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Need help with Options and Upgrades - what's worth the money?

kwanii
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

My bf and I are due for our structural appointment in two weeks, this is our first home purchase, while we are trying to do our own research online, we also want to get some advice from the experienced and professionals on this forum! We are in Toronto, ON and the following pricing are in CAD$. What's worth the money and what's not? Our home is around 2,142 sq ft not counting the unfinished basement. I have attached our floor plan as reference.

Some main questions we have:

1. Is it necessary to upgrade to 200 amp service? Or is the standard 100 amp enough? We seem to be reading varying stance on this one.

2. We do plan on getting potlights in our kitchen (will likely outsource that), with that, are valance lighting necessary? Or the potlights would generally be bright enough?

3. Frameless shower enclosure in master bedroom ensuite - does it even make a difference in our floorplan?

4. What is blower heater fan? Is it useful? We have a fireplace in our living room.

5. Standard comes with: (i) Energy saving forced-air high efficiency gas furnace with electronically commutated motor (ECM) and (ii) Energy Recovery Ventilation System (ERV). The minimum HVAC system the builder offers costs $5,933 and it includes the Air Conditioner, along with Media Air Cleaner and a Humidifier. Is it necessary/worth the money?


Here's the remaining list of upgrades and pricing:

- Finished Basement $52,500

- Upgrade to 10' ceiling height on main floor $9,500 (standard is 9' ceiling)

- Ground Floor Double Door Entrance $760

- Garage door opener with one remote $740 each

- Keypad for garage door opener $150 each

- Rough-In 2nd Floor Alarm - All Windows and Doors $160

- Rough-In 2nd Floor Keypad $30 each

- Reinforce ceiling fixture for future fan/fixture $150 each

- Upgrade to 200 amp service $1,000 each (standard is 100 amp)

- Complete valance lighting c/w switch $750 each

- Wall sconce rough-in c/w switch $240 each

- Wall sconce rough-in on mirror c/w switch $300 each

- Exterior soffit potlights $450 each

- Recessed shower light c/w switch $290 each

- Smooth ceiling (2nd Floor throughout) $1,590 (first floor smooth ceiling comes standard)

- Upgrade from standard round column to square drywall column with trim to match house - half column $440 each

- Upgrade to 10mm Frameless Shower Enclosure - M Ensuite $3,060

- Upgrade from Bath Tub to Frameless Shower Enclosure - Ensuite #2 $1,850

- Upgrade from Bath Tub to 10mm Frameless Shower Enclosure - Main Bath $1,850

- Upgrade from 5' Bath Tub to 5' Shower (no door) $1,400

- Extra sink and single lever faucet in ensuite $725 each

- Whirlpool Upgrade in lieu of Corner or Oval Tub - 8 Jets $1,475 each

- Waterline for ice-maker $250 each

- Upgrade Kitchen exhaust fan vent to 8" vent $470

- Rough-in gas line for BBQ/pool $665 each

- Rough-in gas line for stove/range $665 each

- Additional standard fireplace - 1st floor $4,450

- Additional standard fireplace - 2nd floor $4,800

- Blower heater fan $620 each

- Fireplace remote control $250 each


Thanks a lot a lot for your advices in advance! We are a bit clueless looking at this list @.@

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