Quote:
Originally Posted by PatandBob
We have an appointment with the design center in a few weeks. We are building a Begonia.
For those who have done this before ... any advice, tips, or suggestions to help make the process smoother would be much appreciated. How long did it take to pick everything out? Any thing you'd do differently now that you've been through it?
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Our experience was with a cottage, not a designer, but I think many things apply to both...
1. Stretch - We feel lanai & garage are a must. Bedrooms as you choose.
2. Get basic appliances and upgrade those that are important to you. We ordered the basic kitchen appliances and said no to clothes washer/dryer. About a week after signing the contract, we asked our rep and learned that Del-Air was supplying the appliances. We contacted their local office and worked a deal to exchange/upgrade the refrigerator and ordered the washer/dryer from them. Delivered these items after closing - they
can't do it before closing.
3. THE BEST advice from our rep: "You can ask for anything in the Comments section of the Estimator."
The Estimator is the software the reps use to price out your selections. Your requests are reviewed and if they are approved, the price is increased. Then, if you want your approved requests itemized, you request this and it goes back to be itemized - allow another day or so for this.
We requested these and they were approved:
- hayseed walls with white trim
- crown molding on kitchen cabinets
- lazy susan kitchen corner base cabinet
- cable outlet in kitchen
- extra electric outlets in garage
- cable outlet in garage
- move rear hose bib (outside water spigot) from patio to corner of house. We plan to enclose the patio with a birdcage and don't want the hose bib to be inside the birdcage.
Good luck!