I apologize for the light blogging as of late, but instead of my time being filled with trips to the thrift store and bookshelf organizing, hours have been spent on hold with utility companies and afternoons of meetings with engineers, surveyors and the like. I’ll try my best to not go into every little detail (because it’s just a lot and they aren’t particularly interesting) but summarize the roller coaster we’ve been on the last few weeks, with some of the house plans peppered in.
Needless to say, he was rather defensive and wasn’t interested in taking any responsibility (easements are put in privately by developers, not by government), but he did have some good information for us. The storm sewer has an inlet (drop-in that collects water) at the top of our lot that drains through the easement to the sewer at the end of the street. He told us that it doesn’t really collect much water because of the grade of the land and could probably be abandoned. We could simply place an inlet at the front of our lot and pull out the rest of the sewer. If the city approves this (which they said they likely would, we’re just waiting on an engineer to draw it up) then the power line can stay put – the most expensive thing to move.
The phone line is primary, but from the looks of things, they had to work around some trees while burying it, and in the process they went outside of the easement. We’re still waiting to hear back, but the phone company will be responsible for moving anything outside the easement, and we’re hopeful that they’ll adjust the rest while they’re at it for minimal to no charge.
If all of this works out, our house will fit! We’ll be able to meet the neighborhood square footage minimum and have a side entry, 3 car garage and a walkout basement: the things that my husband’s dream home are made of.
Along with easement dealings and everyday life, we’ve been finishing up all of the bid work to turn into the bank on Monday. We’re attempting to push along like this is all going to work out. With the bank taking 2 or 3 weeks to assess everything, we’re praying we get going before the ground freezes – because you can’t pour foundation once it freezes, and I can’t imagine waiting until next year to get started.
In the meantime, I purchased the perfect light for a colonial foyer. I’d been negotiating over this thing for months and picked it up last weekend. Look at those curves, clearly it’s a she. She’s huge and solid and I can’t wait for her to greet guests!
I’m positive you’ve learned more about easements than you’d ever care to know, but thanks again for the support through all of this. I know we will come out on the other side with something great, having little recollection of these labor pains.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
This all sounds like kind of a nightmare. But I am so glad that it all seems to be moving in a positive direction now! That light fixture reminds me so much of the one my parents have in their dining room. Love it 🙂
Ashley Brown says
Wow, I can't believe it's been so much of a headache! I'm so sorry! Is that light from west bottoms? Love it! Good luck on the rest of this process! Everything will work out and if not there's a reason!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It is! How did you know? 🙂 Thanks, Ashley!
Karen says
I'm so glad you found an alternative plan! Hope it all works out.
Love the chandelier and I'm looking forward to all the details in the new house.
Liz Smith says
Soooo feel your pain! We are in the middle of a custom build that has had more stops than starts for every reason you can think of…and were originally hoping to be moved in BEFORE our first baby arrives in January (currently in a teeny apartment!) but it's looking like we may changing our plan. 🙂 It's all an adventure and I know we'll laugh about it (hopefully sooner than later ha!) I've been trying to do the same as you — chronicle the high points without too much of the boring hold-up stuff: http://www.lifeinyellow.com/tag/house-2-0/
Good luck to you — I can't wait to see it all eventually come to life for you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Liz, looks like you all are several steps ahead of us, how exciting! It's true, all I want at this point is to see digging, or fountain pouring…something! I hope you can get in before your baby is born, but if not, I'm sure it will all work out how it's supposed to!
Rachel Rardon says
Saying a prayer for you right now. And that light is gorgeous!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Rachel!
Robin Warzywak says
Sending good luck and prayers your way! Just think of the stories you will be able to tell once this home is built.
🙂 Robin of http://www.designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
It's true! Thanks, Robin!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I'm glad to hear there could be light at the end of the tunnel because your plans are too good to go to waste. And that light will be perfection in your amazing home.
Sherri says
Gwen- You go through life trying to trust others because God calls us to love others as ourselves. It's easy to love the lovable, not so easy to love the unlovable. I am glad the developer is trying to make things right (sort of.) It's all under God's hand and provision anyway, and the lessons He teaches us is part of His plan. I pray this gets resolved soon so you can break ground ASAP. Having built our home some years ago (we didn't do any of the work ourselves,) there will be other challenges on the way. But it is so worth it, and I still love our home and am grateful God blessed us with it…….. I heart that chandy- picture perfect!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sherri. It's not seeming to get any easier, but I really hope we'll hit a good patch soon!
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
Wow Gwen what a nightmare! I have always heard that building or renovating can be a roller coaster! I am sure the end product will make you forget all of the headaches along the way.
Bethany DeVore says
Such good news, so excited for you! I know you'll be glad when the hard part is behind you!