Roof there it is

We have a roof!

I love this green house ;D

Framing Progress

Some exterior progress on the house yesterday.

Upstairs, from the top of the stairs.

Main floor, kitchen on left and living room on right.

Second Story Framed

These guys are speedy. In just a day they got the whole second story framed, plus some of that green stuff.

Annnnd, that is my dad waiving from the second floor guest room closet, just for fun :D

Kitchen Cabinets

I was interested in interior design for more of the "puzzle" solving than the finishes side. So I get all giddy seeing kitchen cabinet layouts.

Here is our first round. (I just included the perspectives, since that is easier for most people to read)

Not shown are the open shelves above the sink. The peninsula needs a little adjusting yet, but it is a start.

Since we have 9 foot ceilings on the main floor, I am super giddy that we were able to work cabinets that go to the ceiling in to our budget ( we basically traded the cabinets above the sink for that - which was a win win in my book).

I also hope to do something fun with the pantry door. But that is on more of a "someday" list. Can't wait to see them up in person!

First Floor Framed

We got to see this last night.

Exciting to see this pop up two days after the basement! ( Yesterday was "the storm" so understandable not much got done) 

(Standing in the dining room)

Sounds like a second floor today, and a roof a week later!

Basement: framed.

I actually squealed turning in to our neighborhood yesterday.

It isn't much, but it felt a lot better than a hole in the ground! They spray painted the rooms on the first floor, which was nice to start to get a feel for things.

(Picture above: looking in from front porch, office and stairs on right ..)

I have to admit, things feel like they may be a little more "cozy" than I originally thought, but I think it will be great :)

From the backyard (ignore my finger). And stairs to the basement.

Looking forward to some main floor walls next!

Changes

I am so very excited about a few recent plan changes :)

Our exterior: originally planned for some stone and all vinyl siding. I never thought I would say this, but I decided I didn't want stone. Yes, part of me is still as shocked as you are. Stone usually adds so much character to a home!

But our house is going to be white, and I just felt that a minimalistic style would actually give our house more "character" than adding stone just like every other house in our neighborhood.

Above is just one home that was the inspiration. I just about lost my marbles when I saw the inside too (because the barn doors, living room, and other features were already things I want for our house) check out the blog here: http://micheleomega.typepad.com/work_in_progress/2012/05/details-resources-main-floor.html

So gone is the stone on our house. The other two exterior changes are the vertical siding (will now be hardi board, which is a cement board, instead of vinyl) and the cross braces in the eaves were added.

Our house is kind of cookie-cutter (something else I said I would never do!) since it is not a custom home and there are others pretty much just like it on our neighborhood. So I really wanted to do whatever I could, budget allowing, to change things up a little.

Another change is in the inside.

I changed the location of the sink. I am pretty sure some people will not approve of my decision, but I really wanted a big open counter space. Plus, I have fallen in love with sinks under open shelves .

How cute is that?! I don't do dishes at the sink at all costs, so I don't spend so much time there that I need "a view". 

Let's hope it all turns out! :D

Basement:check.

On Friday, when we went to the pool and we got to see the basement poured. It is normal for it to feel small at this stage?

View from the front with the garage on the left.

From the north side of the house (side).

We are getting anxious to see some floors and walls!