Designer / Color Upgrades with Builder .... (how much, new home, costs)

[addtemp]

I am looking for Non Structural upgrade (often called Designer/Color) upgrade ideas with the builder. The people that have gone through building a new home and enjoy specific upgrade or wish they had a specific upgrade. Some of the ideas people gave were 20 Amp Electric service, bronze plumbing pipes and fan boxes on all bedrooms.


I am set with Structural upgrade and have spend most of money there.


I also heard about Gas connection for dryer. Never used that How important is this . I am also thinking of getting a gas line outside near deck and vent kitchen hood outside.

[Charley Barker]

I think you mean 200 amp service.


Bronze plumbing? Do you mean supply or waste? PEX supply lines are a good bet these days (no worry about lead soldered fittings - though they prob use lead-free anyway) and they are very resistant to splitting in cold weather. If waste, I guess they would be quieter than black ABS, but seems like a crazy thing to pay a premium for - unless there are environmental considerations.


Running a gas line to your deck is better choice than a gas dryer, in my opinion. Most dryers sold now are electric. They heat faster and I don't think there is much of a difference in energy consumption costs between the two.

[Knepper3]

Yeah bronze plumbing? I disagree though on the gas dryer, every dryer is pretty much available in gas or electric. I like gas better. Aside from drying better (might be in my head) they are more cost effective and if you have an issue there are usually a cheaper fix. Gas line by the deck, good idea. My dad had that and it was nice to never need propane filled but be sure to locate exactly where you want your grill.

[addtemp]

Sorry I meant copper plumbing instead of PVC.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by addtemp

Sorry I meant copper plumbing instead of PVC.

Most homes are built using PEX plumbing instead of PVC or copper. If it is designed and installed correctly it is a far superior product in my opinion. Instead of paying for copper plumbing have the plumbers install a pex manifold with shut off valves to individual fixtures.

[Knepper3]

Yeah, if I moved and renovated another home I would go that route. Old plumbing (not that you would have that issue) is such a pain with the odd sizes and parts. I can imagine PEX is much easier to work on if you are a DIY. God I hate soldering upside down.

[addtemp]

One other thing that builder is not willing to do is hardwood stairs . They are just doing carpeted stairs. The stairs are in the middle of the house with a landing in between the floors.


How much would it be to get hardwood stairs later and can I do something now to make the job easier in the future.

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Originally Posted by addtemp

One other thing that builder is not willing to do is hardwood stairs . They are just doing carpeted stairs. The stairs are in the middle of the house with a landing in between the floors.


How much would it be to get hardwood stairs later and can I do something now to make the job easier in the future.

We paid a significant sum to have our existing stairs completely rebuilt. It is not an easy job to completely retrofit stairs. That said, it is relatively inexpensive to put stair caps over existing wood stairs which will look and act like a hardwood stair. If your builder isn't willing to put them in up front, I am not sure what more you can do to make it easier down the line to add hardwood.