FAQ

When can I move it?

Units 504, 524 and 526 are complete and ready for you to move in. Units 506, 508, and 514 are completed the the ‘Vanilla Box’ stage. You can work with our design team to complete these units to your very own specifications. Our Buyer’s Service Plan contains detailed information about this process.

What if I want out after I've entered into the Option Contract?

No problem. We will deduct design fees for the hours spent with our design team and refund the remainder of your deposit. <Sample Option Contract>

What is covered with the Fit-Up Allowance?

Everything needed to complete your home. In fact, if you’d like, you can just ask our designers to finish your unit to the Allowance Spec as shown in Option A in each of our unit plans. You don’t even need to pick out the paint colors and the entire fit-up is covered, to the penny, with the Fit-Up Allowance. The Allowance Spec covers all floor surfaces using high-quality products (hardwoods, tile, nicer carpets, etc.), all interior millwork, cabinets, and countertops (solid woods, quartz or granite), all lighting and finish electrical, and all plumbing fixtures. You can review each of these selections with our design team to assure the high level of finish, or make substitutions and upgrades to the design. 

What if the fit-up costs are too high?

The Fit-Up Allowance we’ve established will cover 100% of the costs to complete your home using high-quality products and finishes. If your design has gone too far over budget, our design team will help you to rein it in. If you're still not comfortable going forward, you can exit the Option Contract as stated above.

What if I want to use my own design team?

No problem. The fees for our design team are included, but if you'd like to hire others, you may do so. Your designers would need to coordinate with our team to establish fit-up costs and construction schedules.

Can I choose my own contractor to complete the fit up?

No. Because the work must be coordinated across all the units, we’ll need to have a single contractor manage the fit-up of all units. And all units must be substantially complete before the city will issue a certificate of occupancy. We believe that you will discover the quotes and costs associated with our contractors are very competitive. That said, if you'd like to finish at a minimum level to obtain the certificate, and then, after closing on your new home, hire a contractor to do additional work, you may do so. Of course, there will be some restrictions set forth by the condo association bylaws, but it's your home.

Will I have access to the unit during the fit-up process?

Yes...and doing the initial construction too. Our design and construction teams have regular meetings on and off the site. We'll include you in some of these meetings. Additionally, there may be times that our designers will need your input on a specific matter that may be best served by a site visit. (And as soon as the roof is secure, we’re all going up to have the first of many roof-top gatherings.)

How long will the whole process take?

This is a tricky one. We expect that our design team will be able to work with you to create your interior in 30 to 60 days. From there, contractors will likely need another 60 to 90 days to finish the work. But remember, there are nine interior fit-ups. It’s hard to say when each one will be complete. earlier contracts will mean early design development and earlier start dates for your interior. As we move through the process, we’ll know more about timing. When you’re ready to convert your Option Contract into a Purchase Agreement, we’ll be ready to provide a specific move-in date.

How much are the HOA fees?

The Great Northern Block is a small, 9-unit condominium. To control costs, we intend to self-manage and to share many of the common expenses. HOA fees will vary depending on the level of services we select to share as a group. *Your HOA fees will cover the following ownership expenses:

  • Building Insurance Premium

  • RE Taxes to Cover Common Holdings

  • Building Maintenance

  • Snow Removal

  • Lawn and the Street-Level Planters

  • City Utilities

  • Garbage Collection

  • Common Area Utilities

  • Data/Internet - 1Gb included to all units. Wired to 20Gb/sec capacity

  • Interior Common Area Cleaning and Equipment Services

  • Top-Yard Common Area Cleaning, Maintenance, Upkeep, and Replacement

  • Exterior Cleaning - excluding windows

  • Security Operations - video system, door-lock maintenance, data fees, subscription fees

  • Professional Services

  • Fire Alarm Monitoring

  • Parking Garage Electricity – Car Charging

$450/month (estimate). This is less than you pay in a single-family dwelling. Remember, this includes, Water, Sewer, Garbage, Internet, Insurance, Snow/Yard as well as CAM.

Additional Fees

  • Major Repairs – Escrow developed by the HOA with fees TBD.

  • City Parking Ramp Rental - per garage assignment - $150 to $250/mo. depending on the size of the garage.

*pending the approval of elected board of directors of The Great Northern Block Home Owners Association.