A Good Morning Surprise!

This morning I let the dog outside to go do her business and, quickly after, heard her barking and scrambling as fast as she could to get back up onto the porch and to come inside. I thought she was being silly and barking at some workers who were working on the house behind us. I took her back outside but she wouldn't budge off the porch. Then I heard the sound that caused me to look up into the sky. There, hovering really close to my neighbor's house was a hot air balloon!

(Oh, and there's another view of my weedy lot!)

That's not something you see every day!

Warrantied Work

Last week I met with Jimmy who will be overseeing any and all warranty work I need completed on my home. He was prompt, professional and courteous. We went over some paperwork, he explained how things work and told me how to get in contact with him. We also went over a few things in my home that need to be addressed. He made a list and we talked about each and what he would do for each one. Last, we set up a time and date where he could have workers come and complete the work. Its all very straightforward and simple. Im happy with the service Im receiving thus far and am very happy with my home.

Today the crews showed up to complete the work that I asked to have fixed; the ceiling fan on my back porch needed to have the board above it replaced, a couple of my kitchen cabinets needed new skins, a baseboard wasn't painted (primed, but not painted) and the floor in my master bath needed to be caulked where the tile meets the tub. Each crew came in and was in and out fairly quickly. The back patio took the longest and the poor painters have to wait around. However the guys doing the skins in the kitchen worried me most. One of the fellows was having a hard time breathing (perhaps he was asthmatic?) and he was sweating really badly and seeming to not move around well. I was a little nervous that he would keel over in my kitchen. Consequently, he cut the board wrong and then the installer broke it, and low and behold, they'll have to come back again.

Overall this process seems simple and, as long as I keep a list of things I come across that need attention, it will work fine.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 157: Four Days Til Closing!

This is the last week (or few days) before I close on Friday. Hopefully things will start rolling at the house. There are a couple of major things that need done still, like my kitchen! I look forward to seeing that punch list knocked out. Four days til closing!

Day 156: Five Days Til Closing!

Still haven't seen anyone working on the house since early last week when the counters went in. Not sure if everything will be done before I close.

 



 

 

 

Day 155: Six Days Til Closing!

Morning shade on the front porch. That will be lovely for my plants. Six days til closing!

 

 

Day 154: Seven Days Til Closing!

Yesterday I went thru the house and made some notes for Raymond of things that need attention in the home. Seems like a lot to do before closing.  Still no backsplash. 

7 days! One week from today I close!

Day 153: Eight Days Til Closing!

 Last day of week 22. Closing is coming fast. Little things are still left to be done. I haven't seen anyone working on the house since the countertops went in.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 152: Nine Days Til Closing!

Today the countertops were installed. I chose the Eco by Cosentino tops in Polar Cap. They look wonderful! The plastic wrap was still on them until the backsplash gets installed tomorrow. I peeled back a corner tho so I could see them. Pretty! The white looks super clean and gives a nice bright contrast into the room. I'm thrilled with them!
 

Nine days til closing!

 

 

More Quality Products KB Used In My Home

A while back I blogged about some of the quality brands that KB Home was using in building my home. Here are a few more:


Emser Tile - an industry leading designer, marketer, and producer of the world’s finest tile & natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, metal, glass, quarry, & more! I opted for tile in my wet areas because of its durability and beauty. With my bathroom very simple (solid white marble countertops and surrounds along with espresso cabinets), I wanted my floors to have some character. These "Titan" tiles give my rooms a nice neutral look.

Shaw Flooring - is the world's largest carpet manufacturer with a reputation for offering strong and attractive flooring. When I was picking out my wood and carpet flooring, I could only see the website pictures and a sample at the Design Studio. I really had no idea what it would look like once it was installed in my home. Now that it's installed, I absolutely love it! It warms the rooms in a way that tile floors just cant do.

My wood flooring is called Nightsong Hickory and they are 8" wide planks. Yes, 8" wide! The dark tones go well with my espresso cabinets.

 

My carpeting is a multi-colored shag like carpet in "Thistle".
 

Sherwin-Williams - Founded in 1866, it is the largest producer of paints and coatings in the United States. Their paints were used on the interior and exterior of my home. I have no doubt they will stand up to the busy life of my family.


Whirlpool - the world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. When it comes to appliances, I don't buy brands Im unfamiliar with, so Im very pleased KB Home offers Whirlpool, too.

 

Moen - the #1 faucet brand in North America, Moen has been around for 75 years, offering a diverse selection of thoughtfully designed kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, accessories. They look amazing and work flawlessly.

Seagull Lighting - the industry's most expansive line of Energy Star qualified lighting fixtures and ceiling fans featuring decorative lighting designed with today's consumer in mind and catering to modern tastes and home fashions.

Kwikset - manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. Millions of families have relied on Kwikset for security and peace of mind.

 

 

 

Carrier - the world leader in heating and air-conditioning with proven innovation of new products and services that improve global comfort and efficiency. I know this unit is built to stand up to the hot Texas heat for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Rheem -  is the industry leader for total heating, cooling and water heating solutions. In fact, Rheem is the only brand with product offerings covering residential and commercial heating, cooling, conventional storage-style water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar water heating systems, replacement parts and accessories for all categories.

Day 151: Ten Days Til Closing!

Ohh! The excitement is growing!  Let the countdown begin! 10 days til closing!

 

 

Day 150: Blessings

Seems God is dropping several things in my lap lately. So far, all have been blessings so I'm rolling with it.  They're reminders that God is good!

The girls are super excited about getting close to the finish line.  11 days til closing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 149: Looking Good

The house is looking really good on the outside. I have a couple of things to bring up to Raymond, but overall it's coming along nicely.

 

Here's our first pic with the garage door painted.

 

 

 

 

Day 148: Beginning of Week 22

Today we stopped by and the house was all locked up, like yesterday, so I called Chance and he happened to be in the neighborhood. He popped over and opened the house for me so we could take a peek.

 

While we were waiting, we met our new neighbors, the ones who are building right next to us in this picture. We got to meet one half of them anyway, the mom and one 11-year old daughter. We chatted while the kids immediately tore off, playing and getting to know one another. Looks like that will be someone fun for the girls to play with.

 

 

 

 

Day 147: Two Weeks Til Closing!

Today marks the end of Week 21. Two weeks from today I close! Woohoo! It's finally down to that time where Im starting to feel a little nervous. The house is 98% done and the excitement is growing. I absolutely cannot wait to get the keys and take my kids HOME!

I've started shopping for a few key items I'll need to purchase right away--a refrigerator, washer and dryer and wood blinds. Oy! Thankfully I have a great source for Whirlpool appliances and have found another source for the wood blinds. Now, I've got to measure all 25 of those windows.

Day 146: Trees!

Oh! The trees were planted today. They're Magnolias! They are absolutely gorgeous!  I couldn't be more pleased. Also the shutters were added, the front was painted--columns, trim and garage door. It's looking really good.

 

The rest of the house is looking gorgeous. There is still places that need paint touch ups but for the most part, it looks incredible. Two weeks from tomorrow I close!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside, the railings have been stained yet I'm not sure if they're done or not? The trim is still primed, waiting for painting. When I took a picture of the railing tonight, I sent it in text to my mom. She pointed out the cross appearing in the sun spot on the railing. A blessing for sure!

 



 

 

 

 

In the kitchen, the little trim was added to the cabinets. They look nice, finished. I can't wait until the countertops and backsplash go on. 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 145: Staining The Railings

Today we walked in to find a worker busily staining the railings. Oh how nice they look! I was pleased to see they had taped down plastic so that they wouldn't get any stain on the carpet.

 

I just love this part, seeing all of the items that I picked out go into making the house look amazing. I am very happy with all of my selections so far.

 

We also discovered that our neighbor's house ( next door) is being framed out today. It's so close! :/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 144: Prepping The Railings

Today the guys who installed the railings were back, prepping them for staining which they advised would start tomorrow. So, not to be in their way, we opted to just look quickly. The one thing I noticed was that caulking in the bathrooms was getting done, too.

 

Can I just say how much I love this house?!

 

Day 143: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Erin go bragh!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!