I know it's been a while since I last posted anything, but it’s only because there hasn't really been anything to post. We broke ground and then stalled as we waited for the money to come. I think we are on the precipice of some fast paced building, but we’re waiting on the cold to break so we can get going. Our lovely county has just recently increased the minimum temperature for pouring concrete, so we’ve had to wait for this cold weather to pass. I’m told our county is difficult to work with when it comes to meeting building codes and such, but I think this is one area where I’m not too bummed about their new requirements. I’d like to make sure our concrete is set perfectly too, so no whining on that front!
I will, however, whine about the stupid basement issue we’ve come across. The most tucked away room in the basement has a closet attached to it. The county says that since there is a closet, we have to have an egress window. So we either take out the window or add a window below grade that has a ridiculous 5 foot window well that no one will actually be able to use as an egress. This, of course, will cost more money. But I really can’t stand to lose that closet on the room since it’s going to be my office. Ugh. So we’ll put the window in. Thankfully, my builder is a thinker and suggested an alternative that won’t be quite as ugly or hazardous as a 5 foot hole in the ground next to the house. We’ll pull some soil away and do a retaining wall on that side of the house, which will cost about the same as the expensive window well. At least it will look better. But when you start coupling that added cost with the other added costs I’m sure we’ll have I start to stress about meeting the budget. I am determined to make it work though.
Casey tells me that the foundation footings are in place though so maybe I’ll head out to the site today and snap some pics. Maybe. I’m not too certain that it will be a very noticeable change, so I might not post pictures of it. Foundation? Sure, pictures will be posted, but footings are not overly exciting.
There are other notable events though…we closed on the construction loan and obtained an address for the new house. I won’t be posting the address online, but if you want it for future reference just shoot me an email.
Have a great Christmas everyone!
