Plain & simple: Building a house is a lot of work. So far, Brad and I have learned a lot, and I'm sure the learning curve is just beginning because no actual bricks and mortar have been laid. So far, too, I'm happy to report that no one has lost their mind. If you know Brad and me, we are usually on the same page, and once we make a decision about a product or a style, we do not turn back or question our decisions. This has helped us quite a bit in this process. We've been researching our new home now for just over a year. Here's just a sampling of the mundane information we've learned:
We've also had a learning curve on what I call the “fun stuff” – the interior. We've had to research the type of kitchen cabinets, kitchen countertops, flooring, bathroom fixtures, moulding, doors, windows, etc., that we want to have in our home. Most decisions seem fairly clear cut. Some are only a matter of personal taste. (We know almost instantly if we like a vendor and a product, and we'll be blogging about some of our selections more in-depth as we get further into this process.) And, of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that on some items, we started out with our "Pinterested" picture, reviewed the price, and then inquired what real human beings purchase. I think I remember referring to Pinterest as a tool of Satan at one point, but building a house is like any large project: You win on some details, and you compromise on others. One interior detail I am thoroughly excited about is my kitchen backsplash. (Pictures of tile purchasing day to the right.) We went on vacation in February to California, and with the help of a very knowledgable hotelier, we found the Villa Mission & Tile store in San Diego, where we purchased some affordable hand-painted Mexican tiles for our kitchen backsplash. I first fell in love with this style of tile when we were on a trip out West in 2012 for our tenth wedding anniversary. While our backsplash will be mostly white subway tile, the hand-painted tiles will help intersperse some color and Southwestern flair into our new kitchen. Each tile is unique and lovely. Eclectic? Yes. Popular? No. The style of Brad & Sarah Maisto? Absolutely, yes. We are looking forward to creating this backsplash. We hauled the tile home in Brad's carry-on. The worst part was TSA inspecting each of the 35 tiles at LAX, but we understand safety comes first. We also are making progress on selecting a builder and a lumber yard for our home. We interviewed two lumber yards and three builders last weekend (Feb. 27-28). During the process, we discovered that Sarah will have to relinquish her financial and environmental concerns and allow Brad purchase a four-wheel drive vehicle. The road is simply impassible in winter weather without one. (Picture in slideshow above.) We can "give a witness" after sliding down the hill in our sedan last weekend. We prayed down the hill and hit nothing, thankfully. For now, we're in Avon sorting through endless belongings. Hopefully, some more boxes can start being filled soon, and we are waiting to hear some final numbers from the builders and lumber yards. After we do, we will consult with my uncle in Illinois, who has been involved in construction projects for many years, and make some painstaking, life-changing decisions. A house build is looking good to start this summer. We also have confirmation that the barn build is starting later this month, as long as this crummy weather lifts. My parents reported six inches of snow there just yesterday, which is unusual for the area. We are moving a little closer every day! | |
4 Comments
Jennifer Shrode
3/6/2015 03:30:54 am
This is such a great idea. I love that I can see detail. Like the tile is beautiful. It is kind of like me being with you both through the process. I can wait tell you both are closer!
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Sarah
3/6/2015 07:44:29 am
Awe, thanks, Sis! Happy you are enjoying the blog! Looking forward to being closer to you all!
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Martie
3/7/2015 08:25:36 am
love the tile!!! Please keep posting on FB when you update.
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Sarah
3/7/2015 08:27:20 am
Thanks, Martie! I certainly will. 😄
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