11/02/2026
Before you sign with any builder, ask how the allowances work.
An allowance is a dollar amount written into the contract for things you haven't picked out yet, like cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, flooring and plumbing fixtures. If what you pick costs more than the allowance, you pay the difference.
That's why a low allowance can make one bid look cheaper than another when it isn't. Ask each builder which items are allowances, what the dollar amount is for each, and what happens if you go over or come in under. Then compare the bids line by line.
This kitchen is from one of our homes in East Texas.
Planning a custom home? Reach us here: https://east-texas-custom-home-builder.com/contact-us/