Finally we had our pre-construction meeting and boy did it last forrrrrever! lol It lasted a whopping 5 hrs, technically about 4.5 since we got started at about 12:30.
It went well! We have all our tentative dates! The PM we have is great and very experienced! He said that he has been running about 14 days ahead of schedule with the Courtland models.
I am so excited bout the entire process. I really don't have too many pics, but I will edit this post and add them later. We also found out that in our home model if you purchase the gourmet island we automatically get glass cabinets and crown molding on the cabinets! Woo hoo, I really wanted to have those cabinets, but didn't want to pay any additional. We definitely will not be having any balls in the house. Balls are for outside play only! Lol, especially since I learned about the sprinkler system and that it releases 60 gallons of water a minute!!!!!
Tentative Quick Schedule:
June 13 2011: Ground breaking :) Yaaaay!
June 17 2011: Concrete Poured
June 30 2011: Framing starts
July 11 2011: Frame Completed/ Under Roof/ Shingles Up
July 20 2011: Guardian Walk-through
July 21 2011: Pre-Dry Wall
Aug 8 2011: Tile/Cabinets/Etc installed
Aug 18 2011: Inspections
Aug 25 2011: Certificate of Occupancy
Aug 31 2011: Walk through
Sep 13 2011: Tentative closing
We were told that with the Cortland's they run about 14-15 days ahead of schedule and we may be able to close on August 30, 2011 which would be great to avoid all of those additional closing costs.
While at this meeting we added:
1. A Single Dedicated Circuit in our unfinished media area so in the future we do not have to cut through the basement walls and also allows us to have power in there or store an additional refrigerator.
2. A blower for the fireplace. We were told that the blower can heat up your entire first floor in the winter w/o it it's more of a decorative item unless your close up on it.
3. We should have added upgraded padding in the basement. I'm not sure if it is too late or not.
4. We added flood lights and we have a switch in our bedroom & morning room. The lights will be close enough to our bedroom to reach out the window to change the bulb.
5. Rope Lights in the crown molding in the bedroom. Without it, the crown molding looks silly and looks nothing like the model.
Other noted items:
1. Once Our roof is installed we need to contact Guardian to set-up our appointment so we have more scheduling time.
2. Dehumidifier: We should get one for the basement in the summer because with the energy star requirements it can get really damp/muggy.
3. Read over our Services & Maintenance book. Very helpful on home maintenance.
4. We need to get a serious sprinkler system so that once they stop maintaining the grass it wont burn up. Just suck up the water bill for two months, because to re sod the entire yard will be almost $5,000. We have seen "grass gone bad" already in our neighborhood unfortunately. I would rather just suck up the water bill in September and then fall will be upon us. :)
5. We should plan to lock in our rates on or about July 14.
6. The $1000.00 we receive as well as our friends will receive for referring us will be used in our out of pocket closing costs.
7. Screens DO come with the windows.
