Coli Homeowners| Design Center Question

[lightskin jermaine]

When you purchased your home what incentives did you get towards the design? Our builder is giving us $15k in design options, I'm sure we're going to go over that amount, but what advice do y'all have on which upgrades to prioritize and get down by the builder vs waiting and getting done later?

 

[YamakaSmacker]

Does it come with a back porch or just the door with the gate?
What kind of integrated lighting systems are they offering? Lutron? Crestron?
Any alternative energy/ powerwall options?
Gas? Electric? You going tankless water heater? A lot of upgrades can save you money in the long run

 

[Commish]

When you purchased your home what incentives did you get towards the design? Our builder is giving us $15k in design options, I'm sure we're going to go over that amount, but what advice do y'all have on which upgrades to prioritize and get down by the builder vs waiting and getting done later?

My home came with all the upgrades. My flooring downstairs was an upgrade as well as the addition of a culinary kitchen(separate from the main kitchen).

The only incentive given to me was the choice of 5K off the price of the home and keep blinds throughout the home OR get plantation shutters(pay $900 extra) throughout the house and get washer dryer(front loading). I chose the latter.

As for you, I don't know what you value as a priority, but whatever you get, be sure to get whatever you can afford. I know that flooring will add value to a home, depending on what type of flooring you have. Same goes with having shutters as opposed to blinds. Obviously, the more upgrades, the more value, but it will cost you.

 

[lightskin jermaine]

Does it come with a back porch or just the door with the gate?
What kind of integrated lighting systems are they offering? Lutron? Crestron?
Any alternative energy/ powerwall options?
Gas? Electric? You going tankless water heater? A lot of upgrades can save you money in the long run

We went with an upgraded porch as part of the structural upgrades and its a gas home. I'll have to come back to this post when I get a list of everything that's standard in the home.

 

[lightskin jermaine]

My home came with all the upgrades. My flooring downstairs was an upgrade as well as the addition of a culinary kitchen(separate from the main kitchen).

The only incentive given to me was the choice of 5K off the price of the home and keep blinds throughout the home OR get plantation shutters(pay $900 extra) throughout the house and get washer dryer(front loading). I chose the latter.

As for you, I don't know what you value as a priority, but whatever you get, be sure to get whatever you can afford. I know that flooring will add value to a home, depending on what type of flooring you have. Same goes with having shutters as opposed to blinds. Obviously, the more upgrades, the more value, but it will cost you.

Yea I would have went with the plantation shutters too. They're offering $3000 for blinds but we asked to put that towards closing or take the price of the home down(which they did). We thought about doing a move-in ready with the upgrades as well but we wouldn't have had all of the money for closing in time.

I think flooring and countertops are what I want to prioritize. I feel like everything else can be done later and cheaper.

 

[R.E.N. Spells Ren]

Kinda hard to gauge without knowing the base offering, but I'd say prioritize upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms.

 

[Commish]

Yea I would have went with the plantation shutters too. They're offering $3000 for blinds but we asked to put that towards closing or take the price of the home down(which they did). We thought about doing a move-in ready with the upgrades as well but we wouldn't have had all of the money for closing in time.

I think flooring and countertops are what I want to prioritize. I feel like everything else can be done later and cheaper.

Yeah..

I want to upgrade my landscaping, but it isn't a priority. Just know your budget and go with that. For future projects, shop shop around and see if you can find someone who can do upgrades st the fraction of the cost. I gotta a handyman who is dirt cheap and does an excellent job!

 

[YamakaSmacker]

Also, depending on where you live, see if they offer heat trace installation for your driveway/ basement floor

 

[Commish]

OP,

On an unrelated note, I don't know wht your home financing situation is like, but if you can avoid paying PMI, then please do so!! You don't want it!! Trust me!!