Progress Creates Decision Needs {{{{{{STRESS?}}}}}}

So, you have plans, a permit and now you’re ready to sit back and watch your house come to life, right? WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL…..

Most likely this is JUST the beginning of the layers (and layers) of decisions. You may not think you’re making decisions directly, but I assure you SOMEONE is deciding for you if you’re not. Decision making paralysis happens quickly…..even at our stage which is just the site walls. In our project, these are the FIRST new construction pieces this home has seen in many years and as we’re learning is the Lynch pin to many decisions.

Here’s a glimpse of the decisions the walls are forcing NOW.

• Drainage around the property; we had a plan that is now being adjusted due to materials chosen and the materials ability to handle water (or not)

• Planting for electrical needs (or future needs)

• Plumbing and access needs including for the future pool on site.

Once these concrete structures are in place, it is challenging (aka $$$$$) to work around. Overplanning before execution is the current project theme.

In addition, the finish of these retaining walls are setting the tone for the entire project. The wall stucco color, stones etc. need to be decided now, which basically means the entire home’s color scheme is now being determined. FUN!!!!

To accomplish this, we involve the landscape designers, the landscape installers, the interior (and exterior) designer, the architect…the pool installer….and of course the contractor who is also the client (my husband and me)….just to name a few. We ALL have a say in the final outcome and wow, it can be overwhelming to some as the opinions and decisions start to be made, or EXCITING if you’re a planner like me. :)

We’re also reconsidering areas of the yard we didn’t realize would feel so open and usable. For example, our architect suggested an outdoor dining pavilion at design. We quickly dismissed the idea as too much! Who would want a small building to eat a meal in addition to all the other areas planned?

One pandemic later and we are now wondering how we will live without many options on where to eat? LOL. Sign of 2020….we want to enjoy every aspect of our home possible. Apparently we are very on trend here as construction of small out-buildings is booming. Stay tuned to see if we add this back on….

Until then, I’ll be wiping 8 muddy dog paws one at a time and considering all the professional opinions we have for this project.

-ESD