Just starting out...

So we have decided to build our own home. Through months of trying to buy one and being outbid, out witted, and out done we thought, "hey we should just do this on our own!" So we started researching and found quite a few good options. In trying to build "green" we located some great materials. Our home will be made out of ICF (insulated concrete forms).

These are basically styrofoam, plastic, and metal filled with concrete.

From this link
Concrete forms have taken a new shape-and purpose. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are rigid plastic foam forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls. The foam sections are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction.
ICFs consist of insulating foam, commonly expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). The three basic form types are hollow foam blocks, foam planks held together with plastic ties, and 4 x 8 panels with integral foam or plastic ties. ICFs can be used to form various structural configurations, such as a standard wall, post and beam, or grid. They provide backing for interior and exterior finishes.

So we started our search for property in our neighborhood...
Twin Lakes is nothing special, no large overpriced homes, no beach access, but we like it and would like to continue to call it home.
So, here is property 1 on Capri

The house you see is our rear neighbors. There is no fence yet, but a beautiful piece of property if you ask me.

Oh and did I forget to mention... we bought 2 properties and plan to build 2 of the exact "green" houses...
Property #2 on Alhambra Circle

 

This property needs a little more clean up, but still a beautiful piece of property.

The timeline...

January 28th 2011 we closed on both properties
February 4th 2011 we submitted our ideas and drawings to our Architect/Engineer

Here are the first drawings..

We received these drawings on February 8th, 2011 and have made some adjustments...

 

It is a little difficult to see the pen marks on the Second Floor, but they are there.
Todd resubmitted our drawings today February 9th, 2011

Problems we are dealing with right now..
1. In the kitchen we cannot decied between island or pennisula
2. Once we decide about island or pennisula we must decide whether the sink should be in it or the oven.
     I would like a wall mounted stove, Todd is just looking at the prices...

So far we have picked out our furniture...

The kitchen sink...

This is the farmhouse sink from Ikea. It looks a little small in this picture, but it is full size.

These are the cabinets we chose. They are white with wainescotting (spell?). Some are full and others have glass window panes. I have not decided on stainless steel or black appliances yet.
My refrigerator...

Todd's refrigerator...

I'm not sure why Todd has to have so much technology, but this is what he would like.
I am trying to get all our appliances off craigslist, scratch and dent, or just plain used. So these will not be brand new unless we find them scratch and dent... cross your fingers!!