We have a standing structure and it's getting shingled as I type! It is amazing how it all of a sudden went from looking like a blob to looking like a house. This has been quite a process, so far. I am trying to keep it all in perspective but I thought I would share some of the recent highs and lows.
1. The garage has been a low. I had NO IDEA it would be so huge. Ugh. I have fought the urge to consume myself with it because I can not change it. I am now planning the landscaping to help lessen the impact of it. I may create a courtyard between the end of the porch and the garage to square it off a bit.
2. I am so excited about our front door, I can hardly take it. I hope it's as pretty as I think it will be.
3. Appraisals are a pain. Our home appraised well enough to get us a traditional fixed mortgage (yay! - that is better than many of our friends who've had new construction appraisals fail them) but it didn't come without a draw back. We have to put quite a bit more money of our own into it. This is annoying. With small children, thinking about college and investments and all sorts of other things we would rather save for, this wasn't what we really wanted to do. But, it's life. And we are SO THANKFUL that we are able to put the extra investment into it and we will be fine. As we've gone through this process I've often thought of those families who get into home building and get in over their heads. It would certainly be easy to do.
4. The roof is looking good. It's dark, which will go with the black shutters and front door. Whew.
5. The geothermal system went in today! Everyone has told us it will be worth the added expense.
6. The windows will go in next week. I can't wait to see them.
7. Our contractor is building me one porch column so I can be sure it's the right proportion before we order all 10 of them. I know I want square columns but their width is up for debate.
8. Our soil is clay so we get to pay for some top soil so the sod will take well. (another expense:) And we also need a retaining wall. (no comment)
9. Our first bid on built ins for the living room was crazy expensive and I said no. So our builder is going to make them himself. I feel so much better knowing I'll get something nice without spending a fortune.
10. I am in the process of annoying our kitchen designer. I am making her redesign a few things for the third time. I am sure she is ready for me to never call again.
That's it for now but I should have more photos and updates soon.
xo, maria
It's beautiful, Maria! I'm pretty sure our kitchen designer hates me. But it's worth it. We are paying them a lot of money!!! :) I think the garage looks absolutely fine!
Posted by: Laura | February 02, 2012 at 08:39 PM
You might not like the garage now, but once the house is finished, all of that will be a distant memory- because what you will notice first and foremost is the gorgeous stone work, the beautiful doors and windows and the columns. I think that you will be very happy with the end result.
Posted by: Colleen | February 03, 2012 at 05:04 AM
The garage will be fine! once the house is finished and landscaped, everything will fall into place.
Posted by: Miss Mindless | February 06, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Oh, good luck with the huge garbage. On a lighter note, the house is looking swell. I can imagine how beautiful this place will be once it's all done. Keep the good job going!
Posted by: Anthony Blommel | February 24, 2012 at 09:57 AM