I am Finally BUILDING!!!

dermotcoll

Good luck with the build - looks like a super house. Dont get too stressed during it - enjoy it!

EscapeArtist

Big congrats!!!!

Are you only sticking to designing or will you be the contractor as well?

david_h

Thanks. I have a GC because basically I am pretty inept at that kind of stuff. Strictly Architect/Owner. but I am keeping an eye on my contractor!

I will keep pics coming!

Chris Fullmer

Well you better hurry, I am coming with the family for dinner in less than a month....

david_h

Well Chris, by the time you get here you will be just in time to sleep on a subfloor! watch out for nails.

bytor

Congrats David!

I am sure it will be hectic and stressful- but also lot's of fun. Looks like a nice place - nice job on keeping the grill under cover!

Dean

olishea

congratulations. good luck!

tim

Congratulations David. Are you having fun yet?

I'm about 3 months into our build having designed the place and I am doing the general contracting. Details for those of you with nothing better to do at http://www.rowledge.org/tim/building/building/blog.html

notareal

Congrats! From my own building project experience - planning is easy, making sure that plans are understood is hard. Fixing something that's not properly build, just because there was not enough details, will make one mad. So don't forget details, better offer them plenty and in advance, than trying to solve something in situ. Still prepare for some changes, they might cost extra, but some issues may not be seen in "paper".

david_h

Good advice. I am all over that. I have still yet to design some things that I want. . .fireplaces and such -- I only have one shot at building a home for myself. I NEVER want to do this again, so I am not leaving anything to chance. Thanks for all the encouragement.

Stay tuned to this same bat-channel!

D

Frederik

Congrats, David...!
It's always exiting to see a real project being brought to life...

david_h

Yup .. .thank heavens for SketchUP!!!!

KXI System

Wow Gratz David!

@daniel said:

I wish I could afford to build my own modest dream house.

@kxi system said:

Granted, but you don't live in it.

I'm so glad I didn't do that to you.

david_h

FLAG ON THE PLAY!!!

Just when you thought it was safe to believe in humanity again, along comes a city government entity to remind you of their idiocy--

A bit of background. My approved building permit sat on the City's counter for 2 months (2 MONTHS!!!) while I was arranging financing. You would think that if there were any concerns or questions during that time that they would contact me. But NOOOOO! So I get my hole dug, my footings formed. The day of the Pour, My GC calls for the steel inspection.

*"do you have your GeoTech?"

"Uh. . no, you didn't require that for plan check. Remember .. .you signed off on my permit."

"well, we have to have one."

"you coulda told me this 2 months ago"

"sorry. Still Gotta have it."*

So we call a GeoTech lab. 2 weeks. $2000.

I don't know what it is about this project that is so hard to get off the ground. . .what with the Financing, the permit process. False starts and delays. I bet I could get a Nuke Plant built faster. This is a HOUSE for cryin' out loud, not a flippin' aircraft carrier.

Oh well. I've built a lot of houses, but this is the first for myself. So naturally I am a bit bummed.

Pg09

Why does Geotech cost 2000$ ??
That is a lot of cheeseburgers...

Chris Fullmer

I wish I got paid that much to play in the dirt for an hour.

david_h

Why $2K? Dig in the dirt with big Tonka Trucks. 6 guys leaning on shovels with orange vests and hard hats goin' "Yeah, that's dirt all right."
then . . .Take the dirt back to the lab. 6 lab guys in coats with clipboards goin', "Yeah. . .that's dirt all right. "

6 to 10 days.

"Okay. . .go ahead and pour footings. Sure hope your house don't fall down."

why 2K. ( Hey. . .I crack myself up sometimes. )