Pre-Pre-Construction Meeting

So, turns out that our pre-construction meeting is scheduled for 7/25! We're still waiting on loan approval, but that seems like more of a "when" than "if". Everyone (thanks wonderful bloggers) talks about how time flies after the pre-construction meeting, so let's hope that remains the case. Our estimated closing date is in mid-November of this year. Our SR, who's worked with Ryan Homes/real estate for over 17 years, initially thought the closing date would wind up being closer to mid-December. I guess we'll see.

Hopefully, our PM meeting will go better than this

Although, it could easily go like this (not really...well, not easily!)

This meeting seems like such a crucial milestone. It's the first chance to meet the person who by all accounts, is the most critical in regards to the frustration, joy, pain, and just plain overall success of your home being built. When we first inquired about our PM with our SR a month or so ago, she said that he was effective? Took his job seriously? I don't remember exactly what! And that didn't sit extremely well with me. I wanted to hear something like "he's the best ever!" or short of that "I'd love for him to build my house". So while she lauded his ability to do his job, it just didn't sound like he was going to be flexible or a people person or any other number of "I want that! in my PM attributes".

ARE YOU SURE WE CAN'T MOVE THE HOSE BIBS?!?!

So here is the list of questions that we'd like answered. In no particular order:

Exterior/Outdoors

1. How big is our actual site?
2. Explain our plot map
3. How will our home be oriented on the site?
4. We’d like as much flat land as possible. Especially in the rear, directly behind the house and towards the (non-street) side
5. Is there a legend or someway for us to read it, so that we can figure out things for ourselves?
6. How many feet from the front/side street?
7. Where will the transformer be?
8. Will there be a cleanout valve or something, in the event of a clog in the line?
9. What has been your experience with well water and septic systems?
10. What is covered by RH and for how long?
11. What’s going on with landscaping? In terms of
1. Where will trees/bushes/mulch be relative to the house?
2. Are we getting grass or sod?
3. It’s going to be a large lot. Who’s quality control in terms of making sure it’s all seeded or sodded or whatever?
12. How far back into the tree line does our property extend?
13. How many wells? What sizes?
14. How many septic fields?
1. Are any of these shared?
15. How many sump pumps?
16. Will they pour concrete for our driveway in the winter? Or will we be left with rocks or stones until the Spring?
1. What about the walkway?
17. If we want to widen our driveway, mainly the top portion in front of the garage, who do we speak with?
1. When would we do so?
18. What are the dimensions of our porch? Will there be a roof over it?
19. Are gutter guards included?

Structural

1. Are window screens required/provided?
2. Is there a way to turn the dining room into a study? By possibly extending the walls and allowing a double door?
1. The Corsica allows for an option to turn the living room into a first floor bedroom. Is something like that within your power to do for us?
3. What causes floor creaking noise?
1. What can be done to avoid? I.e., Extra support in high traffic areas?
4. Is there a way to add extra insulation or soundproofing in certain areas?
1. For instance, around bathrooms and laundry room?
5. What is done to protect the framing from rain?
6. What concerns or potential issues does he have about building homes during MD winters?

HVAC

1. How many condenser units?
2. What’s the model/rating?

Electrical

1. How many pendant lights in the kitchen, over the island?
2. Can we add an outlet to the garage (for a deep freezer)?
3. Can we add an outlet to the master bedroom closet?
4. Will our circuit breaker box be labeled for us?
1. If not, will there be an electrical plan that we can use to label it ourselves. Rather than just trial and error.

Basement

1. Can we choose basement window locations?
1. We’d like to ensure that they aren’t covered by a future deck
2. What lighting or electrical will be installed down there?
3. Will the unfinished basement have vents?
4. How tall is the basement ceiling?

Schedule

1. What’s our build timeline from the moment you break ground?
2. With our construction going on in the fall/winter, what weather issues could or would cause stoppage/delays? Excluding acts of mother nature (tornadoes, supply shortages, snow,  etc.,)

Confirm Options

1. Looks like there’s a window in the shower for the master bedroom bathroom? True or false?
2. Are there towel racks included in all the bathrooms?
1. What material are they?
2. Are they placed in wood studs? Or just drilled into drywall?

Other

1. Who will have keys to our home?
2. How often will you be on site and personally supervising the sub-contractors?
3. What are the dimensions floor to ceiling in the family room?
4. Can we get a breakdown of the warranties?

That's revision one of the list. I've got a few days to add and subtract as I see fit. So I'll update as appropriate.

Possible sneak peek at our PM's expression?