Kaleidoscope Waterdown

Now , that the home binders have been out for quite a while im curious what people are thinking of upgrading ? especially from people that have done this before.

Loaded question.

Generally one with a budget should focus on things that have high return and are difficult to do later:

- Do h/w stairs before h/w floors (if you are deciding between the two).
- Go all out in the kitchen then master bathroom (other rooms don't have the same returns
- Sometimes it is easier to simply stay away from an upgrade if you will only want it with 7 other upgrades...

Example: 10 feet ceilings are amazing, but some would say to truly enjoy it, they would want those ceilings smooth, with nice trip, with huge kitchen uppers, with huge windows, with large expensive doors....

Stay away from AC/humidifier/air purifier/ or things of that sort as they are always cheaper after (and not headaches to do after)

Little things like piping in the walls for cables, and special cabinet or drawer in kitchen for a specific reason (pots and pans) can certainly add up, but in my opinion this is the fun of a new home. An opportunity to do these custom things that you will practically enjoy.

Since we're on a limited budget we are going for the windows upgraded package plus a few minor upgrades (upgraded tiles and bricks). Hardwood stairs can get quite expensive.

We just spent the last 3 days carefully going over the upgrade binder. Wow! You can certainly put yourself deeper in debt with all of the potential upgrades. One of the upgrades I was considering was the deeper / higher basement. I did this in my two previous houses. Fortunately, I spoke with Alan Harkness and he said that the standard basement height is approximately 8 feet. Given the new materials available (drycore flooring and new suspended ceilings that fasten directly to your floor joists above) the $8200+ expense isn't really necessary. (more money for other upgrades)

We also have some minor structural changes to make. I guess we'll find out how much that will cost at our construction meeting in 15 days.

By the way, does anyone know the status of final closing date letters? I have spoken with some people who have received theirs already but so far we still haven't received anything beyond the first delay letter.

Well, at least there is activity at the site.
Keep the Faith.
Dave