Pre-construction meeting

We had our pre-construction meeting today.  Finally got to sit down with our PM and he is great, just like our new neighbors told us.  He's very down to earth and can see that we are, too.  We were able to joke around with him a bit and to me that's very important, means that we are all on the same page and comfortable with each other.

He saw that I had a list of questions on my laptop and I think that might have scared him a bit, but by the end of the meeting he saw that it wasn't bad at all.  Just some things that have been on our minds and some things that I pulled from other Rome blogs. And I mean, this is a big deal so of course we want all of our questions answered.

The meeting lasted about 1.5 hours and we had every question answered.  Well, to the best of his ability anyway.  Here is the list of questions we asked, in no particular order:

• Can we get a copy of the plot plan? Yep!
• Can we get a 240 line installed (for hot tub)? Going to check and see if they can designate a circuit
• Is it too late to add a window in the family room? Yep, it's too late
• Is there anyway to get the ground right behind the house flat for patio/hot tub prep? They can pour after settlement, but not before
• Can extra insulation be added in the interior walls and floors to make a quieter house? No, but it sounds like we can do it ourselves right before they install the drywall!  Time to figure out how to do that!
• The dishwasher that is on the list is now discontinued, does that mean we change it? If it is discontinued they upgrade.  Which is great because the reviews are awful for the one listed.
• Can we give input with the front landscaping?  If not, can we ask for no plants so I can plant my own?They have to do it but they can rip out at 30 day inspection.  
• What brand are the HVAC? 92 % efficient Goodman HVAC unit
• Where are the hose bibs located? One in front and one in back
• What outdoor lighting is included? If there is a flood light is it motion detection? No flood light but there is a light outside of the morning room
• Can we hire a home inspector? Pre-drywall or after is fine, they just need a heads up.  Final one must be done at least 48 hours before settlement
• Can we pick the granite slab ourselves? nope
• Is there an option for a screen door? No, we can add later on our own
• Does the attic have stair access or just a panel? panel
• How many outlets are in the garage? One on ceiling and one on interior wall.­­
• Are the basement doors french doors where only one opens?  Is there another option to upgrade so that both doors can open? Only one door opens, no chance to upgrade
• Possible to get a 2ft extension on driveway? nope
• What inspections do we have after settlement? 30 day and 10 month (for windows and doors)
• Pond across the street from the house, will that be filled to be an actual pond or is it a drainage ditch? Ryan Homes has no idea, it's a separate company and they won't share details for some reason.
• Will touch up paint be left?  Any extra tile/flooring, etc? We will get touch up paint as soon as possible, they just switched their paint to Sherwin Williams so the kits haven't come in yet.
• Is there any lighting in shower/bath? Recessed LED lighting above shower and tub

So all in all we are happy with what we found out today.  Disappointed in a few things but thrilled that we can do the extra insulation if we want.  I was certain he would say no.  I left the appointment with a huge smile on my face.  It's starting to feel real.  

Our elevation.  Super secret plan here that we weren't allowed to take home. The house will be 4167 sq. ft.

By far the best news of the day was when we saw the plot plan and that we only
have 4 stairs leading out of the basement.  We were told it would be 7-8, but now we will
actually be able to see daylight from our basement.  So happy!

After the meeting we drove by our lot again.  Our neighbor was in his garage so of course we went over to talk. I love how friendly our neighbors are.  They all have been so welcoming.  We asked him if we could go in the backyard to sort of try and visualize where we might put our hot tub and patio, plus we would get to see the side and back of our lot.   This was the first chance we got to actually see how big our backyard will be.  I love the amount of space.  It's not too big and it's not too small.  There is plenty of room for a large patio and our hot tub and we still have a decent amount of green space.  

Our backyard.  Love the evergreens! And we found out today that the backyard will be virtually flat which is great to hear.

Panoramic of the side and back of our lot.  We couldn't be happier with the lot we chose. 

Using our neighbors backyard to test out where the hot tub would go.  You know, priorities!

So, next step is breaking ground.   Our PM said he would give us a heads up on what day that will be.  All we know right now is that it's sometime next week.   Can't wait!  It has certainly been a great day.