CHANGES...

We are very busy in getting our current house in order so it can be placed on the market May 1st.  One thing we would like to do is to stain our deck, but with all of the rain we don't believe we will be able to get to it prior to the pictures/video, which is scheduled to be taken next Tuesday (04/26).  So we are focusing on the things we can control (i.e. painting, cleaning, declutter, etc.).

Also, we have made a few changes with the new house.

Flooring - Rusmur
We placed a change order to reflect the following:

• Main Floor - changed from Hardwood/Carpet to the standard vinyl and carpet flooring.  Our plan is to upgrade the flooring after closing.  This may delay our move-in date, but we felt it is a decision that will save us money in the long run. 

Security/Audio/Phone/Media - Guardian
We had our 2nd meeting with Guardian to finalize our options, as follows:

• Security System - Base package, which includes standard keypad, 1 pet motion detector, 1 control panel, 1 siren, 3 door contact, 1 heat, and added 1 glass break detector and 1 carbon monoxide detector; Also, received 6 month free. 
• Home Wiring (phone/cable/data) - Standard features, which includes 8 single wall plate outlet, 4 telephone, 4 cable, 6 data, and upgraded to premium 42 enclosure, added Cable - 11 single wall plate outlet, Data - 3 single wall outlet, 1 Home Network Package, includes 7 port router and 6 data outlets 
• Audio System - Lyriq Standard 4 Room Audio, which includes 1 main source input, 1 local source input, 3 pair of Klipsch R1650C In-ceiling, 1 multi-source input and added 1 AW 500 SM Dual Voice Coil Outdoor speakers, upgraded 4 source eight-zone distribution module; added Lyriq Standard 2 Room Audio, which includes 1 main source input and 2 pair of Klipsch R1650C In-ceiling

Waverly - Ryan Homes

• Custom Tub - in progress - we are working with Ryan Homes to not install the standard built-in whirlpool tub in the Owner's Suite bathroom so we can install a stand-alone claw foot (jetted or whirlpool) tub.
• Custom Shower head - in progress - we are working with Ryan Homes to install the standard shower head in the Owner's Suite bathroom shower and add a custom rain shower shower head
• Outdoor Sprinkler system - in progress - we are working with Ryan Homes and independent contractor to coordinate installing a outdoor sprinkler system that will be installed after closing. This will delay landscaping provided by Ryan Homes.
• Appliances - in progress - we are working with Ryan Homes to finalize our selection for a stainless steel gas cook top, double-oven, dishwasher, and microwave (optional).  Waiting for Ryan Homes to provide the specs for the alternative location for the microwave.  May not purchase microwave from Ryan Homes. 
• Columns - added columns, which will reflect between the dining/living room and Owner's Suite bedroom/sitting area
• Electrical (outlets) - in progress - we need to meet with Ryan Homes to finalize the selections/upgrades. We want to add multiple outlets and ceiling light/fan box in various rooms.

Well that is all for now.  We will post more later, but we need to get back to working on our current house.

LAST DAY TO MAKE STRUCTURAL CHANGES...

Today, we toured a Waverly model (in the process of being decorated) and met with our Sales Rep. to finalize our structural options and to obtain additional information regarding fixtures and to answer a few questions. 

• Microwave - this is still pending.  Since we decided to go with a gas range; we are not permitted (by code) to have the microwave located above the range.  So we are waiting for our Sales Rep to provide us with an alternative location.
• Siding - changed from Heritage Grey to Slate
• Shutters - changed from Grey to Black
• Kitchen Appliances: changed from Black to Stainless Steel (this was an error made by the Sales Rep.)
• Owner's Bath Vanities - changed from STD Owner Ste to Wyoming Square Cherry Bordeaux (this was an error made by the Sales Rep.)
• Garage - added Floor Drain (includes 2 drains for 3 car garage)
• Laundry - added Utility Tub Floor Mount
• Family Room - removed optional side window (this was an error made by the Sales Rep. - not an option to add window w/o the Bonus Room)

Confirmed:

• 42 inch cabinets, standard
• 9 foot ceilings, standard
• Morning room - walkout stairs are not included (we will add after closing)
• Living room - opted not to upgrade interior case opening
• Laundry room - comes w/ wire shelves in closet and tray for washer; confirmed washer/dryer location; added utility tub
• Family room - confirmed fireplace stone (Aspen) w/ stone mantel and hearth
• Garage - confirmed standard carriage door is insulated; opted not to upgrade door opener (we will install after closing); confirmed brick on side of garage near the porch
• Windows - Keystone is included on outside; trim is not included on inside windows; Sales Rep confirmed all windows (standard/option)
• Landscaping - standard package includes seeding, mulch beds and bushes/shrubs in front of house, 7 trees (choices - maple, oak, pear, birch, cherry) and we choose the location
• Solarium/Study - standard 15 lite doors
• Mailbox - included and installed by Ryan Homes
• Outside lights - standard walkway light included and installed halfway down walkway (PM will provide more information); Porch - light in roof (no sconces); Morning room - light outside door; Garage - 2 sconces outside garage
• Porch roof - shingles
• Furnace - confirmed 3 units includes humidifier - 2 units in basement, 1 controls basement and main floor and 1 controls solarium; 1 unit in attic controls 2nd floor
• Paint - standard Dover - Walls/Ceiling flat and Trim semi-gloss
• Outside sprinkler (front yard) - work w/ PM to push off landscaping to after closing; we can use our own contractor, just work w/ PM
• Outside water access - 1 outside garage and 1 back corner (by Solarium)
• Attic - not finished; will include light, but no outlets; per PM, access may be in 2nd floor hall and/or bedrooms
• Refrigerator dimensions - space can accommodate up to 25 cubic feet; however, send dimensions to Sales Rep to confirm

Outstanding issues:

• Master Bathroom - custom bath; need to send dimensions to Sales Rep
• Garage - Service Door - not an option w/ 3 car garage; Sales Rep is working with PM to come up with a solution to accommodate our request
• Garage - additional insulation - Sales Rep will follow-up on cost
• Electrical outlets/ceiling boxes - need to schedule a meeting with Sales Rep.
• Columns (dining/living room and owner's suite/sitting room) - need to follow-up with Sales Rep if we want
• Appliances - Sales Rep will email options
• Fixtures - Sales Rep will email options
• Owner's Shower - need to follow-up with Sales Rep to see if they can accommodate 2 shower head - 1 waterfall and 1 standard
• Hardwood floors - follow-up with Rusmur to change to vinyl (upgrade to hardwood after closing)

DWTS fans - VOTE HINES WARD

So much for not changing our minds...

Today was another productive day and not just on the new house.  We started our morning by getting a well overdue family picture.  We can't believe that it has already been 17 months (today) that we were blessed with our beautiful daughter.  So before things get real crazy with selling/building a house; we figured we would take a few moments together to get a professional picture taken.

Also, we took advantage of the warmer weather to catch up on some yard work at our current house.  We have so much to do before we can place the house on the market; however, regardless of what happens - May 1st is our deadline to get the house listed.  So we will be spending every waking moment (except for when we are catching up on the blogs ;-) ) to get the current house in order. 

Now in between getting pictures taken and catching up on yard work; we found a way to squeeze in some time to drive around a few neighborhoods to look at the exterior of a few houses.  This prompted us to think about making some changes to our selections: vinyl siding - darker gray and shutters - black.

Also, we discussed some the following:

Hardwood floors
To save some money, we discussed changing the hardwood floors to the standard vinyl flooring, which is included in the price of our house; and after closing we would upgrade to hardwood.  We already have a contractor who installed the hardwood floors in the kitchen of our current house and would just need to price out buying the hardwood floors ourselves.  However, this is still in the discussion stage.

Porch roof / bay windows
We noticed different looks on the porch roof and the top of the bay windows.  Can anyone give us more information on this - what is the included? what are the options/upgrades?

Porch roof

Keystone above the windows
We noticed that some of the windows reflect keystone.  Does anyone know off hand if this is included or an upgrade?

Keystone above windows

Custom bath tub in Owner's Suite bathroom:
Neither of us really like the boxed in tub that comes with the house.  We really like our clawfoot tub in our current house and would like to take this look with us to our new house.  However, this one will be a whirlpool jetted tub.  We are going to visit a model house this week to take the dimensions to see if the clawfoot tub fits and then we will follow-up with Ryan Homes to see if they are able to accommodate our request for a reasonable cost.  I will keep you posted. 
 

Clawfoot Tub Whirlpool Jetted Spa

72" Acrylic Double Ended Slipper

Well that is all for tonight....I need to catch up on some much needed sleep.

WOW...so many decisions were made today

We had an amazing busy day; however, we got so much accomplished.  Please note: Pictures are located on the Picture page.

LOT MEETING
We started our day on the lot - we met our PM and Sales Rep. to discuss the location of the home site.  We agreed with the PM to push back the house an additional 12-15 feet, which will decrease the slope in the front yard.  It will take away from some of the back yard, but there is still enough space to add a patio and eventually an in ground pool.  However, we found out today that we have an easement that runs through the far back part of our back yard (close to the conservation area) to accommodate the sewer line.  We were a little disappointed to just find this out today and plan to do more research to make sure that this does not affect us with our plans to put in an in ground pool in the future. 

Also, today we found out that we are currently 7 weeks out before we break ground, which will be around May 22.  This makes us a little nervous because we already have plans to go on vacation on June 4th-12th.  We are afraid we are going to miss so much of the building process and to get pictures.  We are hoping to get a family member to take some pictures while we are out of town.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS 
We met with our Sales Rep. and made the following selections.
Brick - Madrid
Vinyl siding - Heritage Grey
Trim - White
Shutters - Grey
Door - Plum Jam
Counters (Kitchen) - Red Montana (3470) Formica (we went with this option because we know that we can get granite counters a lot cheaper and we didn't really like any of the options; so we plan to replace the counters with granite shortly after we move in)
Cabinets (Kitchen and Bathrooms) - Wyoming Square Cherry Bordeaux Timberlake

ELECTRICAL
We ran out of time today and need to schedule an appointment with Sales Rep. to discuss the outlet and wiring option.

RUSMUR - This meeting was 2 hours long and very productive.  We are pretty confident that we will stick with our selections; however, we have until 04/28 to make any changes.

Hardwood - Manchester Plank 3 1/4 Cherry
Foyer, Living Room, Dining Room, Solarium, Kitchen, Morning Room, Powder Room, Study

Carpet - Collinsville 101 Sisal w/ 6 # pad
2nd floor hallway and all bed room (upgrade owner's suite 10 # pad)
Basement, except Powder Room (upgrade padding Karastep rubber 21 # pad)

Carpet - Top Talent 123 Straw w/ 6 # pad
Family Room

Tile - Salerno SL 83 Marrone Chiaro, installed on diagonal
Owner's Bath

Vinyl - Initiator 66177
Laundry Room

Vinyl - Initiator 66200
2nd floor Bathrooms #1/#2, Basement Powder Room

Stairs/Bannister - Direct Set White, Oak, Cherry Stain, No Carpet

GUARDIAN
This meeting was an hour long and very informative, but not as productive as we expected.  We discussed the security system, phone jacks, cable/network outlets, and audio speakers (inside/outside).  Once we receive the quote via email from the rep. regarding the selected options and pricing; we will schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize the selections.

WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR...

On 03/29/2011, we met with Ryan Homes to review the options and sign papers to move forward with building the Waverly model on lot #5.

Waverly without the solarium
We will update with our house with the solarium once it is built.

Waverly
Premium lot - .77 acres
Elevation D
Front - Brick Veneer, Side/Back - Vinyl siding (need to choose a color)
Shutters (need to choose a color)
Front Door (need to choose a color)
Garage - 3 car side entry garage

Main Floor
Kitchen - added gourmet island, Wyoming square cherry Bordeaux Timberlake cabinets, laminate counter tops, stainless steel appliances (includes double oven, microwave, and gas cook top) and ice maker line (we will purchase a stainless steel refrigerator later)
Morning Room - added optional side windows
Family Room - added side wall stone fireplace (Aspen) and optional side window
Dining Room - added tray ceiling and optional bay window
Living Room
Solarium
Laundry Room - (we will purchase a washer/dryer later)
Powder Room

Second Floor
Owner's Suite - upgraded to Luxury Owner's Suite, includes extended bathroom over 3 car garage
Bedroom #2 - added optional full bath
Bedroom #3/#4 - jack/jill full bathroom

Basement
Finished w/ powder room
Media Room - Opted not to finish this room; we plan to finish it later
(2) HVAC - added humidifier (main and solarium) [Update: Confirmed that we will have 3 HVAC units (attic unit controls the 2nd floor, basement unit controls the basement and main floor, and solarium unit controls the solarium)]

Additional standard/options
Crown and chair molding
All brushed nickel fixtures

Outstanding (TBD) options
Flooring
Electrical (wiring/outlets)
Drain in garage
Columns (Dining/Living room and Owner's Suite)
Inside/Outside lighting

Incentives
Finished basement (credit) - $15100
Front Brick (credit) - $10000
Sprinkler System (credit) - $5000
Transfer tax cash discount (RH pays half) - approx $6391

We have 14 days from 03/29/2011 to finalize structural plans and 30 days to finalize the electrical and flooring plans.  We will provide updates as we finalize the plans.

The following is the Waverly floor plans, elevation D; however, the plans are opposite of our layout.  Our house will be built "reverse plan".  The driveway/garage will be on the left-side and the solarium/living room/dining room will be on the right-side.

Waverly - Elevation D - First Floor
(with optional 3 car garage, gourmet island, morning room, solarium)

Waverly - Elevation D - Second Floor
(with optional full bathroom, jack/jill full bathroom, luxury owner's suite/bathroom)

Waverly - Elevation D - Basement
(finished with powder room)



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