Suggestion: "BLOCKING" for flat screen TV

Today, representative from Guardian came to the site to mark the locations of our selections (Structural wiring/Flat screen rough-in/phone&TV cables).

He suggested that we could request PM to install "BLOCKING" - a piece of wood that goes across the studs - which would help flat-screen TV installation. Posting this as i am hearing this term the first time.

Google search revealed that this is more useful for cabinets. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blocking_(construction)

I called my PM - he said that blocking can be installed - i just need to let him know where the Flat screen should go.

Update:

Plumbing is half-way thru, Electrical connections in progress, bath-tubs have arrived.

Floor Plan & Selections

Our Selections:

• Brick Front with Porch
• Finished Basement - with walkout door to backyard
• Wooden Floor for Foyer, Powder Room, Dining and Kitchen
• Carpet for the rest of the house
• Gourmet Island with Granite counter-top in the Kitchen
• Fire-place in family room
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Kitchen Vent-Out
• Tray Ceiling in Master Bedroom
• Ceramic tiles in Master Bathroom
• Added extra bathroom (3 bathrooms on the upper level)
• Bay Window in Dining room
• Double window in one of the unfinished room in basement - we are planning to finish it next year as a 5th bedroom
• 3 piece rough-in in the basement - again - planning to finish it later to convert as 4th full bathroom
• Garage opener
• Recess lights in foyer, kitchen
• Chair railing and Crown Molding in the Foyer, Living, Dining room and the stairs
• Gas cook-top, Electric connection for washer/dryer

(we bought the house in a promotion - so we got free basement, fire-place, brick front and porch & 33% off on all other upgrades :-) )

Morning room extension was not possible as the local code does not allow for our site :-(..so we just got a 2 ft extension in dinette

Guardian Selections

• In-wall Speakers in family room (Kiplisch)
• Flat TV rough-in for family room (over the fireplace), Master bedroom (we decided to pull the cables from family room to study room and from master bedroom to closet - so the accessories would be accesses remotely using logitech remote)
• Security system (added 1 keypad & heat sensor) - negotiated for 6 month free services - but got a discount of $400 upfront - which is equivalent to 10 months of service
• Extra 110v points for Flat TV connection, Closet in Master bedroom for the cable box/dvd player (Note: The Guardian upgrades do not qualify for the 33% discount)

CTI

• Maple Cognac cabinets in Kitchen and bedrooms
• Gunstock hardwood for the main floor (except living & family)
• Tan Brown granite (went well with Maple Cognac cabinet and Gunstock floor)
• Upgraded Stainless steel appliances with double wall oven
• Kitchen Vent out - we are planning to buy range hood after we move in
• Upgraded carpet for rest of the house with 6lb padding (i shall upload pictures of the selections soon)

Current Status

• Loan approved (via NVR Mortgage - took 2 weeks for approval)
• Construction started today, settlement in mid of June
• Watching the mortgage rate fluctuations very closely - we wont be able to lock rate until mid of April
• Today we had pre-construction meeting with PM to go through all the options - they missed couple of items (like Ceiling fan rough-ins that we selected for all bedrooms & Chair Molding). Need to closely monitor during this meeting as we went through all upgrades in detail.

So far, I am happy with Ryan folks (Sales Rep, Loan department & PM) - they have been honest and guided us with all pros & cons of the selections. Guardian rep was also good - he wanted us to get the 3-yr security contract - but did not push for rest of the stuff. We were not that happy with CTI - they didn't provide with much selections - in fact the model house had more selections (in their basement) than the CTI showroom. But we are now happy with the selections.