Building a Home in a Brand New Community – What We Didn't Expect

Grass is not just a Decoration!

Building a Home in a Brand New Community – What We Didn't Expect

We have moved in. We love our new house but we are now in a community-wide limbo of development. Sure there has been some post-possession calming down for us but the neighbourhood is one big bustling construction site.

Noise - There is So Much going on!

The construction of other homes continues on in the Riverstone Community. These guys start early! During the summer, with the kids not having to get up early for school, we had hoped to sleep in a little but not a chance with all the noise. We often hear big trucks rumbling by as early as 7 AM. Excavators, bulldozers, Bobcats, dump trucks, delivery vehicles and other large vehicles operating heavy equipment all day long. Supplies are being delivered for building decks, screened-in rooms, backyard landscaping and pouring of concrete driveways. Oh wait. That was us. We were no different. We have contributed to that same kind of noise.

Dust – Dust – Dust and Mop

Green grass is not just a decoration. Without grass there is dust blowing everywhere. Remember the heat wave? Well, if we left the screen windows open at night to cool the house down then next morning the floors felt like grit. We had to dust, vacuum and mop every day.

Thinking Ahead – Hooray Albi Riverstone!

One of the things that we like about the community is that even though it is not finished by a long shot, there are already three small parks within a two minute walk. So that is a good thing.

Riverstone is actually connected to Fish Creek National Park via 145.6 hectares of environmental reserve. It is the second largest urban park in Canada, nestled in and around, the scenic Bow River, amongst the trees and plenty of wildlife. When completed, Riverstone will have 1,100 homes. It won't be long before it really is paradise and of course, a very good investment. If you are interested give me a call: 403-680-4479

To read all of the series of Blogs about our Custom-Built Albi Home visit: Chris Ashby Blogs http://www.liveinokotoks.com/or visit:

Custom-built Home - Extras, Extras!

Nancy is Excited

Custom-built Home - Extras, Extras!

Some options in a custom-built home can cost a lot more than expected! Some quotes from the builder prompted us to do some research. We decided to do some installations after and we removed them from the builder's plans, for example, closet organizers, window coverings, and the backyard deck. But a word of caution!

A Word of Caution! After Possession Expenses

Initially we felt that after the house was built we could do some things cheaper ourselves like the heater in the garage, air conditioning, water softener, and irrigation system and this is proving to be true. Our decisions were based on future cost savings especially since keeping in mind, they would be much more costly if we had to rip out walls and renovate afterwards. With these items properly roughed in, we knew that we could install them some time in the future when we had the extra money. A little planning and foresight here into what we knew we would eventually want in our dream home has enabled us to save thousands.

Siding! The house starts to look real!

There is something new to see every day at the job site. Watching the siding go on gives the house an almost-finished look. Mistakes are made but when things happen I make a call and soon everything is sorted out. I have respect for all trades people, with me on site every day. I try hard not to get in their way but they appreciate me there to point out some of the changes I made to the stock floorplans helping them avoid extra work. They work hard and typically are not on salary so being able to finish quickly and efficiently is the best for them! It is really exciting to see the progress being made.

The Bonus Room - Nancy is Excited

My parents built an open-concept house with a cathedral ceiling. Growing up, I remember I enjoyed the space and think it's a good idea for our new home. Nancy thinks it's a good idea too, so we designed the living room to be open from above. We also chose the corner lot to give us the option for a ton of windows, some people might say too many!! The window coverings cost a small fortune!

Trials and Tribulations of Albi Custom-built Home

Still Waiting...Longing for Our New Albi Home

Trials and Tribulations of Albi Custom-built Home

The Delays Begin. Are We Disappointed? Very!

We are supposed to be at the drywall stage by three months. This doesn't happen, not by a long shot. We leave the Albi scheduled meetings very frustrated and feel the area manager is not cooperative. Friends and family tire of hearing about our complaints. Things, like fireplace, and kitchen cabinets keep changing from what we were promised and as what was in the Show Home. First some things are standard then they are not. We have pictures and proof with the emails. The area manager begs to differ. Things rotate one way then another. We are confused. We drive by the site...just because...longing...

New Area Manager Assigned to Us

After many complaints, phone-calls and emails back and forth, and months delay we put our foot down. We have a meeting with an Albi supervisor. He gives us a sympathetic ear and with all the emails with plans and specifics on record he takes the time to analyse our frustration. A few days later, he calls and says that he completely understands our dissatisfaction with the company's service to date. He tries hard to make things right and offers us some satisfaction towards what we have been expecting in regards to upgrades.

Also we now have a 'new' area manager. His name is Brian and his assistant is Julia.

Better Treatment

The Albi Estate 'team' are awesome. We are immediately treated better. We put down another 10 % deposit. To be fair to the previous area manger, the suppliers of some standard offerings changed, for example cabinet handles and countertop options. Previous orders are delayed from the original factory suppliers so new ones are found. We make compromises and more upgrades.

Months Fly by When Having Fun

We now have meetings about fun stuff like lighting and flooring. We keep our budget in check but are excited about our new options. We tell family and friends about the pleasurable experience of a custom build home...really! The rental unit design is shaping up. I'm glad I stuck to my idea. It will be an attached but separate entrance custom-built rental unit. I figure in ten years time, the extra cost will pay for itself. But...there are still more delays. You have got to be kidding me.

Are you thinking of a custom-built home? Call 403-680-4479

Our Big Decision? Albi – Riverstone!

A Big Decision

Custom Built Home – Our Big Decision? Albi – Riverstone!

We are Ready

We have outgrown our home. With a nice, normal-size-but-kids-growing family we need more space. Our kitchen is very small with just the four of us using it. We like to entertain, dinner parties etc...so...with a crowd we bump elbows. But do we need a custom home? Why not? We both have good jobs with a future. My partner, Nancy is a teacher and I am a Real Estate agent. This is my third home. So why not treat ourselves to a dream home?

We Want the Best We Can Afford

We want the best. We are into comfort, modern appliances, luxury-size rooms and custom details. Albi Home Builders provide us with this dream opportunity. We are excited. We tour the Albi Show Home many times over the Christmas Holiday Season. We bring friends and family members to weigh in. The kids have fun running around the big environment, content with the space and feel perfectly at home.

 The 'Future' Back Yard

Only a Realtor Knows the Right Questions to Ask

As realtor with over ten years experience to draw upon, I know the questions to ask. Many homeowners buy and sell many times over the course of their life-time. Some upgrades are worth the money but some are only an extravagance. What are the best features to add to a custom-built home? One of the main upgrades that I want, knowing the Calgary rental market and its income potential, is a guest place or rental potential.

Promise of a Quick Build- Not!

With their high standards in building (many building and design awards) and promises of a quick build, we lay down the 10% deposit. We decide on a corner lot. Real Estate experience has taught me that this is one of the better future selling-point features. We are assigned an area manager. So far...so good. We expect to have many meetings regarding progress, any questions we may have and ideas about upgrades etc... I ask about the rental unit addition. Hmmm...they don't, as of yet, offer this. I look into the bylaws and persevere with the area agent. This takes time to sort out. Good idea? Maybe. Stayed tuned...

Thinking about investing in a custom built home? Please give me a call, Chris 403-680-4479