Pre-con / Break Ground / Closing

We met with the PM and RH sales rep today for the pre-construction meeting.  The meeting lasted about 2 hours. We reviewed the details for all of our custom requests and then reviewed the details regarding the house.  We had to add 2 GFCI dedicated circuits in the Owner's bathroom to accommodate the custom tub and custom shower request and we caught a few errors, but overall the process was pretty painless. 

We are still waiting for RH to provide us with the revised quote regarding the custom shower request; but other than that all change orders are signed and submitted.

The lot is staked; however, we didn't have time to go to the lot.  We plan to visit with the PM tomorrow and we will take some pics.  Our PM is very nice, but appears to be a little stressed out.  This is his 7th house in 7 weeks and he is overseeing a new townhouse community.  However, he indicated that he will be there for us and we can contact him at any time regarding the process.

We are scheduled to break ground on 06/01/2011 with a 08/29/2011 closing.  However, the PM indicated that our custom requests may push the closing date out a little bit (a few days or week).

Overall it was a great day and we look forward to getting the process started.

Additional notes from the meeting:

• 80 gallon hot water tank
• solarium comes with a tray ceiling
• turn-table driveway
• brick to grade (all around house)
• above windows - solider course with Keystone
• hardware - RH had satin nickle s/b bronze
• 110v hookup above range; even though RH can not add microwave because it would violate code
• oak tread steps (upgrade)
• Custom Tub - RH approved and we signed a changed order that reflects $1000 credit to remove tub/decking; 
• we confirmed with PM who stated he will work with us after closing to install the tub; 
• we were under the impression that the tile from the decking would be used on the walls to surround the tub and that tile would be installed under the tub.  We are very disappointed that RH is not including the tile surrounding the tub in the package, especially because the cost of the additional tile should be minimal because the tile from the decking can be used on the walls.  We plan to follow-up with the RH sales rep. to see if there is anything we can do.; 
• PM needs to know if it comes with external hardware and does it work with pecks?
• Garage - Additional insulation was approved
• HVAC exterior mechanical - PM will f/u with us on location
• Custom Spa Shower - waiting for approval from RH
• External Sprinkler system - need to wait until after closing
• Pendant lighting - we need to choose a light and get back to RH; PM will install

NO MORE CHANGES!!!! (REPOST)

We originally posted this on 05/12; however, the post disappeared. 

This post is way overdue...

We met with RH rep. on 04/30 at the Waverly model (sorry no pics) to review all of our options (standard/upgrades) and to discuss the electrical options (outlets, ceiling fan, etc.).  We were able to finalize all of the selections.  When we got home we reviewed all of our options and found a few errors that we brought to our RH reps. attention and all errors have been fixed and the change order are complete. 

Now we are waiting on approval for a few custom requests and outstanding issues.  However, we feel pretty confident that we have made our final selections and there will be no more changes. 

Final Selection Page - click on the link for more information
Pictures Page - click on the link to see appliances

Outstanding issues:
Garage - Service Door request (waiting for approval/cost?)
Garage - additional insulation request (waiting for cost?)
Kitchen - Pendant lights over gourmet island
Porch - Sconces - update: confirmed, included w/ package
Owner's Luxury Suite/Bathroom - custom tub request - update: approved
Owner's Luxury Suite/Bathroom - Dedicated circuit to accomidate the custom shower head system (waiting for approval/cost?)
Owner's Luxury Suite/Bathroom - custom rainfall shower head request (waiting for approval/cost?)
Measurements - floor (main, basement, 2nd floor)
Measurements - windows (RH recommends that we wait until the windows are installed)

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.