I went back to check out Plan 2 but also revisited Plans 1 and 3. I was told that Plan 2 never had a leak or opened window, that it was shut only because they shampooed the carpet.
I didn't have a feeling that I couldn't trust what I was told. And this issue seems independent of whatever happened with Plan 3, which I didn't ask about. Anyway, I wouldn't have any hesitation with a Cal Pac home. It's not like I'm buying a KB Home or Lennar, in which case I'd be constantly worried before and after closing (I hope I don't get too many people upset).
I got to see the Plan 2 and I love it. I prefer the straight-ahead orientation of the Plan 2 kitchen island. I understand that the Plan 3 has the L shape to accommodate the dining area and the island usually faces the dining area off to the side. But I feel the Plan 3 island extends too far into the great room on its long axis. If only Cal Pac could utilize a more squarish island. Remember, Cal Pac is well known to use a small squarish island (when sink not on the island) for their homes under 2000 sq ft, thus creating more room in the dining and great room areas, a design element that maximizes space efficiency, something they are famous for.
Anyway, I really like the Plan 2 because the 1st floor is similar to that in the Plan 3 and I prefer its straight-ahead island configuration. In addition, I've never seen a 3rd-floor loft like the Plan 2Y's. This is the only 3rd-floor loft I've ever seen that you can see the interior of the loft from the 1st-floor entryway. Also, the 3rd-floor loft has like an A-frame "ski chalet" ceiling that makes it feel cozy and warm, especially with those wood cross beam accents (does that come standard?). The net effect is that the 3rd-floor loft feels and looks like an integrated part of the home. All other 3rd-floor lofts, from all those units across the Great Park to even 3500-5500 sq ft homes (Teresina by Shea in Lake Forest to even all those Toll Brothers homes in Altair), are isolated, cold, undistinctive, and tacked on.
When I went back to the Plan 3 again, it felt better. You get a regular 2nd-floor loft in place of a 3rd story, and that's always good in a conventional way. This time, I felt the kitchen island orientation didn't bother me that much. But I'll tell you, I love the kitchen and great room of the Plan 1, and I wish it had a 1st floor bdr.
Lastly, I want to say something that people who are experienced home lookers should already know: Cal Pac is known for their innovation. Every new Cal Pac community will probably have something that we haven't seen before, even when compared with previous Cal Pac communities. In past Cal Pac communities with homes at 2000 sq ft or smaller, that would be 20-ft ceilings with open-view overlooks from the 2nd floor, ultra space efficiency, and (unfortunately) the lack of coat closets. I have never seen a Cal Pac community with homes well over 2000 sq ft, so I was wondering in what way they would innovate beyond what we've already seen from them. As it turns out, it isn't just everything slightly larger. What I found is the innovation is in the entryways (styles usually found in 3000 plus sq ft homes), master bathrooms, and the most incredibly innovative and warm and awesome 3rd-floor loft I've ever seen (which was not by luck, if you know Cal Pac).
