We had our pre-construction meeting on Wednesday. We were impressed with our PM. He's been with Ryan for more than 8 years and has built over 300 homes with them. He was extremely organized and knew our selections while going through the blueprints without having to refer to his notes, so he was prepared.
We are set to break ground Wednesday, February 29. The crew that normally excavates in our community was not available, so he pulled the crew from the community he usually builds in so that we can start on time.
We had a few "special requests" that are not going to be accommodated. He had good reasons for not allowing these requests, but it was still a bit of a downer. We did find out some good news. We were not aware that we were getting the 30 year architectural shingles, but we are. Also, the garage will be "finished" throughout where we thought only the wall adjacent to living areas would be finished. While he won't allow us to insulate before they drywall, he suggested that we could just cut a small hole and blow in insulation afterwards.
Two things that he does that deviate from the plans that we are excited about: have the access panels in the ceiling of the garage as opposed to the walls of the bonus room and the access panel for the soaking tub in the master closet instead of the side of the tub.
We asked a question that he didn't have an answer to at our meeting. He said he would follow up and get back to us by the end of the week. He called me before 9:00 a.m. the next day. He seems efficient, organized and on top of things. I hope this bodes well for the build!
Our delivery date is now May 23. We were originally told May 11, but he explained all of the additions we made to the house added the extra days (morning room, custom finished basement, bonus room, etc.). Hopefully, we will be able to close by the 25th and have the long weekend to make a good portion of the move.
Our lot was not staked yet, but it is supposed to be done by this weekend. We are going out Sunday to hopefully see the stakes. The kids are excited to go the next week to see the big hole in the ground :)
Im not sure why he told you that you cant insulate the garage. We have built two homes with Ryan, with two different PM's. The first one said that if insulation showed up in the walls overnight while no one was there, well, what could they do. The second PM said sure, just have it done the day before drywall goes up. This is your home, and they work for you...keep that in mind when you ask for things.
ReplyDeleteWow - Feb 29th is just around the corner. Before you know it you'll have a hole, footers, basement walls and your house will be framed!
ReplyDeleteI'd go shove insulation in wherever I wanted. Heck, our PM was fine with us getting soundproofing insulation and jamming in between the master bedroom and the bonus room. I agree with the above commenter. This is your home, they are working for you, and if you want insulation in your walls, for heaven's sake do it. My guess is he is afraid to say yes because he fears it may slow down the workers. Just make sure you get in there and do it before drywall starts to go up. Our drywall was delivered one day (during our pre-drywall meeting) and put up the next. We ran to Lowes and bought the insulation and installed it after the walk-through.
Yes, that was weird, I agree with Tammi about the insulation and delays, we had a lot of "unofficial" discussions, and since you're actually not even supposed to be on the job site unescorted, he's probably just trying to cover his rear. They're supposed to start ours by the 29th as well and he said 5/14 was no problem at all, and that gives us 6 weeks before our lease ends. What sort of custom work did you get done in the basement?
ReplyDeleteWe had one of the storage areas finished. It's just referred to as custom since it's not per plan. The area we are finishing is under the morning room and kitchen. It makes our basement finished area around 1000 sq. ft. It is how the model is finished and we just loved the extra space (not that we really need it!).
DeleteI know of blogger who pulled a night mission and insulated his garage the night before drywall went up. Next day...they drywalled over it! Worked out great!
ReplyDeleteHope weather is good for you and you can close on time!
Too many people on here have insulated their garage, including me. If you want to, carry it up the chain of command. Or ask him if it's really worth a shitty survey?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you want that could not be accommodated?
We wanted to widen the driveway, insulate the garage pre-drywall and use some of the products (plumbing) that the company my husband works for manufactures. He said no to all. The one that annoys me the most is the driveway.
DeleteWe were also told they couldn't widen the driveway initially, but to talk to the asphalt company when they come back in the spring and just work a side deal to widen it.
DeleteOur PM made it seem like it was totally at his discretion, he brought it up before I did, one of those "this is how I do things" items. Sgt Rich is right, that survey is like the holy grail to them, from what my SR told me, they dont "get" anything, its basically kudos for them, and I suppose increased visibility in the company if they are consistent. I think if youre really bummed I would ask him again before going up the chain or threatening action.
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