Anatomy was not a subject I registered for at any time during my college career. While I comprehend and retain the names of basic body parts, once we start digging into the bones (pardon the pun) and the various names of the slimy innards, I’m at a loss — until my radius and ulna started acting up, and then it became part of my vocabulary … along with various adjectives in front of said names to describe the pain associated with them.

This is not much different than the anatomy of a design center session. Last week, my client and I met at the design center for a new subdivision that was being developed by a track home builder. This means that he had four or five different house plans to choose from that this particular builder provides. Once the plan is chosen and the lot is obtained, it is time to pick the options that he will want in his home. The “standard” home is the price that is initially quoted. Anything else is an add-on with an additional cost. Since the base price already includes indoor plumbing, one color of paint, builder-grade carpet throughout and a kitchen sink, everything else is going to be an upgrade. Cha-ching.

My client was nervous. He and his wife had budgeted a decent amount for upgrades. I asked him how flexible he was with that amount. I have had some considerable experience with new builds and the cost of upgrades (especially during and post pandemic) and knew that the cost had gone up substantially since he had put an initial deposit on the lot. The initial estimates were not going to be the same as they had been at the beginning of the process some 11 months ago.

I met him and his wife at the door. As we entered the design center, his escalating heart rate was palpable. There were rows of various flooring, fixtures, lighting options, paint swatches, window coverings and backsplashes. Samples of cabinets, countertop material, and moldings and casings were displayed throughout this 1,400-square-foot home posing as a design center. I reminded my client that this was going to be fun; much like taking out an appendix.

We started with the kitchen. The model we were in, of course, had all the upgrades. Once the home is shown with all the bells and whistles, everything else pales in comparison. Of course, the obvious upgrades are in the kitchen, one of the most visible areas. Who wouldn’t want the double oven, gas range and quiet dishwasher? All upgrades to the tune of $7,200. The standard cabinets are, well … frankly … dated. This mandates a cabinet update; $10,000.

It’s difficult to imagine any of these rooms without canned lighting since the model has them. No problem. That can be added for a mere $2,275. Gone are the days (we thought) where carpet was standard in the dining area. It’s okay. That can be changed as well: $15,500. Switching from an electric water heater to a gas water heater will be a $1,300 upgrade. A state-of-the-art (it better be) water softener will run an additional $1,800. Toilets that don’t require a squat that anyone older than 4 could stand up from: $4,000. However, with the upgrade, they will match all the fixtures.

A cool $50,000 later, we left the design center. I wish I could say the appendix was still intact, but he had to sell it to pay for his upgrades.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.

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