Building a House - Part 1, Bartlett Pond, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

 Recently we began the process to build a new house.  We plan to demolish the seasonal cottage shown above (850 sq ft) and replace it with a larger energy efficient full-time home (1200 sq ft). This blog will periodically, over the next year, show our progress (or lack thereof). We have completed or, are in process, on the following steps:

• Obtain land (1/4 acre - completed 12/2001)
• Develop basic footprint for building concept (cape style - 40x30 basic foundation - completed 8/2011)
• Have engineer survey property and develop site plan (completed 8/2011)
• Meet setback rules and obtain zoning approval (completed 9/2011)
• Obtain Conservation Commission variance approval for wetlands proximity (completed 11/2011)

 Next steps in coming months: 

• Obtain Board of Health approval for new footprint proximity to existing septic system 
• Finalize all design concepts  
• Get quotes from and select a modular or stick builder
• Complete final design tweaks
• Obtain building permit
• Select builder
• Find a temporary place to live during construction (6 months or so?)
• Remove and recycle old house parts (windows, doors, etc.)
• Demolish old house and prepare site (hope for shovels in the ground by May 1, 2012)
• Dig and pour new foundation (hope for May 15, 2012)
• Delivery of modular house or begin stick built (hope for June 1, 2012)
• On site finish work including deck (June through August)
• Certificate of Occupancy (hope for September 1, 2012)
• Move in!!

And No! - I will not make any bets that this project stays on schedule - in fact, I'll be stunned if we make the dates - the only accurate dates are the ones that have already passed.  Too many variables ahead.

Maybe an already completed condo near a warm beach somewhere would be a better choice............