[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

We built so long ago, not sure anything we did would apply. Here goes: none of our carpet choices were of any quality AT ALL. They refused to just do NO flooring, so we were forced to take the carpet, and we tolerated it for two years... by then it has about "pilled" itself into extinction anyway. We had NO choice of appliances, only GE, and we were finally able to get them to agree to just not hook them up, but they did argue a bit. So we ordered the Bosch products and others we wanted and had to hire installation. Been VERY happy with that decision, did not want to use a cheap dishwasher for a year and then have to have it torn out, etc. We took their highest upgrade in a disposal because a 1/4 or 1/3 hp disposal was not for us, definitely not for ME, and hubby feels similar. At that time we were able to get a high hp Insinkerator, which was exactly what we left and what we wanted in our new home, so, another good decision. Window quality was not good and we took the most upgraded models offered, definitely still not our first choice, but stuck. Hubby was most concerned about what is NOT seen, the diameter size of the major drains, copper versus aluminum wire (they used aluminum, much cheaper than copper). We let them put in their standard fans and light fixtures, then took our time shopping for what we wanted as didn't care for the "upgrades" they offered. Biggest regret is probably not upgrading the light switches. Changing all those cheap toggle type is not difficult, but it is a "pain".... so we just waited until the little wires finally broke, and then replaced them with the wide toggle type. Should have just upgraded to that. Other regret, since they were pricey, only had one center of the floor outlets in living room, now wish we'd had 2 or 3 done, so when we change entire arrangement, or have Christmas tree, floor lamps, etc. we'd have more choices now in arranging furniture. Also would have had standard outlets put in above the kitchen cabinets, so after we had the moldings done around the cabinet tops, we would have been able to have lights at Christmas time, or, like our neighbors, who had outlets put above cabinets because they have very small candlestick type lights as part of their above cabinet decor, so I regret not having that done. Last perhaps, is not having additional outlets on OUTSIDE of house, much cheaper to do when built than an after thought. Again, holiday decorations without having to have cords all over the lawn, convenient if you use a non battery edge trimmer or hedge trimmer, and in case you want to add a fountain or pond. Don't know if any of this applies now or not ?

Aluminum wiring has not been used in fifty years, except for the multi strand wires used for service cables and sometimes wiring to the stove or HVAC, which is legal.