This is an update regarding the home inspector issue. We want to inform everyone that we feel that our PM and RH sales rep. have gone above and beyond to accommodate our request and to clear the air of any misunderstandings. We had various conversations with both the PM and RH sales rep. and we are very please with the final outcome and want to acknowledge that this is no longer an issue.
We truly respect the professional workmanship that RH provides; if we didn't we would not have decided to move forward with them as our builder, and believe that RH will build our house to code and standards. However, for our peace of mind, RH has welcomed us to bring a home inspector on-site during the pre-drywall and final inspection.
We are very happy that this is no longer an issue and that we can continue to enjoy building our dream house!!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
GUARDIAN WALK-THRU and MORE PICS
We met with our Guardian rep. this morning to discuss the layout of the security system, outlets (telephone, cable, data), and audio/speaker system. We were a little disappointed that we only got to the main and 2nd floor, and that we had to reschedule the walk-thru in the basement to next Friday because RH did not have the steps completed to access the basement; nor was the framing completed in the basement. Also, according to Guardian, they are unable to start tomorrow because the framing and electrical is not complete. The Guardian rep. indicated that they should be able to start on Tuesday and should be finished in a day or two.
We contacted the PM to express our frustration because we feel we should have received a heads up regarding any delays with the framing or electrical because both the PM and RH sales rep. were well aware that we were scheduled to be onsite this morning. The PM expressed that Guardian should have been able to finish the walk-thru today and begin work tomorrow and indicated that he would follow-up with the Guardian rep.
During our walk-thru we notices a few more (minor) surprises that we brought to the PM's attention.
1) Master Bathroom decking was installed for an enclosed tub (see pic below). Now for those of you who have been following our blog since conception are well aware that we are installing a custom claw foot tub after closing. When we brought it to the PM's attention; he informed me that he was aware of it and was not surprised that we brought it up. The PM indicated that it was a communication error amongst the framing crews and that it would be removed. Our frustration was if the PM knew about it and knew we were going to be onsite today; don't you think he could of contacted us (email, text, phone) to give us a heads up prior to us finding it out on our own. Oh well, it has been taken care of and we are ready to move on.
UPDATED PICTURE a few hours later...
2) Master Bedroom closets - base on the layout specs that we received (via RH website) the access to the closets were via the bedroom; however, we noticed that the framing was completed that we would access the closets after we enter the bathroom. Now we actually are ok with this layout; however, it would have been nice to know before hand just in case this was not ok with us. When we brought it up to the PM; he was unaware of it and indicated that he would look into it when he got onsite.
UPDATE added at 4:42 p.m.: After speaking with the PM, it is our understanding that this is the correct layout for the bathroom because we upgraded to the luxury owner's suite with a 3 car garage; however, it does not reflect correctly on RH's website. So we apologize for taking it out on the PM; we should have noticed this when we viewed the blueprints during the pre-construction meeting. As we mentioned before, we are very happy with this layout and have no complaints. We appreciate that the PM took a lot of time this afternoon to clear up the confusion.
The following are a few more pictures that we snapped during our visit.
Overall today's visit was very productive. We will receive our weekly call from the PM tomorrow, which will let us know what was completed this week and what is planned to begin next week.
Until then, we are working on scheduling for a sprinkler system to be installed in the front yard and gathering estimates for professional movers. Any information or guidance is greatly appreciated.
We contacted the PM to express our frustration because we feel we should have received a heads up regarding any delays with the framing or electrical because both the PM and RH sales rep. were well aware that we were scheduled to be onsite this morning. The PM expressed that Guardian should have been able to finish the walk-thru today and begin work tomorrow and indicated that he would follow-up with the Guardian rep.
During our walk-thru we notices a few more (minor) surprises that we brought to the PM's attention.
1) Master Bathroom decking was installed for an enclosed tub (see pic below). Now for those of you who have been following our blog since conception are well aware that we are installing a custom claw foot tub after closing. When we brought it to the PM's attention; he informed me that he was aware of it and was not surprised that we brought it up. The PM indicated that it was a communication error amongst the framing crews and that it would be removed. Our frustration was if the PM knew about it and knew we were going to be onsite today; don't you think he could of contacted us (email, text, phone) to give us a heads up prior to us finding it out on our own. Oh well, it has been taken care of and we are ready to move on.
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| BEFORE bathroom with decking for enclosed tub |
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| AFTER decking removed, ready for the claw foot tub |
2) Master Bedroom closets - base on the layout specs that we received (via RH website) the access to the closets were via the bedroom; however, we noticed that the framing was completed that we would access the closets after we enter the bathroom. Now we actually are ok with this layout; however, it would have been nice to know before hand just in case this was not ok with us. When we brought it up to the PM; he was unaware of it and indicated that he would look into it when he got onsite.
UPDATE added at 4:42 p.m.: After speaking with the PM, it is our understanding that this is the correct layout for the bathroom because we upgraded to the luxury owner's suite with a 3 car garage; however, it does not reflect correctly on RH's website. So we apologize for taking it out on the PM; we should have noticed this when we viewed the blueprints during the pre-construction meeting. As we mentioned before, we are very happy with this layout and have no complaints. We appreciate that the PM took a lot of time this afternoon to clear up the confusion.
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| doorway to the closet on the left |
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| doorway to the closet on the right |
The following are a few more pictures that we snapped during our visit.
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| Fireplace in family room |
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| HVAC system in attic for the 2nd floor |
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| bathroom and shower bedroom #2 |
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| HVAC for main floor and solarium |
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| front view grading is almost complete |
Overall today's visit was very productive. We will receive our weekly call from the PM tomorrow, which will let us know what was completed this week and what is planned to begin next week.
Until then, we are working on scheduling for a sprinkler system to be installed in the front yard and gathering estimates for professional movers. Any information or guidance is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ROOF IS ON (PICS TAKEN 06/28)
Even though we have our meeting with Guardian tomorrow, we couldn't help ourselves and we went to see the property yesterday....here are a few pics.
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| entering the development |
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| right-side front view from street |
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| front of house view from the street |
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| left-side front view from the street |
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| left-side of property still waiting for RH to cut the service door |
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| Garage - support |
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| Garage - 2 drains |
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| back of house lots of windows |
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| dining room's bay window over egress window |
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| solarium back view |
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| solarium front view |
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| backyard this picture does not do justice for the size of the backyard it is HUGE!!!! Oh, and we believe that our daughter is now searching for a place for the swimming pool. |
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| dinner - LOL!!! Just kidding!!! there is garbage all over the site even though there is a dumpster right on the property |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
IDEAPAINT: DRY-ERASE BOARD PAINT
IDEAPAINT is a paint that creates a dry-erase board anywhere on anything. We saw this on "How I Made My Millions" on CNBC and thought that this is a great idea, especially for a kids room or even a home office.
We haven't decided if we plan to use the paint in our new house; however, we just thought it is a great idea and we wish would have thought of it first.
- Website: http://www.ideapaint.com/home/ideapaint
- CNBC: From the Guys at IdeaPaint: How Naivete Breeds Creativity and Success
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ideapaint
We haven't decided if we plan to use the paint in our new house; however, we just thought it is a great idea and we wish would have thought of it first.
DIY's Bath Crashers features Moen's Spa System
BD this is for you...
We were watching an episode of Bath Crashers on DIY yesterday evening and noticed that they installed the Moen's Spa Shower system that will be installed into our master bathroom. For more info - bathroom custom request.
Click on link to view the episode:
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/blinged-out-glamour/58701.html
Also, an awesome TV install as well...however, one of us does not believe a TV belongs in the bathroom, but the other one of us thought it was really cool.
We are sooooo very excited about the shower system and can't wait to use it.
Enjoy!!!
BD - one more thing, I believe this is the episode that they had to upgrade the water supply system and installed 2 hybrid water heaters. Not sure if that will help you with you issue, but I thought I would throw that out there.
We were watching an episode of Bath Crashers on DIY yesterday evening and noticed that they installed the Moen's Spa Shower system that will be installed into our master bathroom. For more info - bathroom custom request.
Click on link to view the episode:
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/blinged-out-glamour/58701.html
Also, an awesome TV install as well...however, one of us does not believe a TV belongs in the bathroom, but the other one of us thought it was really cool.
We are sooooo very excited about the shower system and can't wait to use it.
Enjoy!!!
BD - one more thing, I believe this is the episode that they had to upgrade the water supply system and installed 2 hybrid water heaters. Not sure if that will help you with you issue, but I thought I would throw that out there.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
FRAMING (LOTS OF PICS)
Our intentions were to take a few pictures each day; however, we only made it to the property on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. We can't believe how fast they put the walls up. They started the 2nd story and plan to finish framing on Tuesday. Inspection are complete for the water and sewer lines in the front of the house; so they will back fill that on Monday.
Our PM informed us that we have a busy, busy, busy week ahead of us. They plan to start HVAC systems (all 3 of them) and the plumbing and we have our meeting with Guardian on Thursday to discuss the location of our alarm and other outlets. Our PM stated that if all goes as planned we should be ready for the pre-drywall meeting around July 15th. Our PM also expressed that he "welcomes" us to bring a home inspector to the pre-drywall meeting. We still plan to follow-up with our RH sales rep. to make sure we are all on the same page regarding the home inspector.
Now onto more important things....pictures, pictures, pictures.
Framing - Monday, 06/20/2011 - Not much progress, it looks like they are trying to find the corner pieces to the puzzel before they begin building. LOL
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| lumber scattered every where it's like a bunch of puzzle pieces |
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| not much progress |
Framing - Tuesday, 06/21/2011 - We have walls and decking is complete.
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| we have walls view from street entering development |
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| front of house view from street level |
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| we have windows and gate off of morning room (only until we add steps) |
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| support for Garage |
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| Garage wall - service door will be located here view from left-side of property (driveway) |
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| Garage walls view from left-side of property (driveway) |
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| It is always nice to see a smiley face. LOL!!!! |
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| Microwave ? |
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| back of the house view from backyard |
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| back of the house view from right-side of property |
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| front of house view from right-side of property |
It is amazing to see how much was accomplished in one week. They started the second story and plan to be done by Tuesday.
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| solarium view from street entering development |
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| ...and a 2nd story |
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| front of house view from street |
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| left side of house |
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| garage |
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| soon to be family room |
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| back of house |
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| back of house full view |
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| back staircase family room to 2nd floor |
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| back of house |
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| garage and soon to be master bathroom |
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| front of house view of porch |
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| 2nd story view from family room staircase |
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| 2nd story view from family room staircase |
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| 1st story - morning room view from family room staircase |
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| Garage - support beams and service door |
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| front of house view from street level |
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| front of house view from street level |
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| front of house view from street level |
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| daughter walking with her aunt taking 1 of many walks in front of the house preparing for a trip to the zoo |
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