It’s already February and I’m feeling behind on my project. Time seems to be flying by. I hope to get a quick update today, but we all know how that usually goes!

I’m happy to share that I made a homemade plat map for my building permit. Considering everything, I think it turned out pretty good. I also got some help with my electrical plans. Now I have a basic plan for the house and a one-line diagram for the solar system.

Unfortunately, I have not submitted my paperwork for both the building permit and financing. I am STILL waiting on final drawings from the engineering firm. When I press them I am told “they really underestimated the complexity of the foundation” and “they are doing their best to make sure it’s optimized”. All the while I continue to think.. “I really underestimated the cost of such a complex foundation”. I believe this week will be the week though!  Almost there! Other than that, I am trying to figure out the lumber/framing package. Surprise surprise, this is not a simple house to frame. There are a lot of walls that need extra reinforcement with a bunch of Simpson ties.  Trying to work through all that has also been intimidating. However, I am still determined to figure it all out!

And finally, the fun part. I went up to the land last weekend for a day and used the excavator to “plow my driveway.” Not a very efficient way to do it when you look at the cost of diesel. But it was fun… and that is what’s important right?! 

With all the snow up there this year I am thinking we probably won’t get to start the foundation as soon as I wanted to. Which is probably a good thing since it will give me more time to get plans in place. So looking at the whole picture I don’t think we are delayed yet. I think we are still on track to start as soon as the conditions will allow. It is not happening as fast as I want it to.. but then again, for an impatient person like me, life never does 🙂

Until next time,

Mark