Yesterday (02/04/2014), I met with the construction project manager to walk though my house. I forgot to bring my level and framing square, and the top floor of my unit had not been framed yet.
Some observations:
All exterior walls were framed 16 on center, with pressure treated lumber where any framing that touches concrete. One interior wall (between the rec room and study) was framed 24" on center. While that is code in some places, I am going to check the blue prints to see if that is what is planned. If it is, I am going to ask for some extra cross bracing between the studs, so I can mount cabinets (rec room side) and a TV (study side) easier. Most other interior walls were framed 16" on center, or even less than 16" in some cases.
I asked for extra cross bracing under the washer and dryer, citing the fact I am going to be purchasing a front loader, and they vibrate violently. The project manager pointed out that the TJ floor joists are strong (they really are a great product) but in a location like that, where there is extreme vibration, I think it is a good call to ask for extra bracing. I also asked to have an extra 2x4 placed in the area where the tubs are, so that I can mount shower doors later on. I asked for some extra framing over the fireplace, just so I have a good spot to mount the artwork I am placing over the fireplace when I decorate.
My stairs were installed, had particle board stapled to them, and were covered with plastic. I asked, and found out this was to protect the oak under them. The real bonus was finding that the stairs from the basement to the first floor AND the first floor to the second floor are oak. I was told by my original salesperson that only the one from the basement to the first floor would be oak. I was very excited to see that. I also want to apologize in advance to my neighbor who will know when my dog is going up and down the stairs.
I also got to do a look around with what the other four units in my row are: 2 Mozarts and 2 Strauss. I also looked to see which of what I call the "major five options" they have:
Tray Ceiling (has to have completely different framing in the attic to accommodate this, would be impossible to install later). Unit A, Unit B
Fireplace (nearly twice the cost to install later): Unit B
Powder Room on first floor (probably 1.5x the cost to install later): Unit A, Unit B, Unit C
Oak stairs (nearly impossible to install later): Unit B
Deck (easy to install later, but expensive at any price): Unit A, Unit C, Unit D
Another topic I brought up with the construction manager. I have dormer windows in my attic. They are "open to" the rest of the attic, however they are not functional. I started asking questions. They paint the inside of the windows black so people can't see open framing from the street. I asked if instead they could use an opaque sheet on them instead (I would even provide the sheet), so that I could install some sort of back lighting, such as the Philips HUE system in that space. I think this could be an interesting modification, the color can be selected by any iOS based device, (imagine red & green at Christmas, purple when the Ravens are playing, red white and blue cycling for Memorial day, the 4th of July, Labor day, Veterans day, or baby blue or pink when one of my friend's has a child). He's going to check to see if they will just not paint the inside of the windows black, and later I can install a switch at the scuttle and other related things.
Also, I am looking to link to other bloggers about people that are building or have built Ryan Homes. Send me a post with a link to yours and I will include it.
On an unrelated note, one of my amazing friends has started a blog for her date night service. I am including it for her. datenightqueeen.blogspot.com
Have a great one, stay warm with all this bitter cold weather.
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