Surprise!

Wednesday came.  No news on the permit.
Thursday came.  Still no news.
It's Friday (I'm in love).

This morning we starting thinking that either the county was taking their time or maybe there was an issue with the Courtland Gate. Lo and behold, there was a message on our machine from the PM.  Squee!!!  We got our first weekly Friday update!

Not only did the permit get approved, but they broke ground already!  The update was prior to today's inspection so if all went well, the footings were poured today and we can expect to have the foundation walls poured on Monday, forms stripped on Tuesday, waterproofing on either Tuesday or Thursday, and then the drain pump...

It looks as though we'll be making a trip out tomorrow on Sunday for some pictures!

Update: Permit Pending

PM sent a note that the permits haven't come through yet so we may not be able to start on Wednesday.  Keep your fingers crossed that this little town will have some good news for us soon!

While we're waiting, here are two more shots of the playground.  I'm in love with the gazebo and the playground is fun, despite the lack of swings.  I can't get over the HUGE open area beyond the playground.

I <3 you, gazebo

Fun for mommies too!

Miscellaneous Friday

It's Friday (for another hour at least)!  Once construction officially begins, our PM will provide updates every Friday.  I was hoping to hear that our permit passed the plans review stage today but alas, we must wait some more.  However, we did get a nice update from our SR stating that our last minute (minor) change orders went through without any resistance. Yay!

Glass inserts in kitchen cabinetry.
We noticed many kitchens with glass inserts in the cabinets over the hood/vent and finally got around to asking about them.  So for all you highly organized people who love to show off your cabinet contents or those who are curious, this one's for you!  If you opt for the built-in cooktop and wall oven, you're more than likely to get this as a standard feature. (disclaimer:  check with your SR early to make sure this is an option in your community and/or house plan)  

Pre-Con Postmortem

I'm not much for words tonight but we did have our pre-construction meeting today with the SR, PM, and realtor.  I am pleased to report that there was not any loss of blood or threats to reclaim the cookies.  The only heartache (and a minor one at that) is that the oil-rubbed bronze finish is not an option at all for the bathroom fixtures.  (Is anyone interested in purchasing slightly used faucets, toilet paper holders, and towel rods in a nickel finish?)

Not only are we getting sod (thank you, thank you!  I am grateful that I won't have to wash muddy dog paws every time it rains) and some landscaping out front, but we are also getting trees and shrubs at the back of the lot.  Thank you, RH!

We swung by our lot to get another shot of 106 again for the starting pictures.  Lot 105 is going up rather quickly--the framing is near completion and there isn't much lumber still in our lot.  We also met our neighbor across the street (Lot 103).  His Courtland was the first house built in this new phase of the community.

Shout out to Holly, an RH online consultant, who is tracking down the SR for another community with a CG model which might have the luxury owner suite (and possibly send some pictures).

A Lot to Love

 Welcome to Lot 106! 

We're located at the top of the hill so the neighbors' roof lines shouldn't interfere too much with our sunset view.  (Fingers crossed!)  The breeze that comes up our hill is awesome.

 

The lot will have a slight grade and then drop near the end.  It's still a 1/3 1/4 acre so I can't complain.

View from the playground.  I have a feeling I will be here.  A lot.

 

Our neighbor's lumber arrived last week!  This means they're one step closer to breaking ground on our lot.  Woot!

Pre-Construction Points

We have a date for our pre-construction meeting with the builder and have compiled a list of questions and discussion points, some of which were gleaned from other RH bloggers.  (THANKS for the tips!)  Is there anything else we should address?

Floor Plans

Reverse Plan with our options

The community originally offered the Courtland, which was replaced by the Courtland Gate (CG). We were pleasantly surprised to see the addition of a luxury owner's suite, an attic, and a second-floor laundry room. Shortly after finalizing our selection, the CG was removed and replaced by the Rome. We're currently the only CG in the community and kind of like it that way.

We opted to do the 4-foot extension on the family room and add the morning room, which translated to a larger basement and the ability to add the luxury owner's suite, which also meant a larger laundry room. Our other options included a fireplace in the family room; side windows in the bedrooms 2 and 4, living room, and family room; and a gourmet island in the kitchen. Check out the Options & Selections page for a more comprehensive list of options, including cabinets and flooring.