Is new construction in our future?

__________

New construction.  I mean, this is something I've wanted for a LONG time.  I've seen my friends & family build new houses.  All the while, we'd continue to renovate our good ol' fixer-upper, knowing that our turn would come. Eventually.

Now, I'm happy to say that I've had some experience with the new construction process, and I'm so thankful for that. It has definitely helped prepare me for what hopefully lies ahead for us.  My sister Kacy recently built a new home and I helped her with every. single. step. of the new construction buying & designing process.  I was so happy that she brought me to all her meetings and I even got to go to the designing warehouse with her and pick out cabinets and hardwood floors and counter tops and faucets and.... you get the idea.  SO FUN.  While she was overwhelmed with choices, I happily hopped from one thing to the next.  I think, at one point, she just let me start picking stuff myself because she just didn't care anymore {what bathroom tile color- cream or ivory? Really?} Ha!  But I loved it.

Well folks? It's almost our turn. Almost.

Now part of me doesn't even want to start looking at homes yet.  Our current home isn't even on the market {2 more weeks!} and then we play the waiting game.  You just never know how long it might take for that perfect buyer to come along.  The good news is, it does look like the market is starting to pick up some... I've had two friends recently sell their home in less than a week! Very promising.  But I also see homes sitting on the market for months and months.  Again, you just never know which way it's going to go for you.  And that's why I don't want to really start looking yet.... I don't want to get my hopes up.

But on the other hand? Hopes. Are. Up. There is a NEW HOUSE in sight. I must design ALL the things. 

I just can't help it.

So last week, while we were waiting for Carter to finish up his classroom visit during kindergarten registration, Bob and I couldn't help ourselves.  We drove through the development we've been looking at and fell in love.  We even picked out our lot.  {End of the cul-de-sac and backs up to woods?  Yes please!}  I mean, I highly doubt that will still be available when it's our turn, but you never know.  It's just fun to think about, right?

Seriously... it was on Google Maps like that.  I think we officially must buy the lot now, right?

And should I even admit that I picked out the house I want?  Because I totally did.

How cute is that? We'd want the side garage entrance though {so there would be windows where the current garage doors are and the driveway would swing around to the side.} I'd also consider getting a brick front or even a brick or stone center where the front door is... ya know, if money grew on trees.

Or this elevation.  Bob has a porch on his "must have" list.

And again with the side garage entrance.  Another "must have" for us.

So, um... want to see the floor plan?  Because who doesn't love floor plans? {I'm obsessed.}

First Floor: {with morning room}

The thought of having a study so close to the family room makes my heart happy.  It would totally be used as a playroom.  Totally.  I also LOVE the back staircase.  And do you see how big that laundry room is?  I picture a Pinterest-worthy mudroom complete with a bench and cubbies with hooks for each family member.  Oh, and it has a basement!  Ahhhh.  We don't have a basement now and storage in our house is seriously lacking.  I just can't even wait. {Do you see what happens to me?  I should not be looking! But let's keep going anyway, huh?}

Second Floor:

I mean?  Do you blame me for looking?  That closet.  Double sinks.  A bedroom for each kid. Their own bathroom.  OUR OWN BATHROOM.

I die.

This is new territory for us. Like I said, we currently live in a fixer-upper and we've put so much time, energy & money in to every aspect of the house. The thought of owning a new home that is built to meet the needs of our family {and we can personalize right from the start!} with open floor plans, more storage and more room to entertain and play just sounds like a dream to us!

Also, with the energy efficiency and virtually zero maintenance in new homes, we'd be saving money.  I just used this nifty cost-savings calculator on the BHI Website {which compares the average maintenance and utilities of used and newly built homes} and we'd be saving an average of...

Over $5,500 per year!  Honestly, with our current home?  It's likely WAY more than that.  Sigh.

So, can we please fast forward to when this whole home-selling process is OVER?  Pretty, please?  I just want to move in to my new house now, thankyouverymuch.

See? Hopes. Up.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.