Saturday, January 18, 2014

To upgrade or not to upgrade?

That is the question we are grappling with so that we can get this process rolling.

We are 99% sure we are going with Hi-line Homes plan 2188: http://hilinehomes.com/plans/plan-2188/

Our options on counters are quartz (+$5500), granite (+$4650) or laminate (included). Upgrade price is only for the kitchen counters, and includes a deeper sink.  I tried to price out Home Depot and came up with a similar price for granite and quartz (installation included). According to the 'estimate calculator' on the Home Depot site, the four 45 degree angles, needed for the island/eating bar, added a hefty fee. We do not want to have to seal granite every year. We are leaning toward the quartz (so it is DONE) or the laminate and replace on our own (someday...).

The only other upgrade we are debating is the molding/door package. There is a hefty price tag-$9950!-for knotty alder doors, moldings and windows throughout the house. They are beautiful. The standard white mdf is nice and wide, hollow doors. Debate: bite the bullet and be done (very appealing) or get standard package and replace only a few doors and the living area moldings (someday) for a fraction of the cost. (If your vote is for the DIY versions, please leave the dates you are available for a work party!) 

We have a flooring allowance that we can "spend" at their flooring vendor and pay the difference. I really like the hand scraped laminates for the living room/kitchen and slate or tile for the entry. Hardwood is beautiful, but means more maintenance. We are doing the standard floors in all other areas. 

Oh, and we still aren't sure EXACTLY where the house will be placed. The living room may have to come off to fit the new house where we want it...

So we need to make these decisions, get the excavation bid and sign papers!




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