I decided to do this blog as a record for myself. Who knows if I will ever be able to build a new home again in the future so I wanted to document this. I think it also may turn into an outlet for my thoughts, as while I'm thrilled and confident this is the right thing, I get so nervous and stress about every little decision. The ongoing kitchen counter (in)decision is a prime example :). I really want this house to turn out the best I can get it to be!
I also think blogging this process has been another way to enjoy it. I'm not the most patient person and by writing about things that are happening it gives me something to do and will hopefully make the waiting a little less painful.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Trim options - still deciding
I'm trying to decide between just the first level trim upgrade, which includes crown molding in the DR and LR along with chair rail in the DR and study and the next level which adds (beautiful) wainscoting in the DR, foyer, stairs, upstairs hall and study (husband does not like in the study but I think it is so classy and upscale). I was just fine with the first trim package but after viewing the model today, it is hard to turn down that wainscoting. So perfect. Haven't made up my mind, but I really want the upgrade....
Besides, I'm already spending a ridiculous amount to get metal balusters, so why not? I got the metal balusters 1) because I like the look and 2) to update the very traditional style of the banister (especially the curved bottoms).
***UPDATE: Much of the trim in the model (including the study wainscoting) is custom for the model and not available in one of the trim packages. I could never get an answer about exactly what trim work came in each of the trim packages so I ended up going with the 2nd to the highest trim package and will try and work with the trim contractor to pay cash on the side for the extra trim where I want it. I would love to go with the highest level trim package (as I do know the crown molding and baseboards are wider) but that is an extra $900. I wonder if the nice wide door casings in the model are standard or part of the high upgrade package. I know, I've spent too much effort thinking about trim =) ***
Besides, I'm already spending a ridiculous amount to get metal balusters, so why not? I got the metal balusters 1) because I like the look and 2) to update the very traditional style of the banister (especially the curved bottoms).
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| foyer, stairs with wainscoting |
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| study with wainscoting |
Some Finalized Selections
Mom, daughter and I went today and spent a lot of time at the Avalon model in a nearby city. The sales rep recognized us from last time we went. I felt a little strange spending time planning my home in the model, but then I got over it - we are spending a lot of money for this house and it is much easier to imagine things standing in the model we're buying :)
We then went to the model in our future neighborhood to finalize the outside color choices. Immediately, mom and daughter pointed out the Berkshire brick as they one they liked (without knowing what I picked). There was no other brick choice (or siding and shutters) that would work for us so I ended up with the original color scheme my husband and I picked the first time: Berkshire brick, black shutters and Sandy Tan siding. The almond was the only trim color allowed with this combination and surprisingly I'm ok with it - looking at other homes the neighborhood the almond does make sense.
Then we looked at the cabinet choices. While I'm still not convinced I shouldn't try for the full-face modern cabinets I wanted (had in a non-standard request to get the Timberlake Capistrano); I convinced myself that choosing one of the standard offerings would be better (for the cost savings). The Rushmore Butterscotch Maple Glaze is full-overlay and looks good in others' kitchens but I'm concerned that they will go too yellow/orange for me, plus they are a $6695 upgrade. If I could get a non-standard request for the Hazelnut Glaze that would be better but would be even more $$. The Scottsdale Espresso Maple is nice but may look really dark and heavy in that kitchen. Mom said the Cherry Bordeaux colors were too red for my cherry hardwood floor choice (and they probably are). So in the end I picked the Scottsdale Maple Cognac. I did put in a non-standard request to have the island done in the Scottsdale Espresso Maple as an accent. I like two-tone cabinets but usually they are done with a white/dark combo not a mid-color and dark. My SR said that they would probably charge me what the full kitchen Espresso Maple cost - NOT NECESSARY! The difference between the Cognac and Espresso is $900 (same style cabinet, and veneer at that). I would pay an extra $200 or so but NOT the full kitchen price difference. I've seen on another Ryan blog where someone mixed the Rushmore Butterscotch with an Espresso island (pretty combo) so I know it can be done. I'll just see what they come back with.
I love the Impala Black granite with the Maple Cognac that is shown in the Clinton Avalon model, but that is a Level 2 and a lot more $. The best option with the Cognac in the Level 1 was the Tan Brown.
Here's my probable kitchen combo (for now):
A closer look of what the Maple Cognac and Tan Brown looks like installed:
The granite it busier than I prefer, but it really is the best Level 1 option. A lighter granite, Golden Garnet is shown here:
Here's the Avalon model nearby with the Maple Cognac and Impala Black granite. Didn't get a better close-up of the granite but it's pretty:
My flooring choice: Bruce 2 1/4 inch Manchester Strip-Red Oak in Cherry
Finally, the Bucks County Ledgestone to be used for the Family Room fireplace:
We then went to the model in our future neighborhood to finalize the outside color choices. Immediately, mom and daughter pointed out the Berkshire brick as they one they liked (without knowing what I picked). There was no other brick choice (or siding and shutters) that would work for us so I ended up with the original color scheme my husband and I picked the first time: Berkshire brick, black shutters and Sandy Tan siding. The almond was the only trim color allowed with this combination and surprisingly I'm ok with it - looking at other homes the neighborhood the almond does make sense.
 |
| Boral Berkshire brick, Sandy Tan siding, black shutters (the camera flash really washes out the brick) |
Then we looked at the cabinet choices. While I'm still not convinced I shouldn't try for the full-face modern cabinets I wanted (had in a non-standard request to get the Timberlake Capistrano); I convinced myself that choosing one of the standard offerings would be better (for the cost savings). The Rushmore Butterscotch Maple Glaze is full-overlay and looks good in others' kitchens but I'm concerned that they will go too yellow/orange for me, plus they are a $6695 upgrade. If I could get a non-standard request for the Hazelnut Glaze that would be better but would be even more $$. The Scottsdale Espresso Maple is nice but may look really dark and heavy in that kitchen. Mom said the Cherry Bordeaux colors were too red for my cherry hardwood floor choice (and they probably are). So in the end I picked the Scottsdale Maple Cognac. I did put in a non-standard request to have the island done in the Scottsdale Espresso Maple as an accent. I like two-tone cabinets but usually they are done with a white/dark combo not a mid-color and dark. My SR said that they would probably charge me what the full kitchen Espresso Maple cost - NOT NECESSARY! The difference between the Cognac and Espresso is $900 (same style cabinet, and veneer at that). I would pay an extra $200 or so but NOT the full kitchen price difference. I've seen on another Ryan blog where someone mixed the Rushmore Butterscotch with an Espresso island (pretty combo) so I know it can be done. I'll just see what they come back with.
I love the Impala Black granite with the Maple Cognac that is shown in the Clinton Avalon model, but that is a Level 2 and a lot more $. The best option with the Cognac in the Level 1 was the Tan Brown.
Here's my probable kitchen combo (for now):
A closer look of what the Maple Cognac and Tan Brown looks like installed:
The granite it busier than I prefer, but it really is the best Level 1 option. A lighter granite, Golden Garnet is shown here:
Here's the Avalon model nearby with the Maple Cognac and Impala Black granite. Didn't get a better close-up of the granite but it's pretty:
My flooring choice: Bruce 2 1/4 inch Manchester Strip-Red Oak in Cherry
Finally, the Bucks County Ledgestone to be used for the Family Room fireplace:
Friday, January 11, 2013
Decisions...
Like most who purchase a home, we were asked to make many option decisions the day we signed the purchase agreement. Note to Ryan: not too many homeowners are going to make their best decisions about brick and siding when they are trying to work on negotiation and are processing what they are getting themselves into.
I certainly did not feel I could make my best decision that day and now have to go back to verify our choices. It isn't too bad, because we are local and it is no hardship to go back, but I can't imagine those who can not or do not go again when they are better able to concentrate on those decisions.
The brick selections are new, our SA said they just started selling them. They don't have the clean, rich color (kind of burgundy-merlot) we were looking for and there are only a couple of siding choices we can pair with the brick. The brick we initially picked, the Boral Berkshire, is the darkest in the choices we had and it appears to have random bricks of a deeper color. The finished look could be beautiful or turn out very blotchy. Who knows? Being a new selection, there's no home I can see it on. With nothing to be found on the internet, we are going with a blind pick-only viewing a 2x3 sample on a wall in the model basement. For someone with a taste for designer but no designer eye at all, this is tough. Mom and I are going tomorrow to concentrate on the outside colors and if there's time I want to pick some cabinet and granite combinations in case my nonstandard request does not come through. I'm very glad to have my mom in this; she is the one who will have fun with me and doesn't show her annoyance too much when I get indecisive and stressed about my decisions (I love you, mom).
I certainly did not feel I could make my best decision that day and now have to go back to verify our choices. It isn't too bad, because we are local and it is no hardship to go back, but I can't imagine those who can not or do not go again when they are better able to concentrate on those decisions.
The brick selections are new, our SA said they just started selling them. They don't have the clean, rich color (kind of burgundy-merlot) we were looking for and there are only a couple of siding choices we can pair with the brick. The brick we initially picked, the Boral Berkshire, is the darkest in the choices we had and it appears to have random bricks of a deeper color. The finished look could be beautiful or turn out very blotchy. Who knows? Being a new selection, there's no home I can see it on. With nothing to be found on the internet, we are going with a blind pick-only viewing a 2x3 sample on a wall in the model basement. For someone with a taste for designer but no designer eye at all, this is tough. Mom and I are going tomorrow to concentrate on the outside colors and if there's time I want to pick some cabinet and granite combinations in case my nonstandard request does not come through. I'm very glad to have my mom in this; she is the one who will have fun with me and doesn't show her annoyance too much when I get indecisive and stressed about my decisions (I love you, mom).
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