Archives for December 2016

If you’re considering buying a new build home, and have been put off by the high cost of the every little thing the builder offers to make your new home a dream home, there are some potential solutions.  The question comes down to whether the changes you want to make are structural or are cosmetic.  In other words, what changes should you do during the construction of the new home, and what changes can wait until after construction is over and you take possession?

Generally speaking, you should consider making any structural changes before the builder starts construction.  This means any changes that affect moving walls, adding or reducing square footage, moving fireplaces, sinks, plumbing, exterior doors, should be addressed prior to construction beginning, to save money.  So, if you’re interested in increasing the number of bedrooms, or adding some closets, getting these structural changes made during the building process is optimal for both the builder and your wallet.  Prewiring your home for networking and home automation is done before the walls go up, so you should make these decisions before the builder starts.

As far as cosmetic changes, things like cabinetry should probably be addressed pre-build because they will affect your countertops and backsplashes.  Depending on their placement, they may even affect your flooring so work with your builder to determine whether this is the case.  Another cosmetic change that you may want to address pre-build are your shower walls.  Having to demolish tile or cultured marble shower walls can be more costly to change later on.

Purely cosmetic changes that are cheaper to implement after the build is completed include paint, fixtures (lighting and sink faucets) and landscaping.  Flooring may be cheaper to install after, so long as it isn’t hard-surface flooring like tile.  Consider having the builder install their lowest grade carpet and even a linoleum in as many rooms as possible.  Carpeting is a cheap material to remove.  Linoleum may be able to be left in place, with hardwood or tile installed on top once you move in.

CONTACT US, we’d be happy to help you with advice specific to your particular situation.