Understanding Options

Options are features that buyers can add to a base house specification to customize their homes. The successful management of options increases both builder profits and buyer satisfaction.

You can use the Option Master Maintenance program (P44H401) to either set up each option as a single item or group options together to form an option package. An option package is often purchased at a discount and might contain an option that is not otherwise available. An option that is available only as part of an option package is called a package component. The system tracks the revenue and cost variances between the option package and the sum of individual options if they have been selected individually. You will add options to a house during lot configuration.

In addition to setting up individual options and options packages, you can:

• Use wildcards to offer options at multiple levels, including area, community, phase, plan, and elevation.

• Assign prices and cost information for each option and option package at every available level.

• Set up custom options.

• Add unlimited text and attachments, such as photographs of the option or a link to a manufacturer's product catalogue, at every available level.

• Copy selected options, pricing information, and extended data from an existing community or phase to a new community.

  Additionally, you can specify effective and expiration dates for prices to save time if the same options are offered at many or all of your communities.