Diggin' this one out of the archives...we've been busy!
There's a good reason we missed most every C-Brat gathering this year. Almost all of our free time, money and energy has been going into the new digs.
First, there was land clearing and brush burning. Then, barn/garage designs - we went through three, ended up with a 32x40 design, with 12'-6" doors, and an upstairs design that will allow for a 2BR/2BA apartment down the road (just storage initially.) Then some road work, utilities, and of course all of this mixed in with the usual bureacratic headaches.
One thing we've been very lucky with - finding good help. The grading guy we found is the best. He led us to the contractor, who's been an absolute joy to work with. Having never tackled a project like this before, and doing it from 850 miles away, he's making it easy.
In the last two months, we got the site graded, foundation built, and septic installed. Over the last couple weeks, the walls started going up. Finally, we're into the fun stuff...the building is taking shape quickly.
Fortunately, I have local photographers snapping up pics as the building progresses - thanks again, C-Lous! Here's a side view - the top of the structure is the future second floor, roof will be another 12-13' up.
Here's another that gives a little better size perspective...with the lovely Cynthia modeling the door height for us.
More pics are at my personal site -
here's a link to the most recent construction album.
And finally, a few attachments from the plans. Speaking of which - can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but there are no copyrights on the plans or engineered drawings. We're in a seismic and high wind zone, so the plans can probably be used as is most anywhere. Be glad to share everything in AutoCAD format for anyone interested in something similar...might save somebody some bucks.
Probably won't be spending Christmas there, but Da Nag should be in it by Spring fer sure!