This weekend we signed a contract with builder Chad. It took a bit of doing, but I think the time spent discussing some of the specifics up fron will pay off. Our expectations are properly set, and I think builder Chad's are as well, so I would expect fewer (not zero, that would be unrealistic) expectation mismatches once the project is underway.

It's exciting, really. This is the proper beginning of the project. I spent some time at the bank on Monday afternoon going over making a loan application, and all the minutiae that entails. I fully expect to be the proud owner of a hole in the ground within the next couple weeks.