What upgrades should I pay the builder to do in the new house I have bought.?
Question:Some upgrades are harder to install after one has moved in. eg pot lights. I am looking for some suggestions as to what I should have the builder do and what I should do myself after I move in.
Answers:
It would help if you had a list of the things you "wanted" done as upgrades, since I do not know what you currently have. Is the home new or is it an older home. I agree with flooring is a must , counter tops and appliances. and that also depends on your level of " handimaness" if thats a word. Can you install your own marble counters. Think of the things that are in your ability. If you are not an electircian , then dont mess with the lights. If you can paint... why hire someone? Landscaping is another art form.. if you have no idea about zones and if a plant needs light or shade.. hire someone. IF you can put carpet in do it yourself. It really comes down to what can you do? If you are not shure, I would just hire someone because you could do more damage than good and it may just cost more in the long run to repair.
Well as a real estate broker I would say put all your money in the wet rooms and flooring throughout the home (fixtures, garden tub, separate shower, matching lighting). And don't build the bathrooms to small (which seems to be a bad money saving trend). Will the home get plenty of natural light? Maybe a couple large windows or patio door.
9ft ceilings/or vaulted ceilings if they aren't already.
here are the upgrades I paid for when I built new a few years ago.hardwood floors.pendant lights above the kitchen island. wall sconses,tread lights, granite countertops in kitchen and cambria in the bathrooms.vaulted ceiling in the family room,pan vault in the master.two zone heating,pre wiring for surround sound,3recessed art niches,walk in kitchen pantry,and I had him finish 1/2 of my basement so I could have a place to park the big screen t.v.
when buying a new house you should always look at the things that wear or take the most traffic i.e. carpet and flooring . always upgrade those. kitchens and baths are next with uprades to cupboards that you will be happy with for a long time. think ahead and if you can't afford the builtins now be sure you have space there for later. Get great appliances and have one bathroom to call your own. fixtures you can get later lights etc. however if you get potlighting do it now better than later although a good electrician will have no problem coming after the build. most of all enjoy and make it your own.
Kevin
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