One of the most important and exciting steps in purchasing a new home is the selection of all the products and finishes which will complete your home. Our team has worked hard to bring you a wide array of high-performing product choices. We have carefully selected finishes, materials, colors and sizes so that you can truly personalize your home. It is our goal to work with you to create a home that will enhance the way you live, reflect your own sense of style, and fulfills your needs. Working directly with our knowledgeable and professional Design Studio Consultant, you will be expertly guided through the personalization process.

SIGNATURE HOMES
A Signature Home is a home that is chosen by the Buyer prior to any construction beginning. A Signature Home allows the Buyer to select the homesite, home plan and all structural and personal choice items that will comprise the home.

Preview Appointment
The Preview Appointment is a unique educational opportunity to learn all about the products available in our Design Studio. We want you to feel confident and to make informed decisions when selecting finishing and performance products for your new home. We therefore encourage you to take advantage of our Preview opportunities.

Design Studio Preview Appointments are offered every Tuesday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The appointment will begin with a short group tour of our Design Studio, hosted by our trained Design Studio Consultant who will help familiarize you with the variety of products that are available, teach you about these different products and how they will perform in your home. The Design Studio Consultant will also review the Design Studio procedures with you. Immediately after the tour, we offer you additional time, approximately one and a half hours, to enjoy our Design Studio on your own, and begin to make some decisions about what products you want to select. During this time, we encourage you to use our “Ask Us” form to keep a running list of any questions or comments you have in preparation for your personal appointment with the Design Studio Consultant. Once you have participated in the Preview Appointment, we welcome
you to visit us during any other Previews prior to finalizing your Personal Selections.

Design Studio Appointment
The Design Studio is open for appointments Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. We strongly recommend that you make arrangements for childcare when you have your appointment. Unfortunately, the Design Studio is not equipped to accommodate children, and you will want to devote your full attention to the many important selections you will be making that day. Please feel free to bring items with you that will assist you in making selections that will truly match your personal tastes and lifestyle. Wallpaper or fabric samples, china… anything that will help you select the products and finishes that will compliment your individual style. The decisions made at this appointment are very important; therefore, we must require that all parties on the Purchase Agreement attend.

Once the purchase agreement has been ratified (signed by all parties including the Buyers and LifeStyle Builders), a LifeStyle Design Studio Consultant will send each buyer a welcome package describing the personal choice process, procedures, etc. They will follow up with a phone call to go over all the paperwork, answer any questions and set a date and time for the Design Studio Appointment.

Important Dates and Deadlines
Complete and authorized selections on Signature Homes must be completed within 21 calendar days from ratification of the purchase agreement. Should this deadline not be met, LifeStyle Builders reserves the right to make selections from the Distinctive Included Features offered in the particular development to keep the construction process moving. Should a Design Studio Consultant not be available to hold a Design Studio Appointment within a reasonable amount of time (due to other appointments, vacation, etc.), this deadline will be adjusted accordingly.

DESIGNER HOMES
A Designer Home is a home that has been started by LifeStyle Builders and, depending on the Stage of Construction, may preclude the Buyer from selecting certain structural and personal choice items.

Appointments
The Design Studio is open for appointments Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. We strongly recommend that you make arrangements for childcare when you have your appointment. Unfortunately, the Design Studio is not equipped to accommodate children, and you will want to devote your full attention to the important selections you will be making that day. The decisions made at this appointment are very important; therefore, we must require that all parties on the Purchase Agreement attend.

Once the purchase agreement has been ratified (signed by all parties including the Buyers and LifeStyle Builders), a LifeStyle Design Studio Consultant will send each buyer a welcome package describing the personal choice process, procedures, etc. They will follow up with a phone call to go over all the paperwork, answer any questions and set a date and time for the Design Studio Appointment.

Available Selections
For a Designer Home, the Available Personal Choices are limited by the current Stage of Construction of the home at the time the purchase agreement is ratified. The Stage of Construction will be determined and made part of the purchase agreement at the point of sale, prior to ratification. Only those selections specified in the Stages of Construction Addendum of the purchase agreement will be available for selection at the Design Studio Appointment.

Important Dates and Deadlines
Authorized selections for a Designer Home must be returned within 7 calendar days from contract ratification. Should this deadline not be met, LifeStyle Builders reserves the right to make selections from the included features in a particular development to keep the construction process moving. Should a Design Studio Consultant not be available to hold a Design Studio Appointment within a reasonable amount of time (due to other appointments, vacation, etc.), this deadline will be adjusted accordingly.

GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Special Requests
A Special Request is any item, structural or design, that is not pre-priced and is not offered on the Available Personal Structural and Design Choices Lists.

Structural Special Requests will only be considered at point of contract. They must be submitted with the purchase agreement for consideration and pricing and must be accepted or declined by both Buyer and LifeStyle Builders prior to ratification. This will allow for the plans to be completed and prepared for ARB submittal without delay. Each structural Special Request will require a $500 non-refundable fee at the time of the request. Should the request be approved by both parties, the cost of the option will be paid in full by check or money order, unless otherwise approved by LifeStyle Builders. Should the request be declined by either party, LifeStyle Builders reserves the right to keep the fee to cover administrative costs associated with the request. Any amendments to the original request may incur an additional fee. The Design Studio Consultant will inform Buyer of acceptance or denial by LifeStyle Builders and process all necessary paperwork. Upon notification, the Buyer has 3 days to accept, authorize paperwork
and return with payment.

PLEASE NOTE: LifeStyle Builders, the floor truss manufacturer and plywood manufacturer will not be liable, nor will they warrant, any defects in the floor system as a result of unanticipated point loads adding stress to the floor system. If you anticipate a heavy load (i.e. a pool table, waterbed, large fish tank, hot tub, etc.) in any area of your home, it is your responsibility to inform LifeStyle Buiders at the time of contract signing. At that time a Structural Special Request can be submitted for consideration and pricing. When submitting a Structural Special Request for extra flooring support, the $500 non-refundable fee will be waived.

Design Special Requests will be considered following the same guidelines as the Stages of Construction Addendum. Design Special Requests will not be considered for items beyond the Stage of Construction where such change is permitted. Each Design Special Request will require a $350 non-refundable fee at the time of request. Should the request be approved by both parties, the cost of the option will be paid in full by check or money order, unless otherwise approved by LifeStyle Builders. Should the request be declined by either party, LifeStyle Builders reserves
the right to keep the fee to cover administrative costs associated with the request. Any amendments to the original request may incur an additional fee. The Design Studio Consultant will inform Buyer of acceptance or denial by LifeStyle Builders and process all necessary paperwork. Upon notification, the Buyer has 3 days to accept, authorize paperwork and return with payment.

Change Requests
A change request is any request that would add/delete/or change the selections previously authorized by the Buyer. For Signature and Designer Homes:

Change Requests - Will be considered following the same guidelines as the Stages of Construction Addendum. Change Requests will not be considered for items beyond the Stage of Construction where such change is permitted. Each Change Request will require a $250 non-refundable fee at the time of request. Should the request be approved by both parties, the cost of the option will be paid in full by check or money order, unless otherwise approved by LifeStyle Builders. Should the request be declined by either party, LifeStyle Builders reserves the right to keep the fee to cover administrative costs associated with the request. Any amendments to the original request may incur an additional fee. The Design Studio Consultant will inform Buyer of acceptance or denial by LifeStyle Builders and process all necessary paperwork. Upon notification, the Buyer has 3 days to accept, authorize paperwork and return with payment.

Deposits – Please refer to the purchase agreement for specific policies regarding deposits on Personal Choices. In the event that a Special Request or Change Request is approved, the cost of the selection must be paid in full by check or money order to LifeStyle Builders and Developers, unless other arrangements are agreed to. If it is agreed to allow a Special Request or Change Request to be paid through addendum, additional financing fees may apply.

SELECTIONS
Keep in mind that your exterior color selections may be restricted by your neighborhood's Architectural Review Board (ARB) based upon selections your neighbors have already made. Therefore, at your design appointment you will be asked to choose two exterior color selections and rate them in order of preference. The sooner you can make your selections, the greater the number of choices you may have.

Because no two buyers have the same taste, we reserve the right to place a hold on your selections until your loan has been approved and all contingencies are released. In addition, any non-standard options will incur a non-refundable administrative fee and are required to be paid in full when approved.

Be aware that there may be slight variations between samples and actual installations. This is largely due to the manufacturer's coloring process (dye lots) and also the fact that, over time, sunlight and other environmental factors affect some of the samples. Regarding certain selections, it is a good idea to refer to the Warranty and Maintenance Chapter of this guide. Each item is described and its expectations for performance are explained.

If any of your selections have been discontinued by the manufacturer or disallowed by the Architectural Review Board, you will be notified promptly and asked to make an alternate selection.

LABOR AND MATERIALS
LifeStyle Builders will not allow you to furnish any labor or material for your home such as light fixtures, carpet, etc. This is largely due to our quest for a quality product to be delivered when promised. The construction of your home has been tightly scheduled to meet your closing date. Any "mixup" concerning a customer supplying material or labor could substantially affect the closing date. Further, it could void many warranties which are important to LifeStyle Builders in our efforts to deliver a quality product to you, our customer.

In making your selections, please refer to the chapter titled “Product Expectations and Warranty” at the end of this guide. This chapter will inform you of what you can expect from certain selections. While we prefer you read the entire chapter, we specifically recommend the following sections which are important in making appropriate selections: Cabinets, Caulking, Drywall, Floor Coverings, Hardware, and Paint & Stain.

Please add your Selection Sheet to this guide for future reference. This sheet is very useful for matching paint colors and replacement items in your home.

CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR HOME
Once the plans and specifications for your home have been approved by the building officials of the city or county where the home is located, construction can begin.

During construction of your home, your Field Manager oversees the work performed. Our construction personnel inspect every step of construction and are responsible for quality control. In addition, a number of inspections are conducted at different stages by the city or county in which your home is located. Your home must pass each inspection before the next stage of construction can continue. Final inspections occur when the home is completed.

Unscheduled Site Visits
A construction site is exciting but can also be dangerous. Your safety is of prime importance to us. Due to insurance restrictions, your visits to the site are at your own risk. If you choose to visit the site, you must be accompanied by a representative of LifeStyle Builders. Please be very careful and observe common sense safety procedures at all times.

Trade Partners
In order to maintain the highest possible quality, we subcontract out each part of building your home to specialty Trade Partners. In order to ensure our high standards of construction, only LifeStyle Builders employees and Trade Partners may install components in your home. You will not be allowed to supply any material or labor for your home. This policy serves several purposes, including protecting your warranties so that they remain intact, as well as ensuring that your home meets all standards of applicable building codes.

Construction Schedule Delays (Most Common Causes)
It is important for all parties to be realistic and reasonable when construction delays occur. Our primary goal is to complete the home when planned with the highest degree of quality attainable. Building a quality home, on time, can become an obstacle course for our Field Managers. However, we feel that we have the best professionals around. Our Field Managers are highly skilled in overcoming most of these obstacles but you need to be aware of their potential for delaying activity on your new home.

Possible Delay #1 – Prior to any work commencing on your new home, LifeStyle Builders must obtain a building permit from the appropriate county or city. The time needed to obtain a building permit can vary from location to location. Some areas are fairly quick in issuing a building permit, while others may take longer. We realize that this delay can be frustrating and will be happy to keep you posted while we track the application. Should your contract require plans to be revised, a delay will be experienced as LifeStyle Builders cannot apply for a building permit until the plans have been finalized.

Possible Delay #2 – Each Trade Partner is scheduled days or weeks in advance of the actual work and specific time is allotted for completion of their contribution to your home. It sometimes occurs that one trade completes its work a bit ahead of schedule. The next trade already has an assigned time slot which usually can not be changed on short notice. The overall construction schedule allows for this and you should expect several days during the construction
process when it appears as if "nothing is happening.”

Possible Delay #3 – Similarly, it may appear that no progress is being made while the home awaits one or more inspections. This is a part of the normal sequence of the construction schedule and occurs at various points in every home.

Possible Delay #4 – “Mother Nature” can play a big part in construction delays. It is important for you to remain patient during these delays. Where weather has been a factor, every attempt will be made to catch up when possible.

In summary, please realize that your Field Manager is an expert in this industry and at scheduling the work on your home to be finished by the approximate completion date. A certain amount of unforeseen delays is customary and has been allowed for in the Field Manager’s schedule. However, LifeStyle Builders Field Managers are charged first with delivering a quality product. Therefore, the quality construction of your home will not be compromised to meet the Approximate Completion Date.

Approximate Completion Dates
Your contract with LifeStyle Builders contains a clause with regard to the closing date on your home. Since you are purchasing a home which is under construction or has yet to be constructed, it is important for you to understand that the closing date you requested may not be possible due to the circumstances mentioned above. At the commencement date of construction, LifeStyle Builders’ Sales Manager will provide you with an Approximate Completion Date of your home. However, certain unpreventable delays can occur during the construction process which may require adjustments to the Approximate Completion Date. Additionally, changes to the original contract can delay closing. Prior to making changes, it is important for you to consider the ramifications to your Approximate Closing Date. Please refer to the “Applying for Your Loan” chapter of this guide to understand the relationship between your Approximate Completion Date and your loan “lock-in” Our Sales Manager will give you an accurate
closing date when sheetrock is being installed in your new home.

Substitutions
The new home industry is continually watching for improved methods and products. In addition, manufacturers sometimes make changes that can impact construction. As a result, we may use methods or materials in your home that differ from those used in the model home, seen in our Design Studio, or listed in the “Distinctive Included Features”.

From time to time, city or county agencies adopt new regulations. Such changes are usually adopted in the interest of safety. LifeStyle Builders must comply with all codes, regulations and requirements that are in effect for each individual area. Therefore, it is possible for the same floor plan to be constructed slightly differently in two different jurisdictions.

In all instances, any substitution of method or product will be of equal or better quality than that shown in our model or listed in our specifications. Since such substitutions or changes may become necessary due to matters outside our control, we reserve the right to make them without notification.

Scheduled Site Meetings
Three (3) formal meetings will occur between you and your Field Manager during the construction process. The first two are the House Siting Meeting and the Framing Walk-Thru, described below. The third is the Pre-Settlement Orientation, which is explained in the next chapter.

House Siting Meeting – If you have purchased a Signature Home, a scheduled meeting between you and your Field Manager will take place once the building permit for your home has been received. Your Field Manager will contact you to set up a convenient time. At this meeting, a“House Siting Checklist” will be reviewed with you and the following items will be discussed:

- The site plan which will designate the house site (position on the lot), the driveway location, etc. LifeStyle Builders site the home with the “garage” side of the home located on the high side of the lot, if one exists. Lot conditions will be discussed with regard to foundation heights, special grading issues, etc.
- Our policy with regard to trees will be discussed. Further, the easements required by the utility companies will be explained to you. Please read the "Lot and Yard" section of the"Warranty and Maintenance" chapter in this guide prior to attending this meeting.
- The Purchase Agreement, Distinctive Included Features, Design Studio Selections and Addendums will be reviewed for completeness. If you should have questions, please direct them to your Field Manager at this time.
- Neighborhood requirements will be discussed.

Framing Walk-Thru – This meeting represents the second formal meeting between you and your Field Manager and will take place once the framing has been completed on your home. The“Framing Checklist” will be reviewed with you and the following items will be discussed:

- Locations for telephone and cable jacks, as well as light fixtures. In some instances, you will be able to give preferences for your light locations.
- All Change Requests which have been agreed to.
- A tentative Approximate Closing Date will be discussed.

PRE-SETTLEMENT ORIENTATION
Your Pre-Settlement Orientation is a further introduction to your new home and its many features… a meeting that goes beyond the traditional walk-through to include a detailed demonstration of your new home and information regarding its maintenance.

Scheduling
As your home nears completion, we will schedule the Pre-Settlement Orientation with you. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 3:00pm. You will meet your Field Manager at your new home and he/she will conduct the orientation. The orientation usually occurs several days to one week before closing (this is largely dependent on the Field Manager’s completion schedule). Please allow a minimum of two hours to complete the orientation.

What's The Orientation All About?
Although you will legally become the owner of your new home at closing, the Pre-Settlement Orientation represents the point at which LifeStyle Builders has completed the product and is presenting it to you. With the exception of warranty items and items noted during the orientation, we have completed the building process.

The Pre-Settlement Orientation is an actual presentation of how your new home functions. “How to" instructions will be given about many of the items. Additionally, your orientation will cover most of the material in this guide. We have an organized agenda for your orientation that will be comprehensive and educational. A “room-by-room” tour will be conducted with discussions on the following:

- Appliances will be demonstrated
- Heating and cooling system will be explained
- Plumbing system will be explained (i.e. information about your water heater, the main water shut off, etc.)
- Electrical system will be explained, such as GFCI circuits and switched receptacles; your breaker box will be explained
- Septic system (if applicable) will be explained

Additionally, your warranties will be explained and certain components of your home will be discussed with regard to their expected performance and maintenance. Information presented at the orientation is also contained in this guide, so please do not worry about taking notes.

During the orientation, you may discover an item that needs attention. We provide you with the opportunity to list such items on the “Pre-Settlement Orientation Checklist”. Please note that although you have warranties for the “function” of certain components in your new home, there are no warranties for the cosmetic appearance of items in your home AFTER YOU MOVE IN.

Please take time to inspect the following items carefully. . . These items will only be corrected if listed on the “Pre-Settlement Orientation Checklist”. They will not be addressed on your “60 Day” or “11 Month Lists”.

Asphalt Paving – An asphalt paved driveway is warranted for 60 days after closing. Please refer to the “Asphalt Paving” section in the “Product Expectations and Warranty” chapter for details on this policy.

Standard and Aggregate Concrete – A concrete driveway is warranted for 60 days after closing. Please refer to the “Concrete Flatwork” section in the “Product Expectations and Warranty” chapter for details on this policy.

Sinks, Tubs and Plumbing Fixtures – Should be free of dings, dents, cracks, scratches, etc.

Countertops and Cabinet Doors – Should be free of dings, dents, scratches, stains, gouges, etc.

Light Fixtures, Mirrors and Glass – Should be operable, glass not shattered, free of scratches, etc.

Windows and Screens – Should not be broken; should operate

Tile, Carpet, Hardwood and Resilient Flooring – Should be free of stains, defects, holes, scratches, etc.

Doors, Trim and Hardware – Should be free of dents, gouges, slices, scratches, etc.

Paint and Drywall – These two items undergo more damage during a move than any other items.

There should be no gouges, dents, or holes in the drywall, and the paint should have no marks and require no touch-ups. ALL PAINT TOUCH-UPS SHOULD BE NOTED DURING THE PRE-SETTLEMENT ORIENTATION. NO PAINTING WILL OCCUR AFTER MOVEIN. Refer to the “Paint and Stain” section in the “Product Expectations and Warranty” chapter.

Finish on Appliances – No dents, scratches, gouges, etc.

Defects in these items, which are considered “appearance” items, are usually readily detectable at the Pre-Settlement Orientation. These are also the items which are most likely to be damaged during the move-in process. As a result, later warranty claims on cosmetic damages to these items will not be accepted by LifeStyle Builders.

Completion of Items
The Construction Department takes responsibility for resolving any items listed on the Pre-Settlement Orientation Checklist. Under normal circumstances, you can expect all items to be resolved within ten (10) working days. You will be informed of any delays caused by back-ordered materials.

Preparation
Read the “Product Expectations and Warranty” chapter of this guide. Additionally, become familiar with the structural warranty provided by the Residential Warranty Corporation. If you have questions (about your home or the warranty coverage), please make note of them to bring up at the orientation. Your Field Manager has a complete understanding of the warranties and can answer any questions you may have.

Past experience has shown that the orientation is most beneficial when buyers are able to focus all of their attention on their new home and the information being presented. Although we appreciate that friends and relatives are anxious to see your new home, it would be best if they visit at another time. Similarly, we suggest that if possible, children and pets not accompany you at this time.

If a real estate agent has been involved with your purchase, he or she is not required to attend. If you choose to have your agent present, please ensure that they understand a specific agenda has been prepared for your orientation to ensure that all information is presented to you. Our representative will direct the orientation.

If you choose to employ a “home inspector” to conduct the orientation with you, we suggest that you obtain references from at least three prior customers. It is important for you to realize that the popularity of the home inspector grew due to the resale home market, where no inspections were necessary for the conveyance of the home, nor were any warranties in effect. In new construction, there are both warranties and county/city inspections along with internal inspections that ensure the integrity of your home. Should you decide to incur this expense, LifeStyle Builders will be happy to cooperate with your inspector to ensure that the home meets all applicable building code criteria and is built according to the contract, specifications, and standards contained in this guide. Please schedule this inspection with your Field Manager since your inspector must be licensed and approved by LifeStyle Builders. We prefer this inspection to occur prior to the actual Pre-Settlement Orientation.

You will be touring the exterior of your new home, so please wear comfortable clothing for the weather and shoes that can get dirty.

Future Service
Upon completion of any items listed on the Pre-Settlement Orientation Checklist, the responsibility of the Field Manager in your home ends and any new items that may arise will be handled by the Customer Care Team, according to the terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty Agreement.