"Alton B. Wilson" wrote:
> ...
> I am considering having a new home built and the builder offers the
> option of having the range hood vented to the outside. They are
> charging approximately $400 (the exterior wall is brick)...

I wouldn't think twice about it. Of course the hood should be vented to
the outside. Depending on where you plan to build, it may even be a code
requirement.

> However the
> CFM of the standalone hood is low, (170 - 220 CFM). I am not sure if it
> is worth spending $400 to get it vented to the outside, if it is only
> moving 200 CFM....
>
> Whirlpool has a better hood with around 300 CFM, but the builder does
> not offer it.

If the 'builder' is that inflexible, perhaps you should be looking for
a different builder? Any builder worth his salt should be able to install
anything you want him to. After all, you are the one paying him!

Walt