Comments on: I’m having a home built, should i opt for upgrades by the builder or just diy?

By: bildbig

bildbig — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:50:52 +0000

If you can afford to add upgrades after your home is complete, it will save you money, with the exception of items that require demo or plumbing, framing, venting or electric. The builder will add 10%-20% for upgrades(I’m a builder).
Some of my clever clients negotiate a smaller percent charge for upgrades and changes prior to starting construction(they have more leverage then). If I am bidding against other builders, I may agree to a 5% builders margin for upgrades and changes, to get the job.

By: Sweetpea

Sweetpea — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:32:11 +0000

usually it is a lot more work than people anticipate to do it themselves and its a lot harder so all it leads to is frustrations so having a builder do it would be a lot less stressful.

By: terri

terri — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:26:35 +0000

Depends… How handy are you? How long is your significant other willing to wait for those DIY things to get done? My window trim still isn’t finished, the radiant heat isn’t hooked up and my stovetop downdraft hasn’t been installed yet, but we saved a LOT of money. I can wait and finish those things up one at a time with my husband, but then again I have a couple of other projects that I want to start…..

By: Craigrrr

Craigrrr — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:39:48 +0000

A few upgrades I would have done since you are having a house built is:
1: radiant water floor heating
2: TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER

oh, almost forgot have PEX plumbing installed instead of copper pipes pex can freeze but it will never burst like a frozen copper pipe will.

By: dawnb

dawnb — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:01:05 +0000

Be aware that you would have to go back and demo the standards the builder offered in order to do any upgrades yourself. after the home is built That seems like a waste of time, effort and money. The builder will have to finish the house no matter what so it seems it would be the wiser choice to have the builder install whatever options you wish to choose.

By: woodtick314

woodtick314 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:50:56 +0000

Hard to say without knowing what you know how to do. Often I go into a situation where the guy started something he thought he knew how to do and found he was over his head. I had to demo almost everything that was done and start over. Cost them a LOT more than if they had hired me to do it in the first place. I’m not saying that would happen with you, but be careful that you can finish what you start. Good luck.

By: trae m

trae m — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:49:37 +0000

yourself should be cheaper
the contractor should be faster