Spec Sheet is Killing Me

It feels like I've been working on this spec sheet for ages.  There's so much to research and figure out.  We aren't able to go to stores or showrooms to look at things.  I'm on Houzz and Pinterest daily, gathering photos.  I know we aren't making final selections with this document, but the closer we get the more accurate the budget will be and the less hassle down the road with the bank.  Sometimes this process is fun, and sometimes it's a struggle.  But we're slowly getting through it.

In the meantime, the kids have built some fixtures and furniture for the house....with legos.

Fireplace and couch in Family Room

Front Door

Bathtub (notice the hot and cold faucets)

Dining table, kitchen island and cooktop, computer in the office nook, and stairs.

Washer Dryer in the Utility Room, cars in the garage, and a mouse trap baited with cheese.

Beckley Residence Specifications

Just when we thought we were in for a long wait and lots of dead time, our builder sent us 6 pages of details to figure out.  It covers everything!  Gutter type?  Color?  What type of stone on the siding?  What type of sink in each location?  Faucets?  How many hose bibs?  Where?  It goes on and on.

We've been gathering photos and some items we have figured out.  Others....not even close.  But we've been so focused on the design and technical aspects it will be nice to switch gears and think about what finishes we want in our new home.

We're Finally Feeling the Impact of the Shutdown

We've been very lucky over the past month of the state shutdown for many reasons.  One reason is our architect and civil engineer were willing to work on our projects from home and get them wrappe dup.  It was a close call and took some work, but we were able to get finalized plans and drainage engineering during a time when businesses were stopping work altogether.  The day after the architect finished our plans she was taking time off.

Another reason is the well drillers decided to start and finish our project.  Residential construction is not allowed currently, but technically work that provides water to people is an essential business.  They were already staged to drill so they got it done...just barely and on a technicality.

A third reason is even though King County Development has closed their offices, they are still allowing limited types of permits to be submitted online, including Residential Building Permits.  So we were able to apply for our permit and get the ball rolling despite the shutdown.

But now, we're feeling it.  We can't demo the old shed, decommission the old well, or remove the well road because none of that work is allowed until at least May 4th.  But really all of those things should be done before the county comes out to look at our site.  A little nervous about it all, but not much we can do about any of it!

Permit Application Officially Accepted!

Once the engineer signed off on the Grant of Easement as sufficient proof, intake was able to invoice us for the permit.  We paid and it's now "under review"!

King County is running at limited capacity for now.  Before the shutdown, they were taking upwards of 20 weeks to process building permits, according to our builder.  So this could be a very long wait.  But we're happy to have this big step behind us.

Easement Hunt

King County Permitting requested a copy of the easement showing we have access to the road.  Our legal description states the property has an access easement.  The Statutory Warranty Deed from 1958 which is our Proof of Legal Lot shows the property has an easement.  But that wasn't enough.

I spent hours compiling proof the easement exists.  I dug through online records.  I was able to find a recorded survey of the neighbor's parcel showing the easement along the road, and a King County Assessor's Map showing the easement running past our property...not good enough.  I knew the recording number of the document I needed, but the document was too old to be found online.  I emailed King County Archives, but they are closed and not searching microfiche records until they re-open.  I was stuck. I submitted what I had and crossed my fingers, but they let me know it still wasn't sufficient proof.

Fortunately the person from the county was nice enough to call and verbally recommend I look through the Title Report from our closing documents from when we purchased the property.  He said if we're lucky, there should be a hyperlink to that old recorded document.  Sure enough, there it was!  I've never been so happy to see a Grant of Easement from 1958 in my entire life!

 

We Applied for our Building Permit!

Sold

After a very smooth closing process, we officially became the owners of 4.87 acres in Fall City on Jeremy's birthday!  The kids helped me load the picnic table into the trailer and gather party decorations while Jeremy was at work.  That evening we surprised Jeremy with a little birthday celebration on the new property.