Can't make a decision on granite

[shcisamax]

I am thinking about doing formica and then going after market to have it pulled out and put granite in. I can't make a decision in 3 days on this. I hate this design on steroids approach. Have others done it? Have they had a good experience? Where did they go? Did it cost more or the same to do it that way because you pay for the formica then pull around $5 a foot to take it out and then put in granite. Does it pencil out? or are you spending more money to do that?

[graciegirl]

I am thinking about doing formica and then going after market to have it pulled out and put granite in. I can't make a decision in 3 days on this. I hate this design on steroids approach. Have others done it? Have they had a good experience? Where did they go? Did it cost more or the same to do it that way because you pay for the formica then pull around $5 a foot to take it out and then put in granite. Does it pencil out? or are you spending more money to do that?

I think this is what you should do. I know Blondie who used to post on here had done just that; had Formica put in and then had granite installed later, after closing.

It is a lot of thinking to do "real quick". We had no time to do it and I think I will be eternally grateful that we said..."Make it like the model". But ...we just saw a home just like ours in Fernandinaa couple of days agothat had a whole extra garage that we would have loved to have done if we knew we could do it, we had the room....this was just lately they have really given new buyers a LOT more choices than previously allowed.

So...no matter what, I am pretty sure you will just love it.

[Happinow]

Here's my take on after market stuff. I realize there is some stuff you have to do after market but when making the choice with counter tops isn't it going to be a pain tearing your new home apart after it's done? Especially the kitchen. If you really want granite, then get an appointment (your design person will do this for you) and look at all of the choices in the granite yard. You are sure to find some to please. Then it will be all finished and you won't have one more thing to do after you move in. I expect you will have plenty to do after you close. If your not sure what counter top you want, have your designer take you to homes that have formica in them so you can see which you like best. This was one of the easiest choices for us to make....it's all of the other little things that really take up mental space! Do what suits you and you'll love it!

[Trish Crocker]

I think this is what you should do. I know Blondie who used to post on here had done just that; had Formica put in and then had granite installed later, after closing.

It is a lot of thinking to do "real quick". We had no time to do it and I think I will be eternally grateful that we said..."Make it like the model". But ...we just saw a home just like ours in Fernandinaa couple of days agothat had a whole extra garage that we would have loved to have done if we knew we could do it, we had the room....this was just lately they have really given new buyers a LOT more choices than previously allowed.

So...no matter what, I am pretty sure you will just love it.

just curious..where is Blondie?

[George Bieniaszek]

Here's my 2 cents that I am throwing into the mix.

I am under the impression that the more "goodies" you put into the home, bringing the final price up, will have a direct impact on your property taxes.

Many people have told me to just go with the basics that you can live with and make the upgrades later. Obviously, the most cost effective thing to do with major structural changes, i.e. house bumpouts, golf cart garages should be done at the time of construction if your lot accommodates these changes but the rest can be done at a later date.

I agree that your body and brain will go into overload when meeting with the design team when sorting through all the design choices.

Good luck on your new home!!

[Hancle704]

We waited for years with builder installed formica and then went to Home Depot and selected Silestone. They arranged installation and we are very pleased. You may consider googling silestone to learn about its quality and characteristics. We did that before making our decision.

[angiefox10]

We had a lot of things done after the construction! We have been in the house three and a half weeks and it will all be completed today. Most of the companies were able to do the work in a day or two after starting! I won't tell you it didn't get crazy, because it did!

We didn't pay as much as doing it after with the build and we won't pay the taxes on it for the rest of our lives.

We are very happy with the results.

As a side note... We had the quartz added in the build!

I know a lot of people have even had carpet installed and then have ripped it up to have wood and/or tile installed.

[keithwand]

I think this is what you should do. I know Blondie who used to post on here had done just that; had Formica put in and then had granite installed later, after closing.

It is a lot of thinking to do "real quick". We had no time to do it and I think I will be eternally grateful that we said..."Make it like the model". But ...we just saw a home just like ours in Fernandinaa couple of days agothat had a whole extra garage that we would have loved to have done if we knew we could do it, we had the room....this was just lately they have really given new buyers a LOT more choices than previously allowed.

So...no matter what, I am pretty sure you will just love it.

Gracie, thats our street and we met them last week as well as other neighbors when we were there for the Design group session. We will be on the W. side 2nd house from the corner.

Granite- we went to Ultimate and within 10 minutes picked out our granite. We told them what we wanted and it was the 2nd one they showed us.

The whole thing took 3 days.

[Irishmen]

Wow lots of good advise here. Best it's free. Good
Points made by all.

[Pturner]

Another point: if you are doing a mortgage and putting a fixed percentage down, you'd be paying a higher mortgage rate for 15-30 years if you upgrade to granite during the build.

[CarGuys]

We have had granite in three homes and soild surface. It was always my choice.

This home my wife picked out a Granite looking beveled edge Formica. I was against it she said it will grow on you.

It has! Wife said tired of granite. I don't agrue with Ruth!

Herv

[shcisamax]

I am pretty much decided that I am going to do as much as possible after market. We are renting for the entire time of the build and will close 20 days before our rental is up so we have time. It is simply much easier to do rather than stress about decisions made in 3 days. Thanks to everyone for helping me with their comments.

[Pturner]

I am pretty much decided that I am going to do as much as possible after market. We are renting for the entire time of the build and will close 20 days before our rental is up so we have time. It is simply much easier to do rather than stress about decisions made in 3 days. Thanks to everyone for helping me with their comments.

Ah. Now you can relax. Or better yet, turn from stress to excitement. Welcome to TV and best wishes on your new home, Shcisamax!

[shcisamax]

Well not quite there yet. Still have a few more choices to make, and the big review and contracts to sign. But getting closer to the excitement.

[cquick]

oh, my, I hope we are doing the right thing! We had our second design team meeting today. We must be "easy"; I liked the granite countertops and the color of the tile in the Holly model on they showed us next door to the house they are using for the design team. We liked the color of the faucets and the lighting package. But we changed to a less ornate style. We liked the color of the house, but we haven't decided on the door yet.

We WERE going to do the Zinnia, but realized when we walked into the master shower that it was too small. The Holly is just right for us and all the doorways are widened to 36inches. AND we are having a pocket door between the master bath and the middle bedroom, I was so happy. I didn't think it could be done! They are putting support boards behind the walls in the shower and the toilet areas so we can install grab bars.

Tomorrow we decide on the pool and the screen.

We ARE going to enclose the lanai after market.

Hurray!

Connie

[shcisamax]

cquick: Whatever you do it is right for you. I have done several houses and so for me, I always like to have more choices. If I had not done this before or if I had to move directly from one home to another, I would be much more likely to work from the framework. Enjoy your choices.