Options, options
The option meeting (design meeting) can also be done online as well but we chose to do it the old fashion way: face to face. The meeting took full day but the designer left the following day open for us, in case. We didn’t need the second day. (One neighbor got through it in four hours: key to it, is read the design book throughly. A neighbor said they’ve gone through it ten times before the meeting: well prepared; using spreadsheet if that helps.) We signed off on our selections on April 22.
Each builder has its own ‘design’ center, even they go an extra step to say that their staff members are NOT Interior Decorators, hence bear no responsibility for buyers’ dissatisfaction. The staff is there to take your order/selection. Our ‘designer’ however, did give us some pointers, and on a few occasions, told us to do it on our own for less.
What can you choose for your new home?
Well, a lot, or, not much.
You decided on the state, city, community, lot and model of home. But still, there are many things you want to change but can’t because it is NOT an option. Compromise are much needed.
The exterior color scheme. We learned only at the design meeting that yours can NOT be the same as your next door neighbor (next and cross the street, depending on the location), which eliminates 1 to 3 schemes from the dozen or so options. It’s hard to anticipate issue like this especially we were NOT informed at purchase.
The cost of options or the markup, in general are on the high end. For example, the kitchen apron/farmhouse sink: Kohler-5827-0, listing price on the manufacturer’s site is $1,299, on Amazon $974.25 and the builder charges $1,350. I understand the cost of labor to install but I doubt seriously that the builder buys at manufacture’s listing price.
Over all, the design meeting is an indecisive experience for us: deciding on an item as large as the color scheme of the house, to flooring or countertop, and as small as the color of the grout, cabinet knobs and handles, and which side would you put your soap dispenser on the kitchen sink, brick paver, and what kind of edge for your countertop, etc.
During our meeting, at times, it could get very noisy as more buyers come and chat on top of one another. Don’t know why don’t they have our meeting in a smaller room with doors that could close out, to reduce unnecessary chatters.
After signing off on the selections, we’re now waiting for the construction to begin.
