As we talked about our new house through the planning years we figured the project would be hand crafted over a year or more fitting into the customer projects we had on the go in the shop. It would take what it takes. But as we got into the actual building of the house our goals became much more ambitious. We were very tired of living in the cramped and old house and love the idea of living in the new one as soon as humanly possible. Our new goal was to see if we could manage finishing the new house by Christmas of this year. Our house is always filled with family and friends in the days surrounding Christmas and it would have been really nice! The reality however is that our goal was a little bit (make that a LOT) optomistic. Every aspect of the house build took a little longer than we hoped. But then again every project I've ever tackled seems to go that way.
We concentrated on the outside of the house all summer. We did minimal work in the shop for our customers while we concentrated on that task. And we largely achieved that goal. But with the return of the fall weather it was time to go back into the studio/shop and play catch-up with our customer's projects. With only a small crew once more, work on the house slowed, as we expected, but progress has been steady. As with every large project there are so many things that needed to be done. Wiring, prepwork for the plastered ceilings and backing for all the things to be added later. We've been busy picking colors, aquiring samples of floor finished and picking out cupboards and counters. New appliances and even some new pieces of furniture are all waiting for the big move into the house.
In spite of the media constantly telling us the economy and building industry is slow, the reality is the trades are exceptionally busy these days. Our project has to be planned into their already crowded schedule. Everyone else, it seems really wants to move into THEIR new house by Christmas and the rush is on.
So we've taken a little more laid back approach in the last months. There is no point in stressing out in regard to the new house. That would take the fun out of the project and having fun and enjoying the new house (including the building process) is the whole point of taking on the project. We now take each day as it comes, doing what we are able to. Our trades are more than good with the laid back approach. They still come when they can and then take the time to do things right, not rushed as they are forced to do everywhere else. Our job site is relaxed and friendly with the trades not jostling each other for elbow and working room. We now hear how much these guys enjoy coming to our house to work.
It is our hope to be able to enjoy the house for many,many years into the future. Moving into the new digs a little later than we hoped isn't a big deal. The new (and more realistic) date for completion is in late February/early March. Time will tell.
-grampa dan
