Builder upgrades vs Doing it self with a private contractor

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by akm123

Now isn't it much lower than what it appears to be $20k?

Quality of wood and plank size will vary in price. I've had buyers choose the $7k option, and I've had buyers choose the $35k option. Warranty, width, and quality all play into this amount.

Also, when I stated $20k, I was using that number as a number with all the stuff you were asking about. You said you're willing to pay cash, but the question still remains of do you want to pay cash out of pocket or finance for little a month. Cash out of pocket can't sit in a fund making any money for you to offset the interest. Cash out of your pocket also can't be there in case there are any emergencies that come up.

Also, I'm married to an engineer and when we built our current house, I kept hearing "I can do that after closing..." over and over... how long do you think it took to get those things he could do after closing? I was rather annoyed at a lot of it, waiting and waiting...

[akm123]

Thanks all for all your insights. This is a great starting point for us. I'd prefer to cut everything that vary a lot in pricing and something that could be done later (i am in no hurry, we have ample time for it, i cant overthink interms of getting a benefit of financing vs payout when you can), and i do prefer somethings done with the builder too, i am pricing it out per my budget and as ED pointed, a few of my friends said the builders supervisor / contractor suggested them not to do few things prior to closing and do it later after closing with him on some items for 1/3rd the price. I definitely believe there are things that need to be done prior to closing as ultimately time/money/hassle need to be balanced and one should be comfortable to take any risk or live with their decisions/budgets. Thanks for all your help.