We went back to Stubbs today to see the package and options Allen had put together.
First phase: rough-ins. We went ahead and signed off on these today, because we know that no matter what we end up finishing, we would like to have all of the wiring roughed in, so that we can add anything in the future. It just makes sense to rough it in now, while the house is being built.
Second phase: We need to decide what options we want to finish now. This includes speakers, audio, video, home theatre, security, controlled lighting, central vac, etc.
The elements we decide to add here will be based on budget of course, but I was content with the choices he gave us. They seem fairly reasonable and I know that whatever we put in will be put to good use. We will decide on details of phase two in the next couple of weeks.
Allen is a good salesman and I would have loved to sign off on all of it today.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Photo Update: February 20
(master bedroom)
(Samantha's bedroom)
(Brett & Nathan's bedroom)
(JD's bedroom)
(Clara's bedroom)Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Plumbing (again) and Appliance Shopping
Today I went back to Atchison to go over plumbing details.
After our first meeting, they had sent us a summary of selections, and some of them were different than I remembered, so I wanted to go back and make sure we knew exactly what we were getting.
I got to meet with Marilyn, who is their resident expert, but was sick during our first visit there on January 19, so we had a fill-in.
She was so knowledgeable and very, very helpful and we got everything sorted out and finalized.
On my way home, I stopped by Goeman's to look at appliances. I looked at fridges, ovens, and cooktops.
I had a demonstration on induction cooktops. I had heard about how you can boil two litres of water in under 3 minutes, yet as soon as the pot is off the burner you can put your hand on it right away without getting burned. It's all true.
It was very fascinating, but I think we will end up buying a gas cooktop.
Scott has given me the go-ahead to shop for appliances without him, as his time is limited right now and I like to shop around thoroughly before making a decision.
His one and only stipulation is that he really wants a water dispenser on the fridge.
After our first meeting, they had sent us a summary of selections, and some of them were different than I remembered, so I wanted to go back and make sure we knew exactly what we were getting.
I got to meet with Marilyn, who is their resident expert, but was sick during our first visit there on January 19, so we had a fill-in.
She was so knowledgeable and very, very helpful and we got everything sorted out and finalized.
On my way home, I stopped by Goeman's to look at appliances. I looked at fridges, ovens, and cooktops.
I had a demonstration on induction cooktops. I had heard about how you can boil two litres of water in under 3 minutes, yet as soon as the pot is off the burner you can put your hand on it right away without getting burned. It's all true.
It was very fascinating, but I think we will end up buying a gas cooktop.
Scott has given me the go-ahead to shop for appliances without him, as his time is limited right now and I like to shop around thoroughly before making a decision.
His one and only stipulation is that he really wants a water dispenser on the fridge.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Meeting with the Builder
Today we met briefly with Rick to go over how the house is progressing.
He let us know that everything is going fine and on schedule, and that he has no concerns at all about meeting our closing date of June 30.
We discussed updates on kitchen details, flooring (which we will start looking at in the next couple of weeks), stairs, plumbing, sound wiring, and heated floors.
He said he was happy with how everything was going and hoped that we were having fun and not finding the process too stressful.
It was reassuring to hear that everything is going well so far.
He let us know that everything is going fine and on schedule, and that he has no concerns at all about meeting our closing date of June 30.
We discussed updates on kitchen details, flooring (which we will start looking at in the next couple of weeks), stairs, plumbing, sound wiring, and heated floors.
He said he was happy with how everything was going and hoped that we were having fun and not finding the process too stressful.
It was reassuring to hear that everything is going well so far.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Photo Update: February 11
Today marks the 1 month milestone from the day we started digging.
Scott and I both went to the site today (separately, as it turned out).
I only snapped a couple of pictures, but Scott took a quick tour, going to the second level for the first time as they now have the first floor ceiling started.
Scott and I both went to the site today (separately, as it turned out).
I only snapped a couple of pictures, but Scott took a quick tour, going to the second level for the first time as they now have the first floor ceiling started.
Kitchen Day
Today I went to finalize kitchen details at Woody's. Joanne (the designer) and Shawn (from Woody's) were there, although Scott wasn't able to make it due to some last minute things that came up at work.
Now that I've had a few hours to mull over the samples I brought home, and digest everything else we picked out, I'd say it went well overall. But the meeting itself was a little stressful. Mostly because we had to make so many choices in such a short period of time.
We started with going over cabinetry details, including stain / paint colours and accessories (hardware). The stain was easy. Paint was a little harder. I followed the designers suggestions with regards to which shade of paint (we ended up using the same as the trim colour so that it will match perfectly). I hope to get some samples soon to take home and match to other things.
We discussed some minor changes in cabinetry, specifically in regards to some drawers in the kitchen and the main bathroom upstairs. Shawn said we can finalize island size and placement on the site when the framing is done.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't keep a running tab of what was included in the standard allowances and what were upgrades. Shawn and Joanne wrote it all down, but I came home feeling like I wasn't sure exactly how much over budget we were going to be. Shawn will send us a summary in the next couple of days. Hopefully it will be reasonable.
Next we picked out countertops. The solid surface samples were beautiful. So many great choices. The bathrooms and laundry room were a little trickier. I was somewhat disappointed in the selection of laminates. But to be fair, I think it was more a reflection of my bias towards other counter surfaces, and not so much Woody's lack of selection.
I love the counters we picked out for the basement bath and the boys' bath. I wasn't 100% sure about the selection for the girls' bath and the laundry room, but after bringing the samples home to look at a little more, I think they will be great too.
Joanne was really helpful in mentioning things that had never been discussed at Woody's. She pointed out choices in cabinet crown moulding, light valence, drawer / cupboard organization, and counter top heights. I was glad to have her point out those details so I could see the options.
I am learning so much during this process. It has been very educational and eye-opening.
Now that I've had a few hours to mull over the samples I brought home, and digest everything else we picked out, I'd say it went well overall. But the meeting itself was a little stressful. Mostly because we had to make so many choices in such a short period of time.
We started with going over cabinetry details, including stain / paint colours and accessories (hardware). The stain was easy. Paint was a little harder. I followed the designers suggestions with regards to which shade of paint (we ended up using the same as the trim colour so that it will match perfectly). I hope to get some samples soon to take home and match to other things.
We discussed some minor changes in cabinetry, specifically in regards to some drawers in the kitchen and the main bathroom upstairs. Shawn said we can finalize island size and placement on the site when the framing is done.
I was a little disappointed that we didn't keep a running tab of what was included in the standard allowances and what were upgrades. Shawn and Joanne wrote it all down, but I came home feeling like I wasn't sure exactly how much over budget we were going to be. Shawn will send us a summary in the next couple of days. Hopefully it will be reasonable.
Next we picked out countertops. The solid surface samples were beautiful. So many great choices. The bathrooms and laundry room were a little trickier. I was somewhat disappointed in the selection of laminates. But to be fair, I think it was more a reflection of my bias towards other counter surfaces, and not so much Woody's lack of selection.
I love the counters we picked out for the basement bath and the boys' bath. I wasn't 100% sure about the selection for the girls' bath and the laundry room, but after bringing the samples home to look at a little more, I think they will be great too.
Joanne was really helpful in mentioning things that had never been discussed at Woody's. She pointed out choices in cabinet crown moulding, light valence, drawer / cupboard organization, and counter top heights. I was glad to have her point out those details so I could see the options.
I am learning so much during this process. It has been very educational and eye-opening.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Stubbs Communications
Today we met with Allen Stubbs of Stubbs Communications (www.stubbscommunications.com)
After the tour we sat down to look at floor plans and discuss what we need in our home right away, as well as what we wish to have in the future, but will need to wire for now.
Allen said he would take a week to get back to us with a quote. He will price out wiring costs only, as well as complete installation costs, and then we can decide, based on budget, what we want to add now and what can wait and be added later. I am eager to see what options he comes back to us with.
Stubbs Communications provides professional pre-wire solutions for HDTV television/satellite outlets; telephone/fax & computer networking; home theatre, surround sound and whole house audio systems; teledoor & intercom systems; security and digital surveillance systems, and offer a full line of custom designed and installed audio/ video components.I thought his demonstrations were fascinating. His explanations of the various components were very helpful, without being too complicated for someone like me, who has no experience with these systems.
After the tour we sat down to look at floor plans and discuss what we need in our home right away, as well as what we wish to have in the future, but will need to wire for now.
Allen said he would take a week to get back to us with a quote. He will price out wiring costs only, as well as complete installation costs, and then we can decide, based on budget, what we want to add now and what can wait and be added later. I am eager to see what options he comes back to us with.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
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