Week 5 - Roof and doors and windows oh, my!

Hi All,

This week was busy!  The roof, windows and doors were installed. The HVAC was run and the fireplace insert was put in place.  I even had my Guardian finalization and pre-drywall meetings!

I was completely prepared (or so I thought) for the Guardian finalization meeting.  I brought my list of all of the add-ons I purchased and where in the house I wanted everything installed.  Before I walked in I had already determined the locations for the cable jacks, phone jack, security system panel, smoke detector and siren. However, I forgot that I also purchased 2 additional cable jacks for the smaller bedrooms.  (I made these purchases in April...I think I get a pass for forgetting.)  I asked the rep for recommendations (what does everyone else do?) taking into consideration where the electrical outlets will be.  The entire meeting took less than an hour.

Immediately following, my project manager came over for the pre-drywall meeting.  It was amazing.  My project manager walked me through each room and answered the few questions I had. I didn't bring a laundry list of questions because I'm having a private inspector come in before the drywall goes up.  I learned that the entire house - not just the appliances - will be certified as a BuiltSmart (Energy Star) home.  That was discussed because I asked about the spots where I saw daylight. I also learned that the lot would need to be graded again before the deck footers could be installed in about 4 weeks.  I got my pre-settlement date as well.

-Honey

51 days to go

Exterior

Garage (view from garage door)

Master Bathroom (view from master bedroom)

Fireplace in rec room

Week 4...I Have A Window!

Hi All,

The construction crew worked their tails off this week!  My lumber was delivered on Tuesday and by Saturday I had all three floors framed and one window installed! (My unit is on the right...I'm the only one with a window so far.)

Saturday

Friday

Thursday

Tuesday

Honey
-59 days to go

Builder Grade and Upgrades

Hi All,

It is so easy to get caught up with choosing upgrades to eliminate the builder grade products (mass-produced and pre-built materials that are of average quality). By the time you're done you're spending more money than necessary on items that cost 1/2 the price if you purchase it yourself.

Now that this is really happening, I've had to take a hard look at the items I want to replace over time once I get in the house.

• Mirrors in all bathrooms - I already have a mirror for the powder room
• Chandelier in dining room
• Faucets in bathrooms

Additionally, there are upgrades I want to make:

• Crown moulding
• Painting all rooms - everything is white
• Closet solution for master bedroom
• Backsplash in kitchen

I'm not in a rush. These are all things that I will complete after I move in. I have to hold on to my cash for closing!

-Honey

Paint

Hi All,

One of the things that the builders recommend is that you not paint new construction walls for 1 year. This is because they expect settlement cracks and nail pops to appear within that time period.  Once you paint and cracks or pops appear, they have to be repaired with white spackle...then you will have to re-paint.

Well I'm going to step outside the lines a little bit and I'm going to paint my garage and epoxy the garage floor immediately. The floor must be clean when it's done so it's better to do is sooner than later...especially before the temperature drops.

As for the walls I just don't like seeing the drywall.  It looks so unfinished. 

I will probably just paint it white but something is better than nothing. That taped look isn't cute. (I pulled this pic off the internet.)  What it just made me realize is that I'm possibly going to have to paint the ceiling as well. Another question for my project manager! (Update: I asked, I'll be responsible for painting the ceiling.)

-Honey

Weeks 2-3

Hi All,

There has been a lot of action at my place over the last two weeks!

The plumbers were onsite doing all of the underground plumbing work.

The basement and garage slab was prepped.  The slab has been poured...

... and my lumber has arrived!

Framing should begin this week.

I've been stalking my lot almost daily.  It's almost like watching a newborn baby's features change as they grow.

-Honey
64 days to go!