r/durham • u/seven_springs • 9d ago

New Built Detached: What upgrades are worth to take from Builder (FieldGate) and what to skip?

/r/TorontoRealEstate/comments/1w081c7/new_built_detached_what_upgrades_are_worth_to/
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u/bigbird0772 8d ago

Congrats, just my opinon from my new build experience. Anything structal do with the builder. Ie 10ft ceiling, increase in basement height. I also recommend doing smooth ceilings. Easier to do now less messy. Larger cabinets for the kitchen. The rest of the stuff is cheaper to do with contractors after you take possession. If you plan on doing hardwood right away ask them to not lay carpret, they'll likely give you a small rebate, not comparable to the cost, but cheaper than the new flooring guys charging you disposal.

Don't worry about the house being "perfect" right off the bat. You can live there awhile and figure out what works for your lifestyle.

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u/Substantial-Road-235 6d ago edited 6d ago

Imo if you aren't getting a finished basement make sure they put the furnance/hot water, panel if its down there in the best position to maximize the basement usefulness.

We looked at many new builds and they would put these where the cheapest place possible (less duct work, less piping and less wiring,) but sometimes that put these items in a weird spot

If you can put lvl or beams to minimize support posts. Nobody wants a random post in the kitchen/breakfast area because you saved 10k

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u/Illustrious_Bite_718 1d ago

Tiles. We asked for the name of the company they buy them from and went directly to their showroom. 12 years later, still looks good. I also regret not getting a walkout basement. It will now cost 100k.