Paying for new build extras

Pickynic

Hi,
New to the forum, although I’ve been lurking for a while.

We are currently looking for a new build and the development we like doesn’t include any flooring or turf. The kitchen is also basic and I’d like to upgrade doors and worktops

We’ve fallen in love with one of the houses and are waiting for the plot we like to be released.
I’d like to organise some extras through the builder – Miller Homes, if we do reserve.
But I’m not clear on how this is paid for.

Is it possible to arrange extras and add them to the overall value of your house and include them in the mortgage?
Or do they have to be paid separately?

If we can’t roll them into the purchase price, I won’t have much to work with as our budget will be very tight!

marksoton

I can't see any lender allowing you to roll it into the mortgage.

Oh and don't take out any additional credit to finance it prior to completion.

MrJB

Often you pay 50% upfront and then a further 50% on completion. You won't be able to add them to the mortgage.

Depending on how long you have between reservation, exchange and completion you may well be able to save up a sizeable chunk and if so, just get the work done prior to you moving in by a third party and save yourself the hassle. Certain works will be worth stretching to have - ie additional plug sockets which will be chased etc.

Pickynic

That's what I thought but just wondered. Thanks for replying

Hou

As above, we did 50/50. The first 50% paid when we finalised the options and the rest will be paid on completion. You cannot add them to the mortgage, so it will depend what you really need to change. Depending on the development, you might be able to get something thrown in

Pickynic

Will need to redo our sums and think about what we'd realistically have available to pay for any extras!!

Anyone any idea of the rough price of builders extras?

I'd be looking to have flooring done and kitchen doors/worktops upgraded as a minimum but I haven't got a clue what this would cost in the 4 bedroom we're looking at if we bought from miller

The problem we have is that they are flying out the door and nothing is included with very little chance of incentives being thrown our way as people are literally queuing up to buy them.

MrJB

We went with a 3 bed detached of around 1,000 Sq Ft, our house came with floor coverings included in downstairs wc and upstairs bathroom & ensuite. We ended up paying just over £2,000 for carpets throughout the remainder - our builders didn't have much choice - it was basically show home carpets or no carpets but we were happy and the price was good - I know others charge more!. They were pretty average quality - if you've reserved ring up the sales chappy at the scheme and ask for a copy of the list of extras.

Things like turf I'd really just wait until you're in - it also ensures you can check that they've not dumped builders waste in your garden.

clint_S

We paid 10% up front and the rest on completion, I'm guessing it depends on the Builder. We did however know what we wanted up front and got the majority thrown in for free when reserving.

teddysmum

By 'flooring' do you mean that the houses have no carpet or laminate or that they have no usable floor surface ?


Carpet, laminate and turf are much cheaper if bought privately. Besides which construction companies charge top prices for kitchen appliances,such as dishwashers.


Some builders' kitchen units are also of poor quality, with upgrades not much better, so why not take the basic and upgrade the tops and doors, privately, when you have enough money saved ?

mleach101

Can't speak for other builders but with Barratt it was 25% up front, the rest payable prior to completion - either as one lump sum or smaller instalments whenever you want. I'm currently saving up in an ISA to pay it off and will do it in one go.

As for options and costs, I found Barratt's list wasn't as full and varied as I would have liked and somethings I wanted weren't available (such as Network cabling flood-wiring). On the whole it was mostly aesthetic options (tiling/flooring) or additional items like more sockets, more lights etc.

I opted for some tiling upgrades to cover more surfaces in the bathrooms and a kitchen upgrade pack - probably right it's cheaper doing it externally but I wanted it done prior to me moving in. Flooring I found was exceptionally expensive through the builder, but this was mainly due to a limited number of options for covering type - usually higher end options with no cheaper options available. I've chosen to get it done independently and use cheaper carpets and a lower spec Karndean range, which I can always upgrade in the future room by room to something better.

You can't roll them into the mortgage but depending on your LTV you could always reduce your deposit, using that amount to pay for extras.

AdrianC

If finances are tight, then I'd definitely be going bare-minimum initially, then upgrading in the future. Do the turf (or seed) yourself. Change the cupboard doors yourself. Not hard, and a big saving to be made, as well as a wider choice.