Upgrades - What can be done later and what cannot be

[k-2]

I am creating this new thread with the hope that people will like this and will get benift of this becuase my intention is that regardless of the builder we can add what can be done later and what cannot be plus if we can add prices of builder and for afterwards just for comparision purposes.

I have seen few other threads but information is scattered if you see any other dedicated thread to a particular upgrade (like one for hardwood) donot include that item here.

So Mr. Moderator If you like this you can make this "Sticky"

[k-2]

So in this new thread my first question is:

Can we add fan to the Gas fire plaec later on? If yes do we need professional installer or a handy man can do that by himself? If some one can give the price comparision from builder ? after closing from professional installer and by homeowner?

[terry]

Yes, a blower can be installed to your fireplace after your closing. We purchased ours at Ontario Hearth in Mississauga but you could probably pick one up at any fireplace distributors. Make sure you have your model number with you. The one thing that may be a problem is that some builders don't bring the electrical up in the fireplace box. In this case, if you're not handy someone would have to pull electricity for you.

We were able to do our own. If you're not handy it's best you get someone knowledgeable to do this for you.

These blowers are not cheap, but without it your fireplace will only give you ambiance without the full effect of actually heating up the room. I think it is well worth the money.

[GregS]

This thread is not specific to a builder or a location so it has been put into the proper forum and stuck.

[k-2]

- Thanks GregS for bringing this thread to the right section and making it sticky, now it is upon users to contribute to this.

- Thanks terry for advice

- terry, I have seen one electri style switch on the side of the fireplace which is used to turn fireplace on and off (seen in model home), I donot know this is electric switch and if yes can we use this wire for the blower as well.

- some one can tell me what will be the good price to install blower in fireplace.

[k-2]

What are the door chimes ? are these regular door bells or something else

[Jenny1975]

Yep, "Door Chimes" is a fancier way of saying plain 'ol door bell.

[Reesa]

How difficult is it to get "smooth ceilings" after you close?

[patrob]

Originally Posted by Reesa

How difficult is it to get "smooth ceilings" after you close?

Maybe this will help
http://images.google.ca/images?ndsp=...s&start=0&sa=N

I suggest taking upgrades that are hard to do later, mainly structual. But things like moving walls, add/enlarge windows, stone, taller ceilings, kitchen cabinets, hardwood stairs, upgrade tiles, etc. are better if taken from the builder.
Anything 'cosmetic' like granite counters, hardwood floors, backsplash, door/kitchen hardware, faucets, sinks (if you plan to get granite), paint, AC, etc. can be all done later for less.

There are exception where people do take standard builder cabinets & have them removed after closing because they are installing their custom kitchen or some even remove their own tiles, which is doable but messy So it all comes down to what you are comfortable with, do you want to have it all done & just move in or are you willing to do the work yourself & go through the small inconvenience to save a lot of money

[GreyingJay]

You also need to compare costs and do a little math.

To do hardwood floors after closing might cost you, say, $6000. But that's $6000 you have to have in cash, ready to spend. On the other hand, you might pay the builder $8000 to do it, and have it rolled into your mortgage. It might be easier to pay the extra monthly payments on your mortgage. You will, however, pay interest on that.

Also, rolling it into your mortgage means you might not end up paying for it all, ever. If you roll the cost of the upgrade into a 25-year mortgage, and move out after 10 years, you've only paid for a proportional cost of the upgrade rather than paying for the whole thing up front. Again, you do pay interest on the amount that you did pay for.