The design center and upgrades
If your home is not built yet, you choose how it looks and works. Here is how that goes and how to plan for it.
What the design center is
It is the builder’s showroom, where you choose finishes such as flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures and paint. Some homes are already finished, and those have little or nothing left to choose. A home under construction may still have some choices open.
Structural options and design selections
Structural options change the home itself, such as an extra window, a bigger patio or a different layout, and they are usually chosen before construction starts. Design selections are the finishes you choose later on. Both can add to the price. The builder gives you the cost of each choice in writing.
Standard and upgrade
Every builder has a standard package, and anything beyond it is an upgrade. The model home is often staged with upgrades, so ask what is standard and what is not. I help you compare what is included from one builder to another.
Plan before you go
Bring photos of what you like and a rough budget for upgrades. Decide what matters most, such as the kitchen or flooring, and what can wait. Some changes are easy to make later, and others are only possible during construction.
Deadlines and changes
Builders set dates for choices, since the next stage of construction depends on them. Once a choice is locked, changing it may cost extra or may not be possible. Ask for each date at the start.
Common questions
Can I add things after closing?
Yes, many things can be added after closing, but it may cost more than adding them during construction, and some items can only be done during construction.
Are upgrades part of my loan?
Upgrades are usually part of the purchase price in the contract. Your lender explains how that works with your loan.
Do I have to use the builder’s design center?
For a home still being built, the builder’s center is usually where the choices are made. I ask the builder what is open for the home you like.