A New Adventure - Building a House

Beginning House Plan

Richard and I have been considering moving to a new home, but the market just didn't seem right for what we wanted. We want to make smart choices and not get in over our heads. We have had the most amazing (low) mortgage and have been able to pay extra over the years. When Richard found out from a close friend and business partner about some great lots at a reduced rate, we decided to check it out.

Step 1: Purchase a Lot.

Well, it was an offer we couldn't refuse, so we purchased our new lot in July. Of course, we weren't ready to build yet. Richard is a smart business man. Although I tried to rush him into selling our house immediately, he did the smart thing and said, let's wait. I knew I better put on my patience hat. I am so blessed to have the home we currently live in, and I really do want to make sure we do the right thing in the right time.

Step 2: Draw up a House Plan

Well, I am super excited. Richard and I met with an architect on Friday. he was so nice and recommended by a friend. I had found a plan I really liked on the Internet. So that gave us a good starting point. I had several changes and had more fun than I thought I would drawing them out. On Friday, we discussed our plan and now it is in the hands of our architect. I can't wait to get the first draft back. Important Note: We aren't rushing into anything yet. We want to take the plan and cost it out to make sure we budget accordingly. You really need to take time to determine the cost per square foot before you get started building.

Step 3: Prepare your current house for selling.

I really recommend you have your current house sold before you start the building process. You don't want to get stuck with two house payments. At least we don't. We actually made that mistake in the past.

So, right now, we are beginning the "fix up" process. Paint and baseboard touch ups, landscaping improvements, decluttering, etc. Something we need to do anyway. The hard part however, is deciding what we need to keep and what could be given away or discarded. I am not a true hoarder, but I have a little trouble "letting go." I seem to have a special memory tied to every item in my house.

Step 4: Take pictures of things you like.

Some great advice I received was to drive around and take photo's of what you want in or on your house: bricks you like, doors you like, chimney's you like, landscaping you like, windows you like, driveways you like, etc...Our builder said a photo is the best way to explain exactly what you want to the craftsman doing your work. Builders sometimes use different terms for different styles, so a photo will helps you get what you want.

I was very hesitant to begin this new adventure with Richard. I do want to stay happily married :), but now that we have been taking it slow and a little at a time, i have begun to enjoy it. I am not creative in design, choosing all the different aspects of the house scares me, but I am starting to have fun. I look forward to the next Step of this process. I pray we will stay in God's will.

I look forward to sharing more our this adventure with you soon!