Well, hello! Long time no blog! Sorry about that. It seems the hubs and I have succumbed to the big hairy monster named "Sticker Shock". We met with a couple builders last week and were able to get a "rough" bid so we could get an idea whether we were in the right ballpark on budget. Well, we are in the stadium waaayyy up on the top tier and they ain't the cheap seats! Honestly, Chuck and I have never built a home before, let alone a super duper efficient one, so we basically had no idea what things cost, so our budget that we had in our heads was a big ole stab in the dark (and wishful thinking). So, with that said, we understand efficiency costs extra. We are now in the process of assessing wants as opposed to needs. When we told the architect what we wanted in the house he put EVERYTHING in it. Shoot for the moon, as the saying goes. Well, we knew some of it would likely have to go (maybe to be added on later when we don't have to pay the builder a percentage for his expertise) to get the house on or under budget. We will be wiring the house for solar, but putting them on when we can get the rebate (it appears rebates become available a few times during the year and you have to be on a list to get it) which hovers around 30%. We will pull out some of the built-ins (there were bunches put in by the architect and they would be wonderful, but....) to either be added later, or not. I think sometimes you need to live somewhere, settle in and reassess your needs. We will also be putting in the pool and water capture post build while laying the groundwork for them during building.
So, I know the fun stuff like picking out tile, light fixtures, appliances, stone for the exterior, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry and counter-tops will come later. I know some of you (especially if you are of the male persuasion) are thinking, "what in God's name is fun about that?" Well, I can assure you I am very much looking forward to that part of the process. I'm sure there will be sticker shock involved in that process, so I am steeling myself for that eventuality. Although I know I am not a "I need a $6000 subzero refrigerator" type of chick, I am a bit of a sucker for pretty tile and stainless steel. Good thing I have Chuck to keep me firmly planted in reality. He, on the other hand, has no illusions that he knows what the hell he's in for while picking out the so-called "fun stuff". I am hoping he will defer to my judgement while keeping me on budget. Yep, call me delusional that we won't be fighting over stupid crap like tile. The builder laughed when I told him I was looking for simple, eco-friendly and efficient. He said "sometimes you just want what you want". Well, sir, I am out to prove you wrong in that statement. Those of you who know me well know I reaaallllly love a good challenge!!!!! I will knit the damn lampshades if I must to save a few bucks! (Wow, it just dawned on me....what else can I knit or crochet? Suggestions from the blog peanut gallery would be wonderful - and hilarious, I'm sure of it!!!!) I expect there will be a lot more posting of the blog during this phase. I promise to provide pictures and would appreciate it if you think its freakin' ugly to keep it to yourself as my retort might be "shut the hell up, it's eco-friendly and will cut my electric bill by a nickel a month"! I find it's always nice to chant (in my head) the mantra "to each his own" when I think something is not to my taste (unless you are a close friend and those jeans really DO make your butt look big).
So, there you have it. I'm not sure whether it's sticker shock or a reality check. Either way, we will be moving forward on building our smaller, eco, efficient home! The next step is to get a detailed bid and when that comes in, do some paperwork and get financing (that should be really big fun and I don't think I will subject you to that, but we have STELLAR CREDIT.....I'm just sayin'). So, the next few weeks will be kinda arid in the blog department. Unless you want me to post my Thanksgiving dinner, you will likely not hear from me for a little while.
Thanks for tuning in and for your patience. This is a process and comes in fits and spurts, at least until the foundation is poured!!!
Love to all and please reuse and recycle,
Lori
