Electrical boogaloo

So for 2 hours  today we went over the placement of light switches, outlets, tv connections, junction boxes, plumbing, light fixtures and gfci's.  Aren't you jealous? 

The builder has everything pretty much done but we added:

• extra outlets outside for DS' Christmas display,
• a couple of outlets for the Xbox/tv/cable box area;
• a tv connection in the loft;
• an outlet or two in closets;
• floodlights on the outside;
•  a central vacuum system (we have one in our current house and love it);
• junction boxes for pendant lights over our kitchen island;
• a pool package;
• high hat lighting packages in the loft and bonus room.

It was a bit exhausting and I think I figured out that my communication skills have decreased having hung out primarily with children for the last 12 years. 

Next week is our design meeting to pick interior finishes.

Opening of the Models

Last week was the grand opening of the builder's models in the new neighborhood.  On Wednesday, they had an event for people who had purchased lots.  There was food, drinks and tours of the models.  Then on Saturday the models were open to the public.  We went as a couple on Wednesday and then as a family on Saturday.
On Wednesday, we met a couple who bought the lot 6 down from us.  They are a nice couple with college age kids.  We also chatted with an older couple who will live just on the other side of the club from us.  Everyone was super excited and friendly.  That is the thing I love about living in a brand new development when everyone is moving in about the same time.  We have done that once before and it was so nice to have that connection with the neighbors where you knew everyone.
On Saturday, we took the kids and it was so nice.  They had all kinds of kayakers out on the lake, there was the best face painter I have ever seen, sno-cones, special drinks at each of the models' pools and TONS of people.  I think in our row of 12-15 houses only one is unsold. 
The builder did such a great job :)

A quick trip

Yesterday, after dinner out with S, DS and I ran over to the lot to just see what (if anything) is going on.  Not much, but we did find a bunch of new shells.  The ground here is sand and full of shells and we found several.  Then we went to leave and as I was driving DS screams out, STOP STOP STOP!!  After recovering from my heart attack, I stopped, backed up and was presented with this: 

The process--overview

The process is this:
1.  Pick lot, model, exterior colors/finishes, structural upgrades--DONE
2.  Meet with designers regarding electricity to decide where all the outlets and switches should be
3.  Meet with designers to pick all interior finishes, materials, lighting, doors, etc.
4.  Meet with designers to pick all pool features/finishes

The Process--Step One: Lot, Model, Exterior Colors (but not in that order)

Last week Tuesday we signed a contract, gave a down payment and picked our lot, our house model and the exterior colors.  The exterior colors included:  roof tiles, house/trim/door/garage door colors, pavers for the drive/patio and pool surround.  Here are the colors on a different model: 

 

 

It is shades of green.  But this is what our model will look like:



 

And here's the floor plan:

 



 

 

The beginning

A dream of ours is coming true.  Last week, DS and I signed a contract to build a house on a lake.  So exciting!  This will be the view of the backyard: