Well, we're scheduled to break ground this coming Monday, December 7th, 2009, just in time to coincide with western Michigan's first winter blizzard - what timing!
When my wife and I first set eyes on the building site in the summer of 2005, I knew immediately it was perfect for us. Little did I know it would be a five year journey before we broke ground. The journey had many twists and turns, and for a couple of city folks building in the country, I'm sure there's much more to come.
Our plan was to incorporate a sustainable building approach, and we felt the LEED for Homes program incorporated much of what we were trying to achieve. My intent with this blog is to highlight some of the things we've already learned, and share additional information as it unfolds during the building process.
CROSS SECTION of RAIN GARDEN
this is pretty close to how our rain gardens are built
Walking down the ramp, out the front door - it's great not having any steps
Construction of water retention area along west property line. This photo also shows the southern side of house which was designed to maximize passive solar opportunities.
Many neighbors find blue racers nesting
Final inspection day was pretty dreary outside, and petty exciting inside