What options are a MUST in a new build Irvine home?

[bones]

[quot.

 

[zubs]

I'm pretty sure handling multiple contractors is much more stressful than talking to the Irvine Company design center.  But who knows, you could get really good aftermarket contractors.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

If you want to throw money at it, then yes, going through the design center is the easiest method.
You pay higher property taxes
You pay higher remodeling fees
But you have less stress.

If you want to save money, then you'll have to do the work & eat the stress much like anything in life.

The less stress part is also relative...the bulk of the issues for our place are builder related.

but didn't you also buy an IPac house and didn't remedy the issues prior to closing?

Yup but many of the items didn't come up until we moved in. 

 

[Chairman]

Questions:
* Is getting an upgraded stove/refrigerator a must?  (e.g.  If someone buys a home that is this much, would they need an upgraded stove (Wolf, Viking or GE Monogram etc?) Or would the standard work?  Does that make a difference in resale?  I believe upgraded range is $5,000.

Seems like the standard in the higher priced homes are good enough. Unless you are trying out for Chopped.

* Would you guys spend $6,500 on upgraded staircase for iron balusters and wood?  Or should I keep standard white picket fence look?  (Trying to go modern).  $11,000 for full iron.

Nope... and I believe you can paint or replace for cheaper afterwards.

* How much would doing the backyard cost with a retaining wall and standard plants/brushes in back?

Sounds like you have a slope. This is hard to determine not knowing size, dimensions, shape. However, it it's TIC, it can't be that big. Does the design studio do backyard landscaping? I can't imagine basic landscaping costing more than $10-20k.

* Should I upgrade the bathroom showers from the white 6 inch tile and put strips of decor small tile or retile the whole thing with bigger modern tile?

Like bones said, if you're doing the master, yes. For the secondary, not so much -- but it depends on price.

Back in the day when we were looking at new homes, I recall that doing subway tiles was a minimal cost upgrade and that's something you might want to do in non-master bathrooms. As for counters in the bathroom, the E-stone they are using is good enough (at least in my opinion).

And just remember, nowadays, I believe the cost of upgrades gets added to the sales price so you will be paying property tax on it every year.

Can someone explain to me how it came to be that we are now taxed on upgrades at time of sale into perpetuity? It makes no sense at all other than cities and governments conspiring ways to to take more of our money.

Because its additive to the purchase price.  If you bought for 1M, you pay tax on that 1M valuation.  If you bought a 1M home with 100K of options, your purchase price is 1.1M.  You are now taxed on that 1.1M valuation.


I don't see the issue.  Now if you are talking about why some things are standard and others are not, its a whole other can of worms.

When spending all this money on a home it is annoying that you have to add all these additional things and be taxed for it when most of it should be included. Also, if you do any work after close of escrow you don't have to pay taxes for it. I think you are supposed to report it but most people don't.