jericho

We're not ready to buy anything yet, but we're keeping a casual eye on what's available. Ideally, I want a new house, but would like a finished basement and these are usually extra. Generally speaking, what kind of things are you able to negotiate in the price?

Aviator

You can try anything. All depends on how badly they want to sell and you want to buy, the price of the house, any deals already being offered etc. etc. I would get a $ figure in mind and work around that.

mandymoochops

There is the option of buying one a couple of years old that Mr and Mrs X bought, finished the basement and are now selling it. Is there a specific reason you need a new build?

Steve_P

The only problem with that option is that usually Mr & Mrs X's taste is all in their mouth.

mandymoochops

you watch HGTV too then eh Tis a shame Butch is temporarily OOS, he used to sell new builds and would be perfect to advise on what has been negotiated in the past.

Auld Yin

Generally speaking new build are offered for sale with unfinished basements. Some builders will rough-in the basement or perhaps even finish it to the buyer's requirements but there would be an additional cost. There is usually not much negotiation on price except perhaps if the house is in inventory and the builder wants rid of it. Upgrades will be available but at a cost, of course.

cov-canuck

I know in the area I live in (Milton, ON), where there is enormous growth of new build homes, no builder will finish your basement in a new home, and in fact, in some cases, you can actually void your warranty if you finish your own basement within 2 years of moving in.

This is because the basement/foundation needs a long time to "cure", and any cracks in the foundation etc. wouldn't be noticed until they do major damage to your finished basement.

They recommend that you do not finish a basement until your house has gone through a complete freeze/thaw cycle (in other words, a full calendar year at minimum).