Is that a great lot, or what? Behind me is a large wooded area with fully grown trees - no worrying about all that plain boring total-lack-of-landscaping type view. Originally, I'd picked the lot two to the right (west). Bigger lot, yes, and it faced more west, so my deck would be shaded in the evenings. But in person we (my mom and I) realized it really doesn't back to trees like the other(s). It backs to the road and the field across the street. Fine for now, but who knows what will go in there eventually. Better to stick with the awesome view I know will stay there, even though I might not be as shaded. I've also heard from a few people that the direction I'm facing now will help the snow melt on my front sidewalks/driveway faster, so that's a definite plus. A short jaunt to the park, in a cul-de-sac... I definitely staked my claim at the right time in order to get in on this.
See my lot and the two to the right? Those are the only three lots in the subdivision that are for 2 story houses with walk-out basements. The rest will be Hearthstone's Richland collection, which are split entries (no walk-outs). That's actually what I figured I'd be building initially - being on a budget and all. Come to find out there are 2 two-story models that are kind of pinch hitters... some lots are naturally graded such that they require a specific floor plan. Some split entries have lower level family rooms with more above-ground windows, some less, etc. Like the lot to my left. It has to have either a Roseland or Sanford, I think. None of the other split entry house layouts will work. So the lot I'm on has to be either an Ames or a Chase walk-out (the lot has a steep hill that flattens out... perfect for building into for the walk-out basement).
When I went to visit the subdivision for the first time, I had completely figured I'd be building a split-entry. Not my ultimate in desirable layouts, but it made sense for now. My ideal layout, of course, being a 2-story. I took a look at the map and immediately pinpointed the lots I was most interested in, only to find out they had to be 2-stories. "But how can I build a 2-story in a Richland-only subdivision?" said I. At which point I was enlightened on the workings of land grading and requirements. As it turns out, a discount is given on the 2-stories in this subdivision, too, which in the end made building my first choice 2-story obtainable, even given my budget constraints. Plus the awesome lot. So. Cool. I pre-reserved the lot right then, and then went and priced out the Ames house, to make sure I could afford to do so. The rest is history.
What next?
My official contract-signing period is December 1st through the 4th. This means I have to totally commit by then. I will sign the intent-to-build agreement, and lock in my financing (I'm pre-approved for now, but can't lock in my interest rate until then). Right now my appointment is scheduled for December 3rd.
Before that I have to lock in all my final 'options' at the Hearthstone Choice Studio. All the little details like what grade of carpet, what color, which vinyl choice, cupboards, hardware, lighting, paint, trim, siding, front door style/color, shingles... EVERYthing. I have it pretty narrowed down at this point - I've chosen all my price points, and just need to determine final colors and that sort of thing to make sure the interior will be fabulous and coordinated. My final walk-through at the studio is scheduled for the week before my contract-signing date (in November).
I have so much more to cover... another day. This post has gotten ridiculously long!
Beth
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