New Built Home Decor Upgrade - GTA
Need advice on builder upgrades — ~$40K+ list and way over budget. What should I prioritize?
Hi everyone,
We’re buying a new-build home in Ontario and are currently going through the builder’s décor/upgrades. The problem is that the upgrade list is getting way too expensive and is already beyond our budget.
I’d really appreciate advice from people who have built/bought new construction before:
Which of these upgrades are worth doing through the builder because they’re difficult/expensive to do later?
Which ones would you skip and get done after closing through an independent contractor for significantly less?
Also, when I say U2/U3, I mean the builder’s Upgrade 2 / Upgrade 3 level.
Here’s the current list:
1. Gas line hookup — $975
2. 18x18 upgraded tile — U2
Foyer + hallway — $2,160
Powder room — $340
Kitchen + breakfast area — $2,580
Laundry — $880 (optional)
3. Wooden floor — U2 — $3,045
4. 200 Amp electrical panel — $3,500 (comes with 100amps but have an EV)
5. Pot lights — $250 each - Minimum 6 required - 6 in great room — $1,500
6. Countertop — U2 Black Ice — $2,710
7. Microwave shelf — $1100 (floor plan comes with a low CFM exhaust so planning to put a chimney instead)
8. Kitchen cabinets — $4,190 U2
Two-tone kitchen — additional $250
9. Door handles — $2,000 U2
10. Stairs — U2 — $1,221 ( Staining the stairs to match flooring is $3000 additional)
11. Kitchen sink — $1,000
12. Faucets — $4,500 (whole house)
13. Popcorn ceiling removal — $3,000
14. Pantry — $2,000 (currently no pantry in the floor plan)
15. Pots & pans drawer — $2,392
16. Built-in dustbin — $1,237
17. Cabinet handles — U2 — $1,450
If this were your house, what would you absolutely do through the builder, what would you skip entirely, and what would you plan to do after closing?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!