The Floor Plan

Finding a house plan was a little more difficult than we both expected. We looked at thousands of house plans online trying to find the perfect layout. I think we had "the perfect one" at least four times. Finally Andy found a company based out of Bend that specializes in Craftsman and Prairie style homes. Their designs on the website were just black and white sketches - nothing flashy like the other websites we'd been looking at, but Andy was drawn to a specific one. Our final choice was a traditional craftsman likely to be found in the Portland area. After making our decision we found out that the house was actually built up in Washougal, WA for the Parade of Homes. We were very excited to have the chance to actually drive past it and make sure it was what we were looking for and to see what we could do differently.

The house is a small foot print but it is 2 story with a walkout basement. We should definitely have enough room for quite some time. The first part of our master plan is to build a detached garage with an apartment above that we can move into as soon as possible. Once that is complete, the construction will begin on the main house. We love 99% of the layout and will make just a few small changes and customizations for the final product. I've already been thinking about paint colors, wood trim, tile, and furniture and have started an idea box of magazine clippings. Andy thinks I am so weird! Much to Andy's dismay I've even bought a few things for the "new house".

The Floor Plan

Finding a house plan was a little more difficult than we both expected. We looked at thousands of house plans online trying to find the perfect layout. I think we had "the perfect one" at least four times. Finally Andy found a company based out of Bend that specializes in Craftsman and Prairie style homes. Their designs on the website were just black and white sketches - nothing flashy like the other websites we'd been looking at, but Andy was drawn to a specific one. Our final choice was a traditional craftsman likely to be found in the Portland area. After making our decision we found out that the house was actually built up in Washougal, WA for the Parade of Homes. We were very excited to have the chance to actually drive past it and make sure it was what we were looking for and to see what we could do differently.

The house is a small foot print but it is 2 story with a walkout basement. We should definitely have enough room for quite some time. The first part of our master plan is to build a detached garage with an apartment above that we can move into as soon as possible. Once that is complete, the construction will begin on the main house. We love 99% of the layout and will make just a few small changes and customizations for the final product. I've already been thinking about paint colors, wood trim, tile, and furniture and have started an idea box of magazine clippings. Andy thinks I am so weird! Much to Andy's dismay I've even bought a few things for the "new house".

We're buying a lot??

On weekends Andy and I love to drive around looking at houses and dreaming of where our future house would be and what it would look like. One crazy day in March we decided it would be a good idea to find a lot and hang on to it for a few years before we build....just like his parents did with Labor Rd. Let the fun begin! We spent a few weeks looking at available lots and found beautiful views that would only accommodate a house dangling off the side of a steep cliff, on a busy road, or a cute little lot tucked right in the backyard of an older existing home - no thanks!

Then we found it - on craigs list. The posting was very vague but it was right outside of Multnomah Village....walking distance to Old Market Pub, included a newer 1200 sqft shop/garage AND it was over and acre. Next thing we know, we've bought it (and the 28 yr old Back Hoe) and not only are we not saving it for the future, but we're planning to build as soon as possible and sell our current house....what happened to hanging on to it for a few years??

We're buying a lot??

On weekends Andy and I love to drive around looking at houses and dreaming of where our future house would be and what it would look like. One crazy day in March we decided it would be a good idea to find a lot and hang on to it for a few years before we build....just like his parents did with Labor Rd. Let the fun begin! We spent a few weeks looking at available lots and found beautiful views that would only accommodate a house dangling off the side of a steep cliff, on a busy road, or a cute little lot tucked right in the backyard of an older existing home - no thanks!

Then we found it - on craigs list. The posting was very vague but it was right outside of Multnomah Village....walking distance to Old Market Pub, included a newer 1200 sqft shop/garage AND it was over and acre. Next thing we know, we've bought it (and the 28 yr old Back Hoe) and not only are we not saving it for the future, but we're planning to build as soon as possible and sell our current house....what happened to hanging on to it for a few years??