Builder Meeting
After much dawdling, I contacted the builder so we could get together and move forward some more with the house plans. He came by yesterday. We were supposed to close on the lot on the 25th but I knew there was no way we would make the date. It’s not a big deal because he knows the woman in charge of development (I think that’s her title) and will just let her know that we’re still in the planning stages. As far as I’m concerned the bigger delay the better. I feel really unprepared. I’d feel much better if we had my mom’s house up and sold by now.
We discussed an option to total on-site building that involves panelization in a warehouse. Now, this isn’t modular; it’s still technically stick built.
From the Barden Homes website:
What is panelized construction?
It is a method of construction whereby each wall and truss of the house is assembled in a climate-controlled setting, using tools that provide square and plumb walls, and exact truss configurations every time. Once constructed,Barden Homes delivers these components to the job site, (still as individual wall sections and individual trusses) where they are secured into place.
The climate control and control in building appeals to me. I don’t have to worry about walls being off square or not plumbed correctly. The builder said that they are almost over-built because they have to withstand being transported so that’s a pro as well. I also like the fact that it’s not a modular. It’s not because I think modular homes are inferior; I’ve just not seen any that aren’t too boxy for my taste.
Another plus is that they meet Energy Star standards. I want to certify our home as an Energy Star home. Not only will it be energy efficient, we will also qualify for a tax break. Win-win!
This company has huge buying power because they buy in such bulk. Even though my builder does a good amount of business each year, he’s obviously not servicing a few states. We can purchase our cabinets, roofing, doors, architectural interior finish trim and so forth from them for less than what we’d pay locally with the construction discount. The vendors they work with are big names: Jeld-Wen, Marvin, CertainTeed, Overhead Door, Therma Tru etc. Anywhere I can get quality for less I’m all over it. Anyone who knows me knows I love a good deal.
I’d like to investigate some heating options like radiant heat or geothermal heating. The builder mentioned that the city seems to have reservations (or has in the past) about geothermal but isn’t sure why. If it’s not hugely cost prohibitive, I’ll pursue it with the city council. I can be pretty persuasive. 
There are so many things to think about–doors, windows, transoms, porch, garage door, siding, efficiency and on and on and on. I’ve been tearing out pages from magazines and am going to assemble them in an unlined notebook I found on clearance at Target. You get unlimited revisions with the designer and that’s something I wouldn’t have gotten using the builder’s architect. He charges $70 an hour! Not that I begrudge him a wage or anything. If he does the work then he should get paid. It will just be nice to be able to have electronic correspondence with the designer at Barden and to see our plans up to the minute at their website. Included in their fees is unlimited revisions so I can get this thing to our liking down to every last inch. I love the information age.
He emailed me today telling me that Barden got our deposit and the designer is starting work on the plans. Hold me.
