Saturday, December 19, 2009
Finally - An update
With the sunshine and blue sky providing a great backdrop, I headed out to the house to take a couple of pictures this morning. Closing date is still scheduled for April 13, 2010 and it looks like things are coming along nicely. Early on, I was hoping to have foundation and roof on before winter. I was lucky enough to get foundation, roof, and windows / doors 3 days before our first Ottawa snowfall. I noticed this morning I have a front door! Yay me!
My goal for January is to put my kitchen appliances on order. I am upgrading the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher and Mattamy requests that the appliances be ordered 90 days prior to closing so I have The Brick on my to-do list. The washer and dryer, which I have picked out, just need comparison shopping at local retailers. With 2010 quickly approaching, the realization of the home ownership is quickly materializing!
I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your 2010 be prosperous!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Roof-tastic
Today, I received an email from my Customer Care Coordinator, Steve, indicating the following:
'Great News! This is a very exciting stage in the development of your home as we have just completed the roofing! Sheltered interior finishing can now commence. Our construction teams are focusing on roughing in the plumbing, heating ducts, and electrical wiring - enabling us to insulate and vapor barrier your home prior to applying the drywall. In a few weeks you will be contacted by the Community Administrator to schedule your Framewalk. This is a guided tour of your home before the drywall is installed; providing you with a glimpse of your home's skeletal structure will all the above mentioned milestones.'
By the end of the weekend, I will provide pictures to accompany this exciting news!! Stay tuned!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Just another week...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Moving along nicely
This morning, I swung by the lot to see what (if any) progress would be made on the house. I was happy to see the balcony floor off the dining room had been constructed. I also noticed (not visible) the roof for the second floor was on. As I slowly snailed my way along the road, I also caught a glimpse of the inside and I could see framing for the stairs leading up to the second floor. Yay! I'm still waiting for my letter of delay from Mattamy as well as a letter indicating the change of kitchen suppliers. It's so nice to see things moving along so nicely!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Framing frenzy
I have incorporated my so-called creative skills and using Paint, I am able to outline what exactly you are seeing. The orange outline is obviously the front door. Can't really have a house without one. To the right, in the yellow outline, is the garage door. Now to me it looks much smaller than I expected however I am sitting on the street and didn't really get up close and personal.
Moving onto the second floor, the outline is red is the kitchen window. One of these windows will open (crank) while the second window will not open. And finally the outline in blue is the french door to the dining room. Eventually there will be a balcony attached to this part of the house but one thing at a time.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Pre-Con Pros & Cons
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.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Pre-Construction Meeting tomorrow
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.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Framing and other fun stuff
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!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Interesting weekend tidbits
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!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
More site 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.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Progress continues
Friday, September 25, 2009
5 months and counting!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Footings are in....
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Holy Hole!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lay of the Land
On another note, I drove by the site a couple of weekends ago and discovered that the ground has been levelled, markers have been planted and a paved road is now down. This can only be a sign of good things to come! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera but fear not, I will be venturing out today to snap a photo or two of my future dwelling.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
6 months TODAY!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mattamy U? Yahoo!
This is a big deal (to me at least) as this is a signal that the building process will begin soon. Stay tuned for a post-meeting update!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
It's all in the details
I did find this AMAZING light fixture for the dining room. It's called Arctic Pear and it's made by Ochre. I have absolutely no idea of the price but it's beautiful and someday, yes, it will be mine.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Waiting Game
Saturday, July 18, 2009
So many choices
Friday, July 17, 2009
Furniture Fun
Below are a few eye catchers that I found.
P.S. My fave is # 3
Monday, July 13, 2009
Upgrade Update # 1
Unfortunately I forgot my camera but fear not, I am venturing back to the DC this weekend to take pictures suitable for posting. Stay tuned!!
P.S. A huge THANK YOU to Erin, my design consultant extraordinaire, for her advice and patience!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Backsplash backpedal
Oh and by the way, I have priced all of my upgrades and I have come in ~$225 dollars under budget! Woo-hoo!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Change of heart....errr...carpet
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Just over there behind those trees
Decisions decisions
FLOORING
Just to clarify - hardwood in Great Room / Dining Room, ceramic in powder room, foyer and carpeting on stairs, bedrooms and upstairs hallway.
The only issue that remains is carpeting. Today, my friend Fiona noted my original carpet choice had a pink-ish tone to it that I did not notice. This was confirmed by a good looking gentleman also at the design centre who offered an alternative selection. Fine and dandy - until I got home and priced out what this whole circus was going to cost me. Unfortunately his carpet choice exceeded my budget and I am now left in a conundrum. Standard (which is included) or Berber (which will cost me extra $$)...
Nobody said this would be easy. Whew!
Monday, June 29, 2009
It's all in the details
I have worked very hard to maintain neutrality throughout the home with the punches of colour coming through on my furniture and accessories. I guess we'll just have to see!
My next task is to bamboozle one of my gal pals to accompany me to the design centre next weekend and show her what I have chosen as my appointment is scheduled for July 13. Wish me luck!! :)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Totally Floored (But Not Really)
The powder room is incredbly easy as flooring is really the only choice. AND I have learned from a high number of design mags and model homes, the foyer ceramic tile can be carried into the powder room. So that is what I have done. I have the tile narrowed down to a tile called "Mouse Beige". Sounds incredibly exciting I know but it goes well with the wall colour and the potential carpet for the stairs.
In the main bathroom, I discovered my tub, toilet and sink are white with chrome fixtures. As my main bathroom will not have window, I tried to establish a dark choice and light choice. On the dark side, my tile is called "Banff Black", which resembles a slate tile. On the lighter side, the potential tile is "Banff Light Beige" (see Mouse Beige above).
In the main hallway, all stairs, master bedroom and guest bedroom, the carpet of choice will be a mushroom brown carpet. One of the standards available however I will be adding the upgraded Superpad underpad for increased comfort on the footises.
And finally, the piece-de-resistance, the hardwood floors in the dining room / great room. My original choice way back in the beginning, was a honey colour type of hardwood. However, after spending a couple of hours at the design centre yesterday, I have a few choices which I'm considering. And they are:
- Riviera Red Oak - Cherry (Plank)
- Riviera Red Oak - Medium Brown (Strip)
- Riviera Red Oak - Truffle (Plank)
I am REALLY leaning towards the Medium Brown as I just love the colour. My second choice would be the truffle which is a darker hardwood so we'll see what happens.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
One down - one to go...
Erin , my design consultant, was helpful and friendly and made the experience a little less frightning. We started out with Erin showing me the placement of all light fixtures and their switches. We then plotted the placement of my 2+1 cable and 3 phone outlets (additional cable outlet was an upgrade). This was actually a little more challenging than I thought. Because I can't see the room or my furniture layout, I had to rely strictly on my floorplan. Not an easy thing to do.
The appointment continued with me selecting standard bathtub, faucets, sinks, doors, windows, railings. I did upgrade to a black hood fan in the kitchen and included a central A/C rough in as planned. I did not include home security or garage door opener. Too much $$ in my humble opinion. Erin also indicated the plan includes a rough in for central VAC which will be helpful in the future.
I have until June 16th to make changes and I have made an inquiry as to how many outlets are in the kitchen - Erin indicated they were placed every 6 ft however I want to make sure I have enough in the kitchen! I would like to add an outlet or two on the mainfloor so I have until Tuesday to work it all out.
My next appointment (unscheduled at time of this publication) will be the BIG one. I am currently working out my budget and it's looking promising - I'm thinking my wish list will be a reality!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Appointment Excitement
So for this first appointment, I am looking at the following standards:
Standard doors and windows
Standard carpet grade stairs
Standard shower head and faucet in the main bathroomStandard fixtures in powder room
Standard oak railings - to eventually match oak hardwood floors
I will be investing in the following upgrades:
Shut off valves to sinks - very handy in case of repair or replacement in the future
Addition of 1 cable outlet - house comes with 3 phone and 2 cable
Outlet upgrade to accommodate future ceiling fan with light - I'm getting this for both the bedrooms
Home security system
Potlights for the breakfast bar - I originally thought 3 here but after seeing pictures of a finished home identical to mine, I've decided to go with only 2
Upgrade my kitchen hood fan to black to match my appliances
Rough in for central air - doing this now as when I get my A/C post-move in there will be less structural demolition that needs to be done by the installer
I am currently on the fence about ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) or air exchanger as well as a shelf for the microwave in the kitchen. As I am short, I am opting to NOT upgrade to an OTR microwave. It just doesn't make sense for me.
I know the list isn't long but I'm saving myself for the oh-so-important second design appointment which will involve cabinets, flooring, countertops, backsplash, paint, trim, moulding, hardware - all the fun stuff!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Appliance Compliance
First, my kitchen appliances will be BLACK. Although stainless steel did come in a close second.
After consulting a number of consumer websites and reports, I have decided on a Bosch Evolution 300 dishwasher.
I have also made a decision about a laundry pair. Although really quite nice, front loader washer and dryers are just too expensive and too large for me as a single gal. So I have decided on the Whirpool pair below. And yes, I have decided to go RED.
Where are the refrigerator and stove, you may ask? Well, those are still being researched. Although I am leaning towards LG appliances. They are sleek and stylish and a little more pricey than others so if anyone has ANY suggestions, I am wide open!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sitting pretty
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Fixated on fixtures
I thought this one was really nice but not sure where I would use it. Maybe the foyer or in the upstairs hallway.
Here's a couple of potentials that would be nice in a dining room.
A gentleman in the lighting aisle last night complimented me on bringing my camera to the store. Lately I don't leave home without it!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Armed and Dangerous
I will also be soliciting advice from those more experienced home owners so don't be afraid to post a comment or two!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Fantastic floor plan
http://www.mattamyhomes.com/uploadedFiles/Ottawa/Communities_in_Ottawa/Mattamys_Half_Moon_Bay_in_Barrhaven/Home_For_Sale/hmb_honeygatee_otvh03e.pdf
I've been spending the majority of my weekends at the Mattamy Homes Design Centre trying to pick out cabinets, countertops, tiles, etc. Who knew it would be so complicated?
Hello Honeygate End
NOTE: the posted profile photo is the Mulberry End and not Honeygate End. Once building has commenced, I will update the photo accordingly.