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:

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