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Quick update:  I had the wrong dates for the planning board meeting.  The new date is May 20th.  Hopefully we get approval at the first meeting. 

Since we found the the rendering of the front and side elevations to be so useful, we went ahead a asked the architects to produce rendering of the rear elevations  as well. Notice we changed the side window to an arched window After seeing this elevation we decided to 1) have the 3rd garage be in–line with the other garages (i.e. not recessed in a foot) 2) use another oval window in the bathroom rather then the medallion – this required us to eliminate the small closet in the master bath (so the window would not end up in the closet) 3) we reduced the wide trim band around the family room. Here is front rendering imposed on a picture of the property:

We submitted our site engineering plan to the town and applied for a soil moving permit. We thought we would have had a variance free plan, but as it turns out the existing driveway, which is in the no disturbance area, is not grandfathered since we are taking down the existing home.  Also, since one of the new retaining walls is connected to the house and the bottom elevation of the wall is 6 inches lower then the house foundation, the roof ridge elevation is now considered 6 inches to high (there is a 40 foot height restriction).  Rather then change the designs, we decided to apply for two variances – one for allowing the drive way to remain in the existing location and be expanded, the other for allowing the roof ridge height to exceed the 40 feet maximum. The variances, required us to send letters to homes within a 200 foot radius and also put a notice in the newspaper.  The planning meeting is this week.  Hopefully we will get approval with only meeting. We a...

For materials we chose: 1) Stone:  Owens Corning - Cultured Stone, “Bucks County Limestone“ http://www.culturedstone.com/products/productlarge.asp?id=51 2) Roof : GAF - Elk Camelot Williamsburg  Slate http://www.gaf.com/Content/GAF/RES1/ROOF/camelot-sample-willmsbrg.html 3) Siding: JamesHardie - HardiePlank Lap Siding, Smooth,  Woodland Cream.  Note:  The rendering is a little too yellow.   Supposedly, it looks more like cream on the architects computer screen http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py The next steps are to review the remaining renderings and make final suggestions.   Also, I just gave the go ahead to the architects to get started on the construction documents. We have also applied for a “Soil Moving” permit from the town and county.  I will post the engineered site plan soon.

Our architects, BlueLine Architecture ,  were named one of NJ’s Top Ten Architectural Firms . “New Jersey 10 Top Architectural Firms A truly great architect can translate their clients’ dreams into a magnificent new home or space with design choices that both stand the test of time and expertly match their owners’ personal lifestyles and vision—all with the ease of a master. Each of the architects described here have their own unique talents and strengths from an exceptional artistic eye and in-depth knowledge of the construction process to the ability to communicate effectively—all essential skills for a successful design project and long-term relationship.”

The Architect sent over more detailed renderings.

The architects sent over a rendering of the facade.  This week Kathy and I have to choose the stone, color of siding and roofing materials.   Some of the products we are thinking of using: Stone : (we will actually use a real stone veneer, but this website has some really nice selections) http://www.culturedstone.com/products/stone.asp Siding : http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/products_siding_hardieplankLapSiding.py?search_zipcode=retail Roofing : http://www.gaf.com/General/GafMain.asp?Silo=RES1&WS=GAF&App=ROOF&Force=shingle-lines.asp