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!

We Have a Wall – Yes!

We Have a Wall – Yes!

Our Albi Home - The House Takes Shape

The kids never get tired of visiting the construction site. We drive up to and go around the house building every day after school. Nick loves the action, especially with all the trucks and machinery and workers and assembling going on. When the foundation wall-structure is in, they deliver a prefab front entrance, porch and steps. Then they start work on the sub-floor. It takes weeks, more or less and then we actually can walk up and in to what will be our house. Next, a wall...

We Have a Wall – Yes!

We stop by the lot and see a wall going up. The kids' eyes are glued to the moving crane and chatty with excitement. Cody, the framer, operates the crane like a pro. As we watch, Nancy and I take pictures. Out of the corner of my eye I see that like me, she is grinning from ear to ear. Soon four walls are up. We leave but miss the house so later ...we drop by with a Subway sandwich for hard-working Cody.

Roof, Upper Floors, Windows then More Stairs

When the upper floor is done, the stairs go in. We get to finally go upstairs and then get a better feel for the house. We designed this house. We are proud and thrilled. The windows are installed. Things are getting really exciting. We get to see what the view will be like. The scene is interesting from up that high. We do see houses of course, but all around we get to see a bit of the escarpment. Nice.

More Framing – Interior Walls

With the interior walls framed in, we get a good sense for how big the rooms will be although we know if will feel different once the drywall is up. Our imaginations run wild with decorating ideas. In the plans our tall walls are over-engineered so could have pure glass and wood with a bulk head so we can hang curtains and install lights. The framer used actual floor joists for the bulkhead so it will reinforce the structure of the wall even more and I can walk on it? We love that decision. We have a lot to talk about. Meah walks into what will be her room. Later she calls, her grandmother, her Baba and says that she loves her room. What eight-year old wouldn't?

For any questions on custom-built dream homes please call 403-680-4479.