Service and Warranty

When my house was being built, I was told more than once that warranty people would be in touch with me about 9 days after closing, and then again a little further out and then around one year and again at 18-months. So far, I haven't heard anything from anyone unless I open my mouth and ask. Thankfully, Raymond, my construction superintendent has been wonderful in that respect. He's truly been a Godsend from day one (er, Day 41, when he came on).

There are still a couple of things needing attention in my house that didn't get completed 100% and that I need to have done before I feel confident that anything else is on my shoulders to take care of. One, the ceiling where my outdoor ceiling fan was installed is still a jagged, gaping hole. It needs to be caulked, painted and make to look finished. Second, beneath the edges of my countertops is simply some random caulking. It needs to be completed so Im happy with how it looks if I happen to be sitting on the floor and look up at it.

I went ahead and inquired on KB's website under "contact" and "warranty service". Im sure someone will get back with me in a timely fashion. They've been stellar in that respect all throughout my experience.

The Busyness of Homeownership

This first week is definitely keeping me on my toes with all that is still going on with my new home. A third-party building inspector stopped by for final inspection. KB guys came by to install the bullnose that was missing in the 2nd bathroom and by the stairs in the entry.

 

I've had my electricity, water, cable, internet and phone installed. New furniture (kids' beds and a new couch) has been delivered and assembled. I've registered all of my appliances for their warranties.

Now, today, the garage door company is coming to install my opener. My security system company is coming to activate my service and walk me through how NOT to set it off. I can already see that happening. And David, my handyman, is coming to go over a slew of things I have asked him to help me with. 

 

All that and it's only Wednesday morning!

 

It makes me so happy when people come in and comment on my home. It's nice to hear what other people think, and to be affirmed in my choices. Afterall, if I ever had to sell, at least I can be assured people would like my home.

 

I've starting making trips. I have so much to do, yet Im really looking forward to setting up my new home.  This is probably my final posting on this blog, since it was mostly about the building of my home. If you'd like to follow me from here on, please check out my new blog at www.gracingignacia.com, where I'll be posting about decorating, some cooking, a little gardening and just family life in general.

 

Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. See you on the new one!

First Weekend as a Homeowner

This weekend was the first weekend of my whole entire life as a homeowner. When I arrived at school to pick the girls up, I brought their keys, jingling in my hand. Their faces said it all: long awaited happiness and excitement.

We took over our air mattresses, a cooler with some water, and a few other things that we'd need. We basically setup camp so we could spend the weekend there enjoying the house. And we did. It felt so good to be there. On Sunday morning it rained! I loved listening to it. My yard and new trees loved it, too, I'm sure.

This picture is the first sunrise I was able to witness as a homeowner. It's a cool, brisk day and looks like rain. The sunrise will be lovely to see everyday while I get ready for work.

 Today the wood blinds rep came and measured. It'll take about two weeks or so for them to arrive.  In the meantime I put up temp shades over the windows in the areas we were using (gameroom, bedroom, baths, etc). Next my IKEA sofa and the girls' beds arrived. Tomorrow they'll get assembled. Soon I need to order the appliances and mattresses.

Closing Day!

I'm a homeowner!!!!

Day 160: Tomorrow is Closing!

Today is Day 160. Its the final day of the fourth 40-day period in this home building journey. The first period was hard because I was so eager to get started only to have to wait. The second period was a little better because there was something to see during this time but, still required patience. In the third period, the building caught up to my excitement with its daily changes and the surrealism of it all. But this last period has been the best. I've gotten to see my house become a home made with all of the details I picked out. It's a place I am proud to call my home and I am looking forward to moving my family in and live the life I envisioned us living here.

People often look at you like you need your head examined when you mention you're going to build a house. I can honestly say it's been the best decision I've made. KB Home makes the process easy and enjoyable from day one to day 160.

I've been able to appreciate every piece of lumber, drywall, nail, etc. that has gone into my home. My kids started a "scrapbox" (if you will) of all the pieces of material we found. It has a bit of everything from nails to copper wire to a bit of shingle to a siding sample. There's a bit of marble, some foam, a cabinet scrap and so much more. Every bit we saw go in, knew what it was for and can appreciate its piece of this 3D puzzle that has become our new home.

If you baulk at the notion of building, just remember you give up the opportunity to reap the riches that come with the experience. My kids and I have many memories now, ones I'm sure they will tell their own kids about one day. And, I like knowing where my pipes and water lines are. I like knowing where my studs are without having to use a stud finder. I like knowing that I know my home from the inside out. I took pictures of it all! One day, if I ever move, I'll be able to provide the new owner with a wealth of information about their house.

That said, here is my final update before I close tomorrow:

I had my final walk-thru today with Raymond. All the paint touch ups were done. There were only a few things left to be done such as adding a piece of bullnose molding to the bathroom cabinet, restaining part of the railing, and then just going over things that were on the list to be fixed. They got it all knocked out!

There is only one more thing that needs done and that was installing the water filter by the kitchen sink.  Pur is supposed to get doing that in the morning. 

Overall, the house looks so beautiful! I can't wait to get the keys tomorrow!

A Model Home

 

 

 

Day 159: Two Days Til Closing!

Today I had my first walkthru with Raymond. We punched the places that need attention and he showed me how to use all of the appliances and major home features.

 

Mom and my sister, Heather, stopped by and got to see the house, too. I was finishing up with Raymond outside and didn't get to really hear Heath's comments about the whole house but I know she liked my kitchen!

 

Tomorrow afternoon is my final walkthru and then I close Friday morning!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 158: Three Days Til Closing!

Ran by the house this morning and saw the backsplash. It's not all done as it still needs to be installed over the nook and the whole thing needs grouting. As it is right now though, it looks amazing! Its so hard to pick from samples, in hopes that it'll all look good once it's said and done. Im relieved the house is coming along as nicely as I had hoped.

I also ran into Raymond as I was leaving and he mentioned the house was being inspected today, and that Mr. Horton, his boss, would be swinging by. Im glad they are staying on top of things for me. With closing only 3 days away, Im starting to get a bit nervous. Biggest purchase of my life! I couldn't be more happy or ready.

(See Part II below)

Tonight we stopped by and found the house had been cleaned. And the backsplash was finished! It looks so beautiful! Im loving seeing my whole kitchen complete.