Ok ladies, a couple questions in one here: we live in Wyoming, Michigan and have purchased a lot in Holland, Michigan (in Waukazoo Woods) and have not yet signed paperwork or made any firm decisions on building yet. We hope to soon though and plan on being able to move in before Christmas. We are currently looking at Pine Creek Construction (out of Holland) and BDD Construction (out of Cedar Springs). Have any of you dealt with either or know of someone who has? If so, how do you feel about them? If not, do any of you have any recommendations as far as a builder is concerned? Lastly, for those of you who have dealt with small children and moving... any advice? I know it's going to be a tough transition for both of my boys to make as they've only ever known our current home and are very used to their every day routines. Any books you could recommend reading to them that may prepare them for what is to come? Thank you so much to all you wonderful Mommy's out there!
Nugent Builders is a wonderful company. They are based out of Rockford. They do great work. Yes, my husband (Roberto or
Bob the Builer as his coworkers call him :-) works for Nugent in the new home construction and commercial divisions. Carol & Rick do the designing. I have seen some and they are beautiful. Good Luck!!
K.,
I wish you grace and mercy during this transition time. My advice regarding moving...the boys rooms should be the last thing packed up and the first thing unpacked and put back together. This will give them some stability during the move. Also continue with their routine as close as possible during this time. You can have the 3 year old also help with some of the easy packing (stuff that does not need a gentle touch) so that he can feel like he is helping. J.
I have dealt with Pine Creek Construction through the years (I was a mortgage loan officer) and they do quality work. Doug Gritter is a wonderful man who has integrity, morals and ethics. You would not be disappointed if you went with them. Good luck! P. D
When we moved two years ago, we packed my son's room last and unpacked it first. He did okay, but my husband had to sleep on the floor in his room for a couple nights so he could get used to it.
My husband works in Holland for a construction company, but commercial. But, he has a name of someone that he gave to me that he would recommend. His name is Brian Mieste. My husband had nothing bad to say about Pine Creek construction, but didn't know much about BDD. I hope you enjoy the planning of your new home! Good luck!
J.
Hi K.,
If you are looking for a great builder you should really use Sheldon DeKryger Builder Inc. Yes, he is my husband!! But if you are looking for a builder who is hands on, meticulous, full service (including design help as part of the job) and will give you a great price. He is your man. He does not mass-produce or do cookie cutter homes. His specialty is custom woodwork - trim, cabinets, bookcases, offices, fireplace mantles, entertainment centers, boot benches, lockers, and anything else you can think of. If you would like to talk to him just email me and he will get back in touch with you.
L.
Your boys are at a good age to move. Take them to the empty lot and let them see where the new house will be, then walk them around the neighborhood, getting a feel for the possibilities of new friends. Pick a nice day when the neighborhood children are out playing. If you can imagine doing so, I recommend giving them the ability to input on choices for their own bedrooms (carpet, paint, bedcoverings, etc.) since that will be their haven after the move. When I was working fulltime in a carpet and drapery store, a family came it looking for pink carpet for their 2 little girls, 3 and 6 mos. The 3 yr old was very verbal about wanting blue carpet and chose green for her sister! What a wonderful opportunity to give affirmation and support to a child! Making decisions so confidently at such an early age is a gift!
I've heard good things over the years about Pine Creek Construction, and since they are local to your new location, it makes sense to avoid getting hit with a possible "fuel charge" from out of town contractors. I wish you well in the adventure ahead!
K.,
For help in packing their room and the rest of your house I would check out www.flylady.net. There is a control journal that you can put together and write down your routines, suggestions for packing, how to declutter so you don't move things you won't be using, etc.
I have found this site immensely helpful and only wished I had known about it the last time we moved.
Good luck.
There's an old, Richard Scarry book a about moving. Check for books on moving at your library. Good luck!
Do what you can to get their room ready for them before any other room. Since it is a new construction you may be able to get the builder to paint that (and your other rooms) the color you want (make sure they use eggshell and not that builders flat paint or you will be painting the house yourself very soon!).
Make the boys part of the construction process as well. Especially your 3 year old. If you show them the property at various stages of construction, show them where their room will be and play stuff they will be more comfortable when put into the new space.
Have the boys stay with family for a couple of days during the move-in process so that you can set up their beds and personal items in the room - then they will have a comfort zone to go to as well.
Finally - know where you are going to designate their toys and make sure they are out of boxes when they get there so they have something to do while you and family unpack.
We moved into our current home when my daughter was 21 months old. I had the play room all set up (including gates to keep her in) prior to us moving in. She does not even remember our old house now (it is kind of sad!).
Hi K.,
I can't help you with the builders, but my in-laws live in Waukazoo Woods (that's where my husband grew up) and it is a beautiful neighborhood! The trees as you drive in off Lakeshore Drive are absolutely gorgeous. We moved when my daughter was just shy of 2 1/2. On top of all that I was on bedrest (pregnancy) when we moved. She handled it quite well. We went out to the house often before I was on bedrest and let her be involved in the process. She handled the transition much better than we anticipated. Best of luck in your new neighborhood!
