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Building a Home

We're on the cusp of our new build!

12 years ago

Hello everyone. I've been lurking here and at the kitchen forum for a couple of months in preparation for our new build in Maryland. We've got the property, we have the plans completed, and we've been waiting on our county offices to approve everything. We've had the property for over a year and our architectural plans for about that long, and we started the permit process in August. We have no idea what is taking them so long. We FINALLY got the grading permits about 10 days ago, and our building permits are due "any day now."

We are building a new house on a lot next to where my parents are building. We're both using the same custom builder, so at least we have company in our upcoming excitement, frustration, and nervousness.

Both houses are two story (plus basements) with garages and range around 5000sf. My parents' house is a pretty standard colonial, ours is more like a colonial / craftsman, I think. We drew our plans from scratch and an architect refined them. My parents bought a plan off the internet and the same architect modified it for them.

We're already having kitchen cabinet anxieties and flooring choice qualms. Oh, and picking the exterior stone & siding is also giving us heartburn. Guess we should get used to that, huh?

Can't wait for the day we break ground and I can start posting in the "It's MONTH, how's your build progressing?" thread!

Thanks for listening.

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Comments (7)

mklee01
12 years ago
I thought that I'd share in your excitement. My husband and I are at almost the exact same point with our new build as you are. I just drove by our lot. The existing house was demo'd 2 days ago and they started grading today. We bought our lot a year ago and have been in the permitting process since October.... Seems like an eternity doesn't it? I am so excited to begin work. So here's a great big hooray for projects getting under way. Good luck with your new build!
flgargoyle
12 years ago
I'm getting to the same point myself! We should be moving earth around soon, but need to build a barn before the house, so I expect to start on the house itself this summer. As 'host' of 'How is your build progressing?' I can't wait to see your projects! Remember to take lots of pictures.
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Well, of course you want to take your rocks with you! This is a hypothetical dilemma we have debated many times. We are not intending to ever move, but the thought of what would happen to all of the rocks we worked so hard to get here is devastating if we were forced to leave. (I was born here and the land's been in the family for over 100 years, hopefully they'll take me out horizontally) I can completely understand your sorrow over leaving your rocks behind. Do you have any idea of the approximate distance the rocks would have to transported? (i.e. will you be in the same state?) There may be some quarry related trucking companies in your area who will haul them for you; we hired a semi 'rock truck' last November to bring in our last 120 tons of flatrock from the nearby quarry for $60 an hour. Hauling cost for the six loads was $300, however the quarry was only eight miles away. Due to the sizes of the stones involved in our project, we were not able to hire a 'normal' dump truck, as huge rocks are hard on the boxes of the dump truck and their owners don't like holes punched thru them when the rocks are loaded. Rock trucks have rounded reinforced beds much better able to withstand the abuse of hauling the truly big stuff. There are also flatbed semis such as Gottagarden hired for her project. I don't know how big your stones are, but there has to be someone somewhere who would work with you, it's probably just going to come down to the expense. We have also hauled many tons of rock ourselves with our car and trailer, and it can be done (we also scavenge construction sites and road cuts!)depending, of course, on the size of the rock and how far you have to travel. I wish you luck with this and hope you will let us know what you decide to do. Karen
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So I'll continue in here. Here is a preliminary floor for our remodel. But we have changed a few things already: 1.The master bath is NOT 16' wide! 2. Master bedroom has an overhang that extends 5' feet but it runs off the page here. This is a rough starting drawing, but you can see the original foundation through it and what we are adding.
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I feel your excitement and understand completely. When I'm two months out from moving in I'll most probably die from excitement. LOL Your house is lovely, but we need lots more pictures. So get to snapping!! Congratulations.
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charliedawg: then I should perhaps not mention that DH is actually WALLING off my section of the shed. Partly to protect me and my asthma from so much of the gas fumes from the lawnmower. But it also provides both sides with another wall for hanging things and shelves. Anything up off the floor is a benefit! I didn't say I was a good gardener, BTW. And be aware that every tool you learn to operate is one you may be expected to use. I have avoided the hole-digger for that reason. A lot of my "gardening" is weed-pulling, shrub grooming, mulch spreading, and leaf raking. We call it "gardening" around here. Other places call it "grunt work" or some such. Does your guy have a John Deere? Because there are so many cute gift items with their logo. Our mower is a crappy antiquated Craftsman, but one day he'll trade up. briosafarm: you're the one who should be outlawed! Is your OH door on a remote control, too?? Once again, an item for my next life.
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dyno
12 years ago
We saved ourselves ulcers and hired an interior designer to consult on color choices, materials including tiles and floors. It was a lady at the local Benjamin Moore store.

Lots 50' x 120' are $800k here so she was all we could afford. lol
ImaCurvyGrrl
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the welcome and the good wishes. We've got cameras charged and a request in to the builder to let us know when they plan to break ground so we can be there to record the glorious day! :) (And yes, it's taking FOREVER to get started!)

I'm looking forward to watching your projects, too. Fingers crossed for you both that everything goes smoooooothly!
buckheadhillbilly
12 years ago
Welcome, all! I was in your shoes a year ago, and I couln't wait to break ground. Keep us all posted on your progress!
mythreesonsnc
12 years ago
Welcome --- hope it happens soon for you, I think spring is a great time to get started! We had a long wait as well and every month I was reading and waiting and reading and waiting, and finally in August we got started.

Look forward to seeing you in the "how is your build progressing" thread!
ImaCurvyGrrl
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you thank you! We just can't wait...!

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