Cleared lot

We checked out the lot today and it appears to be cleared and ready for digging.  The pictures don't show it well but we still have a good amount of trees in the backyard.

Our lot is getting a haircut.

I drove up to the lot after our PA trip and the tree crew was busy clearing things out.  Looks like they were just getting started.

Christmas gift for the nephew.

I made this crane for my nephew before we moved.  He peed his pants because he didn't want to stop playing with it.  I'll take that as a win.

Final plans

Here are the final exterior plans for our New England Homes build.  I love the daylight windows in the basement on the back elevation.  I'm also liking the stone, shake, and hardy plank front.

Our Lot

Here are some pictures of our lot before the tree guy gets there.

3D house

I've been playing with Google Sketchup to try and get a feel for what our new house will look like.  If you haven't tried it, it's the best free software out there.  Here are some snapshots:

We own dirt

We finally closed on our lot and construction loan on Wednesday.  We were nervous because the neighborhood has some architectural review board that needs to approve our plans.  Until last Friday we did not have the approval.  The builder had been trying for weeks to get it but once our realtor heard were were having trouble we received preliminary approval in a couple days.  He seems to have connections everywhere.  If anyone needs a good realtor in Ohio call Bryan Jarrett from Coldwell Banker.