interiordd.com Blog

We have now met with three landscapers and I liked each one better than the previous.  It will come down to proposals and their ability to work in phases.  I’m am looking forward to receiving and reviewing the proposals, but I have not received any at this time. 

We have also met with two tree cutting companies.  The first proposal I thought was very high, and I have not received the second yet.  The first name I got from a mailer, and the second came from a trusted source.  It should be interesting to compare the numbers.

 I have yet to make the Meet the Neighbors circuit, but I’m sure that will be on this week’s docket.  I know have all of the necessary paperwork.  It will be a matter of catching everyone at home from here on out.

 The house plans are coming along beautifully if I do say so myself!  It is always such a relief to work on them as I am completely in my element then.  All of the landscaping, tree cutting and permit getting is a bit out of my realm!  We are going French country with a twist on the plans.  The exterior will be more country than French and the interior will be in reverse.  We will be using as much reclaimed wood as possible for the floors and beams.  In addition, we are learning about radiant heat for the flooring, and various other energy saving features.  Since the house is on the smaller side (less than 2000 sf) we want the finishes to be impecible.  We are planning to use a combination of wood and stone floors and some beautiful interior architectural features that will really set this home apart.  The homeowner and I agree that the best design is in the details, and we are enjoying working together to develop the plans.  We are looking forward to seeing it in reality as well!

Tree cutting permits are submitted.  We are waiting approval.  The approved lot division had to be resubmitted to the county to obtain an official address.  We discovered this week that we need to obtain an administrative variance to build the front porch according to the current plans.  That is going to require visiting each neighbor that abuts the second lot, and getting their signed approval for the porch.  First I have a ten page application to fill out, and then I believe that I have to get a Mylar copy of the plan signed off on as well.  Then it may take a few weeks to catch all of the neighbors at home.  Should be fun!

 Additionally, we’ve been arranging appointments with landscape architects.  We’ve met one, who seemed very knowledgeable, but we are looking forward to hearing from more.  In the meantime we are having a survey done that will show the slope of the land.  The name is long and I would never spell it right, but it is commonly referred to as a topo. 

We’ll keep you posted!

We are official.  The one lot is now officially two.  Right now it appears as tract I and tract II, so I will be working on obtaining an address for the second lot, but that should not slow down the next step of getting the tree cutting permit.  I believe all I have to do is fill out the paper work, and submit it with an appropriate check.  The question remains as to whether I will immediately recieve the permit or whether I will have to wait on it, but we will get the process under way quickly. 

Also on the docket for this week are surveyors and landscape architects.  The surveyors will be out tomorrow to set the new pins on the property lines, and I am hoping to speak with one or two landscape architects this week.  If possible we’ll get them to the site.  We could use their input on several areas including the retaining walls, the placement of the pool and the new drive going in on the property.  Plus there is some existing foliage that we will consider transplanting if at all possible.

The picture is of the lot as it is now.  We are expecting changes to that view be taking place very soon!