BUILDERS WHAT FINISHES ARE POPULAR IN YOUR AREAS?

[Karen Margrave]

What finishes are popular in your areas for higher end properties? 

What style is popular? (Modern, Traditional, Craftsman, Ranch, or?)

Cabinets? (What colors are popular?) 

Countertops? (Granite, Quartz, Solid surface, etc.?) 

Flooring? (Wood, engineered wood, travertine, tile, or ?)

Bathrooms? (Acrylic, Cast iron, or?) 

Faucets, etc.? 

Appliances? (Brands, Stainless or white?) 

@Will Barnard @J Scott @Jon Klaus @Lynn Currie @Kenneth Bell @John Blackman others too, please weigh in. 

[Will Barnard]

Karen,

What buyers like or expect is very, very area specific so answers to your questions will only be truly relevant from those within your area (Southern Cal) and of that, each neighborhood differs too.

With that said, and as a whole, I can tell you that modern contemporary and Spanish med typically bring the highest prices. Granite is considered out dated on high end homes here in CA (Cesar stone, quartz stone, and marble- Carrera & Calcutta are the best options). Appliances must be stainless steel and Viking is one of the top preferences with Wolf being a good alternative option. Double ovens and gas range tops with hoods are also in high demand.

Plumbing fixtures - depends on style of house, for modern, go with polished nickel and very sleek, for Spanish med the bronze finish is the best choice, same with door hardware. 

Flooring, again style dependent, but you can not go wrong with wood floors, even in kitchen areas and travertine stone is also a great choice for Spanish med style in kitchen and bathrooms. For contemporary, I go with the glass mosaics and sleek porcelain tiles, grays are popular as are other light colors.

Cabinets - definitely custom and depending on style of home, medium to dark stain is great and sometimes white with the option of mixing in stain on the island cabinets to create more contrast.

Beach cities - go with modern contemporary. CA ranch is also a good choice assuming the specific neighborhood calls for that. 

Hope that helps.