Initial Foray

Last weekend (March 3, 2007), Kerry (the wife) and I went down to Romeoville (IL) to a new home construction development site. We had been looking at existing homes in various areas around Chicagoland but decided to give new construction a look. Kerry had previously purchased new construction down in Florida back in the 90s or thereabouts. For my part, I sold and expedited new single family residential construction homes for my dad's general contractor's company back in Milwaukee.

The Romeoville Builder, Beechen&Dill, had some very nice homes and some great layouts. The subdivision, Misty Ridge was about 1/4 mile off of I-55 (although the website directions were misleading and one of the main roads was mis-labeled.) The subdivision was in the first phase of development and had numeous retention ponds strewn about the area. The development was cut into an existing neighborhood which seemed to have a high density pick up truck count and at least one mailbox that was designed as a large mouth bass. Com-Ed has high power wires running along the side of the developent (which is being touted as a "plus" since there will be no additional construction along that corridor).

The developer had 3 models from which to choose, the Aspen, the Breckenridge and the Whistler. The brochure listed four models but the Telluride was not available for some reason. It turns out that when model homes are built in development style, the developer fences the homes in so you have to go through the sales office on your way in and out. I guess that makes for good security but it also gives the sales crew at least one shot at you before you could leave.

The Aspen was the first model we looked at. The smallest of the homes but at 2483-2530 square feet still not small. It carried a $299,990 base price (good to see the same $XXX,990 pricing just like the old days). The developer had created a sales office in the garage of the model where we were greeted by the Saleslady, Jessica. She went over the basics of the homes (the models were very heavily apportioned with options) and gave us a large information package. We then exited the office to enter the home via the front door.

The Aspen had a living room/dining room off to the left with the stairs going up nearby. The optional fireplace was located in the corner of the family room but could be set on the side wall. The kitchen was spacious with an island arrangement and a large pantry. The cabinetry seemed a little chintzy but that may have been a result of the yellowy stain that was selected. All three models had first floor den/offices which were very nice.

Upstairs were 4 bedrooms. The master bedroom was 20' x 17'2". Very good sized. Hers-and-hers walk-in closets. Kerry informed me that my closet would be in one of the small, spare bedrooms. If I was lucky. The bathroom had a corner tub and toilet enclave as well as twin sink basins. Two of the spare bedrooms also had smaller walk-in closets. All very decent sided as well. Kerry really liked the upstairs laundry room as well.

The Aspen model showed a full basement and given the footprint of the home, it would be hard to imagine that any of it would be crawl-spaced but we didn't get the specifics.

The next home, the Breckenridge, ran 2655-3051 square feet with a $319,990 base price. The design was quite unique in that the lower level was layed out in a big circle with three access-ways to the staircase. One from the foyer, another from the side hall and a third from the rear kitchen. I wasn't sure if I liked the design but Kerry and I agreed that it would be fun for future schnauzers to running through. Another issue we had was the column framing of the living room/dining room divider. The columns were probably an option that we'd forego since it was a little ornate for our tastes. The island kitchen had a much better impression as it had darker cabinetry as well as a walk-in pantry.

Upstairs, was another nice layout. Large walk-in closets for the master bedroom with a master bathroom arrangement similar to the Aspen. Additional bedrooms were decent sized but did not have walk-ins.

We went to look at the 3,340-3535 square foot Whistler even though we probably weren't in the market for its $357,990 base price. This model included a 3-car garage. Another nice island kitchen with walk-in pantry was well designed. The den was huge and apparently optioned-out with many built-in wood shelving.

Upstairs, the master was the double walk-in closet nirvana that Kerry is looking for. Two of the spare bedrooms also had walk-ins. Another upstairs laundry room and a large bathroom completed the home.

In the end, Kerry and I were considering the Aspen or the Breckenridge. We liked some of the accoutrements (Kerry's word) of the Breckenridge but really preferred the lay-out of the Aspen better. Plus, with a lower base price, we could always upgrade things to make it similar to the Breckenridge.

Back at the office-garage, we spoke the Jessica briefly and she discussed the lot options and premiums that would be needed for certain large lots, lots on the ponds, etc. We briefly touched on other "standard options" such as fireplaces and wood or tile flooring. We left very interested in the Aspen and Breckenridge and were resolved to investigate further. We had taken it as a sign that we were meant to go the new construction route when we saw the above-posted Schnauzer Bar litograph print in the Aspen living room.