I wish I would have had the builder install the under cabinet lights in my kitchen. I got the cheap ones from Amazon but Im constantly charging them and it’s such a pain
Get your grout sealed after you close. The builders I've dealt with don't seal grout. It turns dark after a few short years. Hire a contractor post closing and get it done before you move into your new home.
Closing on my second new dev in January out in Nashville. Everyone reading this comment needs to watch all of Zak's videos. He knows what he's talking about!
This video was so helpful. My husband and I have built 6 new homes in our 50 years together. But now we are building 1st custom home. There are so many things to choose. This video is from a man that knows what he is talking
As a spec home builder, solid discussions. I would also ask for pre drywall pest control. Either have the builder or put in yourself. Borax is non toxic and awesome
This was great information. I'm getting ready to build a home in Rockwall. Definitely loved this especially because I haven't gone to the design center yet. Most of your recommendations Fornwhat to spend money on is what I focused on when talking to sales person and I definitely thought of the things not to spend money on because I already know I'm going to change them.
Such a concise video! Just had our design center visit and you've confirmed the decisions we made🙌🏾 electrical appointment is next week and with your tips on outlets and cables, I feel well prepared😉
Awesome glad you feel good. Here’s the updated electrical info if you need it. Best of luck. Steps To Get Your Home Electric System Set Up | New Build Construction Tips ua-cam.com/video/R25DBMeLA3Y/v-deo.html
Personally, on that one I think it’s worth doing it with the builder. We did it with the builder and I have zero regrets. Of course, there are somewhat easy ways to do it after the fact the biggest challenge is having to drill into your cabinetry. I don’t wanna run the risk of missing something like that up so I think it’s worth doing and unless they’re charging and obscene amount. It also means it’s covered under your electrical warranty.
I would also agree with the larger/wider doors. Sooner or later someone in the house is going to need a walker or a wheelchair. It's much easier to have the 36" doors installed from the beginning of construction. Having the oval/elongated toilets that is senior/handicap accessible is a great upgrade. It makes a big difference in comfortable. For all of your internet/networking cable, have it run to all TV locations, wifi access points and every room in the house. Even better is to have it run in smurf tube so if the cable next to be upgraded in the future, it will be much easier to do.
This is so helpful! Do you know if builders are still offering built-in medicine cabinets? I find them so useful, but I haven’t seen them in any model homes I’ve visited (or watched a video of) here in the northern Austin suburbs.
There was no mention made of ICF walls, polyaspartic resin coverings for countertops , vanities , shower walls and accent walls. All these items can reduce cost over long run. People should view all homes as an interior and exterior rendering.
Should we get recessed lighting package from the builder? Default only has it in the restroom hallway and kitchen. They are charging $5600 to install 20 more(4 in each of the 3 bedrooms and 4 in the living room). I am in Bay Area California. My concerns are if I do it my self after will my lights look different from their existing and also the purchase price goes up and is taxed. Thanks so much!
Thats a hard one for that price. I would consider doing it afterwards, But asking if they can tell you the temperature of the lights that they use in the home so you can match them. I think i would price it out to see if it could be done cheaper afterwards IMO
•I would not want a ceiling so high I that I need an extension ladder to change a light bulb and wash the interior side of a window. I hate needing a ladder to change the smoke detector battery. Do people think about those things when they ask for really high ceilings. When I watch HGTV home Reno shows. For the kitchen. While still in the building process. They pick the counter tops, back splash, cabinets, flooring, type of sink, appliances, lighting, yes or no on a kitchen island, sink fixtures, where the appliances will go, where the cabinets will go, where the kitchen island will go, where the sink will go, where the backsplash will go, how to lay the flooring, where the windows will go, where the lighting will go, where a breakfast nook could go, the seating for the counter, where a table and chairs can go, where the kitchen walls will go, etc. I have noticed on home Reno shows on HGTV u usually don’t see them pick the type of widows they are using in the kitchen. •As a short person of about 5’ 3” who constantly has health and safety on the brain. Plus I hate cleaning. This is how I would want my home to be: No un reachable cabinets, appliances, shelves, etc. Find a way to not have to use a ladder to change the smoke alarm batteries. Find a way to not need a ladder to change the ceiling light bulbs. Have a standing shower. Because I need a stool to get into and out of a tub shower, so I do not fall getting into the tub shower, and trip getting out off the tub shower. Make it so I do not need a stool or ladder to clean the interior and exterior sides of the windows. No rocks around the house, just grass. Rocks are hazard to walk on. I do not want have to trim trees and bushes. I do not want have to remove weeds. No tubs of any kind because I do not want to worry about getting injured or dying while getting in out of a tub, or falling asleep and drowning in a tub. No real wood anything where there is lots of water. Floor drains in the kitchen and bathrooms. No rugs because they are tripping and slipping hazards and a pain to get stains out of. Plus it is a pain to wash rugs. No carpet because cleaning carpet is a pain. Plus keeping carpet clean is a pain. No slippery when wet flooring any where in the house. Lawsuit waiting to happen. No stairs. Everything I want and need on one floor. I do not want to get injured or killed while using stairs. No open flames in the house. Fire hazard waiting to happen especially when living with other people and pets. Plus having guests. No gas stove tops and candles with wicks. No easy to break items besides light bulbs. No drinking glasses that are easy to break. No dishes that are easy to break. U will inevitably leave a candle burning, stove top on, drop plates and glasses, drop light bulbs, drop anything u are holding. Have a sprinkler system. Have fire extinguishers, first aid kits, working flashlights in easy to find locations all over the house. Have emergency lights, have everything in the house labeled, clearly marked entrances and exits. Carbon and smoke detectors all over the house. Having windows to open and close horizontal instead of vertically like a door. For easy escape. Hand railings for the toilet and shower. A shower chair no un movable built in shower bench.
The statement about high cabinets is not true. If you can buy the same brand of cabinets independently, get the specs and you can add these later. We did this.
Solid info.
This is the best video on upgrades.
Comprehensive and on point.
Thank you very much!
You are welcome. Thanks for watching Hope it helps. Here when your ready to buy!
I wish I would have had the builder install the under cabinet lights in my kitchen. I got the cheap ones from Amazon but Im constantly charging them and it’s such a pain
Get your grout sealed after you close. The builders I've dealt with don't seal grout. It turns dark after a few short years. Hire a contractor post closing and get it done before you move into your new home.
Closing on my second new dev in January out in Nashville. Everyone reading this comment needs to watch all of Zak's videos. He knows what he's talking about!
This video was so helpful. My husband and I have built 6 new homes in our 50 years together. But now we are building 1st custom home. There are so many things to choose. This video is from a man that knows what he is talking
Why would you build so many homes? just curious.
To sell. There are people that build a house, live in the house for a short period time, sell the house, rinse and repeat.
Bro...this information is GOLD!!!...Thanks!😊
Of course my friend! Keep it going!
As a spec home builder, solid discussions. I would also ask for pre drywall pest control. Either have the builder or put in yourself. Borax is non toxic and awesome
Fantastic suggestion!
Awesome! Thanks!
This was great information. I'm getting ready to build a home in Rockwall. Definitely loved this especially because I haven't gone to the design center yet. Most of your recommendations
Fornwhat to spend money on is what I focused on when talking to sales person and I definitely thought of the things not to spend money on because I already know I'm going to change them.
I think you are going to love Rockwall. It's a great place to build and you will be happy with your decision! which Builder did you decide to go with?
This is the best recommendations on upgrades.
Thanks my friend I appreciate that. Here to help anyway, I can when it comes to buying. Hope you get to enjoy a brand new home.
Such a concise video! Just had our design center visit and you've confirmed the decisions we made🙌🏾 electrical appointment is next week and with your tips on outlets and cables, I feel well prepared😉
Awesome glad you feel good. Here’s the updated electrical info if you need it.
Best of luck. Steps To Get Your Home Electric System Set Up | New Build Construction Tips
ua-cam.com/video/R25DBMeLA3Y/v-deo.html
Very helpful video. Thank you
What do you think about under cabinet lighting and the welcome center? Use the builder or wait?
Personally, on that one I think it’s worth doing it with the builder. We did it with the builder and I have zero regrets.
Of course, there are somewhat easy ways to do it after the fact the biggest challenge is having to drill into your cabinetry. I don’t wanna run the risk of missing something like that up so I think it’s worth doing and unless they’re charging and obscene amount. It also means it’s covered under your electrical warranty.
Great content Zak! Very well, thank you for sharing!
Wow, great! Thank you very much😊
Great Video
Thanks my friend.
I would also agree with the larger/wider doors. Sooner or later someone in the house is going to need a walker or a wheelchair. It's much easier to have the 36" doors installed from the beginning of construction. Having the oval/elongated toilets that is senior/handicap accessible is a great upgrade. It makes a big difference in comfortable. For all of your internet/networking cable, have it run to all TV locations, wifi access points and every room in the house. Even better is to have it run in smurf tube so if the cable next to be upgraded in the future, it will be much easier to do.
Great video!
Luv this! Wow so much good info
Great video!! Do you have any specific info regarding Toll Brothers? Thanks!!
Where did you get your Monopoly decorum that so awesome 😎
Those came from a site called ikonick.com/
This is so helpful! Do you know if builders are still offering built-in medicine cabinets? I find them so useful, but I haven’t seen them in any model homes I’ve visited (or watched a video of) here in the northern Austin suburbs.
That has kinda gone away in most new builds. You could add it after the fact but most builders are not doing that any more.
Why is this video so good?
Thank that’s good information
Wow a lot to consider. Do they usually put in big enough breakers?
In my experience yes. And some builders will allow you to add extras as needed
Zach you are Amazing!!!!!!
There was no mention made of ICF walls, polyaspartic resin coverings for countertops , vanities , shower walls and accent walls. All these items can reduce cost over long run.
People should view all homes as an interior and exterior rendering.
Thank you for NOT just rattling on…..so many do…..you got to the points very well! Super well done!
Should we get recessed lighting package from the builder? Default only has it in the restroom hallway and kitchen. They are charging $5600 to install 20 more(4 in each of the 3 bedrooms and 4 in the living room). I am in Bay Area California. My concerns are if I do it my self after will my lights look different from their existing and also the purchase price goes up and is taxed. Thanks so much!
Thats a hard one for that price. I would consider doing it afterwards, But asking if they can tell you the temperature of the lights that they use in the home so you can match them. I think i would price it out to see if it could be done cheaper afterwards IMO
@@zakschmidt-DallasTXrealestate thank u for replyin, will want to use u if we can buy house in Texas. Do u also support Austin?
Outlet by toilet. For bidet seat!
I’ll see your toilet outlet and raise you 2 toilets in the master!!!
•I would not want a ceiling so high I that I need an extension ladder to change a light bulb and wash the interior side of a window. I hate needing a ladder to change the smoke detector battery.
Do people think about those things when they ask for really high ceilings.
When I watch HGTV home Reno shows. For the kitchen. While still in the building process. They pick the counter tops, back splash, cabinets, flooring, type of sink, appliances, lighting, yes or no on a kitchen island, sink fixtures, where the appliances will go, where the cabinets will go, where the kitchen island will go, where the sink will go, where the backsplash will go, how to lay the flooring, where the windows will go, where the lighting will go, where a breakfast nook could go, the seating for the counter, where a table and chairs can go, where the kitchen walls will go, etc.
I have noticed on home Reno shows on HGTV u usually don’t see them pick the type of widows they are using in the kitchen.
•As a short person of about 5’ 3” who constantly has health and safety on the brain. Plus I hate cleaning. This is how I would want my home to be: No un reachable cabinets, appliances, shelves, etc. Find a way to not have to use a ladder to change the smoke alarm batteries. Find a way to not need a ladder to change the ceiling light bulbs. Have a standing shower. Because I need a stool to get into and out of a tub shower, so I do not fall getting into the tub shower, and trip getting out off the tub shower. Make it so I do not need a stool or ladder to clean the interior and exterior sides of the windows. No rocks around the house, just grass. Rocks are hazard to walk on. I do not want have to trim trees and bushes. I do not want have to remove weeds. No tubs of any kind because I do not want to worry about getting injured or dying while getting in out of a tub, or falling asleep and drowning in a tub. No real wood anything where there is lots of water. Floor drains in the kitchen and bathrooms. No rugs because they are tripping and slipping hazards and a pain to get stains out of. Plus it is a pain to wash rugs. No carpet because cleaning carpet is a pain. Plus keeping carpet clean is a pain. No slippery when wet flooring any where in the house. Lawsuit waiting to happen. No stairs. Everything I want and need on one floor. I do not want to get injured or killed while using stairs. No open flames in the house. Fire hazard waiting to happen especially when living with other people and pets. Plus having guests. No gas stove tops and candles with wicks. No easy to break items besides light bulbs. No drinking glasses that are easy to break. No dishes that are easy to break. U will inevitably leave a candle burning, stove top on, drop plates and glasses, drop light bulbs, drop anything u are holding.
Have a sprinkler system. Have fire extinguishers, first aid kits, working flashlights in easy to find locations all over the house. Have emergency lights, have everything in the house labeled, clearly marked entrances and exits. Carbon and smoke detectors all over the house. Having windows to open and close horizontal instead of vertically like a door. For easy escape. Hand railings for the toilet and shower. A shower chair no un movable built in shower bench.
Nice
We should’ve watched this before getting our upgrades
excellent video.....thanks so much
The statement about high cabinets is not true. If you can buy the same brand of cabinets independently, get the specs and you can add these later. We did this.
If cost is not an issue, I would use CAT 8.
That would definetly make the home future proof for a while
Zak are you in Houston?
Not normally But I do make exceptions at time. or I have teammates that cover that area that I can get you connected with
Don t let builders put in any light fixtures, faucets, door handles, flooring,painting.
The builder is charging 275. Per outlet 😢
Sorry, these ugly toilet paper holders are a deal breaker...
😂
Great Video