Week 7.3: Rain, sleet, snow, ice pellets?!

The building crews are continuing to take advantage of our unusually balmy winter, although it sounds like they may be in for a big change tomorrow. The weather channel is actually forecasting "ice pellets" in Owatonna. We've heard of snow, rain, thunderstorms--but ice pellets?! We have a feeling our building crew will have wished they finished the roof--or that they employed the US Postal Service to build the house on those "not-so-pleasant" days.

Speaking of roofs, that is the next step. The trusses are all ready to go, so we should see the house start to take shape this upcoming week! Also, we're sure a few of your are wondering if we have a garage. Yes, we do--the red pickup and white trailer are "parked" in it it.

Week 7.2: There's no place like gnome

We meant to post a photo of our new addition earlier in the week, but wanted to get a photo of the house up first. We haven't figured out a name for him yet, possibly "Henry" or maybe "Henrik"--but Brandy hopes he'll protect her garden from all the little woodland creatures who may want to destroy it. Although the big "Welcome" sign he's holding may be a bit damning.

Week 7

A lot has happened in just a few days so we decided to post a photo of the progress.

Week 6

This week brought about many changes to the house. Instead of a big concrete fortress, we now have a home with nearly completed back filling and block. Things are moving along so swimmingly that the framing for the lower level and trusses are also done. We are positive this will only lead us to the proverbial "nothing is happening" week, but for now, we're not complaining!

Tonight we're meeting with Susan again to finish selecting brick, shingles, soffits, and other household items never thought about until you have to actually make a decision on them. We've seldom pondered the existence of doorknobs outside of using them as a means of exit or entrance--until now.

Alas, however, as Christmas draws near and we're busy giving thanks for the wonderful family and friends we're surrounded by, I guess you can say we're blessed that we get to decide if a white toilet is better than a beige one.

Merry Christmas!

Week 5

Say hello to our new foundation. The workers started on it yesterday and have continued through today. We're not really sure how long they'll be working on it, but it's nice to see a structure that could actually offer some sort of "protection from the elements"---unfortunately the dirt pile just didn't cut it!

Week 4.2: Houston, we have liftoff!

It was only yesterday we reported the city would be approving our permits, but we had no idea that the builder would be digging our hole today!

Earlier in the day we received a call from Susan telling us the builder planned to start construction on the property. When we stopped by our lot after work, we couldn't believe there were actually trucks, front loaders, people, and big piles of dirt all over the place. Finally after weeks of waiting, something is happening!

We decided to tromp around the lot, construction workers and all; which, by the way, is a strange feeling. Up to this point we've known this is our land and future home, but knowing it and seeing it are two different things. We walked right into the construction zone no questions asked and poked around, sizing up the house in relation to the lot. We're happy to report that thus far we've very pleased with what we saw!

In celebration of this first big step, we are posting a photo of our new "home". Enjoy!

Week 4

We found out today the city should approve our permits tomorrow! With any luck, the builder will have the basement dug by this weekend. Stay tuned for more details!