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Location: Danbury CT covering all of Fairfield County
2,637 posts, read 7,427,019 times
Reputation: 1378
Prioritize structural or major cosmetic upgrades that would be an major inconvience to do once you move in (flooring). On the last construction property one of my clients purchased, she only spent about 5% over the base price (better kitchen cabinets, hardwood flooring throught vs just 2 rooms, upgraded tile in bathrooms to her style &extra recessed lighting added)
Prioritize structural or major cosmetic upgrades that would be an major inconvience to do once you move in (flooring). On the last construction property one of my clients purchased, she only spent about 5% over the base price (better kitchen cabinets, hardwood flooring throught vs just 2 rooms, upgraded tile in bathrooms to her style &extra recessed lighting added)
I agree. Anything behind the wall like plumbing or electrical or too expensive or inconvenient to do at a later time should be priority.
The time to ask about upgrades is when you meet with the builder not after you have a signed agreement and they work on the upsell. They shouldn't be charging you $3K for something that costs them $500 to do at the time the home is built.
if it's your own land and you can choose builders that's your best bet. If it's a development being built by one builder they know that have a sitting duck.
Ok.. ok... using the towel ring was obviously a bad example. I'm smart enough to realize to opt out of the builder grade and just buy my own.
But here's a better example: Upper laundry room cabinets: $2,200.00. Um... who are they kidding? *This* is the type of over the top markup that I want to avoid.
There has to be some way to negotiate that won't break the bank for such stupidity. I'm fairly handy, but I don't want to have to finish the house myself.
$2200 for laundry room cabinets? No way! You can install those later for more than half of that! Keep in mind, anything you add will raise your price you paid; therefore, resulting in higher property taxes. I also agree with the poster who said bring an agent with you. They will negotiate for you on upgrades, such as free appliances or hardwood floors, etc!
$2200 for laundry room cabinets? No way! You can install those later for more than half of that! Keep in mind, anything you add will raise your price you paid; therefore, resulting in higher property taxes. I also agree with the poster who said bring an agent with you. They will negotiate for you on upgrades, such as free appliances or hardwood floors, etc!
It's gonna raise your mortgage too and possibly insurance too. If you pay $50K in upgrades you will be paying for if for 30 years and your home has to be insured for $50K more than you expected.
Windows (just like the hardware on furniture) are 75% of the house's appearance. 75%! If any choice, always consider that very carefully (color, style, etc.).
Windows in new builds these days are not so much the unsightly junk of years ago, but I've seen replacement windows utterly destroy the appearance of a formerly classy looking house. And, I have seen new McMansions with cheap windows that singularly make the whole house look "trailerpark."
Find a small independent building contractor with a lot of experience. My brother is one who has been building homes and other buildings for 40 years. He has kept his company small so that he can offer quality work without all the complication of being a huge company. He oversees all the work being done and will not way overcharge you for everything.
Windows (just like the hardware on furniture) are 75% of the house's appearance. 75%! If any choice, always consider that very carefully (color, style, etc.).
Windows in new builds these days are not so much the unsightly junk of years ago, but I've seen replacement windows utterly destroy the appearance of a formerly classy looking house. And, I have seen new McMansions with cheap windows that singularly make the whole house look "trailerpark."
I desperately need new windows. I have fogged up double paned windows that are 35 years old. I also need a new roof. I think a nice roof is important too. I really dislike an ugly roof on a house.
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