Kitting out a 4 bed new build house

MoneySaverLog

I am buying a new build which I understand will come mostly as a shell, blank canvas.

In terms of kitting it out with stuff like wardrobes, wall tiling, lighting, kitchens etc would I be best going to the developers, who seem cagey at this point on costs or sourcing elsewhere.

I really am looking at what I can afford and set aside a budget of 20k to make the house a home.

Just not sure where to go for the best as places like sharps and hammonds do free home design visits but heard they are expensive and price can range and requires negotiation as these are not displayed in the brochures either.

I do like sharps home office though, so may use one of the bedrooms for this.

What should I do and where should I go for the best options for me to get an idea for how much it will cost?

G_M

Have you signed the contract to buy?

In many cases once you have negotiated the price down as low as you can, you can then negotiate to have items included within that price eg fitted kitchen, tiling, carpets etc. Most developers mass-buy these so can get them much cheaper than you could + use their own fitters.

However, if your negotiations are complete and you've signed on the dotted line, then any discussion over fitting out will be at whatever extra price the developer chooses to charge - & he now has no incentive to do you any favours since he's already sold you the house!

bclark

You seem to be under the impression that it's an empty shell, is this in the UK because it won't be unless you have some special deal. In fact I believe that mortgage companies won't lend on it unless it has the basics.

You will get a fitted kitchen, bathrooms etc. Depending on the spec you may want to try and negotiate upgraded ones. You may also get sliding wardrobes, I did.

You really should know what you are getting in the house, it's a pretty fundamental part of whatever deal you have agreed.

MoneySaverLog

It's reserved, though exchange of contracts has not took place yet. I will be getting carpets and floor tiles (kitchen/hall/bath) included throughout. The kitchen is included but not the appliances (just spaces for them) will most likely have to add extra cupboard space too and add in granite worktops for the kitchen upgrade.

Yes the basics will be included to the specs on the house sheet.

phill99

If you are looking for granite, say goodbye to 15 - 20% of your £20k budget!

Sharps are very expensive for bedrooms. Try a local independent joiner who will give you a much better price.

MoneySaverLog

phill99 wrote: »

If you are looking for granite, say goodbye to 15 - 20% of your £20k budget!

Thanks for that ;-(

G_M

Many of the cheaper discount storesmake their profit on fitting.

Buy units from them (in the sales) and get a local chippie to fit independently.

But I'm still unclear- if you have not Exchanged contracts, then why are you not negotiating appliances, extra units etc to be thrown in with the price?

MoneySaverLog

I would do the sales but the build has yet to even start. Move will likely be late spring / early summertime.

AndyPK

Sharps are 3k for a wardrobe.

Mojisola

Although it's nice if you've got the money, you don't have to start in a new house with everything new. Prioritise the things you really want to buy new like the oven, mattress, etc, and see what you can find second-hand or free for the rest of the house.

You can then replace the second-hand stuff as the money becomes available.

DigForVictory

While you've room to dicker, get them to sort & install white goods, oven etc as they can buy wholesale - you can't. Also they have the ticketed labour to install gas things, electricians etc - which come expensive per hour to you...

+1 for doing some things new from the start but by no means all! 4 bedrooms is a lot of space - make sure you have broadband & get into freecycle/freegle as well as finding your local auction houses.

Have fun kitting your new home!