I'm at a crossroads with my flooring choices! I still have a couple of appointments at the design center, and I need to decide between sticking with the standard, no-cost flooring or shelling out over $13,000 for a gorgeous level 3 tile floor that would cover my entire first floor. I'm also wondering if going with the standard luxury vinyl plank (LVP) now and installing the tile after closing might be a smarter financial move. I've spotted some stunning tile locally in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area that the design center doesn't have, which adds to my dilemma. For anyone who has swapped out LVP for tile after closing, was it worth it? What costs should I expect, and did you face any surprises? I'd really appreciate any experiences or tips you have on whether I should upgrade now or wait!
2 Answers
One thing to keep in mind is the warranty. If you install tile on your own after closing, you’ll be responsible for the warranty on the entire floor and its structure — which can be a real downside if anything goes wrong later on. Make sure you factor that into your decision!
Upgrading with the builder means that the $13k gets rolled into your mortgage, so it's not a huge burden initially. However, if you choose to install it afterwards, you’ll be paying out-of-pocket, and that can get pricey. Tile installation costs can range from $5 to $10 per square foot just for labor alone, so make sure to calculate the total based on your home's square footage to get a clear idea of what you’d be spending later on. It’s definitely something to consider before making your choice!