Joy in the Building, 6 month Update

We are fast approaching the Memorial Day Weekend. I take time to give honor to all of those who were so unselfish and gave everything so I could live in this amazing, beautiful and free country. You are my heroes. You are part of the reason a single mom can freely build a house and make her own choices.

So, let me recap. After many months of searching for land and looking at houses, I decided to be bold and build my own home instead of buying a home already completed. I found my property after a million, well maybe only a hundred, phone calls.

One Sunday morning I was driving around. I tracked down the people who had this land FSBO all the way to Massachusetts. The guy was so shocked when he got a phone call from me. They had it for sale over two years but had not received any calls. Their sign was laying down and the phone number had washed off. But I spent 3 hours tracking them down. I’m a mom, so I’m also part FBI investigator, lol. I am so happy with this little piece of land that houses so many birds and wildlife. I go out there sometimes at night and just sit. I wonder why I am so blessed to be able to have somewhere that I have such peace. It makes me so excited to build there.

I also have found my builder. I interviewed over 15 builders and ended up with this company who believes in me being my own general contractor for this project. We are a perfect fit in our goals and they are a builder of integrity. That was so important to me. He also knows I will tend to make changes, lol, and he is easy going with that.

My next step was to find excavators. Again, I made over a hundred phone calls, Mostly, because no one calls back. But that is because. Ohio’s busy building season is upon us. I had a few sleepless nights worrying that I wouldn’t find an excavator.

My entire process was held up because of circumstances beyond my control which to be honest, is frustrating. It held my building up 40 days and I couldn’t commit which put me right in this busy season. But I’m very positive that things are heading in the right direction now.

I think the most excruciating process was pinpointing a house plan. I had looked thru so many and they all had attributes I liked. So, in picking my house I always had my land in the foremost part of that decision process. My land reminds me of scenes of Narnia, lol. And I love that. So, I wanted a simple house with simple lines. I wanted a front porch where I could sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning. I want my home filled with light and my children and their friends. So, it doesn’t have to be complicated or a showcase.

A funny thing too. I’ve had several contractors, builders etc…when I meet them for a bid or during the day, say the following at some point, “oh, is your husband at work? Or “what does your husband think of this?” Lol. I always laugh and say, “I don’t know what a husband would think because I am single and I’m doing this by myself.” Every single time, total silence? I’m always kind and smile politely. I truly think if I birthed 6 children, and raised my kids, I can definitely build a house. 🤓. But I take no offense, it’s all part of this process and I can’t wait to give more details as my journey in building a house continues. There is joy and frustration both in this building process. But I’m trying to embrace every experience that I’m so lucky to have.