This is also the time where you begin to choose your first options. These options can include things like upgraded appliances and stair ballisters. Typically, the staff gives you a packet of options to choose from. You should be able to hold on to those papers for a day. This is where you can to decide how much you plan to spend to make the house a bit nicer. However, much like selecting lots, not all options are created equal. There are times where you're going to spend more on appliances, stairs, light switches, insulation or put your money in rugs, countertops, etc. Whatever you decide, just remember that you are adding to your purchase price. If you buy a house that is 600K, be prepared to pay 30-40K in addition for sensible options. Options for the house are good if it's easier (and safer) to have it done by the builder instead of yourself. These options can include manipulating your home's floorplan. You'll be floored by the many options you can choose but just keep in mind that you need to balance what you can buy and understand which choices and options can bring up the value of the home and not just its property tax. Yikes. If you can, try to see if you can pay for those options up front so that your purchase price doesn't go through the roof. Some homebuilders allow homebuyers to pay for the options separately.
Make sure you go over what you want for your options. It is always a safer bet to spend more of your money towards things like countertops, rugs, floorplan changes (i.e. loft), cabinets, insulation, door upgrades, and even wall speakers. If you plan to embed electronics, fridges and other fancy stuff into the house, don't expect to keep those things functioning new. Always keep in mind what you think which options will assist in the house's appreciation and not just yours.
Just to let you know though, I did get the built in RJ45 plug-n-play network for most rooms and built-in-top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkinson Speakers installed on the ceiling (250 Watt Ear candy....on each speaker). So yeah. I'm a happy camper.
Steve
Odd, Kim, Bonita, Steve
