It's Been a Long Time Coming

Given that we signed papers to build at the end of February/beginning of March, and we haven't had any snow since early April, one would think we would be a couple months away from closing on the house, not just starting to dig the basement. But then it wouldn't be us if that were the case.

The good news is though, that they have officially started moving dirt and our basement is starting to be dug out. The construction manager says that it will take 8-10 days to complete this first step, then they will move on to the floor and frame. Won't that be nice? 

Unfortunately with all the delays we have experienced we will not close in time to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary in our new home, but hopefully we will be in shortly after Labor Day - giving me time to still grow grass before winter sneaks up on us.

All I can say is it can't come soon enough. Condo living is not for me, or the dog. We are both more than ready to pack up, move out and start living in our dream home and have our beautiful yard and deck to enjoy each and every day.

So the countdown begins. The construction is under way. And the husband is about to start driving the wife crazy with everything from wall paint to cabinet hardware.

AlI want to do is just enjoy this small victory!

We Might Just Start Moving Dirt

I got a call this week from the builder's sales agent saying they got the permits back and they're ready to schedule our construction meeting. He was so excited to make the call to me that when I didn't share in his level of excitement he repeated why he was calling thinking I didn't hear him. 

I heard him. 

It's just that after two month of 'feet dragging' and delay upon delay for the most curious of reasons, I guess you could say the lustor has worn off. I've been ready to build for a couple months now. In our estimation we should have a basement, four walls and the starting of a roof by now. Not just permits and a promise for a construction meeting in a week.

I don't want to be cynical but the adage "I'll believe it when I see it" seems to have become my mantra with them.

Yes, I am excited to build our dream house. Yes, I'm excited to close and move in. But I know there are many other things along the way that we will encounter first. So I will just say I am cautiously excited about what may actually begin to materialize.

And I guess with that.... Adventures in building may just take its next turn....

Are We Ever Going to Start Building?

Well here we are the sixth day of May and we're still not moving any dirt. 

It's not for lack of trying on our part that's for sure. It seems that the builder has continuously been dragging their feet. 

First it was because we needed to send them the conditional mortgage approval, then it was a pricing opinion they were waiting on (that they were doing for us at their offering), then it turned into no, they aren't doing a pricing opinion, instead they want us to have a full-blown appraisal (yes, on a house that hasn't been built yet).

And now that the appraisal has come back, the conditional approval delivered and nothing else is in the way, they continue to drag their feet. They haven't even ordered permits yet - which will be another delay....

O.M.G!

It amazes me. You would think that they would want to build this house, sign the papers and collect the money they are making on us, right? Apparently not. Otherwise we would be a month into the build already and looking at a closing date.

All I can say is that if I didn't like the design of this home, I would have raised Cain by now. Let's just say this house had better be PERFECT! The good customer in me is starting to wear very thin which means the cranky, nit-picky customer is about to surface. That isn't the one they are going to like having to deal with the next few months. Just ask my husband.

At least I have a competent realtor and a competent mortgage group and team working with us. Just wish the builder side in this equation had it together.

I'm still just waiting around for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen related to actually, physically building this house.

And the waiting continues......