Revised First Floor Layout

We are getting a little bit out of control on the size of this house and will probably have to rein things back in after the cost estimates are developed, but this layout provides for an office/bunk bed/exercise area under the kitchen.

4.57 Square Feet - Part Deux

The new survey has been completed and we are still 4.57 square feet shy of what we need. This is really no surprise since the new survey was completed by the same person who did the last one. At this point we are moving forward with the design using an average roof height of 35 feet or less.

Slideshow Added

The most current exterior renderings and floor plans have been posted using a slideshow.

4.57 Square Feet

Our lot is supposed to be 7500 sq. ft., but the surveyor says it is a slight parallelogram (yes, that Geometry you studied in high school is good for something) which reduces the square footage to 7495.43! Those extra 4.57 sq. ft. make a big difference to the building inspectors when in comes to the height of the building they will approve. Apparently the inspectors have recently decided to enforce this provision, which explains why I have several neighbors who have homes on smaller lots that exceed the 35 foot height restriction. We are getting another survey done (doesn't look promising), considering a variance request (looks less promising) and forging ahead with an adjusted home design that will meet the current building code (probably our best bet)!

Floor Plans - 1st Cut

Feedback is welcome! Double click on any one of the three images to get a closer look!

Buxton Visit

Carolee and I traveled to Buxton on April 19 to meet Dennis Carroll and his wife Alita. We walked our property and toured several homes that Dennis and Alita have built or remodeled. We were impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of each property we looked at, and came away from the day feeling extremely comfortable with our decision to work Dennis and Alita. After reviewing our initial plans for several hours we ended the day with a nice lunch and a game plan of what needs to happen next.

Dennis Carroll

We've decided we really need someone located in Buxton to run our project since we are 7 hours away in Roanoke and still have to work for a living. That's why we really want to talk with Dennis Carroll. He comes highly recommended and lives locally. I call Dennis out of the blue to gauge his interest in helping us with our project and try to determine if this guy is the "real deal". About 10 minutes into the conversation Dennis tells me he is an Ohio State graduate and I figure this is a really good sign...since Buckeyes are much smarter, better looking, talented, etc. than the average college graduate (take that Michigan fans!). Dennis is a semi-retired P&G engineer who only takes on 1 or 2 projects at a time and he's not so sure he has the time for our project (bummer!), but he decides to send me information about his services and a few references. After reading his literature and talking again on the phone Dennis warms to the idea of taking us on as clients and we decide to meet in Buxton on April 19, 2008.