Structual Changes

[John&Linda]

We tried to make a structual change and we were told no. Has anyone been successful in trying to get a something changed?

[K.C.]

What did you want changed?

We had a structural change made in our kitchen that cost very little but made a huge difference in the way it looks. We had to wait over 2 months to get an answer back but they said yes and it was cheap.

[John&Linda]

We want to have our powder room door moved. The way it is now it is so close to what will be our diningroom. I am certain it can be done structually, but the powers that be are not willing.

[K.C.]

If you're good at sweet talk you may want to try it on the right person at the construction office. You might get a yes unless it violates some sort of code.

We had them increase the size of the opening between the kitchen and rear closet near the garage door so we could put in a set of 8 foot double doors. To accommodate this they also had to move the gigantic pantry that comes with the model kitchen in the Northridge. They were very helpful and even willing to decrease the depth of the rear closet if it became necessary.

Another structural change we wanted was to move one of the Next Step doors so it was on the side where the furnace is so we could access the furnace area without going into the basement. They said no because it violated a fire code.

[so excited]

We also got the door way in the Kitchen larger. It wasn't a big deal just told them what we wanted and since the door way was already there and there were no electrical wires running behind it they had no problem.

I do remember speaking to the contractors onsite who did make reference of people decreasing the size of the walk in closet, although for us it was too late.

Your best bet is to speak to the Construction super on site, (avoiding the lady at the desk she's no help at all) and propose what you're asking. I'm sure they'd have no problem.

[so excited]

May I suggest some other changes.

Such as having some extra wood behind some specific bedroom walls it allows for an easy and more sturdy backing when you put up a flat panel tv. Prepares for the future. We did it in each of the bedrooms. We found one of the contractors working and asked him nicely. He had the wood and it only ended up costing an extra $20 in Tim Hortons gift cards.

It's not an option from Mattamy but i'm sure if it was you'd be paying another few $$$.

[K.C.]

The rear closet in the Northridge has a light in it and is so big if you don't plan to hang coats there you could put a freezer and water cooler in there. Just get an electrician to put in an AC outlet through the basement. It should be cheap. You can put the big empty water bottles on the upper shelf. This keeps your kitchen looking super neat and tidy.

Of course you do look very eccentric running inside your closet to get guests some water. I remember when Dion came to my house she said I didn't seem strange but I know what she was thinking. :D

[1st Lexington]

We had the entry between the foyer and the hallway widened. My advice is not to talk to anyone from the design center but go straight to the construction guys. They were happy to widen the opening. We also wanted our bulkhead removed from the kitchen to allow for staggered cabinets. We were told no numerous times by the design center so we asked the construction guys and they said "no problem" and made it happen! They are very accommodating if they can be.

[John&Linda]

Thanks for the info guys.