Newmark Upgrades Riverstone-Milwwod (Houston: house, buying, theater)

[kashVi]

Hi Guys!

We just went under contract with Newmark homes at Riverstone Millwood section.

I am just concerned about upgrades! Is it better to spend money on that or not?

- Level 2 tile in Enterance, Family,Living,dining and kitchen
- 2 Coach lights
- 4 recess lights in family room
- Level 2 carpet in remaning area
- Fireplace - $3700 I really do not like to spend this much for fireplace. As in houston we never use it.Its just for show.


We have other couple of upgrades too. But I just have doubt on these upgrades. Is is worth to spend money on this with builder or can we hire somebody from outside?

Please advise.

[haudi]

I just built with Newmark last year. The cost of the coach lights and recess lights are extremely negligible in the big picture. They were $60 each when I added them. You can't even get an electrician to come to your house for $240 anymore (The 4 you are describing), much less the cost of the lights and the labor involved to do it after the fact. Same with the coach lights. I added 2 at $170 each including the wiring. Those lights are sold online for $165 each for the exact same model, not including the labor it would cost you to install them after the fact.

For the carpet, make sure you spend your money upgrading the pad to the best pad you can get, and worry about the carpet if you have enough money. The padding is going to make the biggest difference. For the tile, you will be extremely limited in the base level. I was able to find tile I liked in a Level 3 (same tile is now a level 5) and save money there.

Fireplace is a completely personal decision, but I would never consider a house without one even in Houston. If you've never had one, you won't miss it but I love the aesthetic of one.

[kashVi]

Thanks haudi!

I really appreciate your comments!

[Bentley2013]

I think the biggest upgrades would be the tile in areas you specified, recess lighting (extremely important), I added plenty in living room, game room, theater room, master bed, patio, and flood lights as well. I rather have everything already pre-wire than having it done later.

Granite and cabinets are also extremely important to me. I agree with "haudi", the padding it's important as well, I think the thickest will be the 1/2" and it's worth it. The fireplace seems a little expensive and some people wouldn't care for one. I myself upgraded the fireplace stone since the fireplace was already included in the base price.

One last thing I upgraded was the master bath.

[kashVi]

What upgrades did you take in master bath?

[haudi]

Mudset shower is a must!

Originally Posted by kashVi

What upgrades did you take in master bath?

[Bentley2013]

Originally Posted by kashVi

What upgrades did you take in master bath?

Mudset, tile and pattern, granite, cabinets, sinks, mirror, Jacuzzi tub, spa shower heads, pre-wire for TV and speakers (wife likes to take long showers).

Some of this stuff you can have done after, I just didn't want to have it done later a risk for contractors to mess up things.

[kashVi]

Great!

[kashVi]

So we are getting around ~124 /sq ft for the home with upgrades. Do you think it is a good value based on the current market? At riverstone, all builders are so high priced!

[Sahahome]

Hi ,

we are also in the process of buying from Newmark but they only have a quick move in at creekstone section. Did you buy at creekstone or millwood, i guess the office is at millwood for both of them. They have given us a price for $127/sq ft with all upgrades. Let me know if you did any research and if you were able to negotiate anything? if you would recommend us to go with Newmark or if you see any issue buying with them. your reply is very important for for decision. Thanks