Should I select upgrades options for my new Irvine Pacific home?

[zinc]

I recently bought a new house built by Irvine Pacific and on this weekends I will go to Irvine Pacific Design Center to select options like countertop, flooring, back splash, bath options. It seems it is pretty expensive to do it through the design center. But I am afraid that there may be a lot of works to do after close if I select default options from IP.

Any suggestions on this. Is counter top and flooring easy to change? Will it be cheaper if I do it after close?

Thank you.

 

[capboba]

home gallery/design center = profit center..

so you're typically looking at 2-3x price when compared to third party (someone correct me if I'm wrong on that).

having said that, there are few items that are simply better done thru the builder than later. and some are semi cost effective (such as trims/moldings/paint).

and then there are a few items that is just easier to do during the building process vs. after the fact (e.g. light fixture in ceiling). pre-wires, plumbings, gas hookup, and of course any architectural changes (nicer folding glass doors etc).

countertop and cabinet selections may be another item easier to do through builder - unless you're willing to tear it all out and replace. what i see ppl mostly do is keep kitchen countertop intact (or upgrade thru design center), then do the other countertops for bathroom etc. third party.

flooring is almost always cheaper going third party, even factoring in the cost to remove the standard flooring (although i usually try to get easy to remove surfaces installed such as carpets vs. tiles)

you should have plenty of time to make decision on doing with the builder (and their contractors) or after close.

 

[Goriot]

I recently bought a new house built by Irvine Pacific and on this weekends I will go to Irvine Pacific Design Center to select options like countertop, flooring, back splash, bath options. It seems it is pretty expensive to do it through the design center. But I am afraid that there may be a lot of works to do after close if I select default options from IP.

Any suggestions on this. Is counter top and flooring easy to change? Will it be cheaper if I do it after close?

Thank you.

Below is my recommendation:

Counter Top = Builder
Flooring = Third Party (Can be done in 2-4 days).  If you get a descent contractor, the demo and installation will be clean. 

 

[Perspective]

You can save a lot of money doing many upgrades after COE. Be prepared to become a general contractor managing subs though.

e.g. I have called and emailed, some twice, at least six landscaping companies to schedule estimates over the last two weeks. I have only had one call returned.

I've been getting painting estimates over the last two weeks too. These three returned calls, but were late for appointments, and getting them to adjust/fix the estimate is a big hassle. Try getting an answer as to why they won't use non-Dunn Edwards paint!

Long story short, it could become a huge undertaking of time and frustration. You're paying the builder a premium for everything to be perfect, warrantied, and done at closing. Whether or not the premium is worth it is a question only you can answer.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

Obviously anything structural

Anything electrical or plumbing go with the builder.  You can get stuff prewired (like speakers and ceiling fan) and do the rest at your leisure latter. 

Countertops I would go with IP...their prices are pretty competitive and no mess. 

We had really bad experience with the cabinet subcontractor but pricewise, builder was pretty good with pricing on additional cabinets.

Flooring you should go with 3rd party (I recommend Venetian) except for the bathroom flooring (cause of the toilet).  Good contractor can get in and out in a few days.

Bathroom tiles/countertops are a difficult call...they're super expensive but they could affect plumbing.  We bit the bullet and went with the builder.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Obviously anything structural

Anything electrical or plumbing go with the builder.  You can get stuff prewired (like speakers and ceiling fan) and do the rest at your leisure latter. 

Countertops I would go with IP...their prices are pretty competitive and no mess. 

We had really bad experience with the cabinet subcontractor but pricewise, builder was pretty good with pricing on additional cabinets.

Flooring you should go with 3rd party (I recommend Venetian) except for the bathroom flooring (cause of the toilet).  Good contractor can get in and out in a few days.

Bathroom tiles/countertops are a difficult call...they're super expensive but they could affect plumbing.  We bit the bullet and went with the builder.

+1  Also, window coverings are one of the biggest rip offs if you get them from the builder.  Definitely get those from a 3rd party.