It’s been almost a month since a legit house building update.
Lest you think we’ve been making no progress, I’ll give you the low-down. We’ve actually been working on exterior projects with the goal of getting the outside finished before winter hits.
Which could be tomorrow, because the Midwest is cray.
Outdoor projects are not fast or simple projects. They aren’t completed in a night or weekend. Which is why we’ve been lacking updates. But it’s coming along and looking great. (And you can always follow us on Instagram @newlywoodwards if you want more updates.)
Porches
You may remember that one change we made to our original house plan was adding a full porch on the front of the house. Spoiler: It was totally the right decision. The house looks so happy to have a front porch.
We decided to go with a depth of 6 feet on the front porch, which allows for room for a porch swing and a few rocking chairs. Obviously, the necessities. We decided on a shed roofline to mimic the garage, but the angle is less steep than the garage roof in order to keep the roof below the second story windows. Ryan plotted the roof to attach to the wall under the window with just enough room for the trim.
We’re going to finish the front and back porches with painted fir floors, but for now, we’re just using plywood. And we’re planning on a wide staircase between the two posts in front of the door. It will be dreamy.
The dream team also worked on the back porch – of which the majority will be covered/screened. It’s 20×10 for the screened area. And then there’s a small uncovered grilling deck off the side as well.
I love the angle of the roof on the porches and we’re hoping to add breadboard to the roofline as-is to maximize that view.
Each porch necessitated a lot of work – planning the roof lines and sizes, pouring footings and setting posts, framing the decking and adding the supports and then installing the beam and rafters above. And there was a lot of troubleshooting along the way. (We didn’t have these porches drawn in our plans because we weren’t 100 percent sure what we wanted. So we were on our own.)
In the end, they both look amazing and add so much character to the front and back of the house.
Soffits
Speaking of details that take way longer than expected, let me introduce you to the soffits.
These bad boys were a big project with lots of cutting, tons of ladder work, and a good deal of dripping sweat in some of the hottest temperatures of the summer.
But the end result made the home look really “finished.” Ryan added a piece of trim along the base of the soffits as well. And now the birds can’t make this area their home. Sorry, birds.
Trim and siding
And the next step is something that’s in-progress. Trim and siding.
We’ll share more when the siding has all been installed, but we’re in progress. I painted all the siding beforehand at my parents’ house and the dudes are installing it as we speak. (I mean, not literally, because Ryan works during the day at his real job which pays for things like siding and trim. But the siding is in-progress.)
So far, siding and trim has meant a LOT of cutting and time.
We have a lot of windows and porches and angles, which means more work. But it’s looking amazing and I’m BESIDE myself with how awesome the color looks.
And that’s a quick and dirty Friday update! Happy weekend!
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Bonnie says
the house looks amazing, I love the grey color and the porches, the house looks huge! I cannot wait to see it finished 🙂 (I am sure you feel the same)
Dusty @All Things G&D says
Your siding color is GORGEOUS!! You already know I love those windows, and that siding color is perfection. Oooh, it’s going to look so good! Love those porches, too. We’re going with a screened in porch in back and I’m so excited about it. Can’t imagine our mosquito filled summer nights w/o one!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Love the siding color! It really is starting to look like a finished house. I bet you’re daydreams of moving in have increased in great detail! You’ll love your porches. Totally worth every second you spent on them!
Melinda says
Your home in progress looks awesome. You must be tickled pink. Love, love, love the color (didn’t think I would)!
daisy says
Flippin’ fantastic. Love these updates because I can’t believe that Ryan works a full-time job and is building your house on his “time off”. Amazing. Enjoy the progress!
Dana says
It looks great! I can’t wait to see the end result! Why did you decide to paint the trim instead of buy trim in a similar color? Did you have to use a special paint? Just getting ideas for my current house which needs some upgrades!
Dana says
I totally meant siding, not trim. Darn pregnancy brain 🙂
Susan A says
Oh my…it all looks awesome! I check daily and love following along. The porches look GREAT! What’s a home in the country without a porch swing? Can’t wait to see the trim and siding completed. It’s coming along nicely!! Thanks for the update. Have a great weekend!
Denise Z says
You’re right…the porches ARE happy additions! And even though it’s a small detail and not seen/appreciated by most, the soffits are a great touch. Ours are similar and I love them every time I look up. Keep at it–it may seem slow now, but it will all be worth it in the many years to come as you enjoy your new home!
Emily @ imperfect says
Yay for porches!!! I’m so glad you decided to add the front porch, I just can’t imagine you living somewhere without a porch to decorate. 🙂
Emily Dunham says
This looks awesome! It really is coming along so much! I am so excited to see the continued progress.
deb says
Yay!!!