The committee didn’t have a direct link from the website, just a list of the members with contact information on the property owners list. They had phone numbers and emails but I hate cold calls and often miss emails from people I don’t know so I just sent them letters. I figured that there isn’t any better way to stand out than sending a snail-mail letter. Who does that anymore?
After a few days I got an email from one of them and we scheduled a meeting for last Saturday. I was nervous because our architect has built one controversial house in the subdivision, known as comfort castle, the Alamo or Taco Bell depending on your inclination. I kept my architect under my hat for the moment and I told them that I and my architect would meet with them. I didn’t share his name- not wanting to give away the game. It turned out not to be a problem.
I picked up Ignacio (our architect) and Josh (his contractor) in town and we drove out to the home of one committee member down the hill from our estate. All three committee members were there and we chatted while getting iced tea in the kitchen. Then I told them my story.
I said that we were looking for a beautiful place to build our dream house on property in the country. We wanted a lot where we could nestle into the slope hidden from our neighbors with a nice view. We liked the fact that all utilities were available underground (especially water so that we won’t have to worry about digging and maintain a well), and no unnecessary amenities (like community centers and recreation facilities) that we would never use.
I kept to myself that I considered many of the houses already built ugly eyesores with no sensitivity to the site. I had no interest in alienating anyone. They built what they wanted. I just wanted the ability to build what I wanted. And I wanted them to know that the house we were proposing was what I wanted- not some crazy idea that my architect had foisted on me. If they were going to view anyone as a bad guy, they had to look to me first.
I explained that I respected the design standards as specified and to my knowledge we had tried to comply. Then I waited.
Thoughtful silence. …….
I could tell that contemporary was not their preference. Still, they were respectful and appreciative that I valued their community enough to become part of it- and that I didn’t want to stick out. They had only one problem. My design had the wrong roof slope. Their standard was a steeper slope than my design. It wasn’t an arbitrary issue or judgment call. They could work with me but to abandon a clearly stated requirement altogether would place them in a difficult position with the community.
They offered to take the idea to the full board at the next meeting. I accepted and told them I respected their standards and would attempt to work something out. Ignacio agreed and listened. We had discussed this issue earlier and he had actually prepared an alternative with the correct slope which raised the height of the house roof about four feet and made it look clunky and forbidding. I will go with it it we don’t find an alternative. This issue is not a deal breaker..
I breathed a sigh of relief. That was their only issue. Now on to getting the house built.
Then we moved on to the necessary steps for getting the house built. They made other suggestions and provided useful information- like the importance of getting the electric and water services installed. Both are necessary to start construction and sometimes the utility companies take some time to do it. This was good to know. They talked about their time limit for construction. They expect serious effort and aren’t open to extensions. Josh explained that the construction industry is stressed right now and that scheduling work can be difficult. It was good to have him at the meeting because it showed our serious intent.
After some more chit chat we left them and adjourned to the estate for a walkabout while Josh took some drone pictures. Then yesterday I requested water and electric services. Moving on.
