home about me our home

Friday, October 9, 2015

NEW HOUSE UPDATE: The Walk-thru!

 
Sit  back and grab your favorite drink because this post is wordy and picture heavy. I am about to take you inside our new home for the  very first time.




Thursday was the start of our move towards moving into  our new home. We did our walk thru. This is when the builders orientation rep. walks the new owners through there home, and we check out how things work. 

We open all doors, drawers, windows, turn on faucets, fill up sinks, start the stove, and run the dishwasher, etc. as she walks us around our new home.

I am continuing to learn that our builder is very conscientious about their customer service. She already had marked some areas with blue painters tape, and had written some notes.

She told us almost first thing that our counter top would be completely replaced due to two scratches that were too deep to buff out. 

We were very glad that they were replacing it instead of trying to buff it out, even though we do have a bit of concern that it will be in before we actually move in.

As we walked thru our new black door…

P1150710 (611x800)

We were like kids on Christmas morning when we stepped through this door we were greeted by our new hardwood floor running from the front door all the way back to the Great room back wall….

P1150696 (960x1280)
Even with the dust and smudges we loved it. 

She told us once they fix all of the items that we mark with blue painters tape there will be a final cleaning before they hand over the keys to us. 

This is more true to the color of the wood, it is a very warm medium value brown stain, nice and neutral with warmth.


If you turn to  your left you will enter a little hallway and that is where the laundry room, guest bath and the guest bedroom are at.

P1150689 (960x1280)

Small guest bathroom. I opted for another shower vs. a bathtub because we all use the shower in our home and when my Mom comes to visit I did not want her to have to step in and out of a bathtub.


P1150691 (960x1280)

The guest room is at the very front of the house, You can see the window in the center is the window with the black shutters in the front. As you leave the guest wing ( it is a very small wing, but it is a wing ;) you will start your way down the hall to the rest of the house.

P1150699 (960x1280)

You probably can’t see it but my sweet hubby is grinning from ear to ear. The door on the right goes out to the garage and the door on the left goes into the office den.

P1150732 (600x800)
We have 8 ft. French doors leading into the office. 


P1150731 (800x600)

We put carpet in here, but plan on replacing it with the hardwood down the road after we get a few other projects done. 

I already have plans in my head swirling around on how I would like to decorate this room. All in good time!!

As you pass the office/den if you look to your right you will see the kitchen….

P1150697

At the end of the kitchen is the dinette. We have an island that is 9 ft long and 4ft deep. I call it a heli-pad, and I am convinced I can use it for a dance floor!!

P1150681 (1280x960)

I am sure you are all wondering why I did  not get my farmhouse sink. They did not offer any for this model.

Stainless was standard so I upgraded to porcelain, I am not a big fan of stainless sinks. I love to have a clean, white , shiny sink.

P1150688 (960x1280)

The kitchen island sink looks straight into the Great room, and you can see out the back windows.

The orientation of the kitchen is one of the reasons we chose this particular model. Most of the other models kitchens looked out to the side of the house. I like to be a part of family activity when I am in the kitchen.

P1150692 (1280x960)
My sweet hubby checking things out!

We got a 5 burner cook top and the microwave is also a convection oven so now I have two ovens for the Holidays!! 

Another new thing for me! I am feeling very spoiled and fortunate.

P1150693 (1280x960)
P1150683 (1280x960)

We are beyond delighted with the way the kitchen has turned out and it is definitely the Ta-da for this part of the house. 

We will be having a subway tile backsplash installed once we get somewhat settled. All the cabinets, molding and walls are painted swiss coffee. 

This will be the very first time I have ever lived with white walls. We figured it was wise to do the white and change as we go if we feel we want some color on the walls, since they did not offer any colors that I would use in my home.


P1150694 (960x1280)
Looking back towards the kitchen.


P1150695 (960x1280)
You can see the side windows of the great room, next to the windows is a door that goes out to our side patio that is covered and will have a ceiling fan. 

I am excited about that since we use our patio as extended living area here in California throughout the year.

P1150728 (800x600)
At the end of the Great room we have three more windows. For a gal that loves light I am definitely going to get enough light in this house.


P1150727 (600x800)

Across from the side windows on the left hand side of the great room is our fireplace and media niche. 

This is my biggest decorating dilemma. I know you will all say why did we not have them center the fireplace. Trust me we asked, but in a production home you get what you get and there are no changes. 

So with that being said I have plans on how to make this work for us, and it will take some very serious planning, but we are up for the job. This one wall should give me some really good blog material.

I have to have a fireplace, it is all a part of the  ambiance in our home during the cooler months. You can see the fireplace screen leaning against the wall, she was showing us how it works.

P1150730 (800x600)
I love our fireplace mantel and I am looking forward to placing my Dad’s black antique clock front and center.

You can see we are already hooked up for the TV to be hung on the wall, another new first for me. I have not had a TV in plain view for years, it was always hidden behind the armoire doors.


P1150729 (600x800)

To the left of the media alcove there is the opening to a little entry hall that takes you to the master bedroom. I like the way the master and guest room have their own little hallways off of the main living areas, almost like a little wing, a very little wing.

P1150722 (600x800)

We added the large window in the middle for more of a view to the backyard. I am so happy with the look of all the windows.

P1150723 (800x600)
Our bed will fit perfectly between the two windows.
The entrance to the master bath area, toilet closet and closet is to the left.

P1150724

I have to mention that we got the standard counter tops and shower walls, and I was so afraid I would not like it. 
I did upgrade the flooring to a 12 X24 creamy natural looking stone, porcelain tile, and had my fingers crossed that it would look creamy and white. 

I even chose the over mount sinks in a rectangular shape to make your eye see more white. 

The verdict is out, and I love it, and  I am so pleased with the results, my fears were not warranted after all it is creamy and white and reminds me of sand at the beach.

Our walk in closet and the toilet close are straight across from the sink area.

P1150725
You can see the reflection in the mirror.


P1150734 (800x600)

We walked all around outside and in the garage as she explained the inner workings of our new home. The last thing that needed to be added was the garage door hardware.


P1150735 (800x600)


To say we are  overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude to be able to have this home is pretty much an understatement. 

Once they check everything off their punch list she will be ours.




Yesterday was such an exciting day for us,  and I know that when they hand over the keys to us we will be excited all over again. 

The move will be a lot of work, but the end result is we will be in our retirement home, our last home if all goes as planned. Lots to think about, lots to do, but for right now I just want to enjoy this very special moment.

Thank you to all of you who have been with me from the beginning of this blog, and to all of my faithful readers that leave comments, or email me from time to time. 

I feel as if you are all part of this journey with me and I am looking forward to more adventures in our new home, and on my blog. 

I hope you will stick around for the rest of our story!!

I AM STILL....

ENJOYING THE PROCESS!!

 
 

37 comments:

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Congratulations Kathysue, your new home is beautiful! Nothing is more exciting than being the first people to live in a house. You two are going to be very happy. Enjoy & happy decorating
Deb ;)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Congratulations...it looks beautiful!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Kathysue, your house is beautiful. Love your kitchen (so classic and elegant), floors, paint colors, the layout, exterior, garage doors, and the marvelous sunlight. Everything is beyond gorgeous! I know you'll be thrilled to move. I'm thrilled for you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so so happy for you! Your new house is lovely and I know you can't wait to move in! I'll be coming along side you as you poke your things in! We've been in our new/old house for a year now and I'm still not quite organized. Maybe I'll learn some new tricks from you!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Unknown said...

I can feel your excitement and I can understand why. Your home is lovely . . . I know you can't wait.
~~Serena Clark

carolyn bradford said...

Oh, Kathysue…this is just perfect! I am beyond happy for you!! I love it all and I'm so glad you shared it with us!! So thankful for blogging friends like you!! Hope to get a post up soon! Have a wonderful weekend!

Victoria said...

Your new home looks so fabulous, Kathysue. It is just perfect for you and your "sweet hubby." I can feel your excitement and am so happy for you. Looking forward to the move in with XOXO to you...Victoria

Gabrielle said...

Congratulations on such a beautiful home. I am really looking forward to seeing it as you move in and it truly becomes a reflection of you

Gabrielle said...

Congratulations on such a beautiful home. I am really looking forward to seeing it as you move in and it truly becomes a reflection of you

Stacey said...

That is one beautiful blank slate!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

It looks great, can't wait for the furniture and art to go in. Fun Fun Fun!

Unknown said...

How exciting...I cannot wait to see how you put your own touch on it, especially the back yard area as it is such a nice view from the interiors. Have fun!

Becca Bertotti said...

Congratulations, Kathysue! It's absolutely beautiful! Your kitchen is my favorite ... I can't wait to see all that you do in here ... and, just in time for the holidays, too!

Donnamae said...

It really is beautiful Kathysue...a blank slate to showcase your touches! I am so thrilled for you! I envy you the fun you are going to have...thanks for letting us enjoy the process with you! ;)

Ivy Lane said...

Congratulations Kathysue! Your home is beautiful. I can't wait to see how you personalize the decor and make it your own!! Being a Realtor, attending the final walk through with my clients is one of the best parts of a transaction! The excitement is contagious when they go well! Not so much when they don't!

Any whoo.... Congratulations!!

Xo,
Ivy

sallyj said...

I'm so excited for you, Kathy! It's happened so quickly, and I always love to hear of a builder who is client-centered and eager to please. It sounds like you have had a great experience! I know you are excited to move in and start making it your own. We all will enjoy being along for the ride while you decorate and make your design decisions. I love watching your process.
So happy for you!

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

I just could not be happier. And to think about the journey you and Doug have made...from week sof packing your old home to selling it and finally starting the new build. To this. This new beauty that has Kathysue written all over it. I can't wait to watch the process of seeing this home come alive with all of your special touches. What a journey indeed. Happy, happy dance for you and Dougie. xxoo, Barb

Mary said...

Oh, Kathysue. Your home is beautiful. All those windows, the wood floors, the white kitchen. How are you even sleeping at night? My head would be spinning with decorating plans. I bet the place smells like a new home. I love that smell. Just as good as a new car smell.
Have you thought about where your Christmas tree will go? That's the first thing I thought about 15 years ago when our place was built.

La Dolfina said...

Your new home is perfection! I am thrilled for you:)
Congratulations!!!!!!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

So much fun!!! Can't wait to see what you do with this pretty new home.

John said...

Very, very nice indeed!! Love all of the windows and natural light you'll get. I've lived in the desert for so long forgotten what redwood fences look like. You and Doug have a wonderful new home to live in -- congrats!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

It is all so lovely and I am so happy for you. Yes, it will be a whole lot of work getting moved and settled but it will be so worth it in the end. We are finally beginning to feel like ours is home after living here for 7 weeks. Hope it all goes smoothly!

Michelle said...

I'm so happy for you and your hubby! Your new home is beautiful. I can't wait to see it decorated and the backyard landscaped. Congratulations!

debra @ 5th and state said...

YEAH!! let the real fun begin!!

looks charming and inviting already kathysue, congrats to you and doug and all the hard work of decisions well rewarded
i loved this post as i am looking out the many windows
xx
debra

Suzy said...

What a beautiful home! I can just imagine how excited the two of you must be. Congratulations!

Melissa said...

It all looks so light and fresh and airy. What an exciting and special moment. Thank you so much for sharing your journey to your new home with us. I hope that you will both fill it to the brim with happy times and lovely memories.

Unknown said...

I enjoyed the walk thru Kathysue. Beautiful home!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new home! I'm so glad you love it. Best wishes.

helen tilston said...

Hello Kathysue,
I am delighted for you both. Your new home is beautiful. Wishing you happiness, joy and good health and may your new neighbours be compatible and friendly.
Helen xx

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Kathysue, I love the white throughout and what gorgeous floors. It will be beautiful once you add your decor.

michele said...

Beautiful and I can smell the new through the screen! It is going to be a showstopper when you get your hands on it and take possession! Peace to you.

Karen Salp said...

So happy for you. Your new home is lovely. Can't wait to watch you decorate it.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Congrats Kathysue on your beautiful new home. LOVE the kitchen and the french doors and the floors. Can't wait to see your magic as you decorate. All the best in your new home.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Congrats to you and your sweet hubby.....I can tell through the words on this post that you are over the top happy and excited and rightfully so....Your home is beautiful and that kitchen is fabulous....Have fun with the move....So very happy for you!!!....Will be waiting for another update!

Tessa and Mark wedding photos said...

It looks awesome. That kitchen is dreamy. Congrats!

vignette design said...

I'm so happy for you and Doug! Enjoy your new home! Can't wait to see more!

Jayla Jasso said...

I LOVE your kitchen. Wow.