You know those pregnancy posts that you often see floating around Blogland? The ones that seem to occur weekly with the purpose of documenting and recording how mommies-to-be are feeling, what they are craving and what they are despising?
Well get ready because my husband and I are happy to announce that we are four weeks along in our home building process! Sneaky, sneaky. See what I did there?
Now that we are seven weeks into being nomads and four weeks (plus countless months of planning) into the home building process - I am going to start a new series here at 2 cats & chloe to document the construction of our new, custom-built, forever home. Depending on how the construction is going, I assume this will likely be a weekly or bi-weekly series. I would love to snap a weekly picture (just like the pregnancy posts) from the same spot of our front yard, every single week. Then, at the end of this journey, we would have a really cool progression of pictures!
CURRENT MOOD: Overwhelmed but trying to keep my cool. My mom is our realtor, my dad is our builder and we are currently living with Nana, taking my folks up on any free dinner they are willing to invite us to… however every single family dinner some how goes right back to window sizes and brick choices, while usually wrapping up with a stern “you cannot afford that, so move on.” Darn you pinterest!!
CURRENT CONTRACTORS ON SITE: Our plans spent the last three weeks with the city. On Friday our builder (my dad) posted our building permit on our lot. Today the footing is being dug! Hooray we are in business!
NUMBER OF JOB SITE VISITS: Once in the last 7 days.
WHAT SUZ THINKS: I really hope that even though we are on a tight budget we can keep the charm and southern flair in the plan that I have envisioned.
WHAT MICHAEL PROBABLY THINKS: We must pick only the most energy efficient products, contractors and methods in order to keep this house air tight and functioning the proper way…
WHAT OUR BUILDER (i.e. MY DAD) PROBABLY THINKS: There is not enough Jack Daniels in the world to get me through this project.
LATEST DECISION WE HAD TO MAKE: Brick choices. We drove out to a brick store and stared at a wall of bricks for about 30 minutes. Within five seconds I knew which one I wanted. It took Michael about 29 more minutes of pondering and mulling to finally say he couldn’t visualize it and that we could go with my choice.
(via Vermont Castings)
NEWEST FAVORITE MUST-HAVE HOUSE PRODUCT: After doing tons of research I really want to have a wood stove fireplace in our home. It is an item of contention as it is not cheap. But it is so stinkin’ adorable, adds tons of charm and will help heat the house when the power goes out. While this one from Lowes is looks great, I would really love a Vermont Castings because of the extra charm.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK: You have to bring your A-Game when it comes to spousal negotiations. It’s critical to carefully pick and choose when you want to be right and when something is really important and worth arguing for…
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Seeing the walls come up! And seeing our newly purchased bricks ready to hold up those walls!
I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO: Deciding on our siding color. I know what I like. He knows what he likes. With a few options to pick from, I’ve put the ball in his court for this one.
PREDICTED MOVE-IN DATE: I have been told February but I’m secretly hoping for an end-of-the-year closing. Four months should be enough time to build a house, right??
Pray for us! While all parties are extremely excited, this is also a very high-stress time. Pray for easy-going, yet timely contractors, and for easy-going and chill decision making along the way!
