Cypress Village - Options

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Chairman

New member
Greetings, Irvine Neighbors,

I am a long time reader and first time poster. I just bought in the community of Cypress Village and was looking to get some perspective on some of the options I am picking out for my home. I am sure there are others in the same boat so it would be great to hear your experiences and maybe help each other out to be more informed on the process so we don't get taken advantage of.

I was hesitant to buy from Irvine Pacific given all the negative comments I have come across, the pedestrian floor plans and high price points but Cypress Village finally had a floor plan I liked and it seemed like the right time to jump into the housing market. So far my experience with Irvine Pacific has been pleasant but things still remain to be seen as I don't close escrow until early next year.

Let me know your thoughts on the following. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and opinions with all of us here.

Options:

Pre-Wire Only for 5.1 Surround Sound System Includes: Pre-Wire for 5 In-Ceiling Speakers Pre-Wire for Subwoofer $840.00

Solid Core Interior Door Option Throughout Bi-Pass Doors to Remain Hollow Core *Opt Doors are not included $1,106.00

Frameless Tub Enclosure at Secondary Bath with Chrome Trim and Clear Glass *Bath 2 $433.00

Double-Sided, Mirrored French Wardrobe Door At Master Bedroom Walk-In Closet In Lieu Of Standard Door $349.00

Optional Pot and Pan Drawers on Each Side of Cooktop This includes two sets of 2 Drawers on Each Side of the Cooktop for a total of 4 Pot Drawers $338.00

110V Interior GFI Duplex Outlet On A Dedicated Circuit $315.00 (For future water softener in garage)

Additional Whole House Insulation Includes: #R-19 Between Floors #R-11 Interior Walls #R-13 Garage Exterior Walls  $1,380.00
 
All those prices seam pretty reasonable. Not sure how many solid coor doors you get, but otherwise all the prices look good/reasonable.
 
Hi qwerty,

I did a rough approximate count of doors (not including bi-pass closet doors) and came up with 4 downstairs (garage, door under stairs, pantry (not sure on this one), bathroom) and 5 (3 bedrooms, 1 laundry, and 1 master bathroom toilet) upstairs. Also don't know how many panels will be on the door. I think the standard ones have 2?

What is your take on the surround sound 5.1 pre-wiring price? Seems really high for some wires and I am on the fence about doing it. Although $840 deceptively starts to look like a miniscule number when you add on numerous other options that are in the $2,500 plus.

I'm trying to go with the options here that I feel add more value to the home and are things behind dry wall.
 
Yes on the insulation, pre-wire, and outlet

Depending on need, yes to the cabinet

No on the doors because 1) you don't really need them and 2) you can do them later with an outside contractor for a lot cheaper.

My rule on options is to do anything structural, electrical, or plumbing related.  Those can result in the biggest issues later and potentially void your warranty if you go outside contractor.  If the builder does the work, you can always find them to repair (or sue)
 
Irvinecommuter,

I agree with your sentiments. I asked my designer for more information on how many doors will ultimately be replaced but based on my rough figures it was around an extra $100 per door. I haven't tried pricing anything yet with outside vendors but looking at Home Depot's site they have different style doors and the prices seemed a lot lower. I am not sure on the quality but based on your recommendation it might be wise to upgrade after COE. I can always replace the laundry door, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, and 3rd bedroom first. Not sure what I would do with the standard doors.
 
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter,

I agree with your sentiments. I asked my designer for more information on how many doors will ultimately be replaced but based on my rough figures it was around an extra $100 per door. I haven't tried pricing anything yet with outside vendors but looking at Home Depot's site they have different style doors and the prices seemed a lot lower. I am not sure on the quality but based on your recommendation it might be wise to upgrade after COE. I can always replace the laundry door, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, and 3rd bedroom first. Not sure what I would do with the standard doors.

Is there a particular reason why you want the solid core doors?  I mean, I can never really close my doors at home because my daughter hates closed doors. 

Also, on the pre-wire...it's just the wiring...no speakers.  You should go outside on speakers anyways because the ones the builders use are probably overpriced and not very good.
 
Test,

Thank you! I opted for the loft instead of a 4th bedroom. Went with what I would ultimately enjoy than resale value. Spyglass Hill is a great location!

Not many other CV people on here so far. It's a bit lonely...  :o
 
Irvinecommuter said:
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter,

I agree with your sentiments. I asked my designer for more information on how many doors will ultimately be replaced but based on my rough figures it was around an extra $100 per door. I haven't tried pricing anything yet with outside vendors but looking at Home Depot's site they have different style doors and the prices seemed a lot lower. I am not sure on the quality but based on your recommendation it might be wise to upgrade after COE. I can always replace the laundry door, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, and 3rd bedroom first. Not sure what I would do with the standard doors.

Is there a particular reason why you want the solid core doors?  I mean, I can never really close my doors at home because my daughter hates closed doors. 

Also, on the pre-wire...it's just the wiring...no speakers.  You should go outside on speakers anyways because the ones the builders use are probably overpriced and not very good.


From just my research online, solid core doors feel better when opening and closing, they sound proof better, and are more sturdier. Seems like a nice touch to add for not that much more.

Any idea what kind of wiring they use? From what I gather, they may use cheap wiring and you would have no idea. I asked my design consultant for more information. Has anyone done the 5.1 surround sound with IP? Interested to hear any feedback. For sure I will get speakers outside.
 
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter said:
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter,

I agree with your sentiments. I asked my designer for more information on how many doors will ultimately be replaced but based on my rough figures it was around an extra $100 per door. I haven't tried pricing anything yet with outside vendors but looking at Home Depot's site they have different style doors and the prices seemed a lot lower. I am not sure on the quality but based on your recommendation it might be wise to upgrade after COE. I can always replace the laundry door, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, and 3rd bedroom first. Not sure what I would do with the standard doors.

Is there a particular reason why you want the solid core doors?  I mean, I can never really close my doors at home because my daughter hates closed doors. 

Also, on the pre-wire...it's just the wiring...no speakers.  You should go outside on speakers anyways because the ones the builders use are probably overpriced and not very good.


From just my research online, solid core doors feel better when opening and closing, they sound proof better, and are more sturdier. Seems like a nice touch to add for not that much more.

Any idea what kind of wiring they use? From what I gather, they may use cheap wiring and you would have no idea. I asked my design consultant for more information. Has anyone done the 5.1 surround sound with IP? Interested to hear any feedback. For sure I will get speakers outside.

I have the wiring but haven't hooked it up so can't speak to the quality but there is really no such thing as "cheap wiring"...just like there is no such thing as a "cheap HDMI cable"  Audio/video signals are all digital these days so the quality of the wires is pretty much irrelevant.  Your $3 HDMI cable will work just as well as those $200 Monster cables.
http://techchannel.radioshack.com/speaker-wire-myths-1272.html
 
Irvinecommuter said:
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter said:
Chairman said:
Irvinecommuter,

I agree with your sentiments. I asked my designer for more information on how many doors will ultimately be replaced but based on my rough figures it was around an extra $100 per door. I haven't tried pricing anything yet with outside vendors but looking at Home Depot's site they have different style doors and the prices seemed a lot lower. I am not sure on the quality but based on your recommendation it might be wise to upgrade after COE. I can always replace the laundry door, master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, and 3rd bedroom first. Not sure what I would do with the standard doors.

Is there a particular reason why you want the solid core doors?  I mean, I can never really close my doors at home because my daughter hates closed doors. 

Also, on the pre-wire...it's just the wiring...no speakers.  You should go outside on speakers anyways because the ones the builders use are probably overpriced and not very good.


From just my research online, solid core doors feel better when opening and closing, they sound proof better, and are more sturdier. Seems like a nice touch to add for not that much more.

Any idea what kind of wiring they use? From what I gather, they may use cheap wiring and you would have no idea. I asked my design consultant for more information. Has anyone done the 5.1 surround sound with IP? Interested to hear any feedback. For sure I will get speakers outside.

I have the wiring but haven't hooked it up so can't speak to the quality but there is really no such thing as "cheap wiring"...just like there is no such thing as a "cheap HDMI cable"  Audio/video signals are all digital these days so the quality of the wires is pretty much irrelevant.  Your $3 HDMI cable will work just as well as those $200 Monster cables.
http://techchannel.radioshack.com/speaker-wire-myths-1272.html

Ah good point. I guess IP is charging Monster premium pricing for a cable that should cost cheaper. Which community do you live in? Are you still commuting based on your handle?
 
The loft is nice.  3 bedrooms sharing 1 bathroom is not a good idea anyway.  BTW are you a fan of Mao?

 
@chairman...I'm in Saratoga so I'm a bit away from you.  I'm not commuting anymore...it's an old handle from IHB days when I was commuting between Irvine and LA. 

With IP, they pretty much give you medium grade stuff for premium prices.  I think the wiring is fine and worth the cost.
 
test said:
The loft is nice.  3 bedrooms sharing 1 bathroom is not a good idea anyway.  BTW are you a fan of Mao?

It's an inside joke with my coworkers and a play on my last name. Couldn't think of a better handle at the time I registered. Definitely not a supporter of communism.
 
Irvinecommuter said:
@chairman...I'm in Saratoga so I'm a bit away from you.  I'm not commuting anymore...it's an old handle from IHB days when I was commuting between Irvine and LA. 

With IP, they pretty much give you medium grade stuff for premium prices.  I think the wiring is fine and worth the cost.

Awesome. Appreciate your input very much. I am currently commuting from the South Bay to OC. Can't wait to cut my commute down.

Saratoga is in Stonegate right? Not that far!
 
Do you have kids?  Jeffrey Trail opened today, it is within walking distance from Mulberry

JT-Header-1.jpg

http://www.iusd.org/jt/
 
Chairman said:
Hi qwerty,

I did a rough approximate count of doors (not including bi-pass closet doors) and came up with 4 downstairs (garage, door under stairs, pantry (not sure on this one), bathroom) and 5 (3 bedrooms, 1 laundry, and 1 master bathroom toilet) upstairs. Also don't know how many panels will be on the door. I think the standard ones have 2?

What is your take on the surround sound 5.1 pre-wiring price? Seems really high for some wires and I am on the fence about doing it. Although $840 deceptively starts to look like a miniscule number when you add on numerous other options that are in the $2,500 plus.

I'm trying to go with the options here that I feel add more value to the home and are things behind dry wall.

$100 for solid core doors sounds fine to me. even if you can get them for 50-60 after escrow (not even sure how much they cost) then you have to pay someone to install them and then you spent more than $100 per door. with the electrical, 840 for the prewire may sounds on the higher side but when you consider you will end up spending upwards of $500 (if not more) after escrow plus possibly voiding warranties, its not wort it.

just do all the things you said through the builder. you are buying a $900K+ home, you should not cheap out on things you want.  you didnt mention lighting, i would highly recommend getting recessed lighting throughout the house as well
 
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