Why we said we'd never build again but why we're glad we are

When we built the house we're in, we swore to ourselves we'd never build again. We had a MISERABLE experience with the builder. They were difficult to work with and the work was sloppy (some of which we didn't truly realize until living in the house).

There were funny things along the way like finding a security guard reading Playboy while sitting in our house on a weekend while it was under construction. Then there was not-so-funny stuff like the fact that they put our A/C where we didn't want it, the windows and doors weren't sealed well and that they left trash in the walls (which we discovered when we knocked a wall down to expand the closet under the stairs).

But then we toured this model and this community on the advice of our realtor, and we were sold. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a good realtor when you're building. They are your advocate when you have questions or problems, and they can help you sort through the complicated process. Our realtor Anita Maestas has been invaluable since we met her in February, and we're even hoping she'll be our neighbor some time next year (hint hint Anita - I know you're reading this).

Today we had our final construction walk-through with the construction super, Anita and our DR Horton sales team, which includes our new sales rep Tonya (who is super sweet and lovely to work with as well). We walked through the house prior to the insulation stage, which will most likely start on Monday, to review where all the wiring is in the house plus all the options we selected.

This was important because we opted to have a lot of pre-wiring done in the house. They are wiring our downstairs for surround sound, plus we'll be able to control it from the patio as well. We also have ceiling fan pre-wires, alarm and cable pre-wires throughout the house. This was something we didn't do the first go around but was very important to us this time.

I also found out that our home will get a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating before we move in, which is awesome. Because I used to work for the energy efficiency team at PNM, I'm pretty familiar with these. This rating will ensure that our home will be super efficient and locked down. As part of this, we'll get a blower door test, which is a test that inspects and identifies leaks within a home. I know I'm just an energy dork now that I work for a utility, but I am actually hoping I can be there the day they do the test. Here's what one looks like if anyone is interested.

For what it's worth, anyone can have a test done, and I highly suggest one if you are concerned about identifying where your home's leaks are. An energy audit would include this and thermal imaging to determine leaks so you can make adjustments and save money on your energy bill.

Today we also found out about something we're getting that we didn't even know about - it's called the Taexx Built-In Pest Control System. Now how can I get excited about a pest control system you ask? Here's why. It's built into our walls. Essentially it's a series of tubes that are built into the framework of the house. The tubes have little holes in them and run all along the bottom floor of the house.

When the house is done, the pest control service can access the portal, which is on the outside of the house, and push the pesticides through the tubes. This is great for several reasons. First, we won't have to be there. Second - and much more importantly - we won't have leaking pesticides around our house where the kids or dogs can access them.

These are stills from this video, which shows the whole process. Here's a shot showing our house with the line.

So that's where we're at. Timing-wise, we're looking at the end of August (boo) but oh well.  I know it will be totally worth the wait to see our beautiful new home finished and the keys in our hands.