We made some big strides this past week!
A few highlights:
- We signed with our builder
- The builder has begun applying for permits
- The appraisal has been ordered for our construction loan
A few things to note:
- The County takes septic permitting VERY seriously and has a checklist with no fewer than 8 different documents that must be submitted. They even require one of the documents to be notarized. I think applying for college might be easier.
- Windows are still expensive, unfortunately. I got some more quotes this week and the series that offers the brass hardware I really want basically costs the same amount as a Rolls Royce.
- Window selection still pending.
While in Virginia visiting family for Thanksgiving, we went to Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, Poplar Forest. Since we are going to be building a traditional house with classical elements, I was taking note of all of the details.
One of the first things I noticed was the floor-to-ceiling, triple sash windows in the library that our tour-guide said were custom-made in Germany to match the originals. Given my recent Ph. D. level education in windows, I approximate that these cost at least five figures each.
I was also completely obsessed with the beefy trim. I haven’t seen baseboards built out like this before. I would guess these are 3″ deep, which means they had to build out all of the door casings as well. The chair rail was so thick that they notched it over the door casing. I will be showing this to our builder to emphasize how simple our trim work will be by comparison.
Lastly, I will be keeping this photo below handy if the codes department decides to give us any issue with our railing-less front porch that is less than 30″ off the ground. I, like Thomas Jefferson, don’t want a railing obstructing my view.
Until next time!
Primm & Property 