Closing on a builder spec house. Bland kitchen.. Design help!
Jenifer Broughton
last month
last modified: last month
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (81)
Related Discussions
will builder build exactly to specs or should i expect variances
Comments (14)I, too, have a few areas that I just did not want to get undersized. I fretted over that a lot and asked my team of architects if framers were likely to frame so accurately that they wouldn't be off by a few inches anywhere. They just gave me all sorts of shrugs and eyerolls. Finally the lead architect said, "If there's anything you are unwilling to make adjustments on, then I'd suggest we plan with a margin of error--in which every direction you prefer--in mind." Jeez. So I did. Because, I think we all know that after all the drafting and despite all the legal contracts and inspections and accountability and corrections and STUFF--if something has to be changed in that house, I will end up paying for it, however indirectly. And in aggravation and time as well as financially. And the more I demand precision, the more I will have to watch everyone like a hawk and then fight or have my big dogs fight and argue and ... it will just not be worth it. My suggestion: don't plan anything in the house so tightly that a few inches is gonna destroy it. And try to adjust your attitude away from precision. I know you're going through a demanding and precise process, but the materials, the tradesmen, and the physical world in general is NOT going to adhere to your carefully laid plans. I say this with all kindness....See MoreHad to find new builder and design new kitchen. Thoughts?
Comments (32)Thanks everyone. We met with the builder this morning and I told him I wanted to move the fridge as Greendesigns mentioned. Thinking more about that, I'm really warming to the idea. I do like the idea of big drawers in the island. When we get to the point of meeting with the cabinet folks, we'll talk to them about prices for this. Hopefully we will have the contract signed on Monday and start moving forward for real! Kirkhall, that's a good point about french doors, we'll look into that. I was concerned about frozen pizzas fitting in a side-by-side... I think we probably will keep the side of the fridge open--we're excited to have magnets and kids drawings and such covering the front and side of the fridge! Kirkhall and LL, I haven't brought up the new plan on Build for a couple of reasons: 1) I'm pretty happy with it; 2) changes are much more difficult when they have to modify a stock plan, so playing around with layouts for a marginally-improved setup is not worth it. I'll post something this weekend, hopefully, when I get a chance to put everything together so it looks right and can give an explanation that I'm not exactly looking for feedback but am wanting to share with the great community that has helped me so much....See MoreGood Idea to Paint Builder Cabinets after Closing in New Build Home?
Comments (30)On the topic of cabinet finish.. as many stated the finish from the manufacturer will far surpass an onsite paint job. It is true you seem to save if you paint yourselves, but through the upgrade option, do you also get internal upgrades? Is all the hardware soft close (hinges and drawers) Is your overlay a full or standard? Look up cabinet construction Another question -if you switched out cabinets after- is the countertop. If you plan on a solid surface, removing cabinets to switch out after the fact could be VERY expensive... 1- can the stone be salvaged, 2-If not you will have the cost of a whole new countertop! I also considered doing things to the kitchen after we moved in and opted out of that.. Boy was I glad. Life moves fast and when you move in you really want to move in. I'd go with builder and what you really want and avoid all the small surprises that will arise doing work after the fact. Good luck in your process!!...See MoreCustom/Spec Builder
Comments (15)Very simply, you've found a builder that is sort of a mid-range production model. If you're OK with that, willing to live with his "packages" and aware that you will have less control (make sure you get costs of any upgrades you want IN WRITING right now), then fine. If you're not, search on for another builder. Keep in mind that it's possible a fully custom builder who IS willing to delete those items you feel you don't need may not end up being less expensive. A builder that is doing packages is saving up front on buying certain items in large quantities. That's why removing them doesn't save YOU that much - they aren't costing him that much and so you don't get the full retail price difference between those items for not using them. Calling himself a "custom" builder is certainly stretching the terminology here. It's not that custom builders don't do spec houses - they do. Mine occasionally will do a spec house when he has time on his hands, found a super handy lot, or just has something he wants to try. OTOH, he never builds the same house twice, either. True custom pretty much means every house is a proto-type. Since the builder has never done THAT house before, either, it's harder to be specific about what it will cost or foresee the little quirky things that will happen. Hence, why they're more expensive....See MoreJenifer Broughton
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthlast modified: last monthTish
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthTish
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthJAN MOYER
last monthlast modified: last monthLouie
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthJenifer Broughton
last monthJenifer Broughton
3 days agolast modified: 3 days agoJenifer Broughton
3 days agoJenifer Broughton
2 days agoJenifer Broughton
yesterdayJenifer Broughton
yesterday
Related Stories
KITCHEN DESIGNKey Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen
Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones
Full StoryMODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: Design Lessons From a Deluxe Spec House
This luxurious Austin home was built on spec, but you'd probably never know it if we didn't tell you. Discover 10 reasons why
Full StoryMOST POPULAR7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight
In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN11 Must-Haves in a Designer’s Dream Kitchen
Custom cabinets, a slab backsplash, drawer dishwashers — what’s on your wish list?
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Design Fix: How to Fit an Island Into a Small Kitchen
Maximize your cooking prep area and storage even if your kitchen isn't huge with an island sized and styled to fit
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNWhy a Designer Kept Her Kitchen Walls
Closed kitchens help hide messes (and smells) and create a zone for ‘me time.’ Do you like your kitchen open or closed?
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House
As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHave Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too
Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNOpen vs. Closed Kitchens — Which Style Works Best for You?
Get the kitchen layout that's right for you with this advice from 3 experts
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place
Design choices that prevent stooping, reaching and falling help keep the space safe and accessible as you get older
Full Story
JAN MOYER