I was at a Ryan Home last week that had one of the double wall ovens. We were cooking dinner together and waiting for the bottom oven to preheat to 400 degrees. We waited over an hour and still never got there. I was told this was "the norm" for their bottom oven. They were told it was going to be slower and there wasn't much that could be done. How frustrating.
I don't know if you upgrade the wall oven from the standard if it works any better or not. But if you are considering getting the double wall oven, I would talk to your rep and PM. Find out if upgrading will help the performance of the bottom oven.
If you read this blog and have a double wall oven, I'd love to hear from you. How does your lower oven work?
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
R.I.P. INDIA
For some of us, we built our homes and followed each others blogs at the same time. We became a little blog family of our own almost. Some of us went on to friend each other Facebook and keep in touch. For those that were part of this, I wanted to let you know that dear India passed away this morning, leaving behind her 2 yr old son, her husband, and many other family and friends. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers.
RIP India. You were such a sweet soul. Your sweet nature and good humor will never be forgotten.
RIP India. You were such a sweet soul. Your sweet nature and good humor will never be forgotten.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Drywall headache and regrets (and a question to milan owners)
We've been in our new home over a year now. Our 11 month drywall was scheduled, but then the company packed up and went under without telling anyone. So Ryan had to find another contractor. We FINALLY got someone out here to look around...and ....
We do have a few nail pops. No biggie. But the mud and tape job is horrible. So bad, the supervisor of the new contractor company came out because she didn't believe all my husband was telling her. She came out and couldn't believe how bad it was either. This was over a week ago. We are both still waiting on Ryan to approve what needs to be done. It's been over a week. Ryan is starting to drag their feet. We are not happy about this at all.
Speaking of not being happy.......
We do love our floor plan and neighborhood. HOWEVER.....it sounds like an 80 year old house upstairs!! Whenever anyone is walking around up there (even the kids) you can hear every step and the creaks badly. We have taken this issue up twice with Ryan. Once with the PM (who gave us an excuse that wood heats and contracts and these things happen. As if this was the very first house we have ever lived in, in our entire lives. uh...no. My brand new house should not sound like it's 80 years old. We aren't stupid.). The other with a supervisor who told us it had something to do with floating joints or walls or something. She also informed us that this is a common problem with this floor plan. Really? Because my neighbors have this floor plan and they don't have this issue. Several others here in the neighborhood have this floor plan and do have this issue. If you own a Milan, do you have this issue?
I keep flashing back to last summer when I walked into the house to get some measurements while it was still under construction, and one of the workers said he wouldn't dare live in this house. The one next door he would, but not ours. (the house next door is a Milan too). He said this while trying to fix a wall. (there is a blog post about this somewhere). Maybe this is what he was talking about.
At this point, we are trying to figure out what our options are to getting the floor fixed. My husband is not opposed to getting an attorney if need be and having ryan rip out our entire 2nd floor. But that's my husband for you.
We are still waiting to hear about drywall, and we are super unsatisfied with the answers Ryan has given us as to why our home sounds so dang old (btw...the model doesn't make these sounds either). We had planned on living here for many many decades. Now we just want to be able to sell it and get our money out of it. Our next home will not be a Ryan home at this point. They have cut corners and are not helpful into fixing them. They are now dragging their feet and giving excuses.
We do have a few nail pops. No biggie. But the mud and tape job is horrible. So bad, the supervisor of the new contractor company came out because she didn't believe all my husband was telling her. She came out and couldn't believe how bad it was either. This was over a week ago. We are both still waiting on Ryan to approve what needs to be done. It's been over a week. Ryan is starting to drag their feet. We are not happy about this at all.
Speaking of not being happy.......
We do love our floor plan and neighborhood. HOWEVER.....it sounds like an 80 year old house upstairs!! Whenever anyone is walking around up there (even the kids) you can hear every step and the creaks badly. We have taken this issue up twice with Ryan. Once with the PM (who gave us an excuse that wood heats and contracts and these things happen. As if this was the very first house we have ever lived in, in our entire lives. uh...no. My brand new house should not sound like it's 80 years old. We aren't stupid.). The other with a supervisor who told us it had something to do with floating joints or walls or something. She also informed us that this is a common problem with this floor plan. Really? Because my neighbors have this floor plan and they don't have this issue. Several others here in the neighborhood have this floor plan and do have this issue. If you own a Milan, do you have this issue?
I keep flashing back to last summer when I walked into the house to get some measurements while it was still under construction, and one of the workers said he wouldn't dare live in this house. The one next door he would, but not ours. (the house next door is a Milan too). He said this while trying to fix a wall. (there is a blog post about this somewhere). Maybe this is what he was talking about.
At this point, we are trying to figure out what our options are to getting the floor fixed. My husband is not opposed to getting an attorney if need be and having ryan rip out our entire 2nd floor. But that's my husband for you.
We are still waiting to hear about drywall, and we are super unsatisfied with the answers Ryan has given us as to why our home sounds so dang old (btw...the model doesn't make these sounds either). We had planned on living here for many many decades. Now we just want to be able to sell it and get our money out of it. Our next home will not be a Ryan home at this point. They have cut corners and are not helpful into fixing them. They are now dragging their feet and giving excuses.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
It's over: Our 10 month
Well, that was fun! lol
Our ten month inspection notice came a few weeks ago. They gave us 2 weeks to write down everything we needed addressed and get it back to them. They called within a week to review it and set up a date to come out. That day was today, 9 a.m.
Everyone was extremely punctual. =) Several contractors came out, and a Ryan Rep. The Ryan Rep was not the same as the sales rep. In this case, her job was to review each item on the punch list, see the problems, and then oversee the contractors and their work. No one rang the bell until the Rep was ready. =) No contractor left this house without their work first being okay-ed by the Rep, and then by us. Pretty awesome!
Everyone was extremely friendly. And they were here maybe 2 hours to get all the work done. It was a very good experience. =) I'm glad it's all done now. Almost time for drywall! (which by the way is NOT part of the 10 month but a separate issue all together)
Our ten month inspection notice came a few weeks ago. They gave us 2 weeks to write down everything we needed addressed and get it back to them. They called within a week to review it and set up a date to come out. That day was today, 9 a.m.
Everyone was extremely punctual. =) Several contractors came out, and a Ryan Rep. The Ryan Rep was not the same as the sales rep. In this case, her job was to review each item on the punch list, see the problems, and then oversee the contractors and their work. No one rang the bell until the Rep was ready. =) No contractor left this house without their work first being okay-ed by the Rep, and then by us. Pretty awesome!
Everyone was extremely friendly. And they were here maybe 2 hours to get all the work done. It was a very good experience. =) I'm glad it's all done now. Almost time for drywall! (which by the way is NOT part of the 10 month but a separate issue all together)
Monday, May 21, 2012
10 Month repairs first "oops"
So we scheduled all our 10 month repairs for tomorrow...Tuesday. That is the day my husband is home to deal with it all. He made the list of repairs, and I honestly do not know all the things he has on that list. Besides, I have had some scary experiences in the past with strange men in my home when my husband is not home and I make sure I am NEVER home without him when things like this need done.
I know of someone having another kind of repair done this week. When they talked with Ryan, Ryan said they had a bunch of 10 month repairs scheduled for today and that they would be out after that. Alarm bells went up and I expressed my concern to my husband. We were the 3 people to move in the neighborhood. And no moved in for a little bit after us. So.... I was worried they would come by today. My Hubby said not to worry, he scheduled everything for Tuesday.
Doorbell rang a few minutes ago, the first repair guy just showed up. =/ Now he was here to fix an outside problem that I was aware of (hole and crumbling in foundation under the fireplace). So that I can handle. But I'm not happy at all. I'm sick today and the last thing I want or need is a bunch of people ringing my bell for services scheduled for tomorrow. My husband has instructed me to tell anyone showing up that all repairs are scheduled for tomorrow. Really? Like I want an argument with strange men. *insert eye roll here* He is trying to contact our PM now for an immediate confirmation and/or fix to this scheduling problem.
Not happy Ryan Homes.
On another side note: anyone using the Ryan website to contact about repairs, you'd be better off CALLING instead. I know of someone who used the website and did not receive any calls (or emails or contact of any kind) for 10 days. They had to CALL to get something repaired. Just something to think about!
UPDATE: We made some phone calls. Ryan did schedule all the work properly (SORRY RYAN! and Thank you MEGAN!!) When the work was scheduled this one contracted complained about coming out on Tuesday. Ryan told them that was the scheduled day. So of course, he came out today anyway....and did it WRONG!! So he'll be coming back out. lol But Ryan did research, found the notes and such and did let us know what was going on. Everyone else is scheduled for tomorrow. YAY!!
My apologies Ryan Homes!
I know of someone having another kind of repair done this week. When they talked with Ryan, Ryan said they had a bunch of 10 month repairs scheduled for today and that they would be out after that. Alarm bells went up and I expressed my concern to my husband. We were the 3 people to move in the neighborhood. And no moved in for a little bit after us. So.... I was worried they would come by today. My Hubby said not to worry, he scheduled everything for Tuesday.
Doorbell rang a few minutes ago, the first repair guy just showed up. =/ Now he was here to fix an outside problem that I was aware of (hole and crumbling in foundation under the fireplace). So that I can handle. But I'm not happy at all. I'm sick today and the last thing I want or need is a bunch of people ringing my bell for services scheduled for tomorrow. My husband has instructed me to tell anyone showing up that all repairs are scheduled for tomorrow. Really? Like I want an argument with strange men. *insert eye roll here* He is trying to contact our PM now for an immediate confirmation and/or fix to this scheduling problem.
Not happy Ryan Homes.
On another side note: anyone using the Ryan website to contact about repairs, you'd be better off CALLING instead. I know of someone who used the website and did not receive any calls (or emails or contact of any kind) for 10 days. They had to CALL to get something repaired. Just something to think about!
UPDATE: We made some phone calls. Ryan did schedule all the work properly (SORRY RYAN! and Thank you MEGAN!!) When the work was scheduled this one contracted complained about coming out on Tuesday. Ryan told them that was the scheduled day. So of course, he came out today anyway....and did it WRONG!! So he'll be coming back out. lol But Ryan did research, found the notes and such and did let us know what was going on. Everyone else is scheduled for tomorrow. YAY!!
My apologies Ryan Homes!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time for our 10 month inspection
We received a letter and an email from Ryan last week stating it was time for our 10 month inspection. We have to have our punch list filled out and back to them by 5 pm on Monday. The letter did state this is NOT our drywall inspection and to please contact them in month 11 for that. We are not address drywall this time. I'm interested to see how this is going to go.
We do have some issues that need addressed. Some are minor (like the drainage pipe isn't all the way covered in the yard). Some are middle ground (my daughters bedroom floor squeaks like a 100 year old house. NOT good). And then there is the major issue. Our bathroom. Apparently water is getting out from under the shower door and has eaten away at our drywall right there. Turns out, we aren't the only ones with this problem. I know of someone else is who is having issues with water escaping from under the shower door and it's causing problems for them too. So be on the look out for this folks. I'm not looking forward to how they will fix this. But I am looking forward to it being fixed.
We do have other minor things like carpet bubbling up now that wasn't at the 30 day, and minor stuff like that. We'll see how this all goes.
I am worried about my daughter's floor. It's right over the wall that wasn't "plum" that they had to fix. I still have not forgotten overhearing the contractor saying he would never live in this house. I'm nervous.
So wish us luck! I'll let y'all know how it goes!
We do have some issues that need addressed. Some are minor (like the drainage pipe isn't all the way covered in the yard). Some are middle ground (my daughters bedroom floor squeaks like a 100 year old house. NOT good). And then there is the major issue. Our bathroom. Apparently water is getting out from under the shower door and has eaten away at our drywall right there. Turns out, we aren't the only ones with this problem. I know of someone else is who is having issues with water escaping from under the shower door and it's causing problems for them too. So be on the look out for this folks. I'm not looking forward to how they will fix this. But I am looking forward to it being fixed.
We do have other minor things like carpet bubbling up now that wasn't at the 30 day, and minor stuff like that. We'll see how this all goes.
I am worried about my daughter's floor. It's right over the wall that wasn't "plum" that they had to fix. I still have not forgotten overhearing the contractor saying he would never live in this house. I'm nervous.
So wish us luck! I'll let y'all know how it goes!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thinking of getting a patio?
When we first built, I mentioned going ahead and getting your patios poured with Ryan while you built. I said it was much cheaper to do it then vs. waiting to do it later.
I also mentioned in another blog entry that I wish we had made our patio a bit bigger. Can you see where I'm going with this?
We have the morning room. So when we built, we added a patio the length of the rest of the house out the morning room door, and the width the length of the morning room (roughly a 10 x 22 pad). It's a nice size, but we also have our fire place jetting out in the middle of it. Still more than enough room for a table that seats 4 and a grill. However, we want more. So now we are adding to the patio. And YIKES!
First of all, yes, it is a WHOLE lot cheaper to get any patio poured through Ryan when you are building. But the cost isn't the only headache. There is the grading issue.
We have a bit of slope on the side of the house. That makes this tricky. Plus they have dig down and grade in order to get to the level my existing pad is at now. Metal bars will have to be inserted into the side of the existing pad to connect the new pad to it. Then there will have to be a bit of grading done after the fact so there is not a 6" drop off the patio into the yard. You see, when they do the grading for the house when it's built, there is a slope to the yard for water drainage. Our current slope is not conducive for the new pad. Oh, don't get me wrong, it could be a whole lot worse! We don't have the nearly the slope some people have. We will need to reseed, again, when all is said and done. More cost.
In the end we hope to have what we envision in our heads. A nice place to have family gatherings and cookouts with friends. A place we can retreat too and just relax. I think getting the backyard exactly how we want is going to take a few years. We hope to add fence, flowers, perhaps a weeping willow in the corner. But for now, this is a good start. And we're very excited about it.
When we first thought of all this, we didn't realize all the extra work having an extra slab of cement poured was going to entail. So I just wanted to share this all of you out there still considering building. If you know you want a patio, and go ahead and let Ryan do it for cheaper and be saddled with the headache. The cost is cheaper, and you won't have grading headaches to worry about, or a lawn to replant. lol
In the mean time...wish us luck!
Happy Building!
I also mentioned in another blog entry that I wish we had made our patio a bit bigger. Can you see where I'm going with this?
We have the morning room. So when we built, we added a patio the length of the rest of the house out the morning room door, and the width the length of the morning room (roughly a 10 x 22 pad). It's a nice size, but we also have our fire place jetting out in the middle of it. Still more than enough room for a table that seats 4 and a grill. However, we want more. So now we are adding to the patio. And YIKES!
First of all, yes, it is a WHOLE lot cheaper to get any patio poured through Ryan when you are building. But the cost isn't the only headache. There is the grading issue.
We have a bit of slope on the side of the house. That makes this tricky. Plus they have dig down and grade in order to get to the level my existing pad is at now. Metal bars will have to be inserted into the side of the existing pad to connect the new pad to it. Then there will have to be a bit of grading done after the fact so there is not a 6" drop off the patio into the yard. You see, when they do the grading for the house when it's built, there is a slope to the yard for water drainage. Our current slope is not conducive for the new pad. Oh, don't get me wrong, it could be a whole lot worse! We don't have the nearly the slope some people have. We will need to reseed, again, when all is said and done. More cost.
In the end we hope to have what we envision in our heads. A nice place to have family gatherings and cookouts with friends. A place we can retreat too and just relax. I think getting the backyard exactly how we want is going to take a few years. We hope to add fence, flowers, perhaps a weeping willow in the corner. But for now, this is a good start. And we're very excited about it.
When we first thought of all this, we didn't realize all the extra work having an extra slab of cement poured was going to entail. So I just wanted to share this all of you out there still considering building. If you know you want a patio, and go ahead and let Ryan do it for cheaper and be saddled with the headache. The cost is cheaper, and you won't have grading headaches to worry about, or a lawn to replant. lol
In the mean time...wish us luck!
Happy Building!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A change in the Verona!
If you are building a Verona, you may want to check out this post from a fellow blogger:
http://buildingourverona.blogspot.com/2012/03/pleasant-surprise-new-feature-for.html
It notes some changes in the Verona's building!
Happy Building!
http://buildingourverona.blogspot.com/2012/03/pleasant-surprise-new-feature-for.html
It notes some changes in the Verona's building!
Happy Building!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Neighborhood News
So, it looks like the actual building of homes behind me won't start until more towards the end of year. They still need to determine the lots and do some work back there. So I am guessing no homes back there until after the summer. We'll see.
Also: Big changes coming up in our covenants and HOA rules. I don't want to get into too many details just yet, because a lot is still up in the air. But I can tell you we were told changes were coming and we will be notified of the final changes within the next 30-90 days. If you are thinking of doing anything major, wait!
Happy Building!
Also: Big changes coming up in our covenants and HOA rules. I don't want to get into too many details just yet, because a lot is still up in the air. But I can tell you we were told changes were coming and we will be notified of the final changes within the next 30-90 days. If you are thinking of doing anything major, wait!
Happy Building!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Coach Light Update
Hello Bloggers and Readers! I hope you all are doing well!
In my last entry I talked about our garage coach light issue. My rep had told us we got two but when we went to pre-settlement, we only had one. PM said we only got one, yet we knew the Rep had said two. I was willing to pay for a 2nd one. This was something that gnawed at us and gnawed at us.
When the garage is side entry, you don't get that added bonus of porch light to help light the way. The one garage coach light does not do a good enough job of keeping things lit. So anyway, while going through emails, I found the email from our Rep stating we got both lights and forwarded it to her to see what could be done.
A few weeks later, and guess what? We are suppose to get the 2nd coach light tomorrow!! WOOHOO! I'm so happy. And I'm so glad I found email. And I'm thankful our Rep went to bat for us again and got it fixed. For future reference: If you get a side entry, you only get one garage coach light (light outside the garage) unless you pay for the 2nd light. There was some confusion in the begining and now we are getting what we originally asked for. YAY! I'm so happy Ryan is making this right. =)
Thank you Rep for all you've done!! We'll miss you while you're away. And Congratulations! ;-)
If you live in my neck of the woods, here is the latest update:
The next phase of the neighborhood to open is behind me (the big field). Supposedly, a portion of each homes sales will be put aside to finish the club house and pool. I certainly hope so! With any luck, we'll have pool by next summer! =) WOOHOO!!
So that's life over this way. I can't wait for our 10 month so we can paint!! That should take place sometime in May I think. We will put in a service call for it the end of April.
I hope everyone out there is enjoying their new homes, or the process of getting their new home. =) Take Care!
In my last entry I talked about our garage coach light issue. My rep had told us we got two but when we went to pre-settlement, we only had one. PM said we only got one, yet we knew the Rep had said two. I was willing to pay for a 2nd one. This was something that gnawed at us and gnawed at us.
When the garage is side entry, you don't get that added bonus of porch light to help light the way. The one garage coach light does not do a good enough job of keeping things lit. So anyway, while going through emails, I found the email from our Rep stating we got both lights and forwarded it to her to see what could be done.
A few weeks later, and guess what? We are suppose to get the 2nd coach light tomorrow!! WOOHOO! I'm so happy. And I'm so glad I found email. And I'm thankful our Rep went to bat for us again and got it fixed. For future reference: If you get a side entry, you only get one garage coach light (light outside the garage) unless you pay for the 2nd light. There was some confusion in the begining and now we are getting what we originally asked for. YAY! I'm so happy Ryan is making this right. =)
Thank you Rep for all you've done!! We'll miss you while you're away. And Congratulations! ;-)
If you live in my neck of the woods, here is the latest update:
The next phase of the neighborhood to open is behind me (the big field). Supposedly, a portion of each homes sales will be put aside to finish the club house and pool. I certainly hope so! With any luck, we'll have pool by next summer! =) WOOHOO!!
So that's life over this way. I can't wait for our 10 month so we can paint!! That should take place sometime in May I think. We will put in a service call for it the end of April.
I hope everyone out there is enjoying their new homes, or the process of getting their new home. =) Take Care!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
updates
We have a sidewalk now!! WOO HOO!
I'm so glad to have the public walkway in now. They came and paved next the house in November. They cleared the area for the walkway, but never poured it. It is now poured! =) I'm so happy. Having a big muddy area every time it rains attracts both my little white dog and my 2 year old. NOT FUN! They need to come either sod or seed now and it'll be finished. VERY HAPPY about that.
During our building process, I had emailed our rep about how many coach lights (outside garage lights) we got. She wrote back and confirmed we got two with our elevation (elevation L). But at pre-settlement when we asked our PM about it, he said that it was up to us to purchase and put in the 2nd light. We only had one. Um... okay? I knew our Rep had told us two, but what could we do?
Well, I think things got screwed up when we went from a front entry garage to side entry garage. On the side, you don't have the light from the front porch/stoop area. It's too dark with one light. It has REALLY bothered us. So, I while digging into old emails on day, I found the email from my rep stating that we got 2 lights. I forwarded it to the rep and asked how we go about getting the 2nd light now. (I wish I had found this sooner). I am still waiting on answer. But it's only been a week. We still have the same elevation, so I'm thinking we should get the 2nd light. We'll see. I did have it in "writing" (email) that we should have it. So I'm hoping Ryan makes it right. I'll let you know.
This was one of the things we weren't happy with at closing. This and a mishap over a light at the end of our island. I wanted one and was going to pay for it. We were told we were getting it. We never did. And when we asked about it before pre-settlement, we were told it wasn't included in our light package. *heavy sigh* I was willing to pay for one and now we have none. It was too late. =(
At one point, I did go through another model like mine being built up the street to see if they were getting it. I wanted to know if we were just lied too. But the wiring and stuff hadn't been done yet. Wasted trip. I know believe the rep must have confused our package with someone else's. I don't think she out right lied to us. I do think it was not in our package. I just wish we would have handled it all better in the beginning.
Other than those things, we have been here 6 months now and love our home. Love our neighborhood. And the few people we have met seem very nice.
There is one person here does not think fondly of me. And to be honest, they have made me a little scared to meet anyone new. We went through so much drama where we use to live with some neighbors, the last thing I want is more drama. I'm quite content to stay to myself and those whom I have met to avoid any further disturbances. But those I have met seem extremely friendly and nice. =) I just love it here. And my kids do too. They are thriving and happy. Life is good.
We got everything settled with the HOA. If you missed the last update, the closing attorney still had our HOA contribution and is mailing us a check back. =)
My sister had her 30 day not long ago and I am over-the-moon excited they are here. My cousin is building in here and I'm excited for her.
We have a daddy/daughter dance this weekend and a super bowl party to go too. So a busy weekend ahead. But a good one.
Who are you rooting for in the big game?
Anyway, thanks for checking in! Hope y'all are doing well!
I'm so glad to have the public walkway in now. They came and paved next the house in November. They cleared the area for the walkway, but never poured it. It is now poured! =) I'm so happy. Having a big muddy area every time it rains attracts both my little white dog and my 2 year old. NOT FUN! They need to come either sod or seed now and it'll be finished. VERY HAPPY about that.
During our building process, I had emailed our rep about how many coach lights (outside garage lights) we got. She wrote back and confirmed we got two with our elevation (elevation L). But at pre-settlement when we asked our PM about it, he said that it was up to us to purchase and put in the 2nd light. We only had one. Um... okay? I knew our Rep had told us two, but what could we do?
Well, I think things got screwed up when we went from a front entry garage to side entry garage. On the side, you don't have the light from the front porch/stoop area. It's too dark with one light. It has REALLY bothered us. So, I while digging into old emails on day, I found the email from my rep stating that we got 2 lights. I forwarded it to the rep and asked how we go about getting the 2nd light now. (I wish I had found this sooner). I am still waiting on answer. But it's only been a week. We still have the same elevation, so I'm thinking we should get the 2nd light. We'll see. I did have it in "writing" (email) that we should have it. So I'm hoping Ryan makes it right. I'll let you know.
This was one of the things we weren't happy with at closing. This and a mishap over a light at the end of our island. I wanted one and was going to pay for it. We were told we were getting it. We never did. And when we asked about it before pre-settlement, we were told it wasn't included in our light package. *heavy sigh* I was willing to pay for one and now we have none. It was too late. =(
At one point, I did go through another model like mine being built up the street to see if they were getting it. I wanted to know if we were just lied too. But the wiring and stuff hadn't been done yet. Wasted trip. I know believe the rep must have confused our package with someone else's. I don't think she out right lied to us. I do think it was not in our package. I just wish we would have handled it all better in the beginning.
Other than those things, we have been here 6 months now and love our home. Love our neighborhood. And the few people we have met seem very nice.
There is one person here does not think fondly of me. And to be honest, they have made me a little scared to meet anyone new. We went through so much drama where we use to live with some neighbors, the last thing I want is more drama. I'm quite content to stay to myself and those whom I have met to avoid any further disturbances. But those I have met seem extremely friendly and nice. =) I just love it here. And my kids do too. They are thriving and happy. Life is good.
We got everything settled with the HOA. If you missed the last update, the closing attorney still had our HOA contribution and is mailing us a check back. =)
My sister had her 30 day not long ago and I am over-the-moon excited they are here. My cousin is building in here and I'm excited for her.
We have a daddy/daughter dance this weekend and a super bowl party to go too. So a busy weekend ahead. But a good one.
Who are you rooting for in the big game?
Anyway, thanks for checking in! Hope y'all are doing well!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Neighborhood News
Well, from I'm told, most of the lots in here that were open and for sale have now sold. The next section they are going to "open" up will be right behind me. I'm going to lose my beautiful view. =(
We knew we would. We knew that eventually, a house would be right behind us. We were just hoping it would take a bit longer.
I'm not sure when they will open up this section for sale. The road isn't even there yet. There are tire tracks from hunters that go back in there to hunt dear, but that's about it. So I'm assuming they'll be paving and putting in drains and curbs. But than again, I may be assuming too much. You never know. I would think that a road with drains would be on the top of the list, so people could drive back there and pick lots. We'll see. If that is what needs to happen, it may be later in the spring when they open it up. Who knows. A girl can hope! We were hoping for a year with nothing going on back there (that would put it in July). It will be what it will be. We'll see what happens. It'd be nice if they finished the sidewalk beside my yard that has been a mud hole since NOVEMBER! Maybe they are waiting to do it and the curb for soon-to-road all at once. I just wish someone would tell us something. I have a dog and 3 kids. Muddy yard is NOT good. Especially when the original plan was to have all this done back at the end of July/beginning of August. I think we've been patient. I guess I'll have to shoot the PM a email.
The lots behind me are smaller (50-55 ft lots I believe). I'm not sure how they are going to fit these 2200+ sq ft homes on those sites. That will be interesting. I'll have to check the bi-laws. They may be able to build smaller homes (ex. Sienna or Florence). It will be interesting to see what happens. As of right now, my street is all 60 ft lots. And the only houses really being built are the Venice, Milan, and Naples. No one wants to put the Rome on one of these smaller lots. (The Rome is the biggest house allowed on these smaller lots. We do have a section of 80 ft lots. You can build the Milan, Naples, Rome, Verona, Dorsey Hall, James Joice, and few others on those lots, but like I said, they are almost out of lots).
I suppose it's a good thing we have so much going on in here. The prices for the size of these homes are low. Interest rates are crazy low. So now is a great time to buy. And the more homes we get, the closer we get (hopefully) to getting that pool put in.
I'm still not happy about that. We were told in the beginning we'd have pool THIS summer, that the funds were there and put aside for it. But I suppose something changed, because most of the people after us were told "hopefully 2013". I'm guessing that they want enough homes in here to pay for it. That makes sense, right? But again, I'm only guessing. It could be that the bank developing the property has decided NOT to do the pool since they are hoping to sell to a new developer (something they have been trying to do for a while a now). Who knows. I guess when construction starts up there, we'll know.
It's hard to believe they aren't going to open up some more of the bigger lots first. Those are selling like hotcakes! And the road is already paved and everything up that way. But, I suppose they have plan. Maybe they are wanting another builder to come in and build on those lots. *shrugs* It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Over all, it seems like we'll have a pretty full neighborhood soon enough.
We knew we would. We knew that eventually, a house would be right behind us. We were just hoping it would take a bit longer.
I'm not sure when they will open up this section for sale. The road isn't even there yet. There are tire tracks from hunters that go back in there to hunt dear, but that's about it. So I'm assuming they'll be paving and putting in drains and curbs. But than again, I may be assuming too much. You never know. I would think that a road with drains would be on the top of the list, so people could drive back there and pick lots. We'll see. If that is what needs to happen, it may be later in the spring when they open it up. Who knows. A girl can hope! We were hoping for a year with nothing going on back there (that would put it in July). It will be what it will be. We'll see what happens. It'd be nice if they finished the sidewalk beside my yard that has been a mud hole since NOVEMBER! Maybe they are waiting to do it and the curb for soon-to-road all at once. I just wish someone would tell us something. I have a dog and 3 kids. Muddy yard is NOT good. Especially when the original plan was to have all this done back at the end of July/beginning of August. I think we've been patient. I guess I'll have to shoot the PM a email.
The lots behind me are smaller (50-55 ft lots I believe). I'm not sure how they are going to fit these 2200+ sq ft homes on those sites. That will be interesting. I'll have to check the bi-laws. They may be able to build smaller homes (ex. Sienna or Florence). It will be interesting to see what happens. As of right now, my street is all 60 ft lots. And the only houses really being built are the Venice, Milan, and Naples. No one wants to put the Rome on one of these smaller lots. (The Rome is the biggest house allowed on these smaller lots. We do have a section of 80 ft lots. You can build the Milan, Naples, Rome, Verona, Dorsey Hall, James Joice, and few others on those lots, but like I said, they are almost out of lots).
I suppose it's a good thing we have so much going on in here. The prices for the size of these homes are low. Interest rates are crazy low. So now is a great time to buy. And the more homes we get, the closer we get (hopefully) to getting that pool put in.
I'm still not happy about that. We were told in the beginning we'd have pool THIS summer, that the funds were there and put aside for it. But I suppose something changed, because most of the people after us were told "hopefully 2013". I'm guessing that they want enough homes in here to pay for it. That makes sense, right? But again, I'm only guessing. It could be that the bank developing the property has decided NOT to do the pool since they are hoping to sell to a new developer (something they have been trying to do for a while a now). Who knows. I guess when construction starts up there, we'll know.
It's hard to believe they aren't going to open up some more of the bigger lots first. Those are selling like hotcakes! And the road is already paved and everything up that way. But, I suppose they have plan. Maybe they are wanting another builder to come in and build on those lots. *shrugs* It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Over all, it seems like we'll have a pretty full neighborhood soon enough.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
HOA Uproar: Update (if you live in the neighbor, you may want to read this)
So we made some calls once we calmed down.
The HOA company never received any of the funds from closing. HMMM
So we called the attorney's office that handled closing and had several questions.
We got this wonderful blue book at closing:
This book has ALL our closing information in it, our paperwork, our everything! On one page, it stated we gave $500.00 as an HOA contribution. Uh...what? Contract said we were suppose to pay nothing.
This is where we got upset. At closing, the attorney's office told us to take this up Ryan. They were charging it. Ryan said we'd get a refund or a credit with HOA management company. Something wasn't adding up. We know we didn't get the refund, we never got the check. So where was our credit at?
However, in a plastic sleeve insert inside this book, is our actual receipt for closing (settlement statement). The book is made up ahead of time. So any changes made prior to signing paperwork, are not reflected. The paper receipt in the sleeve is actually printed up just before leaving closing. It is accurate.
On the bottom of 2nd page (settlement) it said we actually gave just less than $250 to the HOA contribution/assessment. Ok, bettter. At least it's not $500. But whatever happened to that money?
Answer: NOTHING! The attorney's office still has it. We called. >=/ Really guys? It's been 6 months. So a paralegal is speaking with an attorney and we are waiting for another call. Either they will forward that money over to the HOA management company and we'll be credited it, or we will receive check in the mail. They are suppose to let us know something in the next 24 hours.
So that money was just sitting there. My advice to anyone living in this neighborhood: Look at the bottom of your settlement papers, see what you paid. And then if you got a bill from the HOA management company, call the attorney's office and find out where YOUR money is.
I'm just glad to know that one way or the other, it's being taken care of.
If it does just get forwarded to the HOA management company, we will be calling to make sure they credit us and not take it for granted. That's for certain.
The HOA company never received any of the funds from closing. HMMM
So we called the attorney's office that handled closing and had several questions.
We got this wonderful blue book at closing:
This is where we got upset. At closing, the attorney's office told us to take this up Ryan. They were charging it. Ryan said we'd get a refund or a credit with HOA management company. Something wasn't adding up. We know we didn't get the refund, we never got the check. So where was our credit at?
However, in a plastic sleeve insert inside this book, is our actual receipt for closing (settlement statement). The book is made up ahead of time. So any changes made prior to signing paperwork, are not reflected. The paper receipt in the sleeve is actually printed up just before leaving closing. It is accurate.
On the bottom of 2nd page (settlement) it said we actually gave just less than $250 to the HOA contribution/assessment. Ok, bettter. At least it's not $500. But whatever happened to that money?
Answer: NOTHING! The attorney's office still has it. We called. >=/ Really guys? It's been 6 months. So a paralegal is speaking with an attorney and we are waiting for another call. Either they will forward that money over to the HOA management company and we'll be credited it, or we will receive check in the mail. They are suppose to let us know something in the next 24 hours.
So that money was just sitting there. My advice to anyone living in this neighborhood: Look at the bottom of your settlement papers, see what you paid. And then if you got a bill from the HOA management company, call the attorney's office and find out where YOUR money is.
I'm just glad to know that one way or the other, it's being taken care of.
If it does just get forwarded to the HOA management company, we will be calling to make sure they credit us and not take it for granted. That's for certain.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
HOA Uproar: Attorney being sought
*disclaimer: some of what is about to be written came from a third party
So, earlier this year I was called an idiot for stating that HOA fees would start up in January. Well, guess what? We all got our bill. Redemption!
Now, when most of us closed on our homes, there was no HOA or fees. It was put in our contract that we owed NOTHING for HOA fees or dues at closing. And yet, we were made to pay them. From others I have talked too, the amounts differ, but we paid.
I had an NVR rep and my realtor at closing. BOTH told the attorney we weren't suppose to pay. The attorney told us to take up with the builder after closing. We did. Our Ryan Rep told us that we would either get a refund or have the money put in as a credit, and we'd owe nothing for a while. Ok, great!
We never got a refund check. So when the bill came, we weren't happy.
This is where the disclaimer above comes in:
I talked with a neighbor today. Accord the neighbor, lots of neighbors are unhappy. One called the management company with our same problem (paid at closing). According to this neighbor, the one that called the company was told by the management company that what ever happened at closing wasn't their problem. Pay or be fined. (I did not directly to this neighbor, so this may wrong. Again, I'm just going on the information given to me).
Seriously, WTH?! I don't think so. This better not be true.
So I am calling the company personally tomorrow. I'm worried. I have already contacted several people in the way of finding an attorney, just in case. NO ONE is going to take money from me for an HOA that didn't exist, tell me it will go toward it when it finally does exist, and then tell me, "too bad. That doesn't count. Pay again". Many of us are pissed off (from what I can gather). Seems like stealing to me. And if the HOA company tells me what they did the neighbor, I'll be asking who else wants to sue both RYAN and the HOA company with us. Seems like fraud to me.
So wish us luck. It looks like my drama free days may be coming to an end. I hope not. I hope my calls go well and all goes well. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried. I'm a lot worried. I hope this whole mess gets cleared up quick. And if we could do it nicely and with no headaches, that'd be great. Wish us luck!
So, earlier this year I was called an idiot for stating that HOA fees would start up in January. Well, guess what? We all got our bill. Redemption!
Now, when most of us closed on our homes, there was no HOA or fees. It was put in our contract that we owed NOTHING for HOA fees or dues at closing. And yet, we were made to pay them. From others I have talked too, the amounts differ, but we paid.
I had an NVR rep and my realtor at closing. BOTH told the attorney we weren't suppose to pay. The attorney told us to take up with the builder after closing. We did. Our Ryan Rep told us that we would either get a refund or have the money put in as a credit, and we'd owe nothing for a while. Ok, great!
We never got a refund check. So when the bill came, we weren't happy.
This is where the disclaimer above comes in:
I talked with a neighbor today. Accord the neighbor, lots of neighbors are unhappy. One called the management company with our same problem (paid at closing). According to this neighbor, the one that called the company was told by the management company that what ever happened at closing wasn't their problem. Pay or be fined. (I did not directly to this neighbor, so this may wrong. Again, I'm just going on the information given to me).
Seriously, WTH?! I don't think so. This better not be true.
So I am calling the company personally tomorrow. I'm worried. I have already contacted several people in the way of finding an attorney, just in case. NO ONE is going to take money from me for an HOA that didn't exist, tell me it will go toward it when it finally does exist, and then tell me, "too bad. That doesn't count. Pay again". Many of us are pissed off (from what I can gather). Seems like stealing to me. And if the HOA company tells me what they did the neighbor, I'll be asking who else wants to sue both RYAN and the HOA company with us. Seems like fraud to me.
So wish us luck. It looks like my drama free days may be coming to an end. I hope not. I hope my calls go well and all goes well. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried. I'm a lot worried. I hope this whole mess gets cleared up quick. And if we could do it nicely and with no headaches, that'd be great. Wish us luck!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
For Romero and Esmeralda
Thanks for asking!
My holidays were a whirlwind of wonderful!!
My Sister moved up the street two weeks before Christmas. A week later (the week before Christmas) our family from Germany arrived. After that it was all family all the time!
We had the most wonderful Christmas Eve celebration at my sister's house. The doctor's have told us it was my Grandfather's last Christmas. His cancer has spread. They have upped his pain meds as much as they can. From what I have been told, the next step is morphine. The doc's want the family to call in hospice. He is doing REALLY well considering how bad off he is. Everyone knew the situation, so we all made sure to make this a wonderful Christmas for him, and it was. I don't know if I have ever seen him smile so much. =)
His Alzheimer's is acting up some too though. He kept calling my husband by my deceased dad's name. That was a little hard on my husband and I both. But he has always told me how much my husband reminded him of my dad, and how fond he was of both them. So...
Christmas Day we did Christmas with children, and then hosted a Christmas lunch for my husband's side of the family. Then we went up the street to my sister's for dinner, and then to my aunts for dessert. I was exhausted by 8 o'clock. lol
We also had an amazing New Year's Eve party up at my sister's too. =)
If we weren't at home entertaining, we were shopping or visiting family. My daughter and our next door neighbor's daughter are in the same class at school. And they only got to play once in the 2 weeks they had off school. =( We stayed that busy. But it really was amazing. And it was wonderful to spend our first Christmas in our new home. We made memories. =)
And my family from Germany is still here through Saturday. So we still continue to stay busy. =) We only seem them about once every 5 years so, we try to make it count. One of my German relatives is about my eldest's age. She wanted to know what school was like over here in America. So we just got everything cleared todayfor her to go to school Thrusday with my daughter, for the entire day. They are both VERY excited.
My holidays were magical. Thank you for asking. How were yours? How is everything going?
My holidays were a whirlwind of wonderful!!
My Sister moved up the street two weeks before Christmas. A week later (the week before Christmas) our family from Germany arrived. After that it was all family all the time!
We had the most wonderful Christmas Eve celebration at my sister's house. The doctor's have told us it was my Grandfather's last Christmas. His cancer has spread. They have upped his pain meds as much as they can. From what I have been told, the next step is morphine. The doc's want the family to call in hospice. He is doing REALLY well considering how bad off he is. Everyone knew the situation, so we all made sure to make this a wonderful Christmas for him, and it was. I don't know if I have ever seen him smile so much. =)
His Alzheimer's is acting up some too though. He kept calling my husband by my deceased dad's name. That was a little hard on my husband and I both. But he has always told me how much my husband reminded him of my dad, and how fond he was of both them. So...
Christmas Day we did Christmas with children, and then hosted a Christmas lunch for my husband's side of the family. Then we went up the street to my sister's for dinner, and then to my aunts for dessert. I was exhausted by 8 o'clock. lol
We also had an amazing New Year's Eve party up at my sister's too. =)
If we weren't at home entertaining, we were shopping or visiting family. My daughter and our next door neighbor's daughter are in the same class at school. And they only got to play once in the 2 weeks they had off school. =( We stayed that busy. But it really was amazing. And it was wonderful to spend our first Christmas in our new home. We made memories. =)
And my family from Germany is still here through Saturday. So we still continue to stay busy. =) We only seem them about once every 5 years so, we try to make it count. One of my German relatives is about my eldest's age. She wanted to know what school was like over here in America. So we just got everything cleared todayfor her to go to school Thrusday with my daughter, for the entire day. They are both VERY excited.
My holidays were magical. Thank you for asking. How were yours? How is everything going?
The Great Paint Wars (Milan owners, PLEASE weigh in)
I have seen so many blogs lately of bloggers showing off their pretty painted rooms. They are all so beautiful!
My husband wants to wait until after the 10 month drywall to paint. So that puts us in the vicinity of end of May/beginning of June. The waiting is hard, but at least the walls are not stark white. They are a nice creamy color. Still bland, but not white. So that helps. Thanks Ryan! I can't wait to paint! But here's the kicker, I have NO idea what colors I want!
The Milan's Morning Room is behind a wall and a totally separate room for the most part. It is in NO way open to the rest of the house. The mud room is also connected to the kitchen in much the same fashion. My first delima: Do I paint all three the same color? Or not? I think the Morning Room would be okay a different color. But our mudroom has a little hall way that attaches it to the kitchen. So would those all be the same the color as the kitchen? If the Mudroom is a separate color, what color to we do the little hall way? the kitchen color or the the mudroom color? (yes, I over think things sometimes).
I am leaning toward the kitchen, hall, and mudroom being all the same color. At least for now.
The downstairs bath is going to be one of 2 colors that I've narrowed it down too. =)
I'm lost for kitchen color though. TOTALLY. I have three different thoughts in my head. And my DH (darling husband) doesn't even want to begin help narrowing down anything yet. =/ But the color of the kitchen will decide the color of the den and morning room. So it's kinda a big deal. You know?
We have support beam that runs across the den. What in the world do we do when it's time to paint that? I thought about just doing an accent wall on the back wall of the den. Between the support the beams and our speakers for surround sound, it may be best. But DH wants to paint all the walls. *face palm* I think WW III is going to start over paint at my house. lol
I know I want my dining room a nice dark blue. Or maybe a light gray? *bangs head against wall* I'm going to wait on this one. I want at least a chair rail up first. Maybe some wainscoting. Then I'll decide.
My two eldest girls know what colors they want their rooms. So that's good. Again, our bedroom is another story.
Milan Owners: How are you deciding to paint? I need some ideas as far as the kitchen/den/mudroom.
If you aren't a Milan Owner, still feel free to weigh in as well. =)
Thanks!
My husband wants to wait until after the 10 month drywall to paint. So that puts us in the vicinity of end of May/beginning of June. The waiting is hard, but at least the walls are not stark white. They are a nice creamy color. Still bland, but not white. So that helps. Thanks Ryan! I can't wait to paint! But here's the kicker, I have NO idea what colors I want!
The Milan's Morning Room is behind a wall and a totally separate room for the most part. It is in NO way open to the rest of the house. The mud room is also connected to the kitchen in much the same fashion. My first delima: Do I paint all three the same color? Or not? I think the Morning Room would be okay a different color. But our mudroom has a little hall way that attaches it to the kitchen. So would those all be the same the color as the kitchen? If the Mudroom is a separate color, what color to we do the little hall way? the kitchen color or the the mudroom color? (yes, I over think things sometimes).
I am leaning toward the kitchen, hall, and mudroom being all the same color. At least for now.
The downstairs bath is going to be one of 2 colors that I've narrowed it down too. =)
I'm lost for kitchen color though. TOTALLY. I have three different thoughts in my head. And my DH (darling husband) doesn't even want to begin help narrowing down anything yet. =/ But the color of the kitchen will decide the color of the den and morning room. So it's kinda a big deal. You know?
We have support beam that runs across the den. What in the world do we do when it's time to paint that? I thought about just doing an accent wall on the back wall of the den. Between the support the beams and our speakers for surround sound, it may be best. But DH wants to paint all the walls. *face palm* I think WW III is going to start over paint at my house. lol
I know I want my dining room a nice dark blue. Or maybe a light gray? *bangs head against wall* I'm going to wait on this one. I want at least a chair rail up first. Maybe some wainscoting. Then I'll decide.
My two eldest girls know what colors they want their rooms. So that's good. Again, our bedroom is another story.
Milan Owners: How are you deciding to paint? I need some ideas as far as the kitchen/den/mudroom.
If you aren't a Milan Owner, still feel free to weigh in as well. =)
Thanks!
 |
| morning room entry see how it dead ends |
 | |
| Morning room behind this wall |
 |
| Mudroom/hall into kitchen |
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| Because of the speakers on the wall, and the support beam up on the left, one of my thoughts is to paint the wall with the fireplace and the wall UNDER the beam the same colors as accent walls. This would leave the beam and tv wall the colors they are, and the wall the bar is on would remain the same as the tv wall. Thoughts? (Please ignore my daughter's purple chair. It's going to her room as soon as we finish it) |
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| wall as accent wall? Waiting on curtains until we decide paint color You can see the placement of the bar wall here too, behind the couch |
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| this is little wall and bar would remain the color you see here. This is behind the couch across from the tv. |
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