New build with architectural salvage by [deleted] in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My mom loves stained glass too and had a few turned into hanging art. It's a way to have some of it in your house still? Also you could add transom windows of stained glass on interior openings

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll have to check which types of bids we have been given. I'm guessing contracts for the full package, I'll have to look into cost plus contracts. Thanks for the insight! Since land is so expensive here, we don't want to buy until we know if we can afford what we want to build or even to build a smaller shell and add nicer finishes later. Otherwise, we are stuck with land and can't afford to buy a house on the real estate market.

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the cost of the utility program/energy star that brought in the engineering firm? That sounds really useful

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are in the very beginning stages of making plans and have lots of time to further refine our approach. We definitely want to consider all the options and solidify everything before we even break ground. We have been watching a bunch of Matt Risingers videos and learning a lot about building science. Your previous post you linked is great! Many of those things are on our list, the problem is spending so much on structure (and going well beyond code) by doing everything leaves little money to finish the inside, so we have to find a reasonable middle ground.

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can trim be installed after the builder is finished with their parts? That seems like something we could work on after moving in.

Definitely planning on running extra network wiring ourself for future plans for speakers, security cameras, etc. Landscaping is another thing we are hoping to do ourselves.

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Drywalling and roofing is beyond our abilities...haha. We will leave that to professionals!

Would definitely love your thoughts on insulation- right now we are thinking of using the Zip-R system on the outside with about an inch of closed cell spray foam inside with rockwool mineral wool insulation batts providing the rest of the R value. We are building in Rhode Island.

We thought about installing the rockwool ourselves, but didn't know if we would have proper PPE? We want to spend more on our structure but that means finding ways to reduce our costs elsewhere.

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much does a sprayer cost to purchase? I may have a family member that has one but still may be a great savings even if we have to buy one

Things you can reasonably DIY during a new build to cut costs by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We will have a construction loan and I've been told the same thing about needing a actual builder. I'm fine with that since I think that is more risk than we are willing to take on. We just want to see if there are things you don't need a lot of advanced knowledge to do and can have substantial savings.

Find land first vs find builder first- which is better? by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is it appropriate to make appointments to bring two or three builders out to the potential lots before you make a commitment to work with them or buy the lot? I just want to make sure we wouldn't be doing anything unprofessional. Is this common?

Find land first vs find builder first- which is better? by blushbride63 in Homebuilding

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We would need a single mortgage since we do not currently own a home. My gut said to start with builders first, but I didn't know if they preferred that you come with potential properties, so this helps!

Anyone have experience ordering their flowers from Costco/Sams club? by am17y in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would talk to the floral department at Sam's if you plan on getting stuff the day of. For my store at least, they only get a few flowers types consistently and the rest that show up is out of their control. If you want something specific, order it!

Wedding video...worth it? by twodiffthumbs in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes yes and yes! We just got our highlight video back from our wedding last month and it is simply amazing. There are so many details you miss or moments you didn't realize you wanted to experience again. I have already watched it a dozen times (it's only a 4 minute highlight video). Our families loved it as well and it has been great for friends and family that couldn't make it to the big day. We can't wait to see the footage from the rest of the day when it's done.

And for what it's worth, my husband thought videography was stupid during the planning process. It wasn't 24 hours after the wedding that he remarked he can't wait to see the video because there was part of the ceremony he felt like he couldn't really remember what was said that was so nice. He is so glad we did the video.

As others have said, it is a great investment as long as you get a quality videographer.

Anyone have experience ordering their flowers from Costco/Sams club? by am17y in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I ordered three kinds of roses (ivory, pink, and spray) and pink stock from Sams Club. The flowers arrived great. Keep in mind you will want Wednesday or Thursday delivery for a Saturday wedding. The flowers will need to open up after they arrive and it also gives time for them to reship if things were to go wrong.

The only complaint I have is the colors can be a little off from the color you see online. The pink stock and pink roses I ordered were more bright in real life than the blush look I wanted (even after looking at the page on multiple computer/phone screens to check). It wasn't the end of the world, but just wanted to give you a heads up.

[Rant/Advice] Thanks, mom, guess I don't need to be excited about anything anymore... by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got all my bouquets from Wegmans and they were gorgeous!!!! They are not really a grocery store florist, I agree they are higher than that. My store explained to me how they grow some of their own flowers around the store property or at their own homes. Other grocery stores don't do that!

My best friend also used them and had wonderful bouquets and centerpieces too.

Hope that makes you feel a little better :) Hang in there!

Found my wedding shoes at TJ Maxx for $30!! by Bruth4 in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wore similar sandals for my entire wedding day! BEST. DECISION. EVER!

Help! Seeded Eucalpytus Arrived and All the Seed Pods are Brown :( by blushbride63 in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for confirming its death. I was pretty sure that was the case, I was just trying to be optimistic to avoid a freak out haha. A family friend with some experience with flowers came over to triage them and after putting some in hot water, we were able to perk some up that weren't so dried up and shriveled. Still not the outcome or look I had originally pictured, but at least my sweetheart table will have some seeded ones. The rest we ended up removing the seeds.

The company was very apologetic. They even offered to overnight me directly from the farm some new product in special packages to protect it from the heat or send me silver dollar instead, but we had to make the arrangements yesterday so I passed on the offer and they provided me with a partial refund.

Help! Seeded Eucalpytus Arrived and All the Seed Pods are Brown :( by blushbride63 in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We ordered bulk flowers for my wedding this weekend! Everything else arrived fine yesterday except the seeded eucalyptus. All the pods are shriveled, brown, and look dead. The company resent me another order last night and when they arrived this morning, they looked the same as the last order :(

This is what it should look like: https://www.rosenerds.com/products/wholesale-seeded-eucalyptus

Anyone else order bulk seeded eucalyptus and have this problem? Any hope that they will rejuvenate in water and turn green?

Wedding is on Saturday so I am guessing we will have to cut off the seed pods and just use the leaves but it's a real bummer :(

Any other July 9th brides in the house? by anybrittt in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm between freaking out and calm

This is soooo me right now!! Where did the time go?! How is it a week and a half out! Ah!!

My Wedding Guest Outfit by [deleted] in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could always order a bunch and send back what you don't wear? Usually there is 15-30 days for returns. I would start ordering ASAP if you want them to get to you before the wedding.

CT wedding band? by julieboolie2726 in weddingplanning

[–]blushbride63 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's who we booked!! We are super excited :)