And it begins...

Wow - This all began in October! Since then there has been much talking and planning... and many contractors not even bothering to call back! AUHHHH, seriously, what is up with that? If you are too busy, just tell me so. For all that though we ended up with a contactor we really like who was recommended though friends and everything is working out.

The early part of the year and through the spring and plans were drawn, engineers called in... plans changed (to cheaper options - imagine that!). We learned a lot about permits, and the fact that we needed one from the health department as we are on septic (at least that one is done now)... still waiting on the main building permit to hang in the window (we submitted - just waiting for the township)... but the inspector has been out and work is progressing so no worries :D

So as of today we have footings complete, extension of the foundation wall poured, water proofing and drainage complete and we are ready for back filling. Balloon framing starts next week.

Now the real fun begins. We should have our kitchen for at least another few weeks... then many BBQ dinners for us! The final plan has the previously mentioned foundation extension poured around the existing one - allowing for the new walls to be built outside the existing kitchen. Once the roof is on and the new walls are mostly closed in the existing kitchen will be torn out then interior building will begin. We will have a new kitchen, an actual entrance area from the garage with the powder room moved to that location. We will be widening the opening into the dining room so it will become more open to the kitchen and installing new flooring throughout the main level. The new space upstairs will become a master suite with full bath and walk in closet.

We are just now starting the choosing of... well everything. Siding is pretty much chosen (we are redoing the whole house), but we still need to finalize flooring, colours and kitchen layouts and cabinet finishes. I will do posts on those of the next little while to get feedback. Our focus will be on good quality, long lasting design and materials without going crazy with the budget.