Four Forty-Day Periods

I heard from both Chance and Raymond on Friday and they both said that my new countertops should be going in on the 26th of March (week 21) and that my closing date is projected for Friday, April 4th. I couldn't be happier if that's the closing date because that will be Day 161 in this journey, marking the very end of four full 40-day periods.

Forty days is a significant time period in the bible and its made its presence in the building of my house, too. Not surprising, a time period of 40 (days, weeks, years) is significant in that each is related to a time of testing, probation or being tried either by lesson, virtue or punishment. Also notice each period ends with a time or item of blessing.

Perhaps you caught my posts on Day 41, 81 and 121, all the days after a 40-day period had ended, and a new one beginning. Each part was a whole process in the building of my house. Each period led to something greater, the blessing, if you will.

For the first forty days, all I saw when I drove by my homesite was land, an empty field with a sold sign. During that time, my mortgage loan officer and everyone who works on that side was getting my paperwork in line for final approval. The anticipation was building each day.

Then, the on Day 41 (the beginning of the 2nd forty days), the framework for the slab began. We watched it go from a wood frame to having piles of dirt, pipes installed, sections made and post tensioning rods put in place. Each day was only a little different from the one before. That same 40-day period ended with my slab being poured on Day 81.

With the 3rd forty days, my house started going up-- being framed, the walls insulated and sheet-rocked, siding and roofing was in place, and basically the exterior was all complete. Every day brought something new to see and explore.

Now we're in the 4th forty days, and the fence and yard were installed and the interior is being finished. Everyday is a joy to go by the house and see what's new, and even if nothing is new, it's exciting just being at the house. If only for 5-10 minutes, it's a happy end to the day. It's starting to feel like ours. The girls cant wait to move in and have their first sleepover, they are so proud of their new home and cant wait for their friends to see. As a single mother, it makes me so very happy that I could give this to them to experience. Who knows, perhaps one day they, too, will build a house and share that experience with their own children.

So for Day 161 -- the beginning of the next forty days -- to be my closing date, I would be thrilled! Because in that 40 days, I will officially be a first-time homeowner and will get to move in!

Day 142: Hi House

Nothing new to show today since the house is still locked up. Obviously by now you know we come by regardless and to say "Hi house!"

 

 

 

 

 

Day 141: Perspective

Today we couldn't go inside because yesterday the garage door locked once it was pulled down? So, we opted to see our backyard from a different perspective,  the farthest corner we could.  While I paid a premium for a corner lot, I do believe it was worth it. The yard sure is big!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 133: Happy Birthday!!

Look at this amazing surprise on my birthday! My door! It is absolutely beautiful! It really makes a statement and adds so much to my house's curb appeal. I couldn't be happier!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 128: Granite

So it appears I'm unsettled with the granite. At first when I saw it, I was surprised because it was not how I had envisioned or designed. I had my heart set on the sample that I had picked out and ordered at the design studio, and the colors it entailed. I picked out other things based on my kitchen centerpiece--the granite. I chose espresso cabinets to match the chocolate sparkles that Delicatus is known for. I liked the contrast between dark cabinets and white countertops. I chose a sleek, pure white back splash to go with it as well. 

And after lamenting, pouring over pictures, going to see it in person more than once this past weekend, and doing a lot of research, I know this is *not* Delicatus.  

I am convinced this granite is Arctic Cream. I can find plenty of pictures of that and it all looks like what I have installed. It features a beige-ish, latte-colored background with dramatic, striking black lines. It's not white at all.

I have found no other pictures anywhere--not on granite websites, not on blogs, not on home building websites, not on pinterest or Houzz, not even on Summit Stoneworks' website (the granite company who installed this) -- not once have I found a picture of Delicatus that looks like this.

Im definitely going to have to talk to Raymond and Jennifer about this.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 107: Planted an Orange Seed

Today Macy found a seed in her Cutie orange and decided to plant it in our new "backyard". We took it over there, she picked out a spot and planted the seed. Tomorrow and Tuesday we're supposed to have rain. Maybe it will grow! Time will tell.

 

Next we took a peek at the walls inside since the workers had finished up. It's so cool to see the house coming along. I love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 102: Hello, House!

Day 101: Top Quality Products Used To Build My KB Home

While I've been privy to watch my house being built, I've taken pictures of practically everything along the way--the lot, the daily changes, the phases, the piles of materials, etc. Likewise, through this process Ive learned http://www.kbhome.com/partnersa lot more about what goes into building my home, making it energy efficient. Many of these products KB Home does not tell you about when you come looking in their showroom. They tell you about your home being energy efficient and how much lower your energy bill may be, but they don't tell you how. I loved seeing these products being used in the building of my home. With each product I researched, I found over and over that KB Home was using the best products at each element. I couldn't be happier!

Below are a few of the products KB Home used in my house and why they are so important.


James Hardie Siding - Apart from being award winning, if you cant have brick or stone, this is the next best thing. This siding helps prevent your home from catching fire, can standup to even hurricane strength winds and rain and is even resistant to rotting, warping and delamination. In addition, James Hardie Siding is five times thicker than vinyl siding, making it resistant to hail damage. Because James Hardie siding is made of fiber cement, it does not undergo the same degree of expansion and contraction that hinders wood-based and vinyl sidings. Therefore, it will hold onto paint three to four times longer than wood siding, reducing your overall maintenance costs, without compromising aesthetics.

Mi Windows - Low-E with Argon Gas Enhancement - Low-E windows have a microscopic layer of metal that is applied to the inner surface of the glass on double-pane window units. This coating appears like a window tint, only slightly so, yet provides protection from UV rays that can fade carpets, furniture and even your family. It also helps reflect radiant heat from entering the room on a hot day, while ensuring warm air will stay inside the house on a cold day. The argon gas enhancement is an invisible, non-toxic, odorless gas that helps improve energy efficiency by minimizing the amount of heat that comes through the window and helping to soundproof. It reduces the possibility of condensation and frost in all climates and will not corrode the window material. Argon also helps to block harmful UV rays.  (picture above, tag below)

TechShield Radiant Barrier - This is the original radiant barrier sheathing and the #1 selling brand. Installed in more than one million homes, it has been on the market for more than a decade. This innovative product helps block radiant heat in the roof from entering the attic, keeping the attic cooler, lowering energy costs up to 17% per month on air conditioning costs, and making the home more comfortable. As a result of using LP TechShield, you may be able to reduce the tonnage of your HVAC system. It's also a green building product and will help in getting your home Energy Star certified.

HomeTeam Pest Defense - TAEXX is a network of tiny tubes that run throughout designated walls of the home. These lines are perforated and connected to locked service ports on the outside walls. This allows a HomeTeam technician to apply pest control materials inside the walls from outside the home. This network sets up a virtual barrier that keeps unwanted guests out – and strikes them where they’re the most vulnerable. Taexx is an effective service because pest control materials hit bugs where they live, hide, and breed - inside the walls. Materials remain effective longer because they're not exposed to sunlight.

My home was also treated with a borate-based termiticide which soaks deep into the wooden structural framework of the home to set up a barrier that sends termites packing and adds an extra layer of protection – keeping termites from reaching non-treated areas. Best of all, the treatment lasts for years!

So far, that's all Ive seen put into my home this far. As my home continues to be built out, I'll post again as products come in.

Here is a link to a complete list of products and services KB uses in building their homes.

Day 42: Pre-Construction Orientation

Today marks the end of six weeks. We're moving along and are pretty much on track now according to the process map (timeline).  Next comes dirt and sand to fill in the foundation and to allow for plumbing and such. Then they pour the slab. We're hoping to have that done around the 20th.

I met with Jose, the construction superintendent, to have what is called a "pre-construction orientation".  We went over the construction plan, talked about a timeline and went over all of the options included in my home. He told me that we would meet again in about six weeks when they were done with the framework. He also advised that we're looking at a mid-March closing. Happy Birthday to me!

Then, a surprise arrived! My super wonderful salesman texted me over three pictures that he took of the progress of my house. They are great shots, dont'cha think? I love that he's feeding my frenzy of pictures for this blog. Thank you, Chance!  :)

Here's one I snapped of the back from the far side of the block.

Day 27: Peace & Joy

Stress, good or bad, is exhausting. All of this stress about options and upgrades, paint and brick, the plot plan and everything else really added up and once I was done yesterday, I slept. It felt good to sleep, too! And today, Im happy! I needed to recharge and now that all of that is over, Im excited once again! I know my house is going to look dynamite and be a home that I am going to love for many years to come. Right now I've given it all up to God and know that it is all coming together as he wants.

The pic above is one of the drawings from my design studio appointment yesterday. I received copies of everything and am grateful for that. Each of these little drawings shows where every little outlet, light, switch, cable connection and everything else is located in my home. If I ever have to have anyone come work on anything, they'll know exactly what all is connected and where it runs.

Preliminary Plot Plan

 

 

 

While I was at lunch today, Chance called. He asked if I could come in and take a peek at the engineer's plan for my lot. It's to show me where my house will be situated, how much sideyard there will be, what direction water runoff will drain to and so forth.

 

He also said that next Wednesday will be my final selection day and then about a week later construction will begin on my house!

 

***BIG SMILE***

 

WOW!!! This is fast!! I am super excited! When I look at the timeline he gave me, this will put me about 4 weeks ahead of schedule. All of that hard work that Jaime and I did leading up to this is paying off. Who knows, we might be able to move in in March of 2014! Just in time for my birthday!

 

Day 21: Thankful

Three weeks ago today was the day when Chance, my salesman, contacted me about the Bigger Is Better Sale at La Conterra. It was the day my hope began and all of the rest of the events mentioned in this blog have followed.

Today Im feeling thankful, even through all of the uncertainty and chaos. Im thankful to be here, building my dream house. With the big decisions made, and my final choices fairly certain, Im at a peaceful point in this journey. And with the peace comes the thankfulness.

Im thankful for all of the people who are helping me in this process: God for blessing me with this opportunity and experience, my mom for everything, Chance my salesman, Jennifer my designer, my kids for putting up with my neuroses, my boss for letting me take off to keep all of the necessary appointments, Jaime my mortgage rep and all of the underwriters who are working on my mortgage loan. Thank you all for your part in this!

Day 16: This Section Is Filling Up

It's a super beautiful day today. The sky is so blue. It's breezy yet not too chilly. It's a perfect day to be outside.

There are currently 8 homes with sold signs, including mine, and the two houses being built. This section is quickly filling up as the pool and 8 surrounding homes are on hold for Model homes. There aren't too many left in this section. It'll be interesting to see which direction the neighborhood expands into next.

Ive been going over the options list that my salesman sent over. Just trying to wrap my head around the things I know I want and, at the same time, sort of making a mental list of things I know my handyman can take care of for me a little at a time down the road.

Remember when I said I felt like a kid at Christmas? Christmas is here! It's going to last for about 10 days, too! Today is Peek Day. Wednesday is Preliminary Appointment Day then a week later will be Final Appointment Day. Watch for pictures to come!

Day 15: Made an Appointment With the Design Studio

Welcome to the beginning of Week #3!

This morning I received a call from the KB Home Design Studio. They scheduled my first appointment for this Wednesday.  I'm going to pop in and browse on Monday to get my feet wet. I cant wait to see all of my options for flooring, brick, paint and more!

In neighborhood news, the two houses being built just off to the back are having their brick put on.  The kids and I walked through one of the houses (the one with the similar floorplan as ours). They have some cabinets and have been painted, but otherwise nothing has been done inside. It's exciting to see though. The kids say they cant wait to get to see our house inside. :) 

Day Ten: Disclosures Packet Arrived

 

I'm still having computer problems. I apologize but will post daily pictures as soon as possible.

Today a big packet of disclosures and other information arrived. All kinds of documents to read and sign. It's a lot to digest and even tougher to understand. These are like mock papers though because my address is incorrect and my sales price is an estimate until I pick all of my options. What that means is I get to plan on reading and signing these all over again sometime before closing.

It was a misty, rainy sort of day today and so I didn't opt to show you a picture. Nothing has changed, obviously. I like to think the rain is preparing the soil, strengthening it so that it's ready to be built upon. Soon. Very soon.

Day Six: Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, y'all!

Today I was just too busy to get by the lot today. With the kids' class parties, work and then trick-or-treating tonight, Ive just been in nonstop motion all day. It's 11:11 pm and Im just now getting a moment to sit down and post a pic. This is one I haven't shared, so it'll have to do. This is looking at my lot and seeing who is down the side street from me. The four lots to the right of those are all sold. Lot's of building going to be happening here soon! Cant wait to show the progress!

And because it's so late, here's another.

Good night, La Conterra.

Day One: Signed The Contract! And We Have Land!

Today was a wonderful gift from God! Let me backup. Yesterday I received a text from my salesman, Chance, who advised he was having a super sale in the neighborhood I was considering and wanted to know if I was ready to go ahead. I needed to talk to my mortgage lender first, who ran my credit report and advised I could go ahead. After the long journey Ive been on to get to this point, I am over the moon!

After brunching with my mom and praying about it, I scheduled with Chance to go pick out a lot and sign the contract this evening. We looked at a few lots, talked about slope, measured, used orange cones for visual, and I finally decided on a nice corner lot on Ignacia Drive.

This is where our home will be built!

The lot size is 62' x 110'.  The way the house will sit, the land slopes downward slightly towards the back, which means I wont have water standing at any time. My foundation will need to be built up a bit, but I don't mind. The thicker, the better! Right?! Since my house is also a two-story with a nice 10' bumpout on the backside, I'll have a bit of a view over the houses behind me that are built lower than me.

There will be a neighborhood-styled (and installed) fence on the outermost right side edge of our yard, running by the sidewalk, giving us a bit more space on the side of our house. I like that as it will give us a bit more side yard. Across the street is a light post. Im sure one day there will be a stop sign there, too.

Here is the lot looking straight on, as if we are standing in front of my house looking at it.

Below is the overall finished look of how the neighborhood is designed. My house is starred in the upper yellow section as shown. We will be the very first of 24 houses to be built on this street.

Enjoy the view today! In a couple of weeks, this will all be changing.