If nobody on the forum is interested, you can always put an ad up in the Craigslist "Free" section for your area. This website is very quick and easy, all you need to provide is an email address (which can be hidden from view). I placed an ad in the free section to get rid of old office furniture and file cabinets and was deluged with emails from people who were interested. I have also gotten rid of things through the local Freecycle group - if you have one in your area. Here is a link that might be useful: Craigslist MN

Rhome -- I see what you mean by the pocket door on the pantry. I wonder if moving it to the other side would give it the room it needs? My freezer will fit in the cleaning closet in my mudroom, which is just off the kitchen. My freezer is 3' 5" by 2 1/2 (including wall clearance behind) and that closet is 3 1/2 by 5 and intended for vacuum, brooms, and some shelving for cleaning products and bulk paper products. The freezer would be a little tighter squeeze there but would work and location would be fine. I am comfortable with waiting until some framing is up until I would make the final decision about where it would go. Rosie -- I got the idea about moving the deck from my friends house. She built a ranch with beautiful views and a similar kitchen/family/dining layout. She moved her deck to the corner of the house and it makes all the difference for lighting and views! I loved the way it felt! Especially since ours is covered, lighting would really be restricted. And regarding moving the entrance to the deck... I've always had a deck door in my main eating area (never use formal dining rooms) and I just don't like it. I'd rather it seem more like a room than a room + entrance to the deck. I know lots of people like the patio door from a breakfast area, but I'd rather not if I can help it.

In search of 40 planks (16' x 5" x 1 1/4") - 293 sq. ft. in discontinued Trex 'Contour' Series - older Winchester Gray with wood grain surface. NOT newer 'Select' series (too dark & different dimensions). Prefer unused planks. Located in the Western States but can pick up or arrange for shipping. Sample of what I am searching for below.

Just because the bank accepted a deed in lieu of foreclosure does not prohibit subcontractors from filing Mechanic's Liens. They may still file a Mechanic's Lien if under State statute they are under the legal time frame - in many states this is four months from completion. If you have advanced money for items such as upgraded cabinets you may have the right to file a Mechanic's Lien yourself. (Please check with local counsel.) The property is what it is...it doesn't matter how much money the bank has already advanced. I would take the position with the bank that, first of all, to sell a partially completed house is near impossible & their loss will be much more than $100K. If they complete the house, the house will only be worth what the market dictates & not what the bank has advanced. Their poor lending practices should not impact what you have to pay for the house. I would approach the bank, preferably with counsel, and explain that in this market if they want to get rid of their REO they can either sell it to you "as is" at a huge discount or complete the property & you will buy it at a market price, according to your specifications. Unless your builder recorded your purchase contract, the lender took the deed in lieu free & clear of all encumbrances, except Mechanic's Liens & taxes. That includes your contract....meaning they do not have to honor your contract. That is why you must check to see if you can personally file a Mechanic's Lien. Whether there's sufficient funds left in the construction is no longer relevant. The bank owns a property that they need to sell. It's unfinished. You are the logical buyer. And, if they have any common sense, which with a bank is a big question, they will deal with you in good faith. By completing the property & selling it to you at current prices they will lose less money than if they have to either sell "as is" or complete & hope to sell to another buyer. As per your above description, it really sounds like the bank is trying to take advantage of your emotional investment in the house. I highly advise you retain counsel (real estate attorney!). Also, don't expect the bank to act in a manner that you would consider "rational". Banks run to their own drummers & you can't alter that... You might also have a possible legal action against the builder...unless they file bankruptcy. Again, bring this issue up with the counsel you retain. If you like to post what state you live in I can be more specific with regards to the Mechanic's Liens. /tricia