, but I really want my next home to be turn key ready 🙂

[@JustHere751]

Same here.. when I first went to look at the home, they gave me two options to choose from.. when I got pre-approved they had already decided for me… ☹️☹️☹️ the homes they built first also come with a refrigerator.. now their saying they are no longer offering a fridge due to the current supply change being slow.. I honestly don’t care if it took a month after I move in.. I wish I could still get a fridge included.. and they told me I couldn’t get a fire place.. but the home their building after mine, just pop up with a fireplace… ☹️🤬😒

[@mamatosh05]

Hi Redd Foxx. Why isn't your first home your forever home home? I wonder why people do that. It's understandable if they're moving to a different state, or some other good reason. I just wonder that.

[@reddfoxx2601]

@@mamatosh05 Hi Mamatosh05 .. since this is my first home my plan is to stay a few years while building equity, sell and purchase a different home. Unfortunately I was priced out of my city where I work and my family is.. so I had to move further out than I wanted too. If things work in my favor, I can buy a different home in a few years and be back in my city.

[@jcos2340]

Got everything standard except the double vanity and shower was 1 foot longer in the master 😂. The laminate countertops that were standard looked better to us than granite

[@gardenineden]

New subscriber here. Enjoyed the video. I went thru this for the first time about 19 years ago. About 30K in upgrades on a new build and still wish I’d picked more or different upgrades. Like granite and hardwood floors and spa tub. Also A/C is better at build time…which I did after move in thinking it would be cheaper, not. I learned a lot from the design process but didn’t make designer style choices.

[@advisorSirAshley]

Thanks for the sub! And for sharing your experiences!

[@maggiered7284]

Thank you sir for your tips. I was deciding whether to paint my house w/ a different color before we move in our new construction home but waiting a year after settling down to see the nail pops & stuff was a good idea that way the builder can fix it before I repaint it

[@MsAdreaL]

Wow - idk when I'll be able to build my own home, but this was so informative and interesting to watch!! Super helpful for anyone building. Thanks on their behalf!lol

[@MS28227]

Thanks so much for another great video Sir Ashley. Having a plan is always key!

[@advisorSirAshley]

Absolutely!! Being prepared is always keys!

[@CharminglySilly]

I agreed with everything except the granite countertops 😬. This is our second new build, the first one had level 1 granite and it looked awful compared to the color/appearance/speckles of the granite found in the higher levels.

[@GardenofEdibles]

Thank you for mentioning Lowe's first !!!

[@styledbydistinction7057]

This was so informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing this information!

[@advisorSirAshley]

You are so welcome! Styled by Distinction, Thank you for watching💪🏿

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great tips. I definitely needed to hear this. I’m planning to upgrade the padding in our carpets

[@danthecnctoolman8024]

Glad I watched this. We’ll be doing this soon.

[@MajorGainz-704]

It’s been awhile bro, I been working non stop. Still here supporting though, this is a very informative video to not only help the homeowner save on money but also to possibly get more when it comes to resale.

[@seewardone]

Hey Sir 😊 Design Center?? #DIY is the best way IMO to truly experience being a homeowner. Another great informative video! Good looking out 🙏🏿🙌🏿

[@advisorSirAshley]

Haha. Thanks and for the most part I agree. Occasionally I like getting dirty and learning how to fix things. You learn a skill and save so much money but on the flip side, other times I enjoy the convenience of having it down for me.😂

[@mare6851]

Your advice and recommendations are superb. Thanks you so much.

[@Lady_Mystique05]

Your videos are always so informative!

[@staceyx8689]

This video helped me a lot with my choices in the design center thank you for your advice. I had to end up deciding to keep the standard laminate flooring. I really want it wood like porcelain tile and the builder was just charging way too much. I had to decide to rip the standard laminate flooring out at closing and purchase the porcelain wood like tile after build. The builder was charging almost $11,000 for 800 ft.². I know it really only cost like five to $6000

[@NYtalk60]

Thank you. This was extremely helpful!

[@lisafaulkner3309]

This was a great & video. However, a little late for us tho lol. We already had our Design Center appointment. We did stick to our budget. I liked your point about the paint. Love your videos & I'm still subscribed even tho we are building.

[@advisorSirAshley]

Thank you for continuing to watch. Yes, please stay subscribed. This coming year I plan on talking more about money and investing, so it will be tailored to growing our finances. Buying a primary residence is the first step, but financial freedom is the goal💪🏿

[@viperviper5]

Fully agree my friend. Some things are just better to have done while at the design center

[@claramayfield9232]

Another good video Sir. We closed & moved into our new build & I'm still watching...

[@advisorSirAshley]

Clara, thank you and congrats on closing!! Now we have to get you into real estate investing and getting that passive cash flow from real estate💪🏿

[@claramayfield9232]

@@advisorSirAshley I am getting the older house ready to rent now. A little passive income in the works. 😇

[@JFreeUNC]

Really good, helpful video. .

[@teishab-more9738]

You are very informative! I’m glad I found your page.

[@jdcooper9]

we're under contract for new construction right now, covid limiting a lot of design center choices. great video though, subbed.

[@dcrijo]

Great stuff Sir!! Best believe wife and I took down notes!!

[@Katie-ry4lj]

Thanks for this 🙏

[@laedabaston8342]

Great straightforward and practical advice.

[@sweetcountrybear]

New subbie, and thank you for this vid! Interesting comment on kitchen backsplash...that was one thing I didn't think of for sure, and definitely agree on all these points, especially focusing on primary bathroom and kitchen. Definitely also agree about the flooring, and I understand it can be tricky - at least in the common areas, (and of course, bathrooms - a "basic tile") hard flooring, and I am thinking carpet elsewhere.

[@Krystalsky2700]

Oh so helpful and funny lol tysm for the great tips!

[@bernfran1313]

I wondered about all of these things. Thanks Sir!

[@jahrelsjourney3672]

Great points... I appreciate the advice

[@advisorSirAshley]

Any time! Thanks for watching Jahrel

[@carolhamler2561]

Very informative thanks

[@advisorSirAshley]

You're welcome Carol. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@anyiatehasong3468]

Very helpful. Thank you sir!

[@mrsratu6016]

Awesome advice. Learned a lot from you.

[@DarrylN2UPhotography]

Great Advice my man!

[@jenerra11]

I will follow everything you suggested. What do you think about the appliances? Should I get appliances on my own?

[@smf012]

What type of sink material do you recommend for the kitchen?

[@joanndotson8762]

Thank You!

[@nwrk3]

What are your thoughts about upgrading to higher 9 foot ceilings?

[@awds525]

❤ what about updating the lights

[@marialopresti8890]

Thank you so much this was amazing 🤩

[@vernetajohnson8055]

Great info Sir.

[@patriciaskjerli2887]

Excellent info. Thank you!

[@pennyclagett445]

Great advice!

[@fpvstorm3378]

Excellent video

[@fitter70]

What do you recommend for climates that use basements is it cost effective get a deeper basement ...say from 8' to 9'?

[@thecanvacafe]

Very helpful

[@charisseturner9258]

Great video! I agree with almosr everything you've said...except blinds and flooring. Its a nightmare to hang blinds. I built with Mattamy and it wasn't that painful. My other disagreement is flooring. Problem we had was the choices were very limited and supper expensive. Our thinking was if its gonna be expensive (and quality LVF is) at least we'll choose.😂

[@razanayani]

Excellent video. I have my design center appointment next week. And still trying to decide if I should upgrade flooring (and which one) or go with standard carpet. Any idea whats the percentage difference if I decide to get it later from Lowes or any flooring shops?

[@justmebeingquirky]

Hopefully we can get a newer home before the kids are fully grown. The one we're in now was built in the late 60s. Not a forever home for sure. I was thinking a Fully remodeled is a decent choice but a newer up to date homeis even better. The only thing bout the community homes is that most likely, there'll be other homes the same as yours. I have an idea for a home i would like have but i have to find land first then find a company to dig it up and lay the pipes and foundation. My ideal home wont be found in these communities unfortunately.

[@TracyAlexander-l2w]

It really helps.

[@ntingsecunda3050]

Very informative

[@advisorSirAshley]

Glad it was helpful!

[@msedhu1]

What do you think about Fireplace? Do you think it upgrades the re-sale value of an home? My builder doesn't give me free whereas I have to shell out 9k and I opted out.

[@blancaestela4197]

yes I agree t y very much.

[@lorrainekasimalla1036]

This was insightful

[@Lynn-cv2pz]

Super helpful!

[@cherylheyward7799]

Agree

[@i5KP]

is ceiling bracing the same as 'J BOX'?

[@advisorSirAshley]

No. Junction boxes will be needed for lights. The bracing is in addition to the j box, so you can have a light and ceiling fan

[@robinmccoy8755]

Great video! I’m wondering is it possible to buy the paint that you want instead of what’s offered, would the builder use it instead?

[@curtman8921]

Good advice !!!

[@jcurdaneta]

Are you still on the fence regarding flooring? My builder design center is charging 2x what a flooring shop charges for the same installed hardwood product, and that includes taking tile out from the kitchen and breakfast area and carpet from the great room and foyer halls.

[@youngone1985]

How long home prices stay elevated?

[@kingshad3ify]

Great job

[@mamatosh05]

I don't get people getting a starter home, only to want to move into a second home, then move into a home they want to retire. Unless they're moving to a different state. Baffling to me.

[@E_Static]

Life changes happen. What baffles me is folks spending tens of thousands of dollars on upgrades knowing they are planning on moving in a few years. Too many are hoping they'll recoup the money at resale but that's a gamble. People change houses before they even have time to build reasonable equity.

[@rodneyk9720]

Over time situations change. people begin new careers with different salaries or get married, have kids outgrow their first home and are able to afford a larger/more expensive.

[@nicolapercival6561]

Wow can I just buy a house as it is then do my own upgrade

[@advisorSirAshley]

Oh you will Nicola!

[@tracyking1489]

You an always upgrade later and it's probably cheaper.Any large hones over 4,000 sqf.

[@gregcampbell1729]

Do not do the backsplash after the house is built! Get it with the warranty on the house. It’s hard to find professional installation on things like this nowadays. Just get the builder to do it right the first time.

[@dimplesd8931]

We’re doing g a whole home remodel. We are treating it like a new build. These are good tips. Thanks.

[@advisorSirAshley]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scmonaghan1]

❤

[@puzzlite]

I get what you're saying but god I hate tubs. I love big showers

[@AaronHope_Sow]

I think one thing to avoid in flooring is having multiple floor types on the main floor. Like don't have a wood landing, carpet living room, and tile kitchen area. Just don't do it.

[@robertlandry5733]

Upgrade is still builder grade.

[@mikewaters7494]

Very helpful

[@mgkelly3389]

Great information, thank you!

[@karensummerville6112]

Very helpful!

[@joshjones5281]

Very helpful! Thanks