You Win Some...

…and so far, haven’t lost too many.

We are set to begin framing on Monday/Tuesday…go figure that it looks like the coldest weather in some time is headed for us next week, with highs forecasted to maybe be 12 degrees for Tue/Wed/Thu – so we will see what gets accomplished…

And as far as winning some – revised lumber price with 10ft ceilings figured in was virtually unchanged – partly due to lumbers slide (a great time to build, lumber is at 10 year + low).

We passed electrical service installation – meaning Naperville will now dig the underground service to the house and 1126 Webster will be back on the “grid”.

We also passed “top of foundation” survey – meaning the excavators and concrete crews did their jobs to precision – leaving exactly the required 6 ft side yards on each side – was pretty tight going giving the house uses ALL of the width it is allowed – was not an inch to spare – so pretty crazy how precise they can be.

Also came down to the wire on appliances – not that we needed to order them now – as we don’t need them anytime soon – but was able to get 2008 pricing yet on all appliances – so booked those now. Most are (or have already) gone up 5% in 2009.

And a word to the wise – you can negotiate the heck out of appliances…for example, a KitchenAid counterdepth French Door fridge that retails for over $3,000 in stores, was locked in at a hair over $2,400. An Electrolux Double Oven and Cooktop – that is price protected (meaning the price is fixed, can’t be moved)– was able to negotiate down $400 via a total order kick back. Same on washer, dryer and dishwasher….All in all, probably saved $1,500 just by engaging in some friendly negotiation. In addition, we will be eligible for any rebates that apply when we take “delivery”. Right now, that would save another $800 if we took delivery today (however, we are not doing that yet).

So with windows locked in, appliances locked in, and the framer set to start – next items up are finalizing are kitchen layout (which we thought we had done) and flooring (still struggling with wood floor type – solid or engineered, handscraped or normal, prefinished or site finished, etc)

After that, with framing progressing, things will come quick (like lighting, plumbing fixtures). I also plan to do extensive wiring while the house is “open” (no drywall) – as it costs very little to run speaker wire, cat5, satellite wires now – so the plan is to have ceiling speakers in kitchen, breakfast room, dining room, den, front porch and backyard (would just prewire out there). Also thought it would be wise to do cat5 in the house, but with wireless so prevalent – will cut back on that a bit –will just have a few “hard” land cat5 lines in a few places.

Have also been amazed at the number of people emailing me about my blog – have had several asking about the process – many from surrounding suburbs – trying to determine if they want to tackle the same project we are doing. Funny to see people at the same point we were at two years – not knowing if you can do it, if your capable, have the resources (mentally, financially), etc. Not wanting to live in a cookie cutter subdivision – but not knowing if they have the wherewithal to redevelop an in-town lot with amenities close at hand (and by foot). Not wanting to live far out in a cornfield - but not knowing if their budget allows to live closer in.

I have not responded to all of you yet – but if your reading this now, I will sooner than later.

Hopefully some pics of framing at some point next week!