Our New Build

[maudefindlay]

Thought it would be fun to share our new build progress and might be helpful to anyone considering the same.

We'd been casually looking for a house on more land or land to build on for several years. This past spring we kicked it into higher gear and found land we loved. We researched and found a custom builder shortly after. Since we paid cash for the land it only took about 10 days from pending till sold. There was a real estate agent for the land, we did not use one ourselves. We closed in early August. We started working on house plans in June and started getting rough plans in July. It's November and framing will start in the next 2 weeks weather dependent and we are still finalizing details, our builder is very go with the flow and fine with that. Below are photos of the digging which began Nov. 4th, grading, and pouring of concrete walls for the basement which they just took the forms off yesterday. The basement will be finished and walls drywallwed after framing. This coming week a plumber will come to do the rough in stuff in the basement and they will pour the basement floor.

We do not have layout yet for kitchen or primary bath. Our builder suggested we wait till framing starts to finalize that. We have a general idea, but I like that we can still move things around once we see the actual space.

We have chosen exterior stone, shingle shake, and concrete board siding, windows, roof (shingle on main roof and a metal roof on front porch and on the roof over the back deck), and front door. Currently picking out flooring, cabinets, tile for showers and bathroom floors, and backslash, and also working on the built ins we want. Right now they predict drywall to be done late January.

[simpsongal]

Wow! Thank you for sharing - how beautiful to be so close to the lake!

I could see it being helpful to spec out a space when you see the framing. I found that to be one of the most difficult parts of designing my kitchen and bath - kitchen esp since it was an addition.

[maudefindlay]

When the excavation crew was there I asked if they could knock down any dead trees they saw and they did, so that was nice to have taken care of already.

[maudefindlay]

Thanks simpsongal there is lake on our other side too. We own pretty far back into the woods and what is behind that is owned by the community hoa. They have a path way back there that we cannot see that they use to access the lake when doing any treatments so we've been told no one will ever be building back there in sight, will see. Our builder suggested we discuss purchasing the little bit of land that would give us lake access/spot for a dock with the hoa. Will see. Our basement will be a walkout and we plan to eventually add a pool down there. Not sure we need lake access too. We do have a bathroom planned in the basement that is right by an exterior door so no wet people running thru the house, so we are set up for it.

[nicolewi]

Wow, exciting! Looks like a gorgeous spot!

And I would TOTALLY look into trying to purchase access if possible, pending the price obviously. I wouldn't pass up that opportunity as it might not always be available and might be great to have down the line. Unless you really think you'd never use it.

[k3am]

How fun! That's a beautiful location, totally see why you picked it.

[deadwing]

Great location!

The photos confused me at first - I've never seen a basement so full of, uh, dirt and grass. The it occurred to me you must live in an area that doesn't have basements.

[maudefindlay]

Nov 23, 2024 7:14:42 GMT -5 deadwing said:

Great location!

The photos confused me at first - I've never seen a basement so full of, uh, dirt and grass. The it occurred to me you must live in an area that doesn't have basements.

We will have a walkout basement. That dirt/grass section is the side entry garage. I could have described photos to help. It always takes me a minute when we go to the lot to orient myself. The last photo shows the basement which is beyond the garage.

[maudefindlay]

I don't always get photos of the basement or from that perspective if workers are there and/or if I forgot my old shoes as it's pretty muddy to get to that side.

[mrsukyankee]

How wonderful! I look forward to seeing the progress over the next few months.

[kellady]

Exciting! Looking forward to updates so I can live vicariously through you.

[libbygrl109]

So exciting! Can't wait for the updates. I love seeing how projects transition from beginning to end.

[aspentosh]

Lovely! My dream home is on a forested piece of land with access to a lake (lakefront would be ideal, but obviously more expensive). So I am super jealous! Can't wait to follow the progress.

[maudefindlay]

Last week the plumbers did the rough in for the basement (full bath and kitchenette). The forms and moisture barrier were also laid.

This week will be pouring the basement floor (temperature allowing as it's freezing here) and then beginning framing.

[heygrey]

I feel like this is moving really fast! I'm sure it's just my perspective from the other side of the internet. I love seeing the progress.

[lavenderblue]

This is so cool. What a beautiful piece of land. Thank you so much for sharing and I can't wait to follow along with your progress.

[darby]

Yay!!! It’s really starting to take shape!

[maudefindlay]

This past week the basement floor was poured and framing on the basement began. We also met with the builders and got timelines on when we need to have flooring, cabinets, counter tops, backsplashes, interior doors, and faucets/knobs/pulls chosen.

[k3am]

That looks huge! It’s coming along so fast.

[cmeon]

Such a pretty location! Do you have a digital copy of the floorplan you can share? I love looking at floorplans and they help me make sense of building photos.

[maudefindlay]

Here are the floor plans.

[cmeon]

Thanks- what a great plan! It really seems perfect for your family. ❤️

[maudefindlay]

The basement is mostly framed, the staircase is maybe the only part left for that piece. Framing on the first floor is well underway and we do have a staircase to the 2nd floor. That is a photo of DS1 standing where his upstairs bedroom will be located. Our primary bedroom will be partially below his room. The second photo is standing in our entryway (half bath and coat closet on the right and an office to the left, then living room ahead with kitchen and an eat in area on the left). The next photos are of the progress from this past week. I meet with builders Monday to finalize built ins. Also decided what to do with the one post that we will have to have just beyond the entryway on the left.

[mrsukyankee]

It's going so well!

[maudefindlay]

This week it was continuing to frame the 2nd floor and trusses.

[mrsukyankee]

Wow. It's really taking shape. Lovely!

[maudefindlay]

I am not able to get out to our new build since the accident and will likely only get to see it when DH drives me by as I'm in a brace and non-weight bearing another 5 weeks. DH has gone out with the kids and taken photos and will continue to do so.

This week DH will do the walk thru with the electrician, I might join via facetime. We also will receive the initial plans for kitchen cabinet and island layout.

The roof shingles are on though you cannot really tell yet due to the snow. They also started installing windows, they are a dark bronze. They are not all installed (in front for instance there is still one more window to be placed). They also have not added the window grids, just 2 strips on the upper part of the window. 2 deck/patio doors were also installed. The stairs to the basement are also in now too.[/IMG]

[k3am]

It looks like a house!

Sorry to hear about your injuries, hope you’re feeling better soon.

[expatjen]

Wonderful progress! Your property looks like a dream... what a great place to call home

[ellipses84]

I’m just catching up on all the progress. What a beautiful property to build your dream home! It’s going to be amazing when it’s done!