You’ve heard the old saying that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Well, Brad and I spent Palm Sunday weekend “straightening” out our house plans – literally. We’re here to say that it certainly helped us make great progress. Long story short, as we began receiving bids for lumber and building labor, we realized that the original roof line we had chosen and the planned offsets in the foundation were going to add unnecessary cost. While the visual aesthetics of both these features might have added some architectural interest, they simply weren’t worth the added expense. So, we met with my Uncle Jim, who has worked as a construction professional his entire career, to look at the house plan drawings he had taken the time to straighten out for us. The amended drawing was a win for everyone, including simplifying the process for the builder, who seemed somewhat relieved when we met with him later in the weekend. The straightened roof line should cost less and provide fewer seams for leaking. The straightened walls actually provided a linen closet triple the size of the original plan, and we now have an enclosed breezeway between the house and the garage, which provides additional fire protection. New quotes now are coming in for roof trusses and other bids, and they seem more reasonable. It’s amazing what straight lines can do! My uncle and Brad also spent some time in the very chilly Palm Sunday weekend weather staking off the house on the property. We now can visualize where the house will be located. (Bonus: It’s going to face the way I wanted!) They also met with the electric company, and Brad knows what kind of 400 amp meter pedestal and wood posts he needs to build for our electrical service. Meanwhile, back at the Maisto ranch in Avon, we continue to pack up items we don’t use every day. Eight boxes of books are stored. China and other knickknacks are being carefully packed up, and we hope to actually assess what is inside our Avon barn soon. We also received a call that our new Grandview barn should start construction next week, weather permitting. Progress is being made one day at a time! | |
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