Building a House, Part 2, Bartlett Pond, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I started Part 1 of this "Building a House" series a year ago on 12/7/11. (Available at this link.)  I assumed the project would move along quickly - not so. You might say we're moving at the pace of retirees driving on the highways in Florida, little eyes peering out over both hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, a turn signal blinking endlessly even though we're not turning, moving along at 35mph in a 55mph zone..........all we need is blue hair.

The cottage in springtime - magnolia in glorious bloom. (April 14)

The cottage in summertime -  green, green, and more green. (July 8)

To recap, our intent is to replace this small, 850 square foot, 60+ year old cottage with a real house about 2000 square feet.

Accomplishments so far:

• Obtain land (1/4 acre - completed December 2001)
• Design and develop basic footprint for building concept (cape style - 40x34 basic foundation - completed August 2011)
• Have engineer survey property and develop formal site plan (completed August 2011)
• Meet setback rules and obtain zoning approval (completed September 2011)
• Obtain Conservation Commission variance approval necessary for building near a wetlands (completed November 2011)
• Hold preliminary discussions with selected builder and architect (completed June 2012)
• Have architect complete preliminary plans (completed December 2012)

Preliminary Plans:

Costs to date:

Concept plan, site engineering, permits and public hearing, preliminary architectural floorplans and elevations  = $6500.

Next steps:

Meet with the builder for initial construction cost estimate. If the cost is too high, back to the drawing board.  If the cost is acceptable, proceed to complete detailed construction drawings and develop tentative construction start schedule. Turn off the blinking turn signal and speed up.

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............