Building a farm .. Updated 8/24 Complete/ *PICS*

[AK Michelle]

Congrats! Hope it goes as smoothly as possible.

I was a realtor for years and have gone through the home building myself and with several clients so a few words of wisdom.

Be Flexible and PICK YOUR BATTLES with care please. building a home is more than bricks and boards. don't let something little fester into something bigger. I've seen too many couples complete the home of their dreams but sell it because they hate this or that after fighting over it.

Remember, you love each other, this is a dream, make it a happy dream. A little judicious negotiating, sometimes even with yourself, can make the whole process much more pleasant.

Laugh, alot! There will be some frustration, there always is, there is nothing that can be fixed better with anger than it can be with humor. Besides, you'll get farther faster if they like you.

I built in a small town, my builder grew up in said town. If I rent a piece of equipment I can still tell them to deliver it to the house Craig built and they don't need directions. If I need anything, I can call the guys on the list he gave me and I get taken care of toot-sweet! I love it!

Good luck, and enjoy. document everything the memories are truely priceless.

 

[chickaddict]

There just aren't any words to describe the severe jealousy I am experiencing right now. A farm is my dream also. We have just over half an acre in a very urban area. I do not have a roo so my neighbors have never complained about my illegal chickens. The dogs in my hood far outnoise my girls.

What I wouldn't give for a cow or a couple of goats.(sigh)


Everytime I enter the backyard the girls come running from all over the yard to greet. 9 isn't enough I want 50.


It is physically impossible not to crack a smile at a running chicken - if you don't at least smile (I usually lol) you probably need prozac.


Good Luck - never stop reaching for the dream

 

[texasgal]

Had to re-read this last nite ..... and this morning ....

Quote:

 

[texasgal]

Ugh .. last nite was .. um .. challenging. The loggers had logged up until a storm came up in the afternoon .. I thought it looked pretty good (but have experience with logging) .. DH was NOT happy ..

So after some heated discussion .. I talked to the loggers this morning (who I knew from a 'previous life' .. and assured them to move on with the project).

DH is much calmer this morning and resigned to the fact that they can't cut these trees and take them out with a helicopter .. they have to fall somewhere ..

So ... Here is Mr. Skidder .. (I just love heavy equipment

)

This is our future home site:

These are some of the logs .. (duh) ..

And here is the tree that almost killed the cutter:

I wish I had something in the picture that shows you how big, but the cutter told me that the storm was trying to come andhe was trying to cut a few more trees (in my future pasture area) .. Just as he was cutting through this tree, a big gust of wind grabbed the top, spun the tree, it hopped off the stump, and fell about 30 ft from where he wanted it to ... right into the middle of one of the oaks.. He said he barely got out from under it before it jumped off the stump ...eeeeeek!

Minutes later .. it was storming .. I'm glad he's ok.

I can't wait to see the progress in a couple of days in my pasture area .. It's been a real .. um .. struggle to convince DH that I couldn't graze horses or grow ANYTHING under pine trees ..

later ..............

 

[EweSheep]

Yikes! Glad everyone is OK!

No fun in the pathway of a fallen timber!

 

[texasgal]

Oh my ... the loggers are done .. and we are left with a huge mess.. of course.

Now we've roped out exactly where they house is to go .. the builder has been put into motion, so they are preparing the site. Garage will be on slab .. house on piers and beams ..

I snapped a couple pics before the camera died yesterday .. first one is DH in front of one of the piles left by the loggers .. the second id DH pouting about losing some pine trees...

Puleeeeese .. get over it!! As you can see, we still have LOTS of trees on the place ..

Push push push .. nobody moves at DH's pace .. I'm afraid he's either going to learn a HUGE God lesson during this (mainly patience .. and showing people grace) .... OR, he's going to drive himself and everyone else batty over the next several months..

 

[AmyRey]

Good luck to you!

We are starting the process of building a home ourselves. Hopefully, we'll both survive it.

 

[karl lutz]

Congrats
I and W.W. built and have been in the new house for a year . I like your plan.We contracted everything. I don't have time to do it and it would have been too mant fights over this and that and why isn't it getting done. I guess I have to agree that building a house is very hard on a marriage. Don't take that advice from the realter lady lightly my wife and I work together and spend 24/7 together but this is unusual in todays society. She appreciates my good taste and tolerates my imperfections so the house went well.
Good luck! Gopd bless!

 

[Goose and Fig]

What an adventure- isn't it?
We're doing the same in the TN mountains, but doing everything by hand. The trees, the house, everything. Been camping for almost 4 months while we build. Oh I hope winter hold off for a while!
I agree with the realtor- you have to be flexible. We went from a geodesic, to cordwood, and finally a post & beam (eco-friendly)barn home. No financing for us- but when we're done we'll be mortgage free

I think it's great for the kids to experience the process as well. It will make your new home that much more special- for generations to come.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

If you need a cheap and easy way to get rid of those logs on the property, put an ad in your local craigslist! U cut and haul - FREE firewood! My dad is always on the lookout for deals like that. That way both parties make out, and its the perfect time to advertise firewood!