If you organize and pack it....

I feel like we have been planning our house renovation for a decade so last week I decided that if I started packing and organizing the house then maybe it will finally happen. If I organize and pack it, they will come. 'They' referring to the team that is going to help us create our dream home. Cheesy play on Field of Dreams but if it worked for them maybe it will apply to our situation. Or I can just blog about this until it finally comes together!

The planning began about a year ago with a combined vision from Chris, myself and my dad. I may be the luckiest girl in the world because my father is one of the most talented architects on the planet. Chris and I wanted to update the home he bought from his father. It was built in 1900 as a summer cottage and needs some TLC to bring it up to date. My dad opened Pandoras Box by designing a compete work of art along with the necessary updates that will allow us to build a family and live here forever. Once I saw his plans, which were about 10 times more major than I had in my mind, I knew this was our home and we would have to go for it. I was so grateful that Chris purchased the home and we didn't have to search for a place to live after we got married, but the house was his parents and it has been difficult for me to live in their space. We need a space that is ours and a home that we can create together. That's exactly what we are going to get....hopefully sooner than later. 

Growing up with a father who is an architect came along with a house that was and still is under construction. It's beautiful, but a constant work in progress. I made it very clear to Chris that I did not want to live in a house that is constantly under construction. I'm a nester and I like organization where everything has its place. I hate clutter and that may be the biggest argument we have had. Chris puts things in piles around the house with no rhyme or reason. But he always knows what's in those piles. Blows my mind!!! Is this a man thing? My dad does the same thing. A year could go by and they still know exactly what pile that tiny piece of paper with a phone number is in.   

So the house is going to be a major project and will require us to move out, hence why I am packing and moving everything into storage. We will start by lifting the house and digging out a finished basement. The house currently sits right on the sand and is beginning to tilt like most old homes do. The basement will also be ideal for the day kids come along so we can send them down to play. This was an argument that was won by me after our friends brought their kids over during a football game. Chris quickly realized how necessary a basement will be. More necessary for me in the near future so Chris can have his own man cave where I won't complain about his video games. It's a win win!!

Once the house is lifted, we will insulate everything and add on a master bedroom where I will finally have a closet!!! Another problem with old homes....no closets. Such a mystery to me. Did they not have clothes or shoes back in the day?? Currently my clothes are on rolling racks in the corner of our bedroom. Not acceptable! :) Our master bedroom will come with a master bathroom where the toilet will have its own room with a door. I watched the Oprah episode about what goes in the air when you flush the toilet...my toothbrush on the sink next to the toilet is not working out. So gross! 

So, this is going to be a big project, but I am so excited for the outcome. It has been a long road of approvals so far since we live in maybe the most historically preserved area ever!! I understand the need to keep everything historically correct and we want our house to be a Cape Cod style home, but man they are taking forever. My fingers and toes are crossed that the machines and work crew will show up shortly so I can start planning the interior details. So much fun to finally design something for myself!! The challenge is keeping it Cape Cod chic but not beach house overload since we live here year round. Until then, I will continue stalking Houzz, Pinterest and any design magazine that catches my eye. I have a notebook with tabs separating each room of the house and inspiration photos in plastic sheet protectors. I did say I like organization, right?!?!

 

Stay tuned for progress updates!! The house lifting should be pretty cool to see so I will share along the way.