should we pre-plumb for AC? Opinions please!

sarbear2

My husband and I bought a house that is a new construction. We went to the design studio to pick out our carpets and what not. We are doing most of the things in the house standard, but are going to upgrade just a couple things that are musts for us.

The one thing we are stuck on is whether or not to have the house pre-plumbed for AC ($1034). At this time we wont be putting AC in since we can't afford it right now. But my parents keep telling us that we should pay to get it pre-plumbed for AC because it will make it easier/cheaper in the future for if we add AC or for a resale value for people. What do you think? We are debating whether to spend the money out of our savings or not.

Have  you ever added AC to a house that wasn't pre-plumbed for AC? How much was it? Would you not look at a house that wasn't pre-plumbed?

Newbie33

IMO, yes. Granted, I've never lived in a house (that I remember) without a/c but for college and I ended up buying a room a/c. That said, summers here are getting warmer. Regardless of whether you believe in the human factor in global warming, our climate is changing. Summers here in Oregon used to be a cool 78 - 85 degrees. Moderate and pleasant. Now we get 100+ days on occasion and there's nothing worse, IMO, than being in a house without a/c -- especially if you're pregnant or have an upstairs (which invariably becomes a hot box). If you don't want the a/c yourself, at the very least make it easy to add later. You might want it down the road and IMO, it's a necessary selling point. It's one thing to buy an older home without a/c but new construction, it's a no-brainer.

estherandgeoff2

I agree. I would get it pre-plumbed. Our old house didn't have a/c and the extremely hot days in summer where almost unbearable, even if there were not that many of them. Now we have a 2-story newer home with a/c and I can't imagine not having it. Especially with a baby on the way.

sarbear2

Thanks ladies- we are going to do it. It was mroe my husband that needed convincing, so I told him I would post it on the nest and see what others had to say (I also posted it on the Buying a home board)- after reading everyones opinions of yes, he changed his mind:) Thanks!

Nat1777

Chiming in late, but just wanted to say that I would not buy a house without AC in Portland, especially a newer house. Just an FYI for resale purposes.