December 22nd, 2007: These are the last shots before we broke ground, but after we had staked the house (you can't see the stakes in the photo). We went out and delivered treats to our soon-to-be neighbors. We wanted to give them our phone number in case there were any problems during construction. We knew it would be such an inconvenience for them to have all the big trucks and the mess, we figured if they at least had a way to reach us to discuss any issues, they might not hate us by the time we move in. :)
WEEK 1: We officially broke ground on December 26th, but we were in Kansas City, so we didn't get to see the first dig. We did get the lucky phone call informing us that we hit some rock (not that good of news)--but fortunately it was not a lot of rock. It wasn't even the pretty kind that we could landscape with. (The pile that is lighter in color is the rock!)
The pile to the right is all the top soil they could scrape off and put to the side for the septic system. These photos are all taken on January 1, 2008.
WEEK 2 & 3: We got a lucky break with some unusually warm January weather, so we really made some great progress. During these weeks we got footers, filled the basement with rock for under the foundation and got the basement walls up. It was exciting to be out there and see visible changes. I need to just keep a camera in the van, cause most days I drove by I didn't have it.
You can see the puddles around the foundation from the rain. It is so muddy, that I haven't been able to get to the back to get good photos from there. The cement guy was really nice and was very encouraging. He said we had the perfect time of year and weather to pour the foundation. Apparently, the cooler (but not too cold) weather helps the foundation to cure slowly instead of too fast with warm weather.
As for other progress, I met for the first time with a cabinet guy to start working on the interior! And, one of the neighbors we left treats for called (and seriously, my stomach clamped down, I was so worried about complaints or the new neighbors being mad), and she was SO nice. She just called to say thanks for the treats and see if we needed anything. She has a son Avery's age and said she is a stay at home mom and to just stop by anytime. It was so nice! The same day, Reed got a call from a realtor that we have done work with here named Matt. He was calling cause he had just seen our name on a neighborhood email and he lives in our new neighborhood too. Between these two, the families we met at swim team last summer and the family from church--we already know more families out there than we do in our current neighborhood. They are so friendly!
WEEK 4: Our luck ran out with the weather. It turned super cold. Too cold to move to the next step. It's time to pour the basement floor cement (underground plumbing is in) but we have to wait for it to warm up. Mark said these cold snaps only usually last a couple of weeks, then we should back on track. It's still supposed to be very cold here this week. We also closed on the construction loan this week.
10 comments:
Wow! It's really coming along. I remember so clearly when my parents built our house in Salem in 1989. Our old house was down the same street so we could walk through everyday. I loved seeing what changed daily.
Keep posting. I love it! Oh, and your lot is amazing. So much space. Love it!
I can't wait to come and visit and see it. We will find a time that will work for both of our families soon. Love you.
Your lot looks amazing.. how big is it? does it go all the way back to that fence?
I love to see the pictures of the progress.. keep posting them
m-
Looks to me like GREAT progress considering it's January! Congrats Heather - it's all super exciting! (Although sad that you're leaving our ward...)
This is so exciting for you guys. Can't wait till we get the chance. Oh well I will have to settle with just finishing our basement. (Which is in the works right now)
What fun for you. That was my favorite part--seeing the progress. It became our Sunday adventure after church. (and we would try not to go and see it before then so we could be suprised at how much they had done!)
Enjoy the adventure!
Seriously, that is some good progress. I'm excited to see the updates as well. Remember to love the process, it's daunting but you're creating your home, it's sooo much fun. :)
So fun to watch through you... can't wait for the open house!
It looks like it is really coming along. I hope that all goes well with it. Keep us updated on the progress.
So fun to see the progress! Can't wait to see it done... I am sure it will be beautiful!
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