| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 8:05:39 PM
We still have to get through the inspection part, but we got a very low offer this afternoon, countered, they countered, we countered, and they accepted. We ended up very close to our original asking price, at an amount I'm at peace with. We have until 5 weeks from tomorrow. That's the good news.
Now, for the rest. Not bad, just things to get done. Find a place to live, figure out what we're going to do until we're able to build a new house (dependent on getting the loan for the land), pack up everything and figure out what to store and where, etc., etc.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bboopster |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 10:22:31 AM
Pick away. I was in the building industry years ago with my dad. Left after my two adopted kids moved in and ex-hubby moved out. My new hubby and I have had a hard time with building as he is not familar with the process and our general contractor has been an idiot. (that's being nice more then once I wanted to strangle him) My hubby also believe what the general says. We were yo be moved into our house by January, here we are in April and it looks like at least another 8 weeks. Good thing our place hasn't sold yet as not only do we have to move our household but also a motorcycle shop. Here in Wisconsin we have the same weather so heating was important to us also. Along with cooling. We did not put in central air which we felt was an extra that we would not use enough but we did put in a whole house exhaust fan which I have had in other homes that I have lived in. There great. Exchanges the air in the whole house in 2 minutes. When you leave it running (vaiable speed)they produce this wonderful breeze that is cooling. Cost next to nothing to run and up front cost is pennies compared to central air. One really great thing about radiant heat is no forced air so no dust to blow around and no ducts for mites and dust to collect. Feel free to e-mail me at bboopster59@yahoo.com I also have been keeping a list of things you never would think of to ask and decsions you have to make. Little things like window and door hardware. Our contractor assumed the colors (and there are more then one standard chioce usally)and when it came down to it they did not match other hardware and even some of the windows themselves did not match. Very hard for me to swallow. (I was a home designer and decorator, and expiditer for a consturction company) Also go in with you plan and budget in mind and do not let them talk you into changes until you think about it for a week or so. We work with our general for over a year on our house design (we knew what we wanted to start with)within that year the house grew to be this beautiful mini mansion and during the whole time we were told that we were well within budget. WRONG when it went out to bid it was 150K over budget. This was 8 weeks before our wedding and 12 weeks before we were to break ground. Hubby and I had our first fight in 12 years. It was so sad. We have had many ups and downs due to having to redesign the house (back to what we first wanted) in 4 weeks, new bid and because of the fast redesign we have had to make engineering changes during the building process but, I was at the new place today and things coming along and I get to start moving in my craft stuff as soon as I get it pack hopefully Sunday April 2. Got to pack. Talk soon.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 07:50:14 AM
Betty Jo, thank you so much for posting. I've printed out your post to share with dh when he gets home. Your explanation of the heating system will be really helpful because that's one of the issues that in my part of the country is very important. We want a system that will be very efficient, cost-effective in the long run, etc. I don't mind paying more upfront now to have lower monthly costs because that's what we'll be dealing with even after we're retired and have less income. I hope that makes sense.
I may have to pick your brain as we go through this process, and I hope you don't mind!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| bboopster |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 07:34:35 AM
Hello Patti,
Your new place sounds alot like ours. 1800 sq ft with a loft. one bedroom on the main floor and an exposed basement with a full basement under the garage. The basement is mostly going to a business area for my hubby with 800 sq ft for my crafting studio. So our basement is really larger then our first floor. Heating: we spendt a bit more on our heating system but the end result has been great. We put in the floor heating in the basement concrete and and used old cast Iron radiators on the first floor. Our boiler is swiss made and 98% effcient, along with this we added a wood outside boiler to heat the entire house, hot water and our hot tub, along with a 3 car outbuilding. The bad part the propane gas company want to charge us rent for their tank as we use next to no gas except cooking and dryer. We can burn up to 70% green wood in the outside boiler and it uses very little wood since we have fine tuned it and have gotten use to how it work. Along with filling all the crackes along windows, doors, and outlets and insulation our heating bills are next to nothing and we haven't even started to use our fireplace which is 87% effecient. The house stays at a very comfortable 65. 65 sounds lower but with the radiant heat and the concrete being heated it is so comfortable. We have no hot or cold spots even the loft is the same temp. Everyone who has worked on our house has been amazed at the heating system. Hot water is on demand so no heating it round the clock and wasting energy. It was a bit more expensive on the front end but we figured in less then 5 years it will have paid for it's self. Extra bounus, cutting wood great exercise for both of us. Only one bedroom means the kids can stay short term or use our 1977 ford motorhome on the bottom of our land which we have used for camping the last 8 years while clearing for driveway and house and just relaxation. Most people look at our house and are amased at how big it looks when in reality it is smaller then the average built home. Good luck with your adventure. Building can be VERY stress full be prepared and remember you and DH are on the same side and the people working on your house even if friends can be the enemy. There are a zillion things that you will need to decide on. Menards, Home depot, and HOBO outlet have great building supplies at cheaper prices then a contractor can get. Lumber Liquidators has beautiful wood for floors (ours is pine) and the prices can not be touched.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 07:30:58 AM
We are moving about 40 miles from here. If you look on a Missouri map, we'll be in Bollinger County (southeast part of the state about one county over from the Eastern border about 5 or so counties up from the south -- I really need to look at a map and see exactly how many, but I already packed the atlas!). We'll be about 5 miles west of the intersection of state highways 51 and 72 (2-lane highways).
We sold our house in Cape Girardeau and are buying (knock on wood) 46 acres with highway frontage, 2 wells, and electric & phone already to the building site. Just no house and very little fencing, and a really bad road in need of work. We are cautiously excited while waiting on the bank.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| Cindy Texas |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 07:20:28 AM
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Where are you moving to and how much land did you buy? We are going to put our house on the market in August and then start looking for a little land. I hope we manage to sell ours.
Cindy
(I can't wait to be a country girl) |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 01 2006 : 06:40:15 AM
The inspections were this past Thursday, and everything is ready to go except they want us to have the chimney cleaned. Of course, that's no big deal and I'll start calling for estimates this morning. That's a huge load off our minds. We close 4 weeks from yesterday, have several rooms packed, and a storage unit already rented (it will be available for our use Monday). Everything is falling into place except we don't know yet about the loan for the land, and until we do we can't really make plans on that end. I'd hate to order a wall tent and then end up buying something else with a house already on it and need that money back for part of the down payment.
So now we wait on the loan. Our loan officer has been out of the office most of this past week but will be back on Monday, so maybe we'll get an answer then.
It seems much more real now that the inspections are done and were good to go.
As far as the house we plan to build -- I drew out what I wanted. I used graph paper and drew every room to scale, cut them all out, and started playing around with layouts, trying to visually walk through the rooms. I came up with something I really loved, taped the rooms down and added closets, etc., and it worked perfectly. Best thing is, dh loved it.
Short version -- very compact 1500 square feet in almost a square, which makes for easier heating with a wood stove. On the main floor there will be an open kitchen, eating area, family room; a mudroom/laundry/pantry off the kitchen; a full bath; and a 12 x 12 bedroom. Until we get old and gray, that will be my room for scrapping, sewing, etc. The loft will run across the end of the house and will be our bedroom until we get too old to climb the steps any more! The basement will be a walk-out and one wall will be completely out of the ground (the building slight slopes just the right amount for this). On that back side will be two bedrooms -- one for each of our kids -- with a huge window in each and the outside door between the 2 rooms. THere will be a bathroom down there, and it's right under the upstairs bathroom. The rest will be unfinished for storage. That's it. Very compact.
We wanted the 2 bedrooms in the basement for 2 reasons. Our youngest is only 2 years away from leaving for college, so we didn't want 3 bedrooms on the main level to heat, etc. when nobody was using them, so this way we can almost "ignore" those rooms when the kids aren't home. Also, this way we end up with a more compact home and less roof and basement, both of which are huge costs in building. I really wanted compact (have I said that word already?  ), cozy, and easy to maintain, heat, etc.
When I can draw up a really clean copy and figure out how to post it, I'll put the layout on my blog. Which, by the way, has been ignored for 2 weeks. I'll post on it later this morning.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| Mag |
Posted - Mar 25 2006 : 05:39:42 AM
Congrats, Patti! How exciting to plan your own home. Do you have a style in mind? Good luck and Happy Moving!! |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 25 2006 : 04:37:47 AM
Patti, congratulations! How exceiting. All the stuff you have to do now is stressful but FUN. Enjoy & the best of luck.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 08:49:38 AM
Congratulations! Wow - with 15 moves in 21 years, you MUST have some expertise! What another adventure...I always think beginnings are exciting, and I hope this one's just great for you. The offers of help are so kind - leave it to farmgirls to pitch in when it's needed! I SO wish we ALL lived in the same town!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 07:49:41 AM
Congratulations and Woo hoo!!
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com |
| FarrarFarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 06:52:10 AM
CONGRATULATIONS, PATTI!!
I haven't checked in for a couple of days. I was so surprised to see your post. How exciting for you and your family. Oh my, now the fun begins, you already know whats ahead, packing, storing, moving, housing, etc. So many things, but you already know Whose hands it is all in and He will not lead you to "it", without bringing you through "it." "It" being the whole moving and relocating process. So keep the faith and enjoy the journey. He has given you confidence in prayers already answered and won't leave you to your own for the rest of the experience either. That alone is so exciting and marvelous to rest assured.
Please be honest, what do you need help with? I am close enough that I can pitch in somewhere, somehow. You said that you have 5 weeks; is that when you have to be out? That makes it the end of April or first week of May. Will you need more help with packing or the actual move? Let me know and then we can talk about the details.
Oh, happy days for you! Congratualations, again for the first big step towards your dream.
Blessings on all the happenings, organization and preparation of your move.
In His hands,
Lynda L.
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt.
www.pamperedchef.biz/lorenzfamilycooks |
| FarrarFarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 06:47:08 AM
CONGRATULATIONS, PATTI!!
I haven't checked in for a couple of days. I was so surprised to see your post. How exciting for you and your family. Oh my, now the fun begins, you already know whats ahead, packing, storing, moving, housing, etc. So many things, but you already know Whose hands it is all in and He will not lead you to "it", without bringing you through "it." "It" being the whole moving and relocating process. So keep the faith and enjoy the journey. He has given you confidence in prayers already answered and won't leave you to your own for the rest of the experience either. That alone is so exciting and marvelous to rest assured.
Please be honest, what do you need help with? I am close enough that I can pitch in somewhere, somehow. You said that you have 5 weeks; is that when you have to be out? That makes it the end of April or first week of May. Will you need more help with packing or the actual move? Let me know and then we can talk about the details.
Oh, happy days for you! Congratualations, again for the first big step towards your dream.
Blessings on all the happenings, organization and preparation of your move.
In His hands,
Lynda L.
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt.
www.pamperedchef.biz/lorenzfamilycooks |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 06:45:56 AM
The inspections have to be done within 10 days, which is good, and after we get through that it should be pretty smooth sailing [knock on wood]. The couple has already secured financing and doesn't even need to sell their present home first. I can't imagine being in that position.
This will be our 15th move in 21 1/2 years of marriage, so we've gotten fairly decent at getting everything done. But, of course, we have more stuff this time, my ds won't be here to help much (and he helps *alot* with the heavy stuff), and every move is so different.
Valerie, we have land picked out and are waiting on the bank to approve the loan. No house on it, so that's another thing to work out in the next 5 weeks.
Elizabeth, I agree with you & have always loved the "purging" part. Unfortunately, the closer it gets to the actual move, I know I'll just be throwing stuff in boxes just to get it all done! 
Ladies, keep us in your prayers, that the inspection goes well and I keep my sanity! Thanks for all your support, ladies.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| junebug |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 04:49:49 AM
Congrats Patti, I knew you'd have no problem selling it! Just pace yourself and think ahead!!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| sillyfoulks |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 04:12:12 AM
I am dancing the happy dance for you Patti. Congrats!
For me moving has always been a mixed blessing. On one hand, a chance to purge and organize, on the other hand, your so busy you can't see straight. Anyway, happy packing!
Elizabeth
Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.
http://livingcountrystyle.blogspot.com/ |
| Julia |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 9:57:01 PM
WHoo_Hoo! Congrats to you! Be praying you will get answers to all your questions! God Bless! Julia V.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| akcowgirl |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 9:55:56 PM
Congrats, that is great that you got just about what you were asking for the house. Do you have the new property all picked out or did you already own it? Good luck with the new house. Planning you own house is great. Are you thinking of hiring a contractor or doing an owner built? Great Fun
Valerie
Alaska Girl all the Way
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| sugarsfarm |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 9:49:34 PM
Congrats Patti!! I hope the inspection goes well! Dont worry everything will fall right into place!
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 9:30:40 PM
Congratulations!! wow..now the fun starts..right?? I wish I were there..I would help you pack..I am practically an expert by now. I hope I never ever ever move again..but I am good at it cuz I have done it alot in my lifetime. You are in for an adventure!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 8:18:38 PM
Patti -- congratulations!!!! This will be an exciting, and busy, time for you.
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/therusticcottage/
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com |
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