Pre-Construction Meeting

I gathered some questions from other blogs for our telephone meeting today. I currently live on the west coast and the home is being built on the east coast, so that is why we did not do our meeting in person.  Our realtor was unable to make it but we have been in good hands with the RH Rep from the beginning.

We also went over our options and reconfirmed with the PM our color choices for cabinets, flooring and granite.  Everything was good to go from what I could tell, so we should not have any surprises along the way.

Since, I've been through this process before, I didn't ask a ton of questions and really just let the PM talk through the paperwork, which was about 10 pages and I only needed to sign 2 of them and send back.  I figured it best to let them build the house and not worry about the small things because there is nothing I can really bring up to change or add at this point:

Estimated timeline for build? Start building next week, be done by mid July

Smooth or rough ceilings? Smooth

Have the appliances changed? Model numbers? GE brand.  I didn't put much thought into this at the beginning since stainless steel was included and no other options were offered, nor did I ask.  Researching the model appears to be the basic stainless steel appliances, or one step below the GE Profile Series.  The appliances are Energy Star rated and we will try to upgrade them through the PM if possible later.

Recessed lights over each shower? Recessed lights that are have protective glass covering

Can the granite backsplash lip be removed or not installed?  Yes, we can make the request to no install the 4" granite backsplash so we can do our own backsplash later.

Are cabinets installed in laundry room? Will they include crown moulding?  Wire Shelving installed

Outlets on landing of stairs, or top and bottom?  Top and bottom of stairs, nothing on the stairs

Extra insulation in laundry and bathrooms to reduce bathroom sounds?  Nope.

What is the height of shower head? Can it be raised?  PM is about same height as us and says the shower head is probably at 7' high, which is good for us tall people!

Type of light in laundry room, recessed?  Standard light fixture

Can I have my own inspector? What is the process?  Yes, just coordinate with PM before hand. PM will let us know a week or so before the milestones so we can arrange to have someone come out.

Will landscaping be installed before or after closing?  Before

Are any items completed after closing?  Nope.  If you are building in the winter time, this may change due to seasonal changes.

What is the grading of the backyard?  Can it be more flat?  Relatively flat, no grading will be required.

What is the grading of the driveway? How wide will it be? Can 2' be added to the sides so you are stepping on concrete and not grass getting out of car?   Driveway is wider than garage door opening.  I have another house that is similar and had no issue getting out of car and stepping onto grass.  I didnt ask about adding concrete to sides specifically because I know this will not be an issue.

Is the driveway concrete or paved?  Concrete

Can we have copies of the Plumbing, HVAC and electric plans?  Nope

Where are the outdoor lights on the house?  2 near garage, 1 near the front door and 1 near the morning room door.

Is there an outlet on the back or side of house?  Water resistant outlets are on front, back and sides of house.

Can the hose for the dryer vent be recessed into the wall?  Dryer vent is already recessed into wall.

Can left over materials be left in garage so have extra's after closing if needed?  Yes. Tile, carpet, hardwoods and such will be left behind.

Is the Water heater code compliant for the future? Is MD expecting to change efficiency standards thus making current water heater obsolete?   I only asked because in WA state they are changing water heater regulations, forcing many people to upgrade to newer "green" tanks. I was told this wont be an issue as Ryan homes has been building "green" homes in my area for a while and are ahead of other builders when it comes to this.

What type of windows will be installed?  Windows are Low-E and have a 20 year warranty on seal. 

Is the subfloor nailed, glued or screwed?  Is this everywhere?  Nailed and Glued, no screws.

Are their outlets in laundry room, mud room, master closet and garage?  Yes to laundry room and mudroom.  No to master closet.  Garage will have 1 GFI outlet and 1 dedicated outlet for our deep freezer to fill up with venison!!!!!

Is there a light in stairway?  Can it be centered on the window when viewed from outside?  The Venice model does not have this issue.  The PM knew what I was talking about and said the light is already centered on the window, which is not the case for other models.

How close are neighbors home on each side?  More specific to us, but we have about 20' on either side of house.  Good to know regardless so you don't feel crammed next to your neighbor.

What is largest size fridge to fit in Kitchen?

Where will window in basement be located?  Same spot as the layouts previously seen.  The window location will not change.

Will there be trees in front of house or in back?  There will be an everygreen tree in front of house and standard bushes and mulch alongside the house.  The HOA may put in additional trees along the public sidewalk, but no indication was given as to where.

Are there steps in front of house?  Railing?  There will be one step in front of the house.  I don't asking about a railing would be applicable.

Drainpipe in garage?  Nope.  Garage is graded with a slight slope, so anything could be drained out easily if needed.