update?

I've been pretty silent lately, because there's hasn't been much of anything to update on.  Until now!


We finally did hear back from our builder.  He was working on getting quotes from all the various sub-contractors.  We have a rough estimate, and it's high.  It was less than the first estimate we got, but still more than we had imagined.

We've been talking about it a lot since then, and we know that price we were first given will likely go up a little more.  The builder did put in allowances for cabinets, flooring, etc.  We are going to keep everything in perspective, and stray away from hardwood floors and granite countertops, but we know there are some places that we will want upgrades. 

It's time to decide what this dream is worth.  Yes, it's more than we imagined.  But, it's our forever home.  We're under 30 (not for much longer, but still...haha), and we have plans drafted for our retirement home.  It's something most people our age won't have for years to come.  We'll never have to deal with realtors, or selling, or major renovations.  This is it.  So, we're going to try to make it work.

Last week we dropped off the preliminary plans and estimate with the bank.  The construction loan process has expanded quite a bit, and there are a few additional steps that need to be taken before we are officially approved.  The process can take up to 6 weeks!  The good news is, it's a relatively short build, and the outside of the house will be completed in about 2 months.  The plan is to get started as soon as possible, and beat the snow!  We'll be finishing the inside in snow, but it's not unheard of. 

Otherwise, the lot is looking great.  There's been some logging taking place on the property for a while now, so it was easy to clear out a few more trees.  It really looks beautiful!

You'll have to imagine looking toward the garage.  This is the view from the very start of the driveway.  We'll turn to the right, and then head left after the lone tree.  We wanted to try to keep that tree if at all possible.  It'll be located just to the left of the driveway, near the garage entrance.   If you think you can see a large pile of branches, and various tree parts, you're right!  This entire area was once heavily covered in trees.  The twin trees that will end up on the back left of the garage are a memorial to R's grandparents.  This was once their land, and we are incredibly lucky to call it ours, now.  These two trees are very special and I love how they're much easier to see with everything around cleared out.  They're really a focal point now!