The Big Dig

Let the house building begin!! They finally started our house this week. Cameron called on Wednesday around lunchtime to tell us that we were scheduled to start on Monday, June 23rd. Then he called back about three hours later and said, "There's already a big hole on your lot!". Apparently they were ahead of schedule so they started us five days early! We were super excited but a little bummed because Nate already had plans to play soccer that night, so we couldn't go see it. I seriously considered going on my own but knew it would be more fun if I waited for Nate.

On Thursday night we got out there in time for Cameron to walk back with us and explain what they had done so far and what we could expect in the next two weeks. Cameron was a Ryland builder for several years before he switched to sales, so he's able to give us a lot of details on how the house is being built and exactly what's coming next.

They are really moving fast already. In just two days the whole basement is dug out and the footers were laid. Now we can finally visualize how the house will sit on the lot and how much yard will be left around it. I thought I was excited before, but now I am beside myself. Pinch me, is this really happening?!

Assuming we have good weather (big assumption around here lately) the basement walls will go up next week and they will be ready to start framing in about two weeks. There is another house going up on our street that is about a week and a half ahead of us, so it's kind of like having a 'sneak preview' of what's coming next for us!

While we were out there, we also got to meet our next door neighbors to the left. Their names are Ray and Renee and they have three kids, ages 4 to 12. They were excited to see our house get started (it's the last one on the cul-de-sac) and as curious to meet us as we were to meet them! We had a nice talk and look forward to getting to know them in the months to come.

This is a pic driving up to the lot. The concrete for the temporary drive way and the footers was still wet. [Note to self: Buy 'construction site' shoes for lot visits']


Basement:


The raised part is the garage floor:


Cameron explains things to Nate: