House #1: Fun with HVAC :)

So I was feeling that I didn't understand the major systems going into the house, like for example...what are those electrical-y box-like things in the basement?  It's all very important and I felt like I should understand it all a bit better, if only to be able to care for our new home properly.

I met our builder out at the site.  He and his HVAC contractor were so patient and I feel I learned a lot about our home.  Here's a summary...It's really a lot.

• We have a tankless water heater.  Brand: Rinnai.  Both Becky and Wendell have stressed that we will likely have a delay we need to get used to with the tankless unit, -- once shower/bath turned on to get hot water- maybe several minutes. But once we have hot water up there- we will have no shortages.
• We have a dual heat pump (American Standard: Silver Series) with a gas furnace backup which means the gas will kick in when it becomes too cold to heat efficiently with the heat pump.  This unit is >90% efficient.  The top of the unit in the basement houses the AC coil and the bottom is the furnace.  It is connected to the unit outside.
• Gas will also be used for the fireplace.
• We have a 2 zone system.
• There are (6) returns that will have 12 x 12 filters (bedrooms, etc) and (2) 12 X 20 filters by the front door.  Wendell says to change filters every 3-4 months and says 3M makes a good one.  He likes filter.com as a source to buy.  My research indicates pleated definitely way to go. Note to self: check out prettier duct covers.  Wendell says fine as long as they are "filter grills"
• Our ducts are laid out with a "trunk system" layout... with ducts of varying thickness rather than a "spider system" so that air is moved throughout house in a very balanced way.
• IF we install a barn or other door in our study, we need to be cognizant NOT to cover returns...this will interfere with system running smoothly.  All ducts are sealed with mastic.  Around unit in basement, some flexible parts are put together with mastic tape

Foam is used around the windows, with caulk around perimeter of room and between some wall boards.

**Note: If ac running, don't leave basement door open.  This can cause condensation from ducts.  Door can be open for air- but if so, turn off AC.

Bath fans- Wendell installs bigger ones so that more air is pulled out efficiently.  Bath lights will be tied to fans at switch.

This was a very note-like post, but it was SO much information.  I'm planning to take pictures this week before drywall comes up- I'm thinking if we ever need to know where electrical/other stuff was...this blog will be a good reference.

House #1: Finding our Realtor

How did we find our realtor?  Well, I googled our city's "best of" list ...and Sasha Farmer was one of the realtors at the top.  Done and done. :)

...this is the shortest post I will ever do!

House #1: Nerves...

So I had an attack of the nerves regarding my choices for the new house today.  Sent my builder an email outlining worries (enough natural light? should I have washable HVAC filters? sconces in master bath?) and got back a thoughtful response laying out details I hadn't considered, along with options/costs to make changes if I decided.

Very pleasant change from our previous experience where I felt very out of control once we signed our contract.  I have to say am sold for life on building with small/local builder.

House #1: The Gibson Home...

So...house #1....the one with the small lot within a brand new subdivision (Haden Place) but walking distance from the (brand new) local library, coffeehouse, and a few restaurants.

We signed our contract with Gibson Homes in the spring.  We've built 3 houses in the past, with the last being EXTREMELY stressful, so we definitely know how the process CAN go.  Luckily, with Gibson, so far the only anxiety is combatting the after-effects of our LAST homebuilding experience:)

We choose Gibson because they are small and local- a team that includes husband/wife- Wendell and Becky.  We ironed out the details of our home through many (sometimes late night) emails with Becky.  Becky's response time to my emails was often immediate- which was awesome for someone excited to get things settled.

It was fun working with a custom home builder for the first time because we could specify exactly what we wanted.  (This can be both super fun and overwhelming if you don't have a clear vision...luckily for us, our new neighbors had created an amazing floor plan that met our needs almost exactly- so we were able to tweak that to our budget and specifications.  It was nice to be told "yes" to most of our wish list rather than having to stick to a set floor plan.

We signed our contract in their offices- a document that was simple and actually contained many provisions that were meant to protect the buyer- not just the homebuilder- something ENTIRELY different from two of our previous homebuilding experiences.

After we signed the contract, we met again in their office to choose cabinets, counters, siding, doors, knobs, and maybe a few other options.  Becky was super helpful and this was a fun process.  Lori, the office manager kept my VERY active son occupied the whole time -- you have no idea (or maybe you do, if you have kids) how amazing this was!! (If she ever reads this, THANK YOU again:)

We met with L&L Flooring to select floors.  The rep there, Andre was amazing, he was very helpful making coordinating color choices and I felt very supported in a process that could have been agonizing for one who doesn't make choices easily.  He showed me that the carpets and padding that Gibson offers as standard were of high quality, not offered by every builder- 8 lb pad is standard with Gibson.  The only thing I upgraded was tile in the kitchen, 10 lb carpet pad in office where my husband stands all day and one level up in vinyl for the master bath.  Pictures of them to come.  The rest of our main floor, stairs and upstairs hallway are to be wood and finished in place by Gibson.

Gibson broke ground on our house in the early summer.  To avoid a potential vacancy off-rental season, we decided to rent our current home immediately and move into short term housing.  We found a furnished unit and put all our belongings into storage.  We got a large unconditioned unit for the bulk of our things and a smaller, conditioned unit for things that I worried about getting hot over the summer- I think this saved some money.  However, it's definitely not been easily logistically- moving twice...but we're making it work.

So...with that short summary of things thus far, I'll sign off for the night.  Here are a few pictures of the house in the meantime.  I'll post more pictures soon. 

View from the back.  We have a detached garage that is connected to our neighbor's.  Another house is going in soon right next to ours- but hoping to fence the area in back beside the garage to have a little contained play space for kids.

Front view.  Huge front porch- porch swing will go right by the window:)