I would consider a gas fireplace a "must have". BUT, with that the fireplace MUST REALLY have a blower on it. That's the make or break point on these things. I had a fireplace with no blower and it warmed up the room, obviously the closer you got the warmer it was. We had a blower installed and it made a huge difference to the entire house. We would use it as a furnace in the winter. It would warm up the entire main floor nicely, and severely cut down our heating bills.
I'd also go with stainless steel appliances, they are nicer looking, and there's a new finish (or steel, I"m not sure) that they put on it that won't put fingerprints on the doors.
Flat top stove - awesome.
Wider garage - YES! It wouldn't be a deal breaker, but honeslty, we have a "2 car garage" and only one car fits in, from bumper to bumper we are maxed out. We have one rack for tools and junk and that is enough to not let another car park inside.
Garburators - excellent, but may be better off to install after the fact, depending on how much they are going to charge you to do it through the builders.
Ceiling fans - if possible.
High grade carpet - yes, lasts longer, stands up better, will save money down the road, and just feels better.
I wouldn't refuse a house without these things, but if it had a wood fireplace I would change it to gas before I moved in. The garage might be make or break for me, it is a huge pain over the winter cramming the cars in, come to think of it, one of us always parked outside even in the winter it was so bad.
Good luck with it! I would say most upgrades are good, some should probably not be considered upgrades but essential, but that's how they make their money. Always negotiate! Everything is negotiable. If you want something and don't want to pay extra, just say so. Or ask for lower. It's the same as buying a regular house, they all come with different things for different prices, it's all in how you negotiate and speak to them.
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