Stainless steel, corian countertops, other upgrades

[nupe98]

I am in the process of purchasing a new townhome. The homebuilder is offering a couple of upgrade packages to choose from. The first package that I'm considering includes hardwood flooring in kitchen & dining area, upgrade from white to maple cabinets, black appliances, smooth top stove for an additional $3000. The other option includes all of the items in previous option that I just gave in addition to berber carpet, stainless steel appliances, and corian countertops for $7000. These are the two options that I am considering. Are the extra upgrades in the second package worth the $4000 difference? Also, I can get an electric fireplace built for $2000. Would it be worth it for resale purposes?

[Doug Aleshire]

nupe98,

The question is this upgrade worth it? It should be, is it worth it to you?

The upgrade options are nice and they are spendy. Go shopping and take a look. I know, the upgrade does include some additional income for the builder but they may be very fair at providing these upgrades to you.

Electric fireplace or gas, these are amenities that may not add much if anything to the sale of the home but may be of appeal to a potential buyer. I personally would forget the fireplace and do the $7,000 upgrade only.

As I started off with, is the upgrade worth it to you?