Friday, January 1, 2010

Laundry Decision

As promised, I have finally decided on a laundry pair. After much searching, humming and hawing, I have chosen:

Washer - Samsung 4.0 cu ft High Efficiency Front Washer


This baby offers VRT - Vibration Reduction Technology - which, in layman terms, reduces noise while on the spin cycle, which is 1100 RPM. While the laundry will be downstairs, I also wanted a laundry pair that would be long lasting. I also wanted a washer / dryer that could accommodate duvets / comforters.




Dryer - Samsung 7.3 cu ft Super Capacity Electric Dryer


This dryer offers Sensor Dry technology which detects moisture level in the load and adjusts the drying time to save time and even better, money. It also offers Wrinkle Prevent option which intermittently tumble dries clothes at the end of the drying cycle to help prevent wrinkles from setting in.


Well, it's a relief to have these decisions made. All that's left now is to price compare with various retailers here in Ottawa and get the best price.

Happy 2K10!!

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope this year will bring happiness and prosperity to all!

With a mere 3 months 1 week and 5 days to go (YAY), I purchased a subscription to Consumer Reports and after much research, I have finalized my kitchen appliance selections. I have put in a call to The Brick Commercial Sales representative to schedule an appointment next week to upgrade my appliances. And here's what I have decided on:


Refrigerator -
Whirlpool 19 cu ft Top Freezer

I have decided to go with a top freezer option with no front handles as I am not picky about whether or not my freezer is on the top or the bottom at this point in my home owning life. I do however like the Energy Star rating and it's sleek look from the front.




Range - Whirlpool 30" Range with SteamClean Option

I really liked the look of this stove and it has all the bells and whistles that I need right now, specifically self cleaning with adjustable time.






Dishwasher - Whirlpool Tall Tub

I wanted something quiet and big enough to hold place settings when I have family / friends come to visit. This puppy can hold 14 5-piece settings - not that I have 14 place settings but it's nice to know it can. As well, the Energy Star rating also makes this appliance appealing.




Up next - my laundry appliances...

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Finally - An update

A series of miscalculations as well as work commitments and of course, Christmas preparations, basically prevented me from posting over the last couple of weeks. But I'm happy to share the status before departing for Christmas vacation.

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

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since the last update. Since then, I battled a nasty cold/flu thingy which put me out of commission for about a week and as a result, I missed my 'New Moon' weekend with my sister. But yay me - I saw New Moon a couple days later and loved it!

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...

This week, the dreaded "notice of delay" arrived by email. A bit anti-climactic since I've known for a few weeks now but I guess I just need to roll with it.

This morning I was unable to take a picture of the progress due to the number of contruction and contractor vehicles occupying my street, making it virtually impossible to snap a photo. However, I did notice (from the main street) that the third floor has been started and roof trusses are ready to go. Nice work boys!

Since I was not able to post a picture of the house, I have decided to post a picture with my sister in mind. We will be attending the 950 pm showing of New Moon next weekend - a couple of old gals in a room of screaming tweens - it's gonna be sweet!




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.