So first thing we'll cover is issues, which aren't too terrible to date:
- Fireplace Warranty Recall - The control unit to the fireplace we have was part of a big recall, the issue being fairly serious. Sometimes when you start the fireplace, it will not light, meaning gas is still running with nothing to burn it. This obviously can be big if you don't realize it and let it fill up the room. The good thing about this was that both the fireplace manufacturer and Ryan Homes sent us correspondence with detailed information on the issue and how to determine if we were part of the recall. We are now just waiting on the outside company to perform the swap and have the fireplace currently off.
- Flooring Issue - This one is more of a bad install. We have been having a couple areas that are starting to feel like they are floating and one of the transition strips has come undone. Turns out that the planks for the laminate were not cut evenly and the transition strips were forced in place and over time they popped out. This caused a tripping hazard. We are playing phone tag with the company to come look at the floating issue and repair the the transition strip.
- Cleared Lot - We finished clearing out our lot completely and got it graded. We didn't get it fine toothed so we spent a couple hours out cutting up smaller roots and laying seed and straw (this DIY method saved about 400$).
- Fence - This one is more of a in progress. We have a company called T-MAC Construction Services coming out to install our fence around the entire backyard. The dogs are going to love this (as will I, because they can wear themselves out off leash with no worries). This company is the same company that does decks for Ryan Homes and they have a A+ on BBB. I am looking forward to seeing their work as they will be doing our deck in the spring as well.
- Dog - Not house related, but we have a new addition to our family!!! We rescued a Boxer from our local Animal Shelter. I will post pics of her as well, her name is Maggie. The fence is going to be a big deal for her as she is only about a year and a half and high energy.
Hi Rachel and Tommy, so nice to see you all on the blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am curious since we have a fireplace installed too--what is the name or brand that is being recalled? I want to double check to be sure we don't have it to alert our PM.
Can't wait to see pictures and especially Maggie?
All of the ones with issues were manufactured between, I believe, October and December of 2011. So anything that has been put in homes the last few months should be fine. However, if it is under the recall both the manufacturer and Ryan Homes sent out notices, since your home was still under construction they probably just changed it out.
DeleteBummer about the fireplace. Our entire community got recalled here in Baltimore. We called the day we got the notice to get "on the list" for replacement because the notice said there were thousands and they would be replaced on a first-come, first-served basis. We were really looking forward to using our fireplace for our first Christmas in the new house; however, after 3 weeks of waiting, we have received only a confirmation number but no installation date. I don't have much hope that it will happen before Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYup, I feel your pain. We called the manufacturer, they took about a week to verify we were on the list and then we called the local installers a few times over the holidays and now I have a work order number but no date. Fun. We might be able to use our fireplace this winter. I was really bummed not to be able to use it on Christmas.
Deleteaww a pooch for xmas! and the same thing happened to my laminate in two areas of the house but i think it may be from the house settling. we are plannin to wait a few before we decide to call the flooring company.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have been calling the flooring people repeatedly, leaving messages for different people and have yet to get a call back. I give them a little bit of a break for the week of Christmas, but it's going on for a while.
DeleteHi Rachel and Tommy. Thanks so much for blogging. I'm just getting started.. I had a question about the grading. Did the builder clear and grade most of the lot for you? I really hope that I am not going to have to grade the lawn! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMost of the time the builder will only clear a certain distance from the back of the house. In our case that was 15 feet, your area might be different. But you can ask them to do it for you, it might be a non-standard request or just a favor from the PM. Always worth it to ask!
DeleteThey only cleared about 15 feet from the back of the house for us. The portion they did clear, they did grade up to code. We ended up clearing a portion ourselves and then hiring someone to come clear and grade the rest. But it wouldn't hurt to ask, we didn't really push the issue when we started.
DeleteSo glad to see you guys back! Bring on the pictures! :D
ReplyDeleteOur dog chewed up the USB plug for the camera so I have been meaning to get a new one to upload all of the pictures. Hopefully I'll remember soon!! haha
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