Building a House…
…is not for the faint of heart. Or the impatient. Or the person who needs to be in control. Perhaps you already know these things. Or perhaps, if you’re like me, it takes you three tries to figure it out.
Don’t get me wrong…building a house is one of the most gratifying, rewarding, and amazing experiences you’ll ever have…if you realize that you just need to enjoy the process, whatever it happens to be. If you can’t do that, it will be one of the most stressful, frustrating, and contentious things you will ever do. Take it from me, I’ve tried it both ways. You’ll be infinitely more satisfied if you simply take it as is it.
I purchased an empty lot in a neighborhood development in May 2020. At the time, all the lots around it were empty too. It was still early in the pandemic, and we were all optimistic that this “thing” would be over soon. So I happily went ahead with my purchase, certain that when the estimated June 2021 closing date rolled around, I’d be moving into my brand new house that I had designed.
August 2020, and they’ve already started the foundations for the house to the east of mine, there’s construction equipment on my lot, and I’m sure construction will start in September.
I completed my design selections in October 2020. The builder was eager to have these specified as they would start construction soon. Using all the experience I had gathered from my prior homes, I was confident in my selections and excited to see construction start. Surely, eight months was all they needed. The builder estimated October 2021 as the latest completion date. All they had to do was wait for the city to review the construction documents and issue the permits…
November 2020, and now the house to the west of mine has a foundation. What gives? The builder assures me they’ll have the permit in a few weeks.
Mid-March…progress down the hill to the west continues, foundations extend half-way down the hill, and still no movement on my lot. The construction equipment hasn’t been around for months, and there is no sign of imminent progress. The hold up? Half an inch, apparently. The city is requesting a change of 0.5”.
April. The house to the east of mine is closing. Ugh, how long is this really going to take?
May…construction finally starts! And now, finally, I’m less than 60 days from closing (hopefully). The house looks amazing. They have finished painting, and the tiling is in progress. Apparently, I have the most tile of any house in the neighborhood and it’s going to take four weeks! What can I say? The way this kitchen has turned out so far…I’m pretty sure it will be worth it!
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