Go with the cabinets you like they are a big investment, where is the carpet going? If in bedrooms save the money but if in a family room and you are not going hardwood get the best underlay. If by electrical fitting you mean light fixtures take the builders cheap stuff and buy what you like later when you know what furniture you will have make sure if you have an island in the kitchen to put pot lights above it to save money later.

Usually a mid-range would provide a good balance of quality vs cost. It depends on what the builder specifies at each level.

Thank u so much. I have a level 2 maple cabinet included in my package for kitchen. Should i upgrade it to level 3 which is maple again bt will hav one or 2 pull out rack shelving. Level 4 has a choice of cherry as well as soft close. Any suggestion on cabinet color. I like darker as well as white.

For electricals ...they are giving standard lighting in kitchen and foyer. No lighting in the room...should i get lighting done frm them or i am better off calling a electrician later and getting it done?

Sounds like you should only increase "levels" if they provide substantial upgrades, like all plywood boxes, full extension drawer slides, or higher wall cabinets.

Soft close hinges are easy to install yourself later at only a few dollars per hinge. Pull outs are also easy to install later using a brand like Rev a Shelf at $100 or so per cabinet.

I would go for the lowest level that allows you to get all plywood boxes.

As far as the carpet - If you prefer carpet, thats fine. But if you prefer hardwood, make sure you are not paying the same or more for carpet, which might be the case if you upgrade the carpet.

How many years would you want to keep the same carpet anyway? I personally would not pay for a carpet padding that guarantees 20 years of life because carpets get nasty before then, no matter how much you clean.

I appreciate everyones help. Very helpful info. I have a engineered wood in my package for kitchen, morning room , foyer and i am planning to add family room too for hardwood. Dont know much abt engineered hardwood floors. Is it worth upgrading to solidwood?

Depends on the cost. Just make sure you're getting engineered wood, not laminate. Engineered wood has a thin layer of real wood on the top. Laminate has a picture of wood on the top.

I worked for a production home builder once upon a time. They normally use an inexpensive box line cabinet company. If it is a custom builder, (which I've also worked for years ago) they would want you to meet with the cabinet company directly and with the designer of that company. I would suggest to have the builders electrician do all the rough ins that you want and later select your fixtures and install them yourselves. Most builders will have you do a walk through with the electrician once framing is done, so you know exactly what you are getting and what you are wanting. The carpet that production builders use is usually a very cheap carpet. I suggest you go with maybe the first upgrade on carpet because you will want to change it out in about 10 years. All my builders and remodeling companies have their customers meet with me, we go through the designs of all the rooms and select the cabinets & tops for each room. That budget is then put into their contract with the builder adding 10% cost for his part.

I was able to purchase my own carpeting, kitchen flooring and light fixtures when I purchased a new build condo. The builder then reduced those costs off of my purchase price. This may not be an option available to you, but may be worth asking about.

How about a battery backup to sump pump ? Should that be a must have from the builder ?

ask which pump they want to install and how much it costs? You can look it up and see what they charge you for the pump and installation

They are charging 1300$ for the battery backup sumpump.

We literally left out everything from the builder other than doors and trim which I wish I had left out too. My builder charged a hefty price for the upgraded trim and door package and it was cheap crap that they did a horrible job installing. I know in about ten years I will replace this. Oh and my staircase sucks too.

I will echo some of what Tracaron and others have said. I worked for a production builder, which offered a "standard home with available options".
Things to consider is how long you think you may live there and if it is worth it to you to have the upgrades now or remodel later (who can ever be sure ?)
Things that are structural like room bump outs or sunrooms are worth it to be built at the same time as opposed to adding later. All wiring or cable or lighting wiring is much easier to do at time of construction. That would include extra or odd placed outlets, spot lights over fireplace, ceiling fan pre-wires, garage outlets etc. any time someone has to cut into walls or ceilings to run wires later is a hassle and expense. On the flip side is how quickly all this does add up. Take the standard light fixtures if you know you will want something real unique later and change them out your self. Getting standard carpet if you are unsure about the types of hardwood they offer. If you pull out brand new carpet in an already finished, newly built home to add wood be sure to donate the carpet to someone. They will be so grateful. we did exactly that.
Just think about what you may want and you can weigh how easy it will be to change out later vs. paying a higher mortgage for it for 30 years., etc.
Congrats and be sure to ask lots of questions now.

The backup pump seems expensive.,..something at Home Depot is about $150..How much does the battery keep? Is it a few hours, a few days? These are questions you need to ask. Usually, the builders install the cheapest thing they can find. We are installing a generator and the pumps will be connected as well.

One point I didn't see mentioned is that if you get the upgrades you want from the builder, the cost is rolled into the mortgage. This can be a good deal or bad deal depending on personal finances. Also, the upgrades are done before you move in and you don't have to deal with contractors, mess, etc... down the road.

To the PP, why pay twice?

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