Irrigation System and On-going Landscaping

Within the past month or so we received bids from 3 landscaping companies.  Finally, we have selected a company to assist us with our irrigation system and on-going landscaping needs.  Initially we plan to install the irrigation system right after closing and the rest will have to wait until Spring.  We have a 3-5 year plan that includes additional landscaping (mulch beds, plants, shrubs, retaining walls, etc.), outdoor living area (patio, grill, etc), swimming pool, and play area for the kids. 

Gumpf Gardens is able to satisfy all of our needs.  One of the things that attracts us to working with this company is that it is a family owned (2nd generation) business that has serviced the local area since 1957.  We work directly with Jim (founder's son and current owner) who is a registered landscape architect and has many years of experience in designing and building garden centers. 

OH MY, WHAT A BUSY WEEK....

The PM called us on Thursday, since he took Friday off.  According to the PM, ....the plumbing should be completed on Friday (07/08); the electrical wiring should be completed on Monday (07/11); and roof should be done by Saturday (07/09).   Next week, Guardian should be done by Tuesday (07/12), a few inspections will occur, and the PM will complete a frame punch-out (we believe this is his final walk-thru with the contractors to make sure everything is complete and correct before our pre-drywall walk-thru).  If all goes well the insulation will be installed on Thursday and they will begin to hang the dry-wall.  Pre-drywall meeting is set for Thursday, 07/14 at 9:30 AM.  (Whoooooo Hoooooo!!!!!!)  We are just a tad bit excited.

Yesterday (07/08), we met with Guardian to finalize the layout of our options in the basement.  We also added a few cable/data outlets (1 in the master bedroom and 1 in the family room).

We also met with a landscape architect to discuss our options regarding the landscaping for the front and back yard.  We expressed our needs/wants and within a few weeks he will provide us with a design layout.  We plan to meet with several other architects over the next few weeks and we plan to have a decision made on a landscaper by mid-August, so that work can begin as soon as we close on the house.

Landscaping plan (within the next 3-5 years)

• irrigation system - front and back yard (Priority #1)
• landscaping - front and back yard, includes maintain grass, add trees, add flower beds, etc. (We really need assistance in this area.  We have such a big front yard and we want it to be very appealing with a lot of curb appeal; however, since we have very busy schedules we need it to be low maintenance.  Neither of us know much about plants, so we are really counting on the landscaper to provide a lot of guidance.)
• front yard additions - terrace the hillside with retaining walls, add walkway from front porch to main sidewalk
• back yard additions - add partly covered patio off of morning room with area to entertain, a place to grill, and maybe a fire pit, add a play area (swing set, sand box, playhouse, etc.), convert egress window into walk-out from basement, add in-ground pool (last item on priority list)

Next week, we plan to call a few moving companies so we can get a few estimates.  We hope to receive our actual closing date soon so we can begin to schedule shut-off notices with the utility companies, update our address, etc.. 

We hope to make it out to the property this weekend to check out the progress and will post some pictures of the progress.  For now, we have to catch up on what our fellow bloggers have been up to for the past week.  Happy weekend everyone!!!

BUSY, BUSY WEEK....

A majority of our time this week will be focused on getting our current house on the market.  Here is our to do list (not limited to):

LANDSCAPING - DONE
The landscapers came out on Saturday to clean-up the yard, pull a few shrubs/plants that didn't make it and replace the shrubs/plants with new ones, and to lay fresh mulch and they plan to finish up today.  So far, it looks great!!!!

STEPS/WALKWAY - DONE
The contractor was supposed to start this morning, but the threat of severe thunderstorms scared him away.  We are very disappointed because it has been sunny and warm all morning and we feel that he could have at least removed the existing steps/walkway before it starts to rain/storms (which is not project to start until 3 pm.).  This is very frustrating!!!! 

Update posted on 04/12 - Contractor no show for today and states he will start tomorrow and pour the concrete on Thursday.  So very frustrating!!!

Update posted on 04/13 - Contractor showed up and removed more of the sidewalk than originally agreed upon; I expressed my disappointment and told him that we were not paying him to fix his mistake; he indicated that he will fix it at no additional charge to make up for starting the project later than promised.  So around 1:00 p.m. he ask for 1/2 payment in cash (which was agreed upon), he leaves and doesn't return.  He didn't finish the framing and he is supposedly exposed to pour the concrete tomorrow.  I have a feeling that either he is not returning or the job is not going to be completed tomorrow. 

PAINTING (in progress)  - DONE
We will focus on finishing up some painting projects that are already in progress. 

DE-CLUTTER (on-going)  - DONE
We will box up what we don't currently need or use.  Some will go to storage and some will be donated.  We need to find a way to organize/hide our daughter's toys.  Any suggestions?

SCRUB CARPETS (postponed 04/24)  - DONE
We will scrub the carpets in the partially finished basement and finished attic; hopefully, it will give a fresh clean smell/look. 

PRESSER WASH (scheduled week of 04/17) - POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
We will clean the front porch (we get a lot of traffic in the front of the house, which causes a lot of dust/dirt) and back deck.

STAIN (scheduled week of 04/17) - POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
We will stain the back deck - this is not priority; however, we feel it will give it a newer cleaner look.

PLANTS/FLOWERS (purchased, need to plant)  - DONE
We will purchase some potted plants/flowers to add some color.  We don't want to plant them just yet because there is still a chance for frost and cold nights.  This way we can cover them or bring them in the house, if necessary.

REALTOR - DONE
We scheduled a meeting (Friday, 04/15) with our realtor to take *pictures, sign papers, discuss last minute issues, and hopefully get the house listed.

*Pictures/video will be taken the 04/26  - DONE

RYAN HOMES - SALES REP - DONE
We scheduled a meeting for tomorrow to tour a local Waverly model; discuss final options (except for flooring, electrical, Guardian, which will still have some time to make a final decision); and to discuss a few custom requests.

THE MARKET
Good news...we have been tracking a few houses within our current neighborhood and noticed that 4 houses (one a comparable to ours) reflect sales pending/under contract signs.  This makes us very happy.  Are there any other bloggers trying to sell their current house during the building process?  Just curious.

Well, we need to get to work...we will check-in later to see how everyone else is doing.  Have a good day!!!!