The Great Build...

For those of you who don't already know, we are currently going through the exhausting and often frustrating process of building a home. After exploring many builders in our area, we decided to build with Legendary Homes. Here's the link to our specific floorplan. Although the front will look a little different because we opted for different shutters and garage doors, you'll get to see how the inside will look. We were lucky enough to be looking at the perfect time and received about $20,000 worth of free incentives (upgraded hardwood floors, upgraded moding package, irrigation system, and a few others).

As excited as we are about the eventual finished product, it has not gone without a series of glitches. First, they slab was poured about 12 feet further back than what was on the lot plans. You might think, that's great cuz the front yard will be larger. Well, that's true, but more importantly, it meant that our already modest backyard was almost nonexistant. However, they realized the mishap and regraded our backyard to include the lost footage. Here are a few early pictures of the slab showing the trees we back up to. 

From the street



I couldn't get a shot that showed the true difference before and after the regrading of the backyard, but here's a shot from the back edge of our lot towards the house after it had been done. Believe it or not, this is WAY better than it would have been.

Framing going up last month.  This was a VERY exciting moment, to see our home actually beginning.  :)

The next day

Windows in and roof going on.  The top window on the right is Kaelan's room, underneath is the office, the middle top window is just the 2-story foyer/entry, and the window above the garage is in the closet of either Max or the baby.  I want it to be Max's room because it has more character and light, but it's a little bit smaller than the other room (although still large as far as secondary bedrooms go).  I'll just have to see if I can fit all his furniture in there comfortably...and sensibly.  :)

Wrapped and ready for exterior features

One of my favorite features/options Mike thought to add, an extended back patio that is partially covered.  This will make spending time outdoors with an infant much easier.  Poor K always wanted to play outside at our old house but Max was too young at that time to be outside without shade.  Luckily, Mike remembered this problem and ensured much more comfort this go-round.  :)

These are the wrong shutters and it's not painted yet, but the siding is up!

Exterior stone installed - looks SO good in person!!!!

The next steps should be drywall on the inside and driveway on the outside.  I'll send updates as they occur.  Like I said, there have been many hiccups along the way (yard, didn't rough in for garage sink, kitchen island DRAMA, office entryway in wrong place, wrong shutters - all have been remedied), but it is kind of fun to watch your home being built from nothing.  Each step has it's own excitement as the real thing begins to match your mental images.  I can't wait for the inside to begin to unfold!!!