Working on in slow motion

Here we are now... It's November and almost a year has passed since we started for real...

We have a house with a beautiful roof, energy saving windows and doors, the walls have been plastered, we have screed on the floors and under it the floor heating system has been laid and the heat pumps for space and water heating are ready to be installed, we've done all the wiring and the

plumbing and the system for the air exchanger has been done.... but there is so much more to be done that we don't even know where to start.

 

 

We are starting with the last landscaping works that will allow me to have a barrier free access to the house... As for now the house is accessible with my power wheelchair only in an almost life threatening way and I need the help of 2 persons to get in and out. We started to build the house because we wanted a wheelchair accessible environment where I can be independent and move around freely so those works need to be done ASAP.

In the meantime insulation, drywalls and ceiling are being installed. We choose Knauf Insulation because we think it's the best insulation on the market and can give the best performance for our low-energy house and it's Eco friendly too. The company helped us out and sold us the insulation at a really great discounted price and we are deeply thankful for their help.

Now we have to choose the flooring and the walls colours... We are also working on the ceiling lift that needs to go in before the drywalls in the bedroom and bathroom are installed. This lift will make life for me and people around me so much easier. And can't wait to have it!

Because the many unexpected surprises and the additional costs of accessibility issues money is short and we are forced to take compromises. That's slowing as down a bit and some wishes will have to wait, but we are still fighting hard to be able to move in our sweet accessible nest soon...

Fast forward

We still needed a few plans for the construction to be done but finally in December 2012 after another year went by waiting, we started. For real!

July 2012 -stakeout:

December 2012 - Ready, steady, go:

January 2013 - down under:

February 2013 - main floor:

March 2013 - up in the sky we go:

April 2013 - ceiling:

May 2013 - roof covered with a beautiful tegola:

June 2013 - doors and windows:

July, August 2013 - inside walls and screeds:

Bureaucracy and waiting

In April 2010 we have done all the homework and the plans were ready for the municipality to see. But, before that, and since nothing is done without a ton of bureaucracy, we had to ask for authorisations of the electricity, water and telecommunications providers, utility company, neighbors, and so on....

After months running around from one to another, on the 22th of December 2010 I brought 3 folders (each weighted more then 5kg) full of plans, authorisations, explanations,... to the person in charge at the municipality....

And the waiting began.... till the May 2011 when we finally got our permission to build :)

A true one

Joe Hisaishi in Budokan Studio Ghibli 25 Years Concert - Laputa: Castle in the Sky

Dream, wish, research, draw, visualize

First of all you need to find the perfect land. When you are looking at the properties on sale try to pay attention on how you feel on the land. Try to visit it in different seasons, different hours. Look at the sun path over it. Do you like it? Do you feel at home? Try to meet the neighbours. Are there all the municipal infrastructure? Take a lot of time to "feel" the place because when you’ll find the right one you’ll know it…. You know, I'm talking about that good old butterflies in the stomac feeling.... ;)

When you have the land, you can start working on the house.

If you want a house that really fits your needs and it’s not only a house but a home, you need to start working on it looong before contacting an architect.

We all dream of a perfect place, of all the features we want in our home, how many baths, bedrooms and floors need to be in it and so on. The easiest way is to write down our wishes. Start with the most simple thing: do you want a one floor home or with 2  or more floors? Do you want a in-house-garadge? A garden? How big? Do you need a celler? What style do you like? Modern? Country? Traditional? Minimal?

Than try to find out if there are any specific requirements for the buildings in your area or the area where you want to build. There are always specific requirements. And knowing them can help you plan everything in advance.

The web is a great tool that helps you a lot. When you know the basic wishes start to look at the floorplanes that you find online and then try the many free programms that allow you to draw your home in 3d.

Here is a list of my fav:  

• Google Sketchup
• Floorplanner
• Ikea
• Sweethome 3d

When you have a clear idea of what you want, what you don't want, what you need and what you don't need it's time to do a basic financial plan.

How much money do you already have?
Can you get a mortgage?
Will your parents help?
Will you do anything by yourself? (painting, cleaning, building....)

Building a house is neither easy nor cheap. Online you can find some basic guidelines on the costs for every phase. Look around and don't get scared.

Next thing to do - find a great architect and a great construction supervisor.

The wedding :)