Ask the builder?

Yes, I plan on doing that and fully expect to be told it is a fine thing to do provided you pay the up-charge. My question was how to minimize the haggling. I imagine the builder gets a bulk discount at Wolf/SZ and I basically want all Miele.

Is it best to say just don't install any appliances in my unit and deduct their cost from my bill? Is it lunacy to ask the builder to change the cabinets? Maybe someone who has done this before might have some insight- like don't change the cabinets, but go ahead and haggle over the appliance allowance.

Just thought it was worth asking here before asking the sales people at the development.

Each builder will have different policies regarding change orders. If you have already signed a contract, read the section about change orders. If you are still in talks without signing anything, discussing how change orders are handled is a very good conversation to have. Also, you likely want to have your lawyer look over the contract before signing if you have not done that already.

Policies vary from, "no problem, just sign this in writing" to "give me your firstborn, and bake me brownies for 10 years".

Normally you would get back .25 cents on a dollar credit, and pay well over retail, or dam close

Maybe use Wolf and Sub Zero, but get the types of appliances you prefer?

Why on earth would you go with a lesser level of appliances? You gonna put in vinyl floors instead of wood too?

Thank you all for the feedback. I feel a bit better oriented to this situation now.

Cook's, we'll have our lawyer look at the docs for sure- the firm has a real estate lawyer we have used before.

Millworkman, if they give us something like 25cents on the dollar, we'll donate the appliances.

Virgil, that is a good idea, except for the dreaded blue chipping oven. I'll look into Wolf appliances more.

Sophie, I tend to prefer Gaggenau and Miele appliances over Wolf/SubZero. I think an induction cooktop makes more sense in a relatively small, modern kitchen.

This is the model kitchen. Ours would not have the range in the island- the layout is a bit different- but you see the look and I prefer induction as a matter of practicality and I think sleeker appliances will suit the look of the kitchen better too. And while I am at it, I will ask for some drawers in there too.

This should have been negotiated before the contract was signed. The builder will now charge you whatever he wants ... at the rate quoted by millworkman!

We have not signed the contract yet.

We have decided to proceed with buying the house, but have not signed the contract. We will go up to Deer Valley next week and finalize the details- and then get the contract to the real estate lawyer. I was asking my question so that I would have an idea of what to expect. I have told my husband to expect that we will not get any credit for the appliances and we will pay an upcharge for modifying the cabinets. The way I see it, that is the worst case scenario and now we prepared. We've never bought a house from a builder like this, so it's just nice to know how things can go.

Make these changes up front and get them included in the contract. If the builder says "oh, we can work that out later", but does not change the contract, do not believe him and do not sign!

Or sign, but be prepared to remodel to your specifications right after you close on the property.

Chipsa, thank you. Wow, that is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. What a total pain for your parents - totally senseless waste of time and money.

BTW, I love the Robern cabinets too :-)

After our last experience with subZero, I would do anything to avoid and I think DH would have me committed if I insisted on it just for its cache. Been there, done that! Try to get what you want and like. Worst case, let them put in their package and immediately sell it as never used -- I am willing to bet you'll come out better that way, but it is a hassle you don't need.

mojo, most people have positive reviews about their Subzero fridges and freezers, or at least prefer them to others brands they have owned. What was your negative experience? I am about to order a 36" integrated all fridge and 24" integrated all freezer.

mojo, thank you of the heads-up. I have been very happy with my Miele refrigerator.

chipsa, thank you again for sharing your parents' experience.

in my experience building in a planned community, the problem you have is that more than likely they have already ordered cabinets, flooring, brick, etc. We singed a contract on a house planned to be a spec just a week before the foundation was poured. We were only able to choose things that had not yet been ordered. We weren't able to change the brick color or the cabinets which was really upsetting. we were able to change flooring, carpets, and smaller things only..

"in my experience building in a planned community, the problem you have is that more than likely they have already ordered cabinets, flooring, brick, etc. "

And or have it standing by. They call the supply house and say send me the "Catamount" model in Bisque cabinets on this date and the appliances on this date. They purchase with bulk discounts by negotiating quantites prior to breaking ground for the entire development. Siding, flooring, interior trim, windows, etc, etc, etc..............................

How large is the builder? How many units are they doing?

If the builder is selling units as fast as they can build them then they may not want the hassle of doing something non-standard regardless of cost. OTOH, if things aren't moving as fast as they'd like then they may well agree to swap the appliances for the difference in their cost. Same for the cabinets.

If there is an association involved then changes after you move in may be difficult depending on the rules. Check before you count on being able to make the changes.

We are scheduled to meet with the folks at the development next weekend. There are only 12 houses in this part of the project- it's a ski resort built around a hotel, so there are other houses that were built long ago and condos and now this batch of stand alone houses. Of the 12 houses, only the three that we being finished in the spring remain on the market- there is one large condo still available- though it does not suit our needs.

I am very grateful for all your advice and experiences with these kinds of situations. I am prepared for the worst- they do everything their way and I have to make the changes after I take possession. Interior changes are permitted by the HOA.

Just curious...are Sub Zero and Wolfe really inferior to Miele appliances?

I realize Wolf/SZ are excellent brands with a long tradition of quality and performance. Wolf's problems with their ovens- the dreaded blue enamel chipping- is a deal breaker on the ovens for me. Then you have Wolf's gas range tops and cooktops, they are most probably superior to Miele's, but I want induction, so that brings me back to Miele or Gagg.

I have a combination of Miele and Gagg at my primary residence and I am very pleased with their performance.

I realize I am being very fussy and these are luxurious problems to have, but this house is not inexpensive and it seems a bit silly to me to not have the appliances, which represent a tiny fraction of the cost of the house, that I prefer.

Plus, I plan on keeping this house for a very long time.

I don't see how you are being fussy. You paying for it so you should get what you want.

Thank you, hoovb. It's really nice to hear from people who don't roll their eyes at me.

Just curious, and wondered if there were issue with SZ and Wolfe of which I was unaware. Of course, you should be able to purchase the appliances you prefer.

Virgil, I seriously did not have you in mind when I made the eye roll comment. I took your question at face value and saw no dig in it at all.

I have an extended family, that much as I do not bring things like this up with them, they still manage to make unpleasant comments about what I buy. Anything from my choice of shampoo to cooktop is brought up to my face or behind my back. (They see the shampoo when they visit and the Google it!! It's not cheap, but it's not special either- and yet I hear about it.) Those are the people I meant.

Chispa, on my SubZero, the ice maker constantly quit working and the freezer drawer didn't seal well or stuck. In addition the trim on the shelves in the refrigerator actually started rusting after a couple of years. And a few times the entire unit just went out. We ended up painting the trim, but I will say customer service was pretty good on the other issues. We would have replaced it, but such a big investment.