Progress Is Being Made

Hello all, sorry for the long absence, a close family member was killed two weeks ago by a drunk driver, that had three previous arrests for DUI, but, somehow managed to still be on the road.

On to the latest update on my house progress, drywall has been put up, master bath tile and flooring has been put in, as well as upstairs hall bathroom tile and flooring, all trim has been put in, slate added around the fire place and most of all my beautiful kitchen cabinets and countertops have been put in.

Master Bath

Kitchen cabinets, stove and microwave to be placed in empty spot

Gourmet Island and Fridge in empty space (granddaughter and middle daughter)

Family room with fireplace

Laundry/mud room off of garage

Got Brick

Stopped by today and low and behold, they have completed the brick work, no shutters or trim have been added yet.  Snuck inside and the tub is there as well as HVAC/wiring/piping, etc. all throughout. Was able to see some of the insulation in the ceiling and it was super thick, I could not read or find wrap to see exactly what thickenss it was. Expected to start with drywall during the upcoming week, will speak to PM to see exactly what is on schedule. Our tentative closing date is, can you believe, December 23rd, although they did say it could potentially move up or back by a week or so.

All Wrapped Up

Tomorrow is Hubby's birthday, so I took him to see his freshly wrapped birthday present. They are really flying right along, expected to have brick up on Monday, such an exciting time. Still muddy so not able to see the rear of the house yet (morning room and basement steps). Doors still in the garage but looks like most windows installed.

I Have A House

You guys were not kidding when you said things move fast once framing has started, the picture in my previous post showed the start of framing (Friday), the picture below is from yesterday (Tuesday). I am so happy, the doors and windows are all stashed in the garage. The shingles are sitting on the roof, hopefully they were put on today, as rain is expected to move in tomorrow.  Not sure what the crane is carrying, more shingles perhaps. To much activity, so I did not get out and walk around the rear to check on the morning room.  Next will come the Home :)

Framing Has Finally Begun

Been a busy week at work, was able to finally take a ride to the suburbs and visit the property.  They have finally started framing and things are coming along well. I did not mention before but, the basement steps were supposed to lead into the middle of the rec room area in the basement, kind of limiting the placement of furniture, we were able to get them to move it so that it leads into the corner of the room under the morning room, then we had them switch the door opening so that it opens towards the wall instead of toward the open space in the rec room, they agreed to do this without charge.  Here are a few snap shots of our progress.

Slow But Steady Progress

Did my usual Saturday drive to view my lot, not much visually has changed, they have added the basement floor concrete, the garage floor concrete and have added the steps from the basement to outside, paid extra for basement walk-out in lieu of the egress window. I did meet my neighbor directly across the street, they also have a Jefferson and have been there for about 10 months, they advised they have had only minor issues (nail pops, etc.) and they are thoroughly satisfied with their home.  Drove by the lot on Thursday and there was a huge white tent shape plastic covering the foundation, the tent was up to protect the basement floors from the two days worth of on and off downpours we have had.  I am sure there was unseen progress made, pipes, etc.

I also stopped by the model to chat with the SR and ended up changing my kitchen cabinets from Maple Cognac to Wyoming Cherry Bordeaux as well as changing the countertops, forgot to right down the name, was allowed to make the change without any change fees.

@ Jay and Danielle

I am having trouble commenting today, just wanted to say that I am so excited for you, they took a while to get you started but, seems like they are really flying now. Amazing that I feel your excitement through your words, so happy for you that things are progressing so nicely.

Foundation Is In

The foundation is in, waterproofing should be next.  Will talk to the PM on Monday to get the schedule for next week.  Lot's of rain today, so no long walk around the property, just a few quick pics and back in the car.

Woo Hoo, The Grass Is Gone

Scheduled to break ground tomorrow (Wed), however, had a dentist appt this morning so decided to do a drive by to view my vacant lot and low and behold this is what I found, OMG, I am sooo very excited to know that the process has actually started.  This is my 9 am view

and this is my 3 pm view.  The hole is a lot deeper and longer then this picture actually shows, just wanted to get a shot with the valuable "sign" included.

Here is another view.  As of last Friday's update, we were to break ground tomorrow and foundation should be put in by Friday.  PM did not call to tell me they were going to start a day early, guess I can forgive him for that, better early than late.

@ BD

For some reason I can not comment on your blog, just wanted to say congratulations, so happy for you, let the fun begin with decorating that beautiful huge wonderful home.

Just Because

Even though we are not scheduled to break ground until the 26th, decided to take a drive by the lot yesterday while running Saturday errands and low and behold there were rocks where the driveway will be, the grass was cut way down and there was a porta-potty on the property, could that be a sign :) or just wishful thinking :(. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

More Info Re: Delay

Spoke with sales rep today to ask if she knew the reason for the delay, wanted to see if the "reasons" matched up with what PM told me.  She contacted her manager and said that we are now scheduled for the 26th, we should have been told at the precon mtg that our break ground day was Sept 19th instead of Sept 12th.  Due to the delay from the terrible rains last week, they were unable to start the house that was scheduled to break ground, therefore, they are breaking ground this week and the house that was scheduled to break ground this week will now break ground next week, which means we will break ground the week after next (26th).  When we signed we were told we should be expect to close in by the middle of November, now we are looking at middle to end of December, sales rep said be prepared for a January closing, if the house is finished sooner (Dec), then I will not be disappointed.  I am really trying to remain positive and excited, but the delay is getting a bit much.  We signed our contract the middle of July, it is now two months later and nothing has been done except waiting...waiting...waiting.  Heavy Sigh!!

Already a Delay

Well, delay number one in the ground breaking process.  We were supposed to break ground tomorrow (Monday, 12th), which is what we were told during our pre-construction meeting.  Called PM Friday, had not received any update, that's when I was told it would be another week "or two."  Grrr, thankfully, I will have my current home to stay in and not have to stay with relatives, really hoping I at least have a couple of weeks before Christmas to move and try to decorate

Selections

Some of the selections we made:
Elevation:  C
Siding: Stone Mountain Clay
Shutters/Door: Georgetown Green (since I currently live in DC next to Georgetown, thought this was appropriate :).
Brick: Monticello
Stone Color: picked bucks county (later changed to all brick, so no stone)
Carpet: Doveshell
Foyer, 1st floor power room: Hardwood, Gunstock
Stainless Steel Appliances
Formica Countertops - Golden Mascarello
Incentive:  Free morning room, finished basement
Upgraded master bath
Vinyl in kitchen and morning room: will change to hardwood in about a year or two (changed vinyl selection on Wednesday after seeing our selection in another Jefferson, showed a pinkish tint in the sunlight, can't remember the name of new selection)

One more week before "scheduled" ground breaking

Pre-Construction Meeting Today

Update: found this better picture of the Jefferson with the front load garage and elevation C, which is what we have.  We did not purchase the two bay windows as shown, we did however add a side window to the dining area.  We also have a darker brick.  Now if my yard can only look so good :).

Had our pre-construction meeting today, everything went well, all selections confirmed.  Still waiting for permit, they said we are expected to break ground on Sept 12th with an estimated closing time of the beginning of December, we will see.  Found out today one of the incentives our sales associate gave to us includes tray ceiling in the dining room, excited about that.  Will try to attach a picture of our future home, wish me luck :).

Waiting Phase

Signed final change order today, meeting with PM for pre-construction meeting set for 29 August. We received a free morning room, finished basement, and closing help from Ryan and NVR.  Purchased upgraded kitchen with gourmet island, recessed lights, laminate selection for kitchen/morning room, will upgrade to wood floors in about a year, after all has settled down.  Preliminary completion timeframe set for the middle of November, I will mentally prepare for the middle of December, that way there will be no disappointments.  Happy to say I met with our sales associate today and had a sheet full of questions, all that I gathered from reading all of your blogs (ie: drain in garage, gas water heater vs. electric, etc.)

The Beginning

Hello Everyone, I have been a lurker for about a month, was so glad I found this site after reading so much negative on the internet.  Hubby and I are buying a Jefferson with Ryan homes in Maryland, keeping our current home of 28 years, to close to pay off to sell.  We have received our loan approval, so I thought I would give this blogging thing a try.  Waiting for a date for our pre-construction meeting, told it will be within the next week. Thanks everyone for the help with "good options" and pointers on what to wait to purchase for myself.  Does not appear to be to many Jefferson bloggers, bad sign maybe?  My current home is 80 years old, all of the new home features/designs are so beautiful, we are very very excited.