Under Construction

I realized something this weekend. Since I announced that The Chef and I are building a house, I really haven’t updated you on the progress. Shame on me.

Now, I know this is technically a food blog, but see that tagline up there? Yep, the one that reads, “Mostly food. Always delicious.” Well, this is where that “mostly food” (ie, not always) part comes in.

Truth be told, I think I was an interior designer in another life. I’ve always loved decorating every space I’ve ever lived in, and I’m absolutely giddy that I’m going to get to do that in a brand new house. The design ideas have been churning ever since we decided to build (and my hours perusing Pinterest have dramatically increased as well). So, I hope you don’t mind indulging me a little when I wax poetic about something other than food.

Our builder broke ground the first week of July, and since then, construction has been progressing smoothly. The horrible drought we’ve been experiencing here in the Midwest has actually been a good thing for the construction process*; no rain meant that footings and wall forms were able to be quickly installed, and the foundation was poured shortly thereafter.

Once the foundation was complete, framing began, and before we knew it, there stood our home. I think this was the point when it finally sank in that we were indeed building a new house … and that there would be no turning back! This was also a really exciting time too since we had to choose all of the aspects that would make this “our home” … the siding, the brick, the stone, the roof color, the shutter color, the cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. I doubt anyone else will choose exactly what we have … and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

So, where are we now? Well, the rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, low-voltage, and HVAC have all been installed, and drywall has been cut and put in. Some of the brick has been installed … and we even have garage doors. In just under two months, what started out as a giant hole now contains a full-fledged two story house complete with a roof and shingles!

So, where do we go from here? Over the next six weeks, the tapers will do their job, and then the first coats of paint and stain will go on. The ceramic tile and hardwood we’ve chosen will be installed. Lighting and doors will be hung. Cabinets and countertops will be installed. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC will be finished. Appliances will be delivered and installed. Finally, the carpet we’ve chosen will be installed … and then all that will be left is a thorough cleaning and a bit of landscaping and we’re done!

I can’t wait to show you how it all turns out … and then the decorating extravaganza will begin!

*Lest anyone think I’m a complete heathen, please know that my heart goes out to the small family farmers ~ some of whom are very good friends of mine ~ who have been severely affected by the drought. I cannot imagine having to rely on Mother Nature for my livelihood, and I urge you all to support your local family farms; they need you more this summer than ever.