Here's the short version of my call with the builder today:
-Construction will begin in roughly 3 weeks!
-All of the important subs are aware of our project and fitting us into their schedules.
-Electricity has been requested so that's in the works.
-Lumber prices are through the roof (due to the shutdown). We can either delay construction for about 3 months and hope prices return to normal, or pay the premium price.
-The old well should be removed soon. Date is still TBD.
-He's estimating 12 months to build. Framing alone will take about 2 months. We've got timber frame elements which require some care. Not all framers can do it well.
-He was really happy to hear me say we think the foundation and framing crews are two of the most important subs we'll have on-site because most people don't get that. We do!
-And finally, he told me not to worry about the weather AT ALL. Many reasons why he doesn't see this as a problem and I feel a lot better about our early autumn start date. He said framing during the hottest part of the summer is actually more problematic, because the slightly wet lumber dries too fast and can twist. Framing in the rain isn't as a problem as long as you dry it out properly and he uses certain materials that handle wet weather better (full fir lumber, etc.)
So...roughly 3 weeks until go time. He said go ahead and finish the last steps with the county so they issue the permit. The permit is only good for 12 months, and since our house will probably take 12 months, I think he's assuming we'll have to file for an extension anyway so we might as well pull it now. We'll probably have it officially issued next week. There will be some activity in the next couple weeks...contracts to review and sign, old well to remove, etc. Things are about to get exciting!
