Pardee has always given me the printed out price list… I just have to be persistent in asking for it. Their Carmel Valley models have a good 150k of upgrades. They charge enormous margins.
However, using the builder for some options is just plain smart. For example, it costs more to get a contractor to demolish your existing granite/tile countertop, in order to put on a new one. You’re better off choosing what you want from the builder. Also, the builder has an incentive to do a good job: when you go through pre-close inspection, if you find problems (bad wood work?), they have to fix it before you’ll close escrow. Your average contractor may just say ‘tough’, as he has a mechanics lien on your property, and you have to pay or go to court.
Warmington homes (Stonebridge) has a neighborhood called Viscaya, and their models look great. I’ve priced out what it costs to upgrade everything to model, and minus crown moulding, it’s about 40k. Flooring is another 40k. I’ve priced the Pardee homes before, and they need at least 100k before flooring, due to nickel-and-diming.
