Some Things to Think About when Buying a New Construction Home…

Who doesn’t love the way a model home looks when you take a tour? The house is finished from top to bottom, inside and out, no detail spared – beautifully furnished and staged to perfection. The yard is gorgeously coiffed, and it all looks so cozy. All you need is for someone to hand over the key so you can move yourself in, right?
Most model homes priced between $500k and $600k and up, have at least $200k in upgrades, not including the landscaping. The builder sends the excited new homeowner to the design center which is chock full of endless, beautiful, and expensive upgrades. Unfortunately, that tile in the entry way or the granite counters in the kitchen that you love is going to cost you! Not to mention the moldings and carpeting you like are also extra. After all, they are simply trying to sell houses.
One of the most efficient things you can do as a new owner is initially go with builder grade materials to start, then take your time to upgrade rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms after you figure out the look you’re going for. It’s relatively easy to change carpeting later and you’ll get a better quality for a lot less from one of the big box home improvement stores. If you have the money, you can certainly choose the high-end materials through the design center, just know you’ll pay a premium to do so.
As a designer, I hear it all the time… “I want our home to look like the model!” It’s important to know that the model includes every upgrade imaginable. Most times, if you choose the basics for your new home, a designer will help you with furnishings, layout, colors, and accessorizing, giving you that model home feeling on a budget. Hiring a designer will help you avoid expensive design mistakes. It’s important to realize it’s not just the house you’re buying. It’s the small details that make a house a home.
As a new home buyer, be sure to add new furnishings, window treatments and basic landscaping to your home budget, all of which add up quickly. Feeling like you’re living in a fishbowl because you don’t have the money for proper window treatments is no fun… and bed sheets as curtains is not a good option!
CM Interiors always offers complimentary consultations, so give Courtney a call and schedule yours today at 661-390-5925. You can view Courtney’s work online at www.courtneymichaelsdesign.com.