Our CC and Poly points should load in the next two weeks- we are planning a trip for 8 adults- 3 year old and almost one year old- we 'could' stay in a 2BR- we really want to be together- and those are limited and prefer 3 bath-
We, the grandparents, will watch the littles while the adult kids get a break- so, properties geared to entertaining kids on site would be ideal. Any tips?
Scoured plans- modified a Frank Betz plan- paid cash for a 1/2 acre lot- under 35k- built it for under $200/sq ft when builders wanted $300-350. Financed less than half with community bank. Things I did myself:
Built temporary electric pole
Brush/vine cleanup- more than 100 trips to landfill
Stained all solid wood doors
Rockwool insulation install/spraygun foam insulation for cracks/gaps
Landscape design plan
Planted 150 perennials, shrubs, annuals, trees
Painted water blocking on foundation blocks (crawlspace)
Daily site cleanup and weekly sweep
Cabinet knobs, mirrors, bathroom hardware, & closer installs
Painted custom interior colors
Stained stair treads/handrails and finish
Hauled materials (tiles, lumber, trim, toilets, sinks)
Installed farm sink (so heavy)
Installed crawlspace door
Drywall repair and doorknobs installed
Blessed with amazing contractors- only ran into a couple I'd not recommend.
No injuries but several mishaps that kept it lively-
Boom truck delivering drywall- overloaded it and boom dropped over 40 boards which busted up on my porch and they filled my haulaway to the brim with the debris- damaged the entry subfloor and notched the newly installed door I hand finished🥹
Chimney flue installers got stuck at 36' up bc their lift ran out of gas- freezing temps and took an hour to get help- I was 2 hours away picking up metal roofing trim.
So, fared pretty well! Would I do it again- absolutely- but take more epsom salt baths. Feels great to be inside instead of loading up the truck with more haul.
Hi! Have 700 miles on it- used cruise control for the first time- on major 6 lane interstate. I was in the middle lane- no cars passing me and a car ahead of me over 10 car lengths ahead- my car brakes from a cruise of 70 to 55- it broke hard- no objects in the road. No car passing me or in front of me - what gives! Felt very uneasy using cruise control again.
First week in our Hybrid Highlander- after 12 Toyotas- just realizing this is our first AWD- even having owned a Tundra and Tacoma.
Not likely to drive on ice/snow- but do like camping and it's pretty sandy in these areas- will there ever be a need to use the trail button? My Dad who sold Toyotas/Lexus for over 40 years has warned me never to use it bc it can lock up your tires if used incorrectly-
Any experiences?
Thanks!!
Hi!
2021 Venza 70k miles (panoramic roof/heated seats/upgraded wheel set) and a 2026 Tacoma (just bought it while I was building our house) for trade ins- owe nothing on Venza- owe under 20k on Tacoma with under 10k miles. Tacoma has running boards and side view mirror alert- short bed-
We don't need the truck- but having both Truck and Venza- we think a 7 passenger Toyota would serve us better- see more road trips with grandkids in our next 20 years.
The Venza is great- but with 2 carseats in the middle- it really is a 4 seater.
Looking for a Hybrid- as we do like the Venza Hybrid-
Would you trade?
Best hope for % off MSRP? Must have panoramic and camera alert- our Venza comes with a recording device behind rear view mirror and camera as rear view mirror- are these available on Highlander?
Thanks!