EXPERT ADVICE HOME BUILDER
Features & Finishes
1. Structural Changes
product is suitable and safety checked. Getting a fantastic deal on a double- wide refrigerator is great, but if it requires changing the layout of the completed kitchen – the bargain isn’t such a great deal.
Once you’ve chosen the house plan you’d like to use or have a concept drawing arrange to meet with your builder to discuss changes or amendments to the floor plan. Buyers who want to add rooms or garages, move doors or add a fireplace or recessed lighting, for example, need to make their structural changes early in the process because those changes may impact the building permit pulled by the builder. These types of changes — as well as any electrical or plumbing changes that would require walls to be opened — would also be costly to make after the home is completed.
Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd.
4. Start a Dream Board
One of the advantages of purchasing a custom home is the opportunity to select features and finishes that reflect your own personal tastes and lifestyle.
As you’re planning your new build go online or look through home décor magazines for ideas and collect everything in a binder or bookmark the pages online. Sites like Houzz. com allow you to search images, save your favourites and shop or source your picks.
5. Prepare a Budget
2. Upgrades
Prepare a budget — and stick to it. Walking into a design centre is a little like being a kid in a candy store. You’ll see cabinets and granite and top-of-the-line flooring. To avoid overspending — and overextending yourself — prepare a budget before your shopping starts.
Too many choices - so what’s a buyer to do?
Remember that it might make sense to make certain upgrades after the build has begun. Cosmetic features in particular, such as paint, landscaping, lighting and plumbing fixtures, epoxy garage flooring, crown moulding, chair rails, window treatments and even certain appliance upgrades can often be made afterwards, particularly by homeowners who have a budget.
6. Needs Versus Wants
Be flexible. Remember that you have a budget and that you may not be able to afford all of the extras you’d like, so prepare a list of must-haves and want-to- haves.
3. Builder Timeline
Follow your builder’s timeline to select other options or upgrades. Your builder will give general allowances for finishes and fixtures, i.e. a budget for flooring, lighting fixtures, etc. If the homeowner is concerned about budget this is an opportunity to take advantage of sales and bargains in the local market such as utilizing discount centres and even local thrifting options like the Restore or online shopping. Before making any second-hand purchase be sure to check with the builder to ensure the
MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca
7. Resale Value
Don’t over-customize. Of course, new-home buyers want their homes to reflect their personal style and taste. But, it’s important to consider the resale value, as well. Those lavender granite counter tops in the kitchen that you’re thinking about may make your home difficult to resell in a few years.
32 www. pei-living.ca WINTER 2017
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