I have been remiss.....just wanted to post a "before picture"

Okay....just wanted to post a picture of the project before we start tearing it apart...If I come across some other old pictures of the property, I will post them too......

Still Waiting for the County

We're still waiting for the county to work their way through what must be an overwhelming pile of building permit requests in this unprecedented housing boom! LOL But I have failed to mention what has all ready been done here that didn't require a permit. The property was over run by Himalayan Blackberries which we cleared by hand. Replaced the "poly pipe" water line that was above ground from the meter to the house and buried the line the way it should have been so we don't have to worry about winter freezes! We covered the septic tank. Oh yeah, previously covered only by wood and some corrugated tin, it now has a cement cover and is buried under earth. WOW! Just looking at that thing once the blackberry bushes were removed was real scary. We also put in a retaining wall and upgraded the driveway! Cleaned out the seasonal creek, put in something resembling a yard and some landscaping where part of the blackberry brambles used to live, fenced in about 1 acre of the property, installed a gate, and planted some Rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants in some planting beds.

In the process of all of this I've burned through untold amounts of weed eater line and managed to convince my dear husband that my life would be so much worth living if he bought a tractor. So, we bought a 1950's circa Massey Ferguson Commercial Tractor that has made our life somehow more bearable not to mention more fun.

We don't have a fireplace here or a wood burning stove, as we did in the "big" house but we've managed to accumulate well over a cord of fire wood. We've decided to save it as many of the places we go camping in the 5th wheel charge an unreasonable amount for "camp fire" wood. Now, we'll just bring our own. HA!

We've been busy since moving in here. It just seems at times that we're not any closer to what we visualize as a finished project. I'm looking forward to the demolition and construction with mixed emotions. I really want to "get at it" and "get it done" but I know how hard we've all ready worked and the next months will be even busier.

Just An Update

The Hunt Continues for Bargains:

It's been awhile since our last entry. We've been busy with our continuing search for savings on material. We scored big near the end of February because our water district was giving rebates of $125.00 - $175.00 (not to exceed the actual cost) for the installation of a "low flow toilet" before February 28th. Well, we found a great deal on a 1.2 gallon, 10 flush rated, toilet and the total cost to us was taxes only! Yep, the water district basically bought our new toilet for us. The catch was we had to install it prior to the end of February but that is really not an issue at all!

Then we found a 5' corner spa tub that we planned for the bathroom in the remodel for $400.00. Yes, brand new, never installed, in perfect condition! The contractor who had the tub was caught up in the building decline and is getting rid of inventory! In addition to the tub he may also have many of the tie downs and connectors that we'll need and so that maybe another score!

Taking your time, shopping in advance and searching local ads, "saver" publications and the internet on a daily basis sure can pay off.

Movement or Lack Thereof Within the County:

We heard back from the County Building Department about a week and a half ago. A couple of minor corrections to the plans, some so nonsensical that you have to wonder what these people actually do all day, but corrections made nonetheless and resubmitted to the county within 5 days. No change in the status of the plans as of today. OK, is it because we're in the middle of a housing boom?

I find it absolutely amazing that the Department of Transportation has been reviewing our plans for over 3 weeks now to determine if we will encroach on their property. OK, this is humorous for a couple of reasons! First of all, when you are not permitted to build within 30 feet of the property line how could you encroach on county property? Secondly, since we have an easement for our driveway which crosses our neighbors property to get to our property it is really obvious by looking at the Parcel map that we are no where near county property or easement! No wonder the county roads are in such bad shape when employees are actually paid to take 3+ weeks to determine whether someone's building project will encroach on county property.

Some Work Has All Ready Begun:

My dear husband has dug the trench and laid the temporary sewer pipe and water line that we'll hook up to with our 5th wheel during construction. Neither of us is really looking forward to downsizing even more and living in the 5th wheel during construction but realistically it is the best option and once destruction and construction has begun in earnest we won't be spending much time indoors anyway.

So the hunt for bargains continues, some progress has been made in some areas, and if we could just get things moving a bit better with the county agencies that are required to sign off on our plans life would be sweet!