"Nonnymus" wrote in message
...
I have a lifelong background in real estate and am now retired. I'd enjoy
discussing the differences in upscale single family residences found in
various parts of the country, if anyone is interested. It seems to be at
least partially OT for this newsgroup.

I am now retired to NV. Here, after looking at various custom and
semi-custom homes, I was surprised to learn I'd not "seen it all," yet.
Besides the expected features and amenities found in most upscale homes
today, such as commercial appliances in kitchens, media wiring, built in
vac, granite counters, cabinetry in the closets and multiple car garages,
I have seen some new things. These include a separate sink for vegetable
preparation, usually located near the one or two refrigerators, two
dishwashers, pot filler faucet by the cook top, outlets inside bathroom
drawers for curlers and hair dryers, fireplaces in major bathrooms and the
master suite, steam showers and (always) an in-ground pool with spa.

Upscale flooring in NV is typically Travertine in most areas and carpet in
the bedrooms, with large tile being acceptable if it matches the theme of
the home. Ceilings are usually 10' in the "lower" semi-custom homes and
12' to 15' in the better custom ones. Doors are almost always 8', solid,
and have Baldwin or Emco hardware. Windows are low E double pane, of
course, and insulation is extensive. Exterior walls are 6" and the better
homes have 5/8" drywall throughout. In some of the better custom homes,
the front door(s) are massive iron with swing out leaded glass inserts,
weighing in around 400# each.

The designated rooms of a custom home can include a media room, wine
cellar, gym, workshop/hobby room, office, den or sewing room. Some homes
have a detached building they call a Casita, which typically has a Pullman
kitchen, bath and bedroom for guests or a live in relative/housekeeper.
Most of even the semi-custom homes have a separate, outdoor accessible
toilet and shower for the pool and it might double as an inside powder
room. Besides a pool and spa, outdoor kitchen with a minimum of grill and
sink are found, and some include a dishwasher and oven.

Another feature seen in the upscale homes is stepped, or coffered,
ceilings- many with crown mold as well on the vertical portions. Pot
shelves are found in even the tract homes. Drywall corners are rounded,
rather than square, and there is every conceivable finish to the drywall
other than flat and smooth. Even in the multi million dollar homes,
though, trim and baseboards are almost always painted and of man-made
material, rather than hardwood. Hardwood trim and doors are simply not
evident.

What amenities, features and the like do you find in your own area of the
country, such as the above? I'm sure it varies across the country.

Robert

Detached kitchens and iron doors I have not seen. The rest of it I have
seen, not necessarily all in one home. These homes were selling for 500K
to 1M+.

Sometimes I wonder what the payments would be with a paltry 20% down. As a
side note, I am not seeing a lot of new starts in this price range and I am
seeing a lot of FSBO listings for some of these over-priced lots.


--
Colbyt
Please come visit http://www.househomerepair.com