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home building tips

Getting the most from your builder.

Once you meet with your builder to go over what exactly is and is not included with your new home. Many times you may not even realize what items are not included. Be sure to ask your builder about what other items other new home owners generally purchase seperate from the buidling contract.

Extras

Closets - Many times the building package will not include closet shelves and hanging rods, or it will just include very basic items.

Air Conditioning is another item that may or may not be included, you will probably want this installed along with your furnace to make it easier and many times a little cheaper.

Extra outlets - Ask your builder if there is a charge for adding outlets, walk through the home with the electrician and point out specific areas that you would like outlets and switches. A good place to put outlets is actually in hall closets for rechargeable vacuums, and even inside a kitchen cupboard to keep your cell phone charger out of sight.

Dimmer switches. Be sure to ask for dimmer switches in areas that you'd like them, bedrooms dining rooms, etc.

Flooring. Many times upgrading the flooring is not as expensive as you might think. Remember that moving from carpet to hardwood, you will save the cost of the carpet. Especially if you plan to be there over 5 years. Most people will be replacing carpet and paying the cost agagin, while the hardwood floors can go much longer between refinishes.

Important! Be sure to get references from your builder for any items that are outside the scope of the contract. For example, closets; be sure to use the person your builder recommends, even if the cost may seem higher. Remember that if you have any problems with their work, you can always to back to your builder. The closet contractor will surely not want to lose all the business from your builder and will do what it takes to make it right. This method works especially well if your builder does many homes per year. Be sure to ask for recomendations for all other items like landscaping, sprinkling, or any other work you will be having done during or soon after the home is completed.

By yourself, your only 1 individual to a contractor. But if you come to the contractor through a reference from your builder, any smart contractor will treat you extremely well because they know the builder will continue to send business your way as long they treat you right.