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Was your home built by a production builder?

Great advise!

For the bathroom vanity situation Go taller, have a kick out step under sink (convert into a hidden drawer when kids are grown) Definitely agree with the garage situation Not only the width but the depth I hate having to open the garage door to get around husbands truck

Bla bla bla.

Treat the third party inspection as a required step. You're building a home that you plan to live in for a long time. The cost of an inspection at each phase (including pre-pour) is something you will never regret.

Thank you ❤

I am heading to decor center soon and I have white cream colours in mind and pale oak flooring. This is a great reminder that tastes change and a neutral pallet is wise.

Take out those horrible big glued on mirrors and put your own, they look so much nicer. Hardwood the whole house and raise the kitchen cabinets to ceiling so there is no gap to collect dust and more storage. Adding kick plate drawers in kitchen as well to store cookie sheets and cutting boards etc.

I have never had a new home built but I’m planning on a new build soon. This information is very helpful.

you should take a building inspector with you

What color is the green on the walls in the first photo in the fireplace section?

5 months to build a home in my opinion is far too fast. I suppose it depends what you are building, but I'm most cases you're not going to build a quality home in 5 months.

Sounds good Nicole!

Nice video and I believe you did mention it but I think one of the most important factors to emphasize is figuring out what to upgrade at the design center vs upgrade yourself after closing. Things which are more expensive and difficult to upgrade after closing such as cabinets, tile flooring, countertops, etc should be done at the design center. Also I think most builders will or should be able to give you a digital design center book that you can flip thru for weeks before your design center appointment which should make things a bit easier and more efficient at the appointment.

I just started watching you. is would be interested in how you found your contractor and what questions you asked.

its called a MASTER BATHROOM

We recently installed the white IKEA Bodbyn kitchen and I wanted to put my 10 arm chandelier above my 7 foot island because it would give me good light. I’ve seen a lot of videos where people have white kitchen cabinets and marble style countertops with crystal chandeliers over the island, so why are people telling me that a chandelier wouldn’t look good? How do you feel about them? Also, if I do end up putting pendant lights instead do I need to match the pendant lights over the island to the light that I put over the sink?

Consider motion sensor switches for closets, pantry, laundry room. Any space you may access frequently with your hands full is a good candidate for a motion sensor switch. I wish I had added motion sensors to bathroom fans for those inconsiderate folks who don’t remember to turn the fan on. They also have timers that automatically switch them off.

Is the pre construction meeting one we should have our realtor for?

I do not need carpets except when I get up from sleep. My feet want to touch carpets, and I think carpets are placed in the winter, but in the summer they are placed in the storeroom. Half the wall is tiled in the bathrooms, except for the showerhead. Thank you, knowing that I struggled with translation to understand part of the topic.

I do not need carpets except when I get up from sleep. My feet want to touch carpets, and I think carpets are placed in the winter, but in the summer they are placed in the storeroom. Half the wall is tiled in the bathrooms, except for the showerhead. Thank you, knowing that I struggled with translation to understand part of the topic.

I’m overwhelmed. I need a booth to go in to get it to lift from me. Builder has met with me twice, and promises another meeting. I hope I can make decisions I can love. I’m so afraid I will regret some. ❤ BTW you’re amazing. I hope you love your new place. You’re so sweet. 🥲

Nicole, thank you for this. M gong through this myself. Right now, my builder, is just guessing I’ll need two for a 7 feet island. I’ve been nervous that it’s gonna look wrong.

Congrats on the new home. Thx for the tips to keep a record of everything. I have not caught any errors yet. So far pleased with my builder because they go over everything verbally, in writing, and then a third tie before we sign. But I am still watching…

As a short adult my opinion is: Stools get old fast.

She is not kidding about that vanity height and counter heights! It matters! Make sure you have enough counter space too.

Hi Nicole can you share what colour did you use on the exterior of entryway door ? And what is the ceiling height on the main floor?

Just found you. Hope you get to a place you can make updates!

No open shelving you will regret that big time. One more thing to have to clean all the time. And the taller window just put some artwork above the window. Problem solved you save $2000.

One thing to add, is your furnishings and your artwork or what makes your home I’ve never had anybody come to my house and said oh my gosh you only have 4 inch baseboards. But I have had people coming into my home and say oh my gosh, your artwork is absolutely incredible. Sometimes you have to prioritize what’s important ,to me the things that are in my home just as important as what the builder is going to build, but some things aren’t.

Incredible video and information, thank you so much!!

What are your thoughts about using the same granite/quartz on all of your kitchen and bathroom counters?

Super helpful video - BUT, why does everyone with something to say related to homes use the mouse clicking sound for every picture. How does it even make sense to use? And why does it always have to be twice as loud as the rest of the content? I think the info is great to have, but not even a few minutes into the video I cry from my ears and have to turn it off. I can't be the only one.

Exactly 💯

I need help with this who can I ask

My first time to your channel and subscribed it right away! This whole video was very helpful and you’ve explained it very well. We have our pre-construction meeting tomorrow and this video just saved me a ton of time, Thank you so much 😊

I think vanity height is dependent on user height; as a 5'3" adult, a 36" vanity is too tall (and like another comment said, I really can't clean the mirrors without a step ladder) - and when I cook, I find that my shoulders get sore because my elbows are out so I can reach into pots and things. Now I'd never lower my kitchen counters for re-sale if nothing else, but I do miss having a bathroom vanity that fits me better.

I wish you had shown a plan of the house to help us picture the house better.

Did you have an independent home inspector?

Am I putting the blue tape?

🎉👏👏👏👍

Moving

Moving

I can’t watch this video you talk w your hands I can’t focus ugh

sink wise if you guest in wheel chair or old parents it can help to that end i also put in wider doors

So easy to fix your light placement situation. Your builder is an idiot.

Flooring directly through the builder is way overpriced- 50k for hardwood or premium vinyl floors is ridiculous. Insult to injury it raises your property tax liability. Make sure you spend the money on electrical upgrades, but stop overspending on tile and flooring. You can have this done later and it will save you alot of money. Especially when you factor in those property taxes that are for life.

You live in basement territory. You probably have structural brick in detached residences as well.

Good video. One thing you missed was the garage. The builders put in the most minimal amount of outlets. You are going to have an electric car someday so plan on prewiring at least one or two 240v outlets. And get more outlets than the minimal. And like you said prewire, prewire, prewire! And you be better insist on walking the house to make sure all the outlets and switches are in the right spot. I just did my electrical walkthrough with the builder and electrician yesterday. It took 4 hours but it was well worth it, rather do it now and get it right over ripping out drywall in the future. You should also have a house walkthrough with every trade.

Moved in August 28 after 20 months. Love the finishes and the house. Still a punch list now after closing. Very relieved, finally. Thanks for all your videos, they kept me going!