| Recently my wife and I had a home built in a brand | | | | your house character and help to make it your home. |
| new sub division. The house was a semi custom | | | | 3. Remember that there are some upgrades that you |
| home meaning we got to pick the upgrades, colors | | | | can do after the building process is done and there |
| and features but didn't get to choose the floor plan. | | | | are others that you can't (or will cost you a lot to |
| Honestly, the process of building the house was very | | | | do). If you think you might want speakers, cable |
| exciting.However, we discovered a few things during | | | | jacks, plumbing or extra electrical outlets you will |
| the process that I thought I would pass along. Here | | | | probably want to have the builder put them in for |
| they are... Recently my wife and I had a home built in | | | | you since they can be very difficult to add later. On |
| a brand new sub division. The house was a semi | | | | the other hand, adding some extra cabinets, changing |
| custom home meaning we got to pick the upgrades, | | | | out fixtures and putting up blinds are all things that |
| colors and features but didn't get to choose the floor | | | | you can do yourself after the building process is |
| plan. Honestly, the process of building the house was | | | | finished. Plus, you can probably save money by hiring |
| very exciting. However, one of the most difficult | | | | someone other than the builder to do it for you. |
| parts was knowing what upgrades to choose from | | | | 4. The builder will price the upgrades on the list |
| the extensive list of options. It was definitely very | | | | according to their cost and their desire to do the |
| difficult to pick. However, we discovered a few | | | | upgrades. You will find that some upgrades seem like |
| things during the process that I thought I would pass | | | | a great value while others seem overpriced. The |
| along. Here they are... | | | | overpriced ones are most likely ones that the builder |
| 1. It is absolutely essential to choose a budget and | | | | doesn't really want to do anyway. The same will |
| stick to it. This is really tough since they will give you | | | | apply if you ask the builder to make customizations |
| so many options. However, if you aren't careful it is | | | | to your home that they don't really want to do. |
| easy to spend tens of thousands of dollars more | | | | They may quote you a price but they will certainly |
| than you wanted to spend. For my wife and I, we | | | | charge you for their hassle. |
| had to sit down prior to our meeting with the design | | | | 5. The builder makes a lot of money on ALL of the |
| center and choose some of the options that were | | | | upgrades that they do. This is something to |
| must haves and some that would be nice. We didn't | | | | remember when looking to purchase appliances, |
| end up getting too many that weren't on the must | | | | fixtures, blinds and other items as part of the building |
| have list. It is always helpful if you ask the builder for | | | | process. If you buy these items through the builder |
| a price list prior to your meeting with the design | | | | you will most likely pay more than retail for the items |
| center. | | | | and you will probably get less choice than you would |
| 2. There are some upgrades that will build value in | | | | if you just go to your local building supply superstore. |
| your home and others that won't have any resale | | | | These are just a few things that we learned as we |
| value at all. This is something to keep in mind but it | | | | walked through the upgrade process for our new |
| shouldn't completely control your decision making | | | | home. We are now moved in and are continuing to |
| process. Choose what you like. Remember that | | | | make our house our home. Overall, we are happy |
| almost every house is going to have some upgrades | | | | with the upgrades we chose and we were able to |
| to it and that if you don't choose anything your | | | | stick to our budget. Something that is easier said |
| house might be too plain. Make choices that will give | | | | than done. |