Building Your Dream Home

We Have Moved Into Our New Home!!

2009-05-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, we have finally moved into our new log home. It is not completed but my husband's health made it necessary for us to move in early. There are a few things to be completed downstairs before it is truly finished. The fireplace still needs to be rocked, and most of the trim still needs to be manufactured and installed. We have not purchased our permanent interior doors or had our stair railing installed yet because of the losses we suffered in our 401K. Like many others, a 30-40% loss in our savings was too much. I will complete the loft area as soon as possible but once again, our losses may have an impact.

If you would like to see more photos of our tile work, the light fixtures I made, and the interior finish, please check our site.......Building Your Dream Home

Log Home Progress

2008-10-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have posted a couple of updates to the site since my last post here. There is also a new video on youtube. The house is moving along at a turtle's pace it seems to me but everyone else says I'm getting a lot done. I have completed trimming out all the windows except the one in the loft and over the kitchen sink. The log beams were installed and the wood portion of the fireplace has been completed including the finish. Our tile man has been delayed a few days but hopes to start the job on Monday. He has said that it will probably take him about a month since there is so much to install.

If you would like to read more about the completion of my log home,
click here.......Building Your Dream Home

Website Problems!

2008-09-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Well I can not upload new pictures to our website due to a huge server failure at the hosting company. As soon as the site is back online, I will be posting an update on our progress with pictures. Our current status is:

waiting for the log beams to be installed in the vaulted ceiling.
waiting for the countertop manufacturer to make the necessary measurements for the kitchen cabinets.
the cabinets for the utility and bathroom have been measured and the countertops for them are in work.
waiting for delivery of the porcelain tile so it can be installed.
the red aromatic cedar is now on site for all of the trim but has to be planned and edged before cutting to size and installing.
sanding and clear coating of the cabinets has been started but will take quite some time.

I have added a few pictures to this post of the cedar including our mantel for the fireplace. The pictures in the loft show two walls erected for our storage areas. The sections you see with insulation still showing will be covered with a removable panel for access to the attic. Don't forget to check out our videos on YouTube

Wow! We have cabinets!!

2008-08-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Yes! Our custom cabinets were installed today. Check out our video on YouTube . I have also added more information on our website along with additional pictures of the cabinets and our loft area.

Click here ........Building Your Dream Home

Latest Update on Our Log Home

2008-07-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I am sorry it has been so long since I updated our progress but I have been really busy trying to line up contractors, picking up material, and working on the interior. I have uploaded a new video, click here to watch. I have also posted new information and pictures on our site. We are now ready for our contractor to install our log beams in the vaulted ceiling but will have to wait for his availability (4-6 weeks). Our cabinet contractor has taken his measurements and will have our cabinets in about a month. Then I will have to make a final decision on the countertops.

Click here for more info........Building Your Dream Home

June 23rd Progress Update!

2008-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we are moving along nicely now for a one man/woman operation. The wall behind the stairs was fairly difficult since it involved angles other than 45^o and I built a small alcove for the telephone under the stairs. You can see additional progress photos on our site.

Click here......Building Your Dream Home

Progress Update!

2008-06-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

Progress is moving along now that the work can be accomplished by one person. During the last four days, I have completed the area for the refrigerator in the kitchen but decided to wait until I talk to the cabinet maker before completing the wall for the cabinets. Instead I installed the planks for the long wall in the bedroom. Blue Ponderosa Pine is being used in the living, kitchen, and bedroom areas.

Check out our photos here.................Building Your Dream Home

Check out our video here...............Dream Home Interior

Interior Progress Update!

2008-06-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well here we are at the beginning of June and we are still installing insulation. We have finished the flat ceilings downstairs. Our next phase will involve completing the installation of planking on the bedroom and kitchen walls.

If you would like to see pictures of our current status....Building Your Dream Home

Interior Progress On Our Log Home

2008-05-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Interior finishing is underway. The ceilings and walls for the bathroom and utility room are complete. The bedroom ceiling is complete and we will be working on the bedroom and living room walls this week. Our latest video can be viewed at http://youtube.com/user/mayosdream

Visit our site for pictures.....Building Your Dream Home

March 16th Update On Our Log Home

2008-03-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I have posted a quick update on our current progress. Please visit our site and see the new pictures of our log home.

Click here for more.......Building Your Dream Home

Latest Update For Our New Log Home Progress!

2008-03-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

We have posted new updates to our Shell Construction as well as our Interior Finish pages. Our log home is complete on the outside and I am now finishing the interior. Be sure to check out the current updates.

Click Here for more..........Building Your Dream Home

Update On Our Dream Home Progress

2008-02-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

Missed posting my last update to this blog so now you can see what has been happening since the end of January. We have our phase 2 plumbing completed. The logs have been sealed, stained and topcoated. Our HVAC company has completed their first part of the installation. We have our fireplace started and tomorrow the metal roof will be started.

Be sure to check out all of our photos..... Building Your Dream Home - Shell Construction

Our Dream Home Is In The Dry!

2008-01-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Our log home is in the dry but not before we had a very blustery POOH day which threaten to set us back even more. The construction crew has left and we are expecting a contractor tomorrow that will install the special glass in our east gable. If the weather cooperates a little our painter should be able to start the process of treating, sealing, staining, and applying clear coat to the logs. We also have a roofing contractor that will install the metal roof. The plumber should be onsite next week along with the HVAC installer and then the Electrical Contractor. It's going to be really busy, busy, busy for the next few weeks.

You can watch our videos and see our progress by visiting.....Building Your Dream Home - Shell

Our Log Home Progress!

2008-01-28T18:27:00.000-08:00

Our construction crew has almost completed their part of our new home. The roof is in the dry - just waiting for the metal. Almost all of the windows are installed. The doors will be installed tomorrow. Our half-log staircase is in work and should be completed tomorrow. I will post pictures as soon as it is finished. The gable ends are still being worked. They should also be completed by tomorrow evening.

There are more pictures as well as videos........Building Your Dream Home - Shell

The Weather Finally Stopped Us!

2008-01-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Yep! The crew had to take a day of rest yesterday. Climbing around on ice covered rafters and joists is not exactly smart. Everyone was back this morning at 7:00 (daylight) and ready to go. The front porch is finished and the cedar posts we used look great. They are very rustic looking. Our contractor picked through our pile of 30 or so to find the ones that have the most character. The back porch has the posts in place but the roof hasn't been completed. The loft area has the subfloor installed and the gable wall above the logs has been framed.

Be sure you check out our photos and videos...Building Your Dream Home - Shell Construction

Trusses Are Up!

2008-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry to be late posting this latest update. The trusses are in place and if the weather were not so bad today, the crew would be working on decking for the roof and more of the interior.

It is currently 30 degrees with a freezing rain which would make it extremely hazardous on a steep pitch roof.

If you would like to see how much has been accomplished since Tuesday at approximately 11:00am when the crew arrived, click on......Building Your Dream Home - Shell Construction

Walls Are UP! Trusses Tomorrow!

2008-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Well our walls are up and I believe the crew will start raising the trusses tomorrow. If you would like to see the latest progress, just click on the link below.

Building Your Dream Home - Shell Construction

Crew Is Here! Watch Our Log Home Being Built!

2008-01-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

Our construction crew is here! Progress on the house is already underway and moving along really quickly so don't miss a day checking our site. We will be posting progress pictures and videos each day.

Click here to watch our dream home going up....Building our Dream Home - Shell

Material Is On Site - Ready For Crew!!

2008-01-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

It is so nice to be dealing with a company that tells you what they are going to do and then does. The trucks arrived this morning (along with the rain) and delivered our first load of material. The crew will start work tomorrow. I will be posting pictures and videos on our site daily to keep everyone up with the progress.

Here's our first daily update...........Building Your Dream Home - Shell Construction

Wow! Our Foundation Is Ready For Logs!!

2008-01-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

Finally, we now have a foundation completed and we are ready to begin construction of our home. Our logs arrive on 21 January and the crew starts construction of the cabin on Tuesday, the 22nd. I will be posting videos of the entire construction process so be sure and check them out.

I have already posted pictures of the slab being prepared including a short video. I also included a short video of the dozer work that was done before preparing the slab.

You can see all that is taking place by clicking here.....Building Your Dream Home

January 2008 Update On Our Dream Home

2008-01-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well, all I can say is "what can go wrong - WILL". We have had to completely revise our plan for the foundation due to excessive cost and lack of quality contractors available in our area. Because of our decision to go with a slab, all of the subcontractors (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) have to revise their installation plans too.

We do have our barn in the dry so we have storage space for interior finish material and any other bargains we find before completion.

If you would like to read all the details.......Building Your Dream Home Current Project

Update On Our Dream Home Progress

2007-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

Well we are moving right along (at a snail's pace). The foundation for the house is scheduled to start on 26 November but the weather is threatening to put a stop to anything for a while. I have posted an update on our heating/cooling system as well as the barn erection.

Read all about our project.... Building Your Dream Home - Current Project

Update On Our Dream Home Progress

2007-11-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

We have posted an update to our site. Our plans have been finalized and we have made a few changes.

Our pole barn is now under construction with a slab to be poured sometime in the next week if everything goes as planned.

Read all of our update......Building Your Dream Home - Current Project

Foundation Layout and Design Posted

2007-10-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, we have posted an update to our site. Our design for our new log home has been finalized and we are ready to begin our foundation. I have uploaded sketches of our foundation design to the site.

If you would like to see our Pier & Beam Foundation....Click Here

New Dream Home Update!

2007-10-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is our first full update on our New Dream Home progress. We have moved on-site (a bit of a challenge since the house sold so fast). Our first set of drawings are in work and we are getting bids for the foundation, geothermal heat pump system, plumbing and electrical work. Updates on our progress will be posted weekly so when you check out our site, remember to bookmark it so you can follow along as we build our second Dream Home.

Our site has been restructured to prepare for the frequent uploads of data, pictures, and even video. Would love to hear from you if you have questions about any of the processes.

Building Your Dream Home - A Dream Come True!

Our Dream Home Has Been SOLD!

2007-07-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like our dream home has been sold. Our closing will take place on August 9th, which means we must get our 20 year accumulation of "stuff" out so the new owners can take occupancy. I will be posting updates as often as possible on our new log home construction. Our dirt work has almost been completed. The house pad will be ready for the new foundation sometime next week. Our temporary power pole was installed by my son yesterday. The water company should have our new water meter installed by the end of the week. Tomorrow is notification day for the electric company to turn on the service. The septic system will be scheduled for install in two weeks, and our dozer contractor should be finishing our new bridge to the house this week. I will post pictures or videos on our site to show the progress.

We purchased a travel trailer to live in while the house is under construction and will have a 12x20 building constructed to house our washer/dryer, freezer, and of course, my computer. It will also give us and our three pom's a little more room to move around.

Watch our blog for updates.

Our Dream Home Is FOR SALE!

2007-05-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time in our life where you just have to downsize. My husband's illness (he has end stage COPD) has necessitated the sale of our home. The 35 acres are too much for me to take care of and be my husband's caregiver at the same time so, our dream home has been listed with Glenn Irvin Realty in Sulphur Springs, TX.

We will have to build a smaller home on my son's acreage and have already fenced off 2 acres for the house, out buildings, and horses. A final decision has not been made on what our new home will look like but a log home, similar to our son's, is what we would like. We will keep you posted on our progress.

There have been quite a number of changes to our place since the original structure. If you are looking for a quite, peaceful place in North Central Texas, be sure you check out our home.

Dream Home For Sale

Understanding Reverse Mortgage Fears

2005-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Estimates indicate that there is a target population of some 8.8 million senior households that both qualify for and are good potential candidates for HUD's home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage program.

Read more on this subject.....
Understanding Reverse Mortgage Fears by Tim Paul

Choosing A Log Home - Turn That Fantasy Into Reality

2005-12-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Demand for log homes is up, partly because an increasing number of people view them as an attractive — and more sustainable — alternative to conventional housing. Others simply like the idea of living in a log home, for its warm appearance and solid wood walls.

If you have always dreamed of living in a log home, now is the time to turn that fantasy into reality.

Read more of this article by Greg Pahl.......
Choosing A Log Home

Interim Financing - Covering The Cost Of Building Your Dream Home!

2005-11-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Interim Financing is a construction loan for the purpose of building a new home. Before you begin the search for a lender, you will need to have some idea as to the amount of money needed for your construction needs. This article will cover some of the questions you may have and give you a few ideas to consider along the way.

Read the full article here......
Interim Financing - Covering The Cost of Building Your Dream Home!

Designing Your Dream Home - Make It A Dream Come True!

2005-10-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Home design is a crucial step in building your dream home. Once construction has started, changes are difficult so the design phase must be carefully thought out to be sure your home is all that you have dreamed.

No matter what size or design home you want, there are a few things that need to be considered at the beginning.

Read the full article here........
Designing Your Dream Home - Make It A Dream Come True!

Building Your Dream Home - Site Selection

2005-03-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Are you considering building your own home? Home construction is a major effort and probably the single largest investment the average person will make during their lifetime. Because of this, it is not something you should begin without a full understanding of the effort involved.

Read the full article here......
Dream Home Site Selection - More To Consider Than You Think