re: Building a house - looking for some advice

Our builder wanted $5000 on a $375k house, so 1-2% is about right.

We had a budget to hit the $375k. So much for flooring, so much for appliances, lighting, etc. We went under on flooring and over on lighting. When all was said and done, we ended up just over budget (I think about $381k) and because we weren't assholes through the process, the builder came down to budget and we closed.

My advice: Shop around. We bought all of our appliances on elite appliances.com, saved about $2000. They offer free shipping. We also saved about $6000 by going to Memphis to get flooring. (I rented a U-haul)

To some people its not worth the trouble. But we ended up with a great house that we really enjoy.

Here are the things I did that didn't cost a lot more during the building process that are wow factors.

Walk through shower.



Nest thermostats and smoke detectors

LINK

Instead light switches in living and master bedrooms and main hallway, as well as garage control. (Cost about $250 and I can control lights from my iPhone in the main areas - I also have dim settings in the living rooms for movies and stuff)

LINK

We were in the parade of homes and we had three realtors call us and ask us about the Nest and Insteon stuff. Very simple and less than $500 difference.

Oh, and we also decided to do a tankless water heating system. Its awesome. Always have hot water even with teenagers in the house.