November 2007 to April 2008 - The New Plan

As I'd mentioned, we'd debated and debated between two possible sites for the log home. The somewhat easier site on the ridge or the site spanning the drainage farther back with more privacy and better lake views. Against the opinions of some of our friends and family we finally chose the easier site. We were starting to realize the project was challenging enough as it was and we discussed building a nice little bridge and atrium in the back of the property so not to waste the nice, private spot. We'd already had a grader visit the property and say that grading the easier spot on the hill would not be a problem. So, the house plan for this site was a 32x36 home. The engineer finally finished the plans in late December, not quite the 3 week turnaround he'd promised, but it was winter and we had some time. The plans were submitted to the city for review just before January 1st, hoping to avoid any complications with the new code that was going to take effect after the new year. However, we were in Europe during this time and just missed paying the fees in time and the new code had to be enforced anyway. Didn't cause many complications and plans were returned about a month later with only some minor changes, whew! Despite being minor issues, it took the engineer another 6 weeks to finish them... He appologized and once again admitted he'd taken other projects and pushed ours to the bottom of the list. Anyway, revised plans were finally submitted to the city around the end of March and returned approved a week and a half later on April 2nd. We just had to remark the house site and property survey markers, which had not all remained in place through the winter. Yikes,we actually have approved plans and could get started!!