Pre-Con Pros & Cons

Well, all in all, my pre-construction meeting went OK. I got some good news and some bad news.

First, the bad news. I was informed that my closing date has been delayed 6 weeks to April 13. Apparently, according to my Customer Care Coordinator, Steven, there was an issue with permits resulting from the abundance of rainfall in June / July. I don't know what that has to do with me as the flood plain is no where near my development. I can only assume the city put a hold on any new development permits until the water issue was resolved which occured in August / September so the timing is about right and it makes sense. But according to friends, it makes me naiive.

Anyhoo, my builder seems like a good guy. We reviewed the upgrades I selected in my earlier design appointments as well as reviewed the exterior of the building. In approximately 6- 8 weeks, I will have my framewalk which my house, by then, will have a roof, plumbing, electrical, windows, doors. Something to look forward to.

As well, my builder has switched kitchen suppliers so I will likely re-visit the design centre to confirm my choices with the new supplier. But I was assured that my design consultant would work with me to finalize new selections.

Now for the good news - which is connected to the bad news. I'm kinda glad my closing date was moved. You see, moving in April will be much more pleasant than moving in February. AS WELL, the slight delay will allow me to save a bit more $$, which can never hurt.

Pre-Construction Meeting tomorrow

While I was in Edmonton this past week, I received a phone message from Jennifer at Mattamy indicating that it was time for my pre-construction meeting! My builder, Adrian, was ready to start framing the house and wanted to meet with me to review the process. What's covered at a pre-construction meeting you ask?

Well, from what I can figure out, the whole meeting will take approximately one hour during which time Adrian will review my upgrades with me prior to starting to build. He will talk about my site, what it has on it and what I should be aware of. This will also be an opportunity for me to ask the builder questions i.e. will I close on time? what is the next stage?

Of course, I will be bringing my camera along for any photographic purposes and hope to have a shot or two suitable for posting.

Framing and other fun stuff

As usual, I woke up early on Saturday and thought I would do my scheduled drive by and see what has happened over the last week. To my pleasant surprise, I noticed framing happening!! Now I couldn't really notice if it was my place or not but still very excited. AND there were construction workers working on houses so I didn't want to get in their way.

After lunch and a movie with the gal pals, I took a second drive by and this time I was going to take pictures. My block hasn't been framed yet but the wood is labelled and ready to be assembled. However, Block 47 has started framing so it can only be a matter of time before I am happily posting my own framing pictures.

Here's what greeted me Saturday afternoon:




On another note, I have started to narrow down my appliance choices. I went to The Brick yesterday and talked to Al who answered my questions concerning upgrading appliances. Then I went to Dufresne, a local furniture / appliance store. Robert, a very helpful salesman, helped me narrow down my choices. If I went with a top loader washer / dryer, I would choose the Whirlpool Cabrio. If I went with a front loader washer / dryer, I would choose either LG or Whirlpool Duet. Robert was helpful and gave me alot of valuable information. Now I just need to get off my butt and make a decision already!

Interesting weekend tidbits

Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone and it was a very busy weekend. To my amazement this afternoon, I went to the Mattamy website and discovered a few interesting details.

First, the name of my village home unit has changed. When I purchased in April, my unit was called Honeygate End which inspired my oh-so-informative blog. The unit's name has changed from Honeygate End to Thornbury End. No word on why it was changed but such is life. Once I find out, I'll pass it along!

Secondly, and most surprising, the price of my unit has increased in price. I have discovered that the base price for my unit has increased from $201,990 when I purchased in April to a lovely $221,990 base price! Wowser! Not sure why the price would jump so much in such a short time but I'll take it!

More site pictures....

Thanks to Paul, my future neighbour for snapping these pictures.

This is looking south at the development. You can see the row of Village Homes lined up back to back with the street at the bottom of the picture. I am in the first block, 4th unit on the right. I will face west and have afternoon sun at the front.



This is a closer look at my home. You can see the pink insulation is in, along with sewer and water pipes. I've also got gravel in my driveway! Yay!



Yes, my street will be called Baynes Sound Way. I'm not sure how the builders come up with these names but it is a mouthful.

Progress continues

Since I woke up at the crack of dawn this morning, I decided to venture out early to get a picture of the house progress.




As you can see, it's a muddy place to be.