Saratoga Upgrades

[lucky760]

@Irvinecommuter - We got a 31 cubic foot fridge and love it. We haven't been able to fill it up yet which is opposite of the problem we've always had with every fridge that came before. It sticks out a lot, but in the Saratoga configuration it's fine because the fridge is on a corner where it doesn't conflict with a short counter depth.

@Songkou - Incidentally, we've been griping a lot the past couple of days because we've realized the standard stainless steel appliances that seemed good offerings are really, really lacking. That's especially true for the microwave which is just tiny, but also for our oven which lacks a lot of features we used to enjoy. Short story: I recommend upgrading the standard appliances.

As far as freestanding appliances, if you don't mind paying the interest or don't want to deal with a delivery, go for it. Otherwise, I'd recommend taking advantage of the huge sales Home Depot and Lowe's offer every couple of months, usually at holidays. (E.g., we got our fridge for ~$1000 off normal price for Memorial Day. Now for Fourth of July it's on sale $300 less than that.)

 

[songkou]

Thanks to eyephone, Irvinecommuter and lucky.

@Irvinecommuter: I didn't know that the refrig is a build-in.  Thanks for the info.

@eyephone & lucky: Thanks for tips on Lowes and Home Depot.

@lucky: Sadly, we've gone through the stage when we select the kitchen appliances.  We selected the standard.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

Thanks to eyephone, Irvinecommuter and lucky.

@Irvinecommuter: I didn't know that the refrig is a build-in.  Thanks for the info.

@eyephone & lucky: Thanks for tips on Lowes and Home Depot.

@lucky: Sadly, we've gone through the stage when we select the kitchen appliances.  We selected the standard.

Also check online...Lowes and Home Depot are supposed to price match even online stuff.  They both have +10% price drop if you find a lower price. 

We went with the first level upgrade on the built-in appliance...goes along with our philosophy that we do not really want to mess with anything that we will need to rip out later. 

 

[Irvine_RC]

I don't live in Saratoga, but I'm chiming in with my $0.02 anyways, as I had faced a similar decision.

Although the pricing offered by the home builder's design center APPEARS competitive on paper when you google the make and model on-line, when you dig deeper into the pricing of alternate makes and models, you are able to unveil the trick behind their scheme. 

First off, it appears to me that the builders select very particular model of appliances that are not commonly advertised for sale on the internet, hence it gives you the illusion that their pricing is very fair and competitive.

To eliminate this problem, I began searching for appliances based on the specifications that match with the builder's selected model across multiple brands.  Low and behold, I'm finding that the prices for very similar products are at least 20~30% lower than what the builder wants to charge. 

In addition to the above, if you can catch the timing of your purchase with a promotional sale (4th of July sale coming up),  you can get some sweet deals that can amount to almost 30-40% off the builder's pricing.

 

[zubs]

Will someone give the price for a specific appliance at the design center so we can match it against the internet price?

 

[songkou]

Will someone give the price for a specific appliance at the design center so we can match it against the internet price?

You will get that when you signed the purchase contract.  But here they are:

Freestanding Appliances (incomplete list):
"Whirlpool Front Load Washer And Front Load Gas Dryer ($1,866.00)
Washer #WFW9151YW; Dryer #WGD9151YW"
"Whirlpool Front Load Steam Washer and Dryer ($2,767.00)
Washer #WFW88HEAWl Dryer #WGD88HEAW"

"KitchenAid? 21.8 Cu. Ft. 36"" Width Architect? Series II French Door Refrigerator With Interior Water Dispenser ($2,849.00)
Model: #KFCS22EVMS"
"Whirlpool? 20 Cu. Ft. 36"" Width Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator ($3,094.00)
Model: #GI0FSAXVY"

 

[eyephone]

Will someone give the price for a specific appliance at the design center so we can match it against the internet price?

You will get that when you signed the purchase contract.  But here they are:

Freestanding Appliances (incomplete list):
"Whirlpool Front Load Washer And Front Load Gas Dryer ($1,866.00)
Washer #WFW9151YW; Dryer #WGD9151YW"
"Whirlpool Front Load Steam Washer and Dryer ($2,767.00)
Washer #WFW88HEAWl Dryer #WGD88HEAW"

"KitchenAid? 21.8 Cu. Ft. 36"" Width Architect? Series II French Door Refrigerator With Interior Water Dispenser ($2,849.00)
Model: #KFCS22EVMS"
"Whirlpool? 20 Cu. Ft. 36"" Width Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator ($3,094.00)
Model: #GI0FSAXVY"

Just curious - which appliances did you choose?

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I googled that KitchenAid fridge, found it at Best Buy for $3059 so that's not a bad price.

 

[broda]

It's shocking people will spend that much on buying free standing appliances like a washer and dryer out of convenience to go through the builder.  Maybe I'm a tight ass, but that extra $1K for convenience is not worth it.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

I googled that KitchenAid fridge, found it at Best Buy for $3059 so that's not a bad price.

Again..price is definitely competitive but that fridge isn't really that great.  You can get better alternatives for a lot cheaper.  Also, it's only 21 CuFt, which fits nothing.

This Samsung for example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...n-Stainless-Steel-RF31FMESBSR/204209895?N=a0f

or this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...in-Stainless-Steel-RF4289HARS/203707152?N=a0f

 

[PenguinOrange]

I googled that KitchenAid fridge, found it at Best Buy for $3059 so that's not a bad price.

Again..price is definitely competitive but that fridge isn't really that great.  You can get better alternatives for a lot cheaper.  Also, it's only 21 CuFt, which fits nothing.

This Samsung for example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...n-Stainless-Steel-RF31FMESBSR/204209895?N=a0f

or this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...in-Stainless-Steel-RF4289HARS/203707152?N=a0f

+1 Going outside builder

You can get better deals outside the builder and during holiday sales. We got this Samsung fridge which on sale right now for July 4th:

~29cuft for $1,798.00 plus free delivery (really good price):http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...nless-Steel-RFG297HDRS/203673152#.UcoiqfmPP-k

We love it so far and that's a great price for a french door fridge. We liked Samsung cause adjusting the shelves are really easy, just flip and push you don't need to actually unlatch and latch the shelves like other fridges. Only downside on Samsung is the ice maker takes up space in the fridge (instead of the door) and is pretty loud when making ice.

True, we could have gone with the sub-zero the builder was pushing which would be flush against the cabinets but we chose function over form. And the sticking out and gaps on the sides are really not as bad as the salespeople make it out to be. It all fits and matches with our other SS appliances (wolf) perfectly fine.

Happy shopping!

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I googled that KitchenAid fridge, found it at Best Buy for $3059 so that's not a bad price.

Again..price is definitely competitive but that fridge isn't really that great.  You can get better alternatives for a lot cheaper.  Also, it's only 21 CuFt, which fits nothing.

This Samsung for example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...n-Stainless-Steel-RF31FMESBSR/204209895?N=a0f

or this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...in-Stainless-Steel-RF4289HARS/203707152?N=a0f

You're comparing counter-depth to standard fridges. A Samsung counter-depth runs about $2700-$3000 also... you can get a KitchenAid standard depth for $2600 too.

I prefer standard fridges because they are bigger, but many don't like how it sticks out... and to this day, I still don't understand how they charge more for counter-depth when it has less interior space.

Refrigerators are like Irvine homes... less for higher cost.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

I googled that KitchenAid fridge, found it at Best Buy for $3059 so that's not a bad price.

Again..price is definitely competitive but that fridge isn't really that great.  You can get better alternatives for a lot cheaper.  Also, it's only 21 CuFt, which fits nothing.

This Samsung for example: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...n-Stainless-Steel-RF31FMESBSR/204209895?N=a0f

or this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Samsung-...in-Stainless-Steel-RF4289HARS/203707152?N=a0f

You're comparing counter-depth to standard fridges. A Samsung counter-depth runs about $2700-$3000 also... you can get a KitchenAid standard depth for $2600 too.

I prefer standard fridges because they are bigger, but many don't like how it sticks out... and to this day, I still don't understand how they charge more for counter-depth when it has less interior space.

Refrigerators are like Irvine homes... less for higher cost.

But the point is that you don't have a choice and as you said, you can get a counter-depth fridge for less.  Again...selection not price.

 

[songkou]

Just curious - which appliances did you choose?

We didn't go with the builder.  I was just checking online prices and found builder's prices were competitive and our cutoff day for appliance selection wasn't over yet.  Seeing people's responses on this thread, I decided not to change our mind.

In general, I don't know what's good brand name for frig and washer/dryer anymore nowadays.  It used to be that Whirlpool was the definite choice and KitchenAid was the luxury version of Whirlpool.  Now is Samsung and LG?

 

[zubs]

The 2 Korean brands are just a better value.  You get a lot of gadgets going with them.  For comparable fridges LG and Samsung have the best price, and they have nice LED lights on the front panel. 

Disclosure: I have a Kitchenaid refrigerator.

Regarding the kitchenaid fridge that is $2849.00 from the builder.  Here is a comparable.http://www.eliteappliance.com/KitchenAid/KFCS22EV.php

So it is cheaper from builder.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

Just curious - which appliances did you choose?

We didn't go with the builder.  I was just checking online prices and found builder's prices were competitive and our cutoff day for appliance selection wasn't over yet.  Seeing people's responses on this thread, I decided not to change our mind.

In general, I don't know what's good brand name for frig and washer/dryer anymore nowadays.  It used to be that Whirlpool was the definite choice and KitchenAid was the luxury version of Whirlpool.  Now is Samsung and LG?

Samsung and LG have super fancy gadgets and modes.  Electrolux and Kenmore are also good.

Consumer Report from last year: http://news.consumerreports.org/hom...and-dryers-that-cleaned-up-in-our-tests.html.

Amazon reviews are also helpful.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

The 2 Korean brands are just a better value.  You get a lot of gadgets going with them.  For comparable fridges LG and Samsung have the best price, and they have nice LED lights on the front panel. 

Disclosure: I have a Kitchenaid refrigerator.

Regarding the kitchenaid fridge that is $2849.00 from the builder.  Here is a comparable.http://www.eliteappliance.com/KitchenAid/KFCS22EV.php

So it is cheaper from builder.

or not: 

http://www.wayfair.com/KitchenAid-Architect-Series-II-21.8-Cu.-Ft.-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-KFCS22EV-L881-K~KAD1836.html?refid=GX25509999660-KAD1836&device=c&gclid=CNeiifLBgLgCFUQ6Qgod2V8A2A
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Stainless-Steel-French-Refrigerator/dp/B001AIVW0I

 

[broda]

I chalk this up to some people aren't good at shopping deals and some are fixated on specific brands that call out to them.

I got my Samsung Counter Depth fridge for 2200 from Lowes after price match and 10% movers discount.  Did I work for it a bit?  Definitely.  But I paid about 3300 for washer, dryer and fridge delivered.  I got all Samsung products which got good to decent reviews. 

No complaints so far except that counter depth fridges have no room.  But it's the price you pay to have your fridge not sticking out 13 inches outside of your counter.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

The 2 Korean brands are just a better value.  You get a lot of gadgets going with them.  For comparable fridges LG and Samsung have the best price, and they have nice LED lights on the front panel. 

Disclosure: I have a Kitchenaid refrigerator.

Regarding the kitchenaid fridge that is $2849.00 from the builder.  Here is a comparable.http://www.eliteappliance.com/KitchenAid/KFCS22EV.php

So it is cheaper from builder.

or not: 

http://www.wayfair.com/KitchenAid-Architect-Series-II-21.8-Cu.-Ft.-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-KFCS22EV-L881-K~KAD1836.html?refid=GX25509999660-KAD1836&device=c&gclid=CNeiifLBgLgCFUQ6Qgod2V8A2A
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Stainless-Steel-French-Refrigerator/dp/B001AIVW0I

None of those are a model match, you have to look for model #KFCS22EVMS, I could only find it at Best Buy and Lowes and both were above $3k.

I also have a KitchenAid that has been problem free but will either go LG or Samsung next time around (same thing for washer/dryer). Funny how perception of Korean products have changed... cars, phones and appliances.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

The 2 Korean brands are just a better value.  You get a lot of gadgets going with them.  For comparable fridges LG and Samsung have the best price, and they have nice LED lights on the front panel. 

Disclosure: I have a Kitchenaid refrigerator.

Regarding the kitchenaid fridge that is $2849.00 from the builder.  Here is a comparable.http://www.eliteappliance.com/KitchenAid/KFCS22EV.php

So it is cheaper from builder.

or not: 

http://www.wayfair.com/KitchenAid-Architect-Series-II-21.8-Cu.-Ft.-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-KFCS22EV-L881-K~KAD1836.html?refid=GX25509999660-KAD1836&device=c&gclid=CNeiifLBgLgCFUQ6Qgod2V8A2A
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Stainless-Steel-French-Refrigerator/dp/B001AIVW0I

None of those are a model match, you have to look for model #KFCS22EVMS, I could only find it at Best Buy and Lowes and both were above $3k.

I also have a KitchenAid that has been problem free but will either go LG or Samsung next time around (same thing for washer/dryer). Funny how perception of Korean products have changed... cars, phones and appliances.

?

Amazon:  Item model number: KFCS22EVMS

Also: 
http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/KFCS22EVMS.html
http://www.abt.com/product/36251/KitchenAid-KFCS22EVMS.html