So in the middle of our jobs, and real life and kids and school and activities with family… something else really exciting happened this past week. If you’ve been following along in our stories, then you know our building permit came through!!! {Yes, I edited out the personal details on this one, in case you’re wondering why the form is blank-promise it’s the real deal!} Cue the Oprah bit where she hands out building permits to everyone, because we’re so excited. Except that wouldn’t actually happen because these puppies are really hard to come by when it comes to septic and setbacks and building additions in Franklin. Essentially, this has been a five year process. And if we look kinda tired in this photo, it’s because we already are. {It’s been a crazy August, how is it halfway through September already?!}
We purchased this house for the yard and the school, and it has been a journey, making it into a home for our family. We were thrilled to announce our primary owner’s suite addition this summer, but we were still smack dab in the middle of the approval process. If you’re not familiar with us or what we’ve been up to, you can definitely check out some of our interesting before and afters here.
We’re really just grateful that septic and the people in charge have been so kind to work with us and help us figure all this out. We were told for so long that it wasn’t possible, so it’s really a big deal for our family.
And then we were thrilled to share our plans, where we’ve been working with an awesome architect {Peter Aylsworth Architecture is our hero, so if you’re looking for an amazing person, look him up.} In the meantime, we also shared a little of what we’ll be taking on in our front yard this fall, to solve our mullet prob, as well.
So needless to say, in between working with our own clients, we have plenty to keep us busy.
Total side note, but I tend to thrive more when I have my very own project to work on, and I enjoy the challenges of both. So we love that we’re able to dive in on this one, in the meantime. {And we figure you guys kinda like knowing what’s going on.} So we plan on sharing everything as we go along, just like we always do.
But here’s a view of where everything is placed, and here’s where we are now!
They got started last Wednesday, and because of all the regulations, setbacks and interesting angles, it was no small feat. They even nicely moved some of our extra schip laurels, which have been so great around our pool for privacy in the meantime phase. They were relocated to the fence line, which gives us even more privacy, which is where the rest will be relocated, too.
This is when the digging was done on the second day, so that they could get ready to place that concrete.
And this was so satisfying to watch from our kitchen window with the kiddos, while they poured all the things.
So the concrete was poured, blocks were in place, and the foundation was officially ready to begin.
This is the most nerve wracking part, if we’re being totally honest. Why? Because a good foundation influences everything else, from level floors on the connecting insides, to rooflines on the outside.
We’re going with a deeper depth with the foundation, for storage underneath the house. A decision made to keep the architectural style in line with the rest of the house, alongside utilizing all the ceiling height we can, on the inside, amongst other reasons.
The footers have been excavated, the cinderblocks are in place, and we’re just really excited.
As of yesterday afternoon, we had concrete poured into the blocks, so next up we have waterproofing and foundation drains, which is really important for our area. We’re taking extra precautions, planning ahead with smart choices. And then… framing. That’s the part where things really feel like they’re taking off and coming to life! Can’t wait to share updates as we move along.
So here we are, so excited to share some progress on this very long awaited project. Never have we been so happy to see some moving dirt.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have an inspired day!
Niki says
I am so happy for you guys! I have followed your blog since Alabama and I have been loving every step of making this house into your home. I can’t wait to see it all unfold!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, Niki – your comment seriously just made my day. Thank you so much for your sweet words! It’s been a long journey but we’re just happy to be here, doing what we love. Happy weekend!!!
Jeanine says
So exciting – it’s going to look great! Love the landscaping you have planned!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you so much Jeanine! We are ready to dive in, for sure.
Stephanie P says
We drive by your house everyday to get home…huge fans!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Oh my goodness! You’re the sweetest. Hopefully you haven’t seen me in my PJ’s yet 😀
Bonnie says
I’m so happy for you! I know it will be beautiful!!