Geez, I'm picky...

Q&A with the PM

1. Waterproofing:  We get the tar waterproofing but no rubber membrane wrap.  To my State:  pooey for lower building code standards.  The slope of the tar will be the grade as well.  Perhaps it was the angle that was throwing me off sine I didn't venture too close.  I guess we'll just have to wait until the next visit once everything is backfilled.
2. Sink traps:  No  cleanouts on the sink traps.  Here's hoping I don't drop anything of importance down the drain!
3. Framing Schedule:  The lumber is scheduled for delivery tomorrow (Tuesday) and they hope to start framing on Wednesday or Thursday.  SQUEE!
4. Porch Downspout:  According to the elevation pictures, the downspout on the porch will empty into the landscaping area between the porch and the garage.  I've asked to see if can be moved to the other side.  The PM will need to review the gutter system layout but if it comes out near the porch, he'll have it buried and resurface it further out in the front yard.  (Can you tell that I am paranoid about water damage??)
5. Attic Access Doors:  There will not be any attic access doors in the ceiling of the second-floor bedrooms.  (Yes!)
6. Shower rod:  The secondary bathroom comes with a shower rod.  It'll likely be a standard, straight rod so some time in the future, I'll be swapping it out with a curved rod.
7. Family Room Windows:  The "last Courtland" has transoms above the family room windows.  We are told that those windows are smaller (3052) which presumably is why the transoms were added and that the Courtland Gate will have taller windows (3062).  Works for me.

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Road Trip to the Other CG Model

 
First of all, here's a big shout out to *colette* for offering to take pictures for me on her next road trip.  (none needed now, thank you!)


Several weeks have passed since my initial inquiry (and refusal) for some pictures of another Courtland Gate model.  Even with the online community consultant assisting us, the SR for the community just didn't pull through quickly enough at all and frankly, I lost patience with the SR.  So, we drove many hours, over many miles, across several bridges and states, and went through a few tolls (thank you, E-ZPass) for a few photographs. [excuse the diatribe.]  While I am quite annoyed that we had to take the trip in the first place, I am glad that we were able to see the model in person.  We definitely wouldn't have gained the same perspective from a few photos. Since we were there, we took a bunch more pictures but didn't do the other bedrooms.  Eventually, I'll add them to the "Model" page. (edit:  New pictures are up)

I love the idea of a storage bench in the mudroom but was skeptical of having RH put one in, per the blueprints, so we asked our PM to skip it.  After seeing the model, I am relieved elated that this particular interpretation will not be making an appearance in our house.  I was not impressed. at. all.  (edit:  My husband thinks I'm crazy but I pay no attention to the man lacking aesthetic sensibility. :P  )

the "seat"

This model was one of the first that we've seen that did not have a secondary exit (walkout, well exit, egress window) or a media room, which was quite surprising considering RH seems to display all the bells in whistles in the models. In lieu of a media room, they marketed it as unfinished storage space (and it looked huge).  The only window was in here and not in the other living space.  Anyhow, we saw this which reinforced our desire to finish the basement at a later time.

Jenga, anyone?

I am by no means an expert but this just does not look right to me.  For those of you who have already started the framing process, do you have any interesting supports?

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We finally got to see the luxury bathroom suite and the half wall by the bedroom entrance.  At least we know what kind of column will be used on the half wall but I certainly hope it's not finished like this. (edit:  Um, well, insert foot into mouth.  Apparently, this is how they're supposed to be done.  ??  Looks like I will have a new project--I'm thinking an arch to mirror the one in the hall and in the bathroom.)

flushed finishing is so overrated

Despite the rushed paint jobs (mostly basement) and these minor blemishes, the model was beautiful. 

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Anyhow, off to the bathroom...  Assuming the same plans are followed, the bathroom will have a center peak, similar to the façade.  The deck didn't have steps to the backyard so I only have an awkward angle to share.

action shot:  leaning over the deck

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I have no idea if we'll be getting the same fans as in this CG but there are definitely two distinct models.  The master bath appears to have a standard exhaust fan in the toilet enclosure and the secondary bath has a programmable fan.  Our PM said our fans will be rated at 80 CFM and our secondary bath will have a timer but not the master.  :(

Master - Standard fan

Secondary - Programmable fan

buttons (they work too)

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Hooray!  At last, we have seen the infamous two-headed shower with the corner seats!  Our flooring consultant was awesome (you rock, R!) and found us a gorgeous corner stone shelf that matched our tile but for safety reasons, you can't have a shelf over a seat.  So sad--It was a beautiful mocha stone too.  I almost wanted to give up a corner seat just to have it.  Speaking of matching tiles, if you've chosen a tile upgrade, be wary of the standard white soap dish as the contrast can be quite astounding.

one of these is not like the other

so pretty

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While I'm on the subject of selections, they weren't kidding when they said there would be variations in the granite.  For example, check out the Santa Cecilia pictures below.  The flooring consultant said the granite has been coming in darker lately (including more dark red flecks too) compared to their sample.  I can't wait to see what our counters are going to look like in the kitchen, particularly with the cherry cabinets.  Those red flecks are going to POP!

Left (other community)  |  Center (our community)  |   Right (company)

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More later!