If I knew then what I know now...

For those of you who are looking to build your own home, here are a few things I would have done differently had I known then what I know now...




Before

After

1. Take more time evaluating the options for everything. From countertops to flooring, to options on rooms, fireplaces, etc. I would have visited more homes built by our builder as well as others to get more ideas about the various options available and made a few, minor, changes to my decisions.

2. If you are on a well and septic system and responsible for install I would plan for installation much earlier. Our lack of earlier planning probably delayed completion by a couple of weeks. Totally our own fault, but we just didn't know everything there was to know.

3. Evaluate all your options for hardscape, steps and decks. Fortunately our initial concrete contractor was delayed in providing concrete and we went with a different supplier. I say fortunately because had he been on schedule we would not have ended up with the great front porch deck and steps. I am so much happier with the decking than I would have been with more concrete. I can't wait to enjoy a glass of wine or fresh cup of coffee on the front porch and just listen to the nature that surrounds us.

4. Financial planning - fortunately a few people I talked to before starting the process said to plan for about $20,000 more than all the bids and estimates. This was great advise and allowed for greater peace of mind as we came into the homestretch and made some changes that we couldn't have done otherwise.

5. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Keep the lines of communication open with the builder and all other contractors on your project. Stay on top of everything and return calls promptly.

6. Probably the greatest piece of advise I can give is to find local suppliers/contractors for your "owner-to-do's". We had an awesome excavator who did our excavation, roadway to the driveway, cleared the majority of our five acres and completed the DEQ and septic system. He was a tremendous resource and was on top of every aspect of our project.

7. ENJOY! Get through the building process and enjoy your new home. I know we will!

Stay tuned for future additions to my blog. As we look to add a shop/barn and start working on our landscaping and gardens. More to come...

Movin In!

Well it's complete. We have our final permits signed off and everything is ready to go. The final few weeks (maybe it was two-months), seemed to drag on. Unfortunately, our first concrete supplier was unable to get to our steps and patio, which delayed getting our final permit. We contracted with a new supplier but were delayed about a week due to the weather. At last, concrete was poured and the front porch was completed. We are now moving in and are looking forward to celebrating the major upcoming holidays in our new home.

the HOME stretch

Well, we are getting close. We completed the interior painting in mid-August. The finish package arrived within days of completing the paint work and the finish team completed the task. Now we are down to just a few fixes, exterior paint and steps/cement work for the exterior. Looking forward to getting our certificate of occupancy so we can move in and settle down.

Great Room

Kitchen Area
 

Bedroom

Master Bath

Hall entry to the bedrooms

Mud Room & Laundry

Kitchen & Pantry

The outside is nearly done!

The siding is up, windows and doors in. We have finalized our paint colors and will be painting soon. In the process of finalizing designs for the walkways and steps, then getting the work scheduled.



Back Patio



Front Entry - Can't wait to paint the door!

 

Garage door in - another painting project on the list.

Shakes and dentil work complete.

Looking like a house

Well there has been a lot of activity at the house this week. We now have a roof, windows installed, doors delivered and HVAC started. Clatsop County has been to visit and approved all the work, so far, and we should start to see siding very soon. Time to finalize the well and where we will trench to the house, as well as start the septic connection. Won't be long before we are painting prior to delivery of our finish package. Things are moving along nicely!

Rollin, rollin, rollin...

Everyday something new is happening at the building site. We now have walls framed in, roof base and rain gutters. We are really rolling along...

Back of the house and patio cover


House front with covered porch.
 

The real fun begins...

Wow, once the builder gets started they really move... In just a few short weeks we have floor joists, framing, walls, porch and patio posts, and roof trusses. It's beginning to look a lot like a house, can't wait to see it turn into a home.

 

 

 

 

It's important to have a good foundation...

A good home requires a good foundation... ours was formed and poured in May. Looking forward to the progress... 125 days or less.

Getting our ducks in a row...

The process to reach the building phase is quite an interesting and arduous one. With all the bids in hand and construction financing in place, there are still many things to do. Thank goodness our builder, Adair Homes, is a true pro at this. They've been in business for over 40 years and really help each step of the way. February was spent coordinating paperwork with our excavator, DEQ (septic), Lewis & Clark Fire, water quality board, etc. Once that was done, our team at Adair provided us with all the necessary permit applications and packet.

Clatsop County Oregon is awesome! The building department has been terrific at explaining everything and signing off all of our documents. They are tremendously helpful and very quick to respond.

Our excavator, Robert Martens Excavation, is amazing! Robert & Nate have provided solid advise and done a terrific job getting the land ready to build. Here we are with the footprint of the house excavated and clearing started on the rest of the 5 acres. The trench and conduit for the electric and cable completed along the drive, too. (April 27th, 2013)

Landing The Land

Well, I finally bought something that will last a lifetime. Land!

In July 2012 I started looking for a home to invest in for retirement. After looking at properties with a little land, 1 to 5 acres, and old buildings, I decided to look for land and build my own home. In August 2012, I knew what property I wanted and talked to a home builder, Adair Homes of Southern Washington.

The land is a great little 5+ acre spot off the Lewis and Clark River in Clatsop County, Oregon. A gentle inclining piece of property with a bubbling creek running along the back property line, surrounded by lovely Oregon trees... my own little piece of heaven. Oh yeah, and my daughter and son-in-law can live there too.

So in November 2012 I made the offer and after picking the house I wanted to build and getting through all the financial paperwork, the land was mine on January 30th, 2013. Woohoo! Pop the champagne cork and let's celebrate.