Stoked and Staked (Pre Con Meeting)

This afternoon I had my pre-construction meeting with my SR and PM. I really like my PM - he was friendly, personable and knowledgeable. He's been building homes for Ryan for more than 30 years, and lives in a Ryan home that was built 17 years ago. He also gave my his business card, complete with his cell number, and told me to call him anytime I had any questions or issues - even if it was on a weekend. I can appreciate that. I provided him with my cell number and email, and he told me he would email me pics from time to time as well. I'd say we're off to a GREAT start!

The PM pulled out the big architectural blueprints, and we went over the entire house - outside and in - floor by floor, room by room. Like most of you, I've looked at my paperwork so much that I've memorized every option I've selected, so it was easy to confirm that everything was correct. I had 3 change orders, and all my changes were correctly included.

I found only a couple of things interesting while going over the home. First, the sump pump....the one I thought I wouldn't have. LoL. I just *assumed* being in a walkout, for some reason I wouldn't need one. It's certainly not a big deal, but now I guess I have to think about a battery back up. My PM said that Ryan puts in a battery backup if your basement is underground, but not for a walk out. (He said he'll see what he can do on getting me one).  And second....the attic/attic storage. There is attic "access" in bedroom #3, but not with any stairs, because technically, per the PM, this isn't a viable area to use as storage. So question...for those of you who know more than I....do I have to have the attic access? Can't we just close up ceiling and keep it moving? Along these same lines, my PM mentioned that there would be an area in the garage that could be used as attic storage. Any SAVOY owners reading this....do you know about this garage/attic access?

Lastly, my PM says they plan to dig on MONDAY, May 6 (weather permitting)!!  I was sooooo totally shocked! I figured it would be another couple of weeks before the big dig. We went to walk the lot, and I found out that the lot has been staked. I was expecting a not-too-large yard, and I'm fairly satisfied with what I've got - 26ft between my side neighbor, 26ft from my back neighbor, and 37ft of side yard (I'm on the corner). Sound like a big 2-story deck is in my future.

Tentative date for my final walk-through has been set for August 12th. Woot, Woot!!