August 2010 Building Contest

[AriaGirl77]

Hi, George and Celia here, we got married about a month ago and last week we just found out that Celia is pregnant! The doctors say it is going to be a boy!  We currently live in a small one bedroom apartment and we have about $30,000 to buy a new house (with help from our parents!).  Since we do plan to have several children we may need several bedrooms, with potential to extend.  I am a self-employed gardener and need a decent sized garden, but we also need room for the kids to play outside.  In fact, we all enjoy spending time together outdoors, so any extras outside would be great!  Celia is working as a teacher so needs to be close to a school, she can transfer to another town if we like the house.  We like a country feel of a house but with all the modern conveniences, my favorite color is Blue and Celia's is Aqua. I'm also a decent chef and like to cook, we both donate to charity and are very close to our families.

Thank you, Samoht04 for writing this month's Contest story!  If anyone has suggestions for future contests, please send me a private message.

Job Requirements:

Build George and Celia the perfect starting home within their budget of $30,000.  It needs a minimum of two bedrooms and a nursery, a kitchen that includes a food processor and a trash compactor, and a garden.  The smallest lot that you may build on is 30x30.  They've mentioned some style and color preferences, but how you decide to incorporate them into your design is up to you.

Procedure:

Once you have completed their home please upload it to the Sims 3 Exchange.  For instructions on how to upload to the Sims 3 Exchange, click here.  In the Lot Description on the Exchange you must mention that it is an entry for a building contest on Carl & Pam's Sims 3 Forum.  Then return here to submit your entry.  You may include up to 5 single images of your house.  Please use the photobucket instructions for uploading images rather than the in-house image uploader.  We'll be able to see the full size image with Photobucket (or another hosting service) where as the in-house service only provides thumbnails that have to be clicked.  In addition, you must include the following information:

1. Name of your house
2. Link to your house on the Exchange
3. Lot size
4. Items used from The Sims 3 Store
5. Description of the house

Rules:

1. Players must go into Edit Town and build on a vacant lot, making sure the final value of the lot does not exceed the requirements of the contest before you exit Edit Town mode.  If you see what appears to be a decrease in value at any point, it isn't.  We've discovered that sometimes in build/buy mode you can be over-charged for rearranging certain items.  So if you get back into Edit Town mode and see that your house is less expensive than you thought you are more than welcome to go back into it and add more features.
2. No discussion is allowed on the submission thread until voting is complete.  Any posts for anything other than submission of a house to be judged will be deleted.
3. The use of mods or third party custom content is strictly prohibited.
4. Expansion Pack items & free items from The Store are allowed.  Please make note of any such items on the entry form.
5. The "moveobjects on" cheat is allowed, but no others.

Judging:

Contestants will have until August 31st, 2010 at midnight local time to submit entries.  At that point a poll will be posted and everyone will have the opportunity to vote on which 3 houses they think are best.  Voting will be locked on September 10th, 2010, after which the winner will be determined.  Homes that do not meet the basic requirements outlined under Job Requirements will be automatically disqualified.

Downloading and rating other contestants' work on The Sims 3 Exchange isn't mandatory, but it is encouraged. 

[AriaGirl77]

There's been a bit of a hiccup with the contest that is going to require a bit of tweeking.  So I am going to lock the thread temporarily until we're able to get it worked out.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Aria

UPDATE:  We've discovered why some people are seeing what appears to be a decrease in value upon entering Edit Town mode.  It's simply a refund of over-charging for counters and cabinets.  If you would like to read all the details about it CLICK HERE.

There will be no changes to the rules regarding this, so I'm unlocking the thread.  All submissions are welcome at this time.

[Joria]

Does the house need to be furnished?  I'm assuming since they already have an apartment they have basics like a bed etc. so all we'd need to do is furnish a kitchen?  Also, should we furnish the nursery or allow the new parents that privilege?

[samoht04]

You should furnish the entire house, it may be an Idea to put the basics in anyway even if they would have them. We can just assume they were renting everything in the apartment for now. The Nursery should be done but you do not have to be to fussy on the colours just layout and furniture. 

[Joria]

Mmm, maybe.  But I think their bedroom furniture would be their own.  I certainly wouldn't want to sleep on a rented bed, and since mom and dad are helping them out with the house purchase, I betcha they also chipped in on br furniture, or let them take what they had slept in when a kid at home.

[AriaGirl77]

The house needs to be fully furnished, just like the house for last month's contest.  Under requirements it says that there needs to be a minimum of two bedrooms and a nursery, that would include any furniture that you would find in any normal bedroom or nursery.  In other words, it cannot be a bedroom if there is no where to sleep.

[Joria]

Ok.  Thanks for the clarification.

[Twinmum]

My Dear Celia,
                       I was so happy to hear news of your impending family. I told Jerry and he agrees that it’s wonderful news. That got us talking about how we miss you guys since we moved here to Riverview and was wondering if you two have considered moving. Riverview is such a great place to live, the people are friendly and the air is so clean! I'm sure you would have no trouble transferring to the local school if you want to continue teaching.
Anyway, I was in town today and passed by the real estate and saw the perfect house for you guys if you decided to move here. It’s a great little house with 3 bedrooms (one of them is still decorated as a nursery)  Most of the furnishings could probably do with a revamp, but the kitchen has just been redone with some modern touches.
There is also a basement and an attic which would be great if you decide to have more kids (wink wink) currently the basement just has a dirt floor, but with a bit of flooring, some paint and internal walls, well the possibilities are endless. Oh and there is a huge area for a garden out the back, I know George likes his garden.
So think about it, we really would love to be close to you guys again.

Your dear friend Abby











Name: Denny
Block size: 30 x 40
Price: 29,869
Exchange location http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=2898517
Store items: no store items, but does contain items from Ambitions


Norma

[MomOfMany]

Dear George & Celia,
         Congratulations on the addition to your family as well as the new home you will be purchasing soon. What an exciting time in your lives! I would love to help by showing you this home that was newly built with your family in mind. This lovely home offers all the features necessary for the good life. Inside, the entry opens onto the great room. The bay-windowed breakfast room opens to the kitchen. An eating bar separates the areas and provides additional dining space.  An owners suite, two family bedrooms and a full bath complete the plan. It has been fully decorated to match your tastes. Along with an outside eating area, play area, and most importantly a garden! There is plenty of room to add stairs in the great room to expand up/down or both! This home is price at $29,975 and located in Twinbrook on 17 Sweetwater Loop within walking distance to the local school and garden as well! Please call at your earliest convenience to set up a showing!

With pleasure,
Mom of Many











Name: The Frankie
Link: http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=2910277#
Lot size: 30x30
Store Items: none
Price: $29,975
Description: 3 bed room, 2 bath, kid ready home

[TommyT]

Hi there Celia and George, thanks for contacting me.  First off, congratulations on the new addition to the family!  I think I've found the perfect home for your needs, it's a country-style log cabin that is mid-size and within your budget.  This house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a fireplace, covered decks in front and back, and a large backyard complete with a trellised garden and small pond.  I know George loves to garden and you both enjoy the outdoors so I feel this lot is a good fit for you both.  This house also has a country kitchen with ample counter space and a cutaway serving station into the living room so George can display his culinary prowess.  The original owners built it as a summer vacation home, which means you have lots of room to expand and personalize once you get settled in.

Hope you like it!
TommyT Real-a-T











1. Country Cabin 2Br 2Ba $30,000
2. http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=2956343
3. 30x30
4. Items from base game, WA, HELS, and AMB

[curlybennett]

Dear George and Celia

We recently heard of your need for a family home, from our Sunset Valley store, and we would like to give you a tour of the Modern Family cottage, here, in Riverview. It used to be the home of one of the farmer's unmarried sons, but has been renovated to become a family home. We noticed that your favourite colours were aqua and blue, and this is great news as those colours are predominant in this home. The exterior of the house is classically beautiful; however, this has not held back the style of the interior, which has modern furnishings and decor. This house is perfect for your family needs, with two bedrooms and a nursery, which could easily be converted into another bedroom, or a study, if needed. The great room is well furnished with a lounge area, and a spacious kitchen with adjoining dining area.

The beauty of this home is not only on the inside, but shown to the world, on the outside, as well. In front of the house there is a carport, a sandpit with a slide for the kids to play in, and plenty of flowerbeds. To the rear there is a large deck, a spacious patio with picnic table, and a large garden, which could easily be expanded. There are also plenty of flowerbeds at the back. Also down a short trail, there is a large fishing pond (there are safety fences to prevent the children visiting the pond without supervision, to prevent an accident).

This darling house has lots of room for expansion, as your family grows, and is a short walk from the school and only a short drive from the town centre. This house is also within you budget at 29,975, a steal for such a lovely house.

We have enclosed some photos and a plan of the house and gardens, for your viewing.


The front of the house


The rear garden


The kitchen and dining area


The lounge area


The plan

If you are interested we have a more detailed, virtual tour of the house, on our website(http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=2943213).

If you would like to tour the house yourselves, give us a ring, and then head to the house, at 750 Old Farm Road.

Looking forward to your correspondance
Bennett's House Base, Riverview

Name: Modern Family Cottage
Price: 29,975
Link: see above
Lot size: 30 x 40

[curlybennett]

Sorry, I forgot to say that I didn't use any store content.

[Lilygirl]

To George and Celia.

First of all, congratulations on your growing family!

We here at Yellow Lily Realty have been searching for that perfect home that meets all the requirements on your needs list, and includes a few from your wish list. In Twinbrook, we found the Sunshine Cottage, listed at 29,975. This 2 bedroom + nursery, 2.5 bath, multi-level country home has a wide wrap-around porch that invites everyone to sit and relax after a days work. The back yard includes a large garden that can be easily expanded to George's delight, a fire pit with chairs for those clear summer evenings, and a Magnolia tree providing shade for a slide that will have any child entertained for hours. The flower beds that follow the porch add charm and can easily be added to with George's talent for growing plants.





The bright front door enters into a foyer that leads into the dining/kitchen area to the left and the living area to the right. The granite counter tops and wood cabinetry in the kitchen are beautiful against the blues in the wallpaper. The living area includes a bookcase for those quiet evenings before the baby arrives and leads into the half-bath behind the stairs and a future laundry room.





Following the beautiful wood staircase upwards you will find a landing just the right size for a child's activities, or a study area. The master bedroom is an ensuite with it's own full bath. The nursery, just down the hall, comes with a crib and toy box. The second upstairs bathroom means you will not need to share your bathroom with your son as he grows up, and any other child should your family continue to grow. The second bedroom is across the landing, providing privacy for the child(ren) growing up there or any guest spending the night. As you can see from the pictures, the second bedroom is large enough to sleep 2 children comfortably with room to play.



If you are interested in seeing more of this house please contact me at YLR and we can set up a viewing at your convenience.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Lilygirl, Realtor, YLR

Name: Sunshine Cottage, 2 brm+nursery, 2.5 bath
Price: 29,975
Lot Size: 35x25
Link: http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3012043
Items: Includes WA, HELS, Ambitions; nothing from the Store

[AriaGirl77]

This contest is officially closed, I will be posting up a poll so people can vote on the winners shortly. 

Much thanks to those who participated this month, it was much more difficult than I intended it to be!

[Metropolis Man]

This contest is officially closed, I will be posting up a poll so people can vote on the winners shortly.

Contestants will have until August 31st, 2010 at midnight local time to submit entries.

Though it's highly unlikely you'd receive last minute entries, you never know. I've received a couple 11th hour posts in the Tournament, so I just wanted to point out your statement above. I'd hate for someone to think that they had until tonight to post only to find out that the contest was closed a little early.

[AriaGirl77]

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry.  I have been thinking it's September 1st ALL day!  Dang it!

I'm unlocking the thread, and I'm gonna shut down the poll.  My sincere apologies to anyone who intends to submit a house!

[samoht04]

I think you should also state which Midnight you mean? UK/Dutch/USA/AUS etc. But I have to say well done to everyone that managed to stay in budget, I was not one of those! 

[Metropolis Man]

I think you should also state which Midnight you mean? UK/Dutch/USA/AUS etc.

Aria's quite clear with the word "local" in the rule.

[Seriphina]

*Beep*
Hi George and Celia, I just wanted to touch base with you about a property that just came on the market.  I sent you an email when you get a chance to look it over, I think it's just what you were looking for.
*End of messages*

RE: Your new home
I'm so excited this house became available.  It's two bedrooms and the master bedroom has an en-suite nursery that's just perfect with you expecting already.  The previous owner never finished the basement, so there's plenty of potential there, as well as a good amount of open land should you want to have an addition built on down the road.  For me, it was the kitchen that really caught my attention for you Celia, since you mentioned how much you love Aqua and the cute country details all over the house made it almost like this house was made just for you two.  Oh, and since the main factor in all real estate transactions is Location, Location, Location, I thought I may mention that you can literally walk to work from there, Celia.  I attached some photos, but please let me know when would be convenient for you to view the place together.
Sincerely,
Dottie


This adorable front porch really grabbed my attention from the start.  I can just imagine a rocking chair out there!

Yes, that's the school you're seeing in the background.  There's a wonderful playset back here as the little one gets older, and as you can see theres already a space carved out for a garden.  The little pond in the backyard is ideal for getting natural fertilizers, though it would need to be stocked.

As you can see the first floor is very spacious.  There's a lovely open living room with a small office area just perfect for you to grade papers in the evenings.  The eat in kitchen has an attached mudroom that could easily double as a laundry room.  Unfortunately the previous owner did take the washer and dryer with them. 

Upstairs you can see the bathroom is quite spacious, as are both bedrooms.  The hall itself is open enough to create a nice seating area or really whatever your family may need.  On a side note, the nursery was done up for a girl, so I took the liberty of having a designer come in to change over the nursery.



Name: Dottie
Address: 67 Water Lily Lane, Sunset Valley
Lot Size: 30x30 acres
Market Price: $30,000
Description: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Nursery, Living Room, Eat-in Kitchen, Unfinished Basement, Mudroom
Download: http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3030899

[Seriphina]

Oops I forgot to put that I just have the expansions and stuff packs. No downloads.   

[Seriphina]

Okay weird, but I'm pretty sure the contest said it closes at midnight local time, and I still have 45 minutes, but on my post it says it's 1:15am?  I hope that doesn't make me disqualified    I had been searching for a building contest and just found this one this morning.

[samoht04]

Aria's quite clear with the word "local" in the rule.

What does 'local' mean? Local to where? I am not very good with time differences... 

[Seriphina]

I would think it means local for the participant.  So if you're east coast in the US, it would be Eastern Standard and so forth.

[samoht04]

Oh so when it's midnight in your country. 

[Pam]

Right.  It's based on your own local time.  You have until midnight on August 31 where you live to submit an entry.  If you don't make this one, don't worry.  September will have a contest, too.

[samoht04]

I didn't miss entering, I went well over budget  . I will try harder to Enter in September even with school starting up!  I wasn't sure if that was 12am USA or the time it was where you are.

[AriaGirl77]

Alrighty, this contest is officially closed.  Thank you to everyone who participated this month, I know it was a toughy!

I'll be posting a poll for voting shortly.