HawthorneVillager.com

Hey guys,
Below is the link to a place in Kitchener that does granite counters at a reduced rate. I've seen pictures of their work that they did for a Juneberry model and it looked beautiful. I'm going to call them this weekend to get a quote for our Kitchen.

http://www.naturalstonecity.ca/

Also money saving tip: Keep in mind that whatever upgrades you do through Mattamy will automatically get added to the purchase price, which impacts your land transfer tax. Higher purchase price = higher land tranfer tax.
Diana

Brad: Good choice on the Primrose model! Great minds think alike What made you switch from the RC? With your wooded lot on the side, all the windows in the RC would have given you lots of light... Which kitchen layout did you go with? We switched to the alternate layout, which means eliminating the entertainment bar, but getting a bigger island in return and having more counter space and cupboards...it was a tough choice though!

We were thinking about switching to the RC...but were sticking with the Spicebush. I know if I'll switch I'll be kicking myself in the a$$ in a couple years. Biggest reason for us getting the Spicebush is the garage space.

I think you are making the right call on sticking with the spicebush. The layout looks great and it will give you plenty of space for your growing family

FOR SURE double sided fireplace.....but keep in mind that the nice looking mantles and stone around the fireplace costs a fortune! Ack! Anyone know what the fireplace looks like if you don't add anything. I hear minimum add ons come in at over $3000!

And YES to keeping laundry room on the 2nd floor. That was mandatory when picking our model.

Yes to gas line upgrade. Oliver has a "guy" that will do the hook ups for the BBQ and gas dryer.

Diana> good link for the granite. I heard they are really cheap. But I have a feeling that we will be waiting a while to upgrade to granite as we'll be BROKE after the upgrades we must must must have (which is most)

Okay, I'm confused about the upgrades. I have heard that you can add them all on to your mortgage but I've more recently heard that you have to pay 35% , and 65% can go on the mortgage? Anyone clear this up? And does that included the structural/architect options that you have to order within 14 days?

#1> keep the Spicebush. It's the model we would have chosen if we were getting the 50' lot.

With all the planning around entertaining, sounds like the Cressman's are going to be hosting some neighbourhood parties!

Congrats and welcome, Keri and Rich.

And lets actually plan a get together even if it's a bit in the future. It will be easier if everyone has more notice.

Amy~

And why is it that all the lots are being accounted for EXCEPT the lots on either side of us and directly across the street??
Did no one want to be our neighbours? Or they just don't want to admit it yet?

We hardly used our soaker tub at our current house. I wanted the jets originally, but now it would have been a waste of money for sure. Just get a hot tub in the backyard. I'll have one in 15 years from now.

I'm currently leaning toward the soaker tub, no jets. The jets make the bathtub harder to clean properly, and you end up using more water and electricity. I was wanting it but after some careful consideration, I'm thinking no.

I'm still torn about the ceilings. Yesterday I was saying, okay, today, I'm not so sure. I am thinking $6000+ could be put to better use.

Trying to decide on the cold cellar now. Anyone know how big the cold cellar would be?

just dropping in to see what the Jones are doing
apparently pinky looks differnt without the hat

we've decided to go hardwood after the build, but get Mattamy to finish the stairs. i'm looking for possibly getting someone to do the smooth ceiling finish. was gonna do the round corners, but a buddy talked me out of it. we're getting rid of the oversized mantel on the double sided fireplace and go with a flat surface so i can put up some stone work. is it nov 25/2010 yet? we are sooo stuffed from all you can eat sushi. more than likely we will be driving by the sales office and the lot this weekend. anyone for hot chocolate and a toast to the our new home? that's it for now. to think of it, i may bring my mtbike and ride around the muddy roads and find our lots

S&C

_________________
"Making Milton safer and helping local business"

I think we aren't gonna do them. I don't plan on moving for a while, so don't really care about resale. Even in 10-15 years land value will go up regardless of 2nd flr 9' ceilings. I prefer the bedrooms to be warmer and cozy.

Please embroider "Coombs Crt Lot #1". And pastel colours are preferred

Thanks!

I think I'm convinced...

I think I am more and more convinced about not getting 9' ceilings. But can someone convince Oliver? He's adamant about getting them.

Sal> why are you deciding not to go with the rounded corners. We're thinking of getting them. We are definitely going for the smooth ceilings. I didn't think it would be easy to do after market. You weren't even sure about the double fireplace and now you already have plans for stonework? That sounds awesome. I was worried that the basic fireplace was going to look bad but someone sent me a picture and it actually looks quite nice. We'll survive without cast stone and a hearth. We're going to change the floors later but we'll definitely get them to do the stairs. Although I'm worried about getting hardwood with two little boys (and one big boy!) and a 200lb dog!

Question for everyone: On the Mattamy maps, it says, "Coombs COURT" but on my paperwork from Mattamy, it says, "Coombs Crescent". Which is it?

Gonna have to do a drive by this morning when I head out. I'll watch for bikes.

ok no more decisions until i consult with chris ...
my buddy says the round corners dont look too nice with arched doorways (arched due to the double sided fire place upgrade ) but i think maybe a trip to cambride to see a modle home would be nice. #1, did you see any rounded corners when you went? i think the smooth ceilings is better done at the time of build. i've been reading the forum on hardwood floors, i think your big dog might damage your expensive floors, unles he's got booties to run around in inside the house lol.
anyways, off to work

oh btw you make 1 blanky you make us all blankies (i kinda like the colours you chose for yours)

_________________
"Making Milton safer and helping local business"

Andrea> What's the alternate bathroom? Is this just the moving of the toilet in the ensuite?

We have not signed our final agreement yet. Still debating on the updgrades. My parents' house has 9' on every level and we're going there on Monday and might take a closer look.

So it's actually Coombes CRESCENT? That changes everything! Pinky, did you get that for the embroidery on our blankets?

I'd love to know if there are dimensions on the cold cellar, Andrea. I might argue for that over the 9' ceilings but so far Oliver isn't budging.

We're definitely for the alternate kitchen. YAY to more cupboard space. You can never have enough!

Sal> that's a good point about the arched doorways. They would look better with nice clean edges. We never thought about that.
I think you are right about the hardwood too. We have laminate in our house now and it's held up wonderfully but it just seems awful to get laminate in a nice new house. I have some thinking to do on this one. Anyone want a Bull Mastiff?

We called the sales office, these are the model homes in Cambridge (layouts online). We're going to check them out on Monday - they're open 11-5.

Thomson
Twin Cedar
Coronation
Ferguson
Green Way
Bellingham
Emerson
Northridge