Writing a post to document the building and completion of our retirement home in Conway, AR.
As I have mentioned before - building a home was never a thought in our retirement planning. We had resigned ourselves to rent as we were concerned of going into debt at the age of 66! We had lived in a church owned parsonage for 10 years, so had no equity, etc. However, God had different plans than we did and we are so very thankful!! Rent is so high in Conway, that owning your home is just a wiser option. Our builder made it possible to own our own home and do so at a budget, including taxes, insurance, and utilities, that is cheaper than renting. Yes, our home is small - approximately 1600 sq. ft., but our builder did a great job (with help from my sister Kaye when we designed the blueprints) in utilizing all the space to make it seem bigger. We have 3 bedrooms plus an office for Jeff, 2 bathrooms, etc. Our only regret is a very small breakfast nook (and no dining room) but we made that sacrifice so Jeff could have an office. I guess that means I don't have to do a lot of cooking - 😉👍ha (COVID-19 has sure changed that😏)! We will just have to keep our garage nice and clean, so we can sit up tables/chairs out there when the family all gather and the weather is agreeable! Since we had never built a home, the decisions were kinda nerve-wrecking, but also fun! There are some things we would do differently in hindsight, but for the most part, we are very happy and comfortable in this home.
Footing was poured on July 3, 2019 (while we were still living in Galena, KS)
I appreciated my sister texting us pictures of the progress until we got moved here.
August 2 - walls going up!
August 6 - roof going on
August 20 - ready for shingles and brick. We had moved on August 19th (and lived with my Mom until it was completed). It was exciting to see the progress with our own eyes!
August 29 - brick almost completed and shingles done
August 23rd--front room entrance--looking into the living room, kitchen with the master bedroom behind
Looking from the corner of the kitchen into the living room toward the other 2 bedrooms, Jeff's office and front door.
Our master bedroom (bigger than we have had for a long time)
Sept. 18 - Mom and Jeff checking out the custom cabinets
Sept. 21 - they washed the brick
Back of the house
We are pleased with the color of our brick
Jumping ahead a couple of weeks (there are many more pictures that I have posted in an album on Facebook). The painting was finished on Oct. 7th; gray walls, white cabinets; dark gray bar
Master bedroom
Small deck built on back (that we sure enjoy)
Shake Shingles were added above door. At first, we did not like the color at all, but it has grown on us.
November 2 - we have flooring! EVP (engineered vinyl plank). A mix of brown and gray planks. I have sure liked it - easy to keep clean!
Nov. 2 - custom shower work in master bath was being done
November 5th - FINALLY a driveway, It made it so much easier to get into the house without a lot of mud. This was the such a rainy season in Arkansas (and has continued into 2020!!)
November 14th - lighting and fans installed
As well as appliances
Sure do love my farmhouse sink!
Master bedroom
Jeff's office
Jeff was so excited to get a shed (and I was too) to put our lawn equipment in, Christmas totes, etc.
We had it placed at the back of our yard. However, the neighbor behind us complained to the city 😢 and so an inspector came out and made Jeff move it.
The only spot acceptable with the city was here....not near as good, but we have adjusted to it. The man who delivered it and his grandson came one Sunday afternoon and helped Jeff manually move it. It was a tough job!!
November 18th....my door is getting painted RED!! 💓💓
Yep, I love it!!
November 24th -- 99% completed!!
November 27th (the day before Thanksgiving) - we closed and were now homeowners!!
A very happy day!
On Monday, December 2, we hired a moving company who moved all our "stuff" from two nearby storage units here in Conway to our home. Rachel graciously came over and helped as well!! Before she left that day, she had my kitchen almost in order and had put up my Christmas tree!! Thank you, so very much, Rachel Ann!!! 💖💖
A few days later, I added more Christmas decor to our entertainment center
I loved this red door ornament our sweet friend, Joy Brannon, gave to us! 💗
My sister, Kaye, came on several occasions to help decorate, hang pictures, etc. THANK YOU KAYE LYNN!!
This picture was taken a few days before Christmas after I got all the gifts wrapped for my family
After the holidays were over (and a week long visit in Texas), we finished getting the house in complete order. I kept the Amazon delivery man busy for several weeks: delivering bedspreads, curtains, decor, etc.
The first room that was put "in order" was our master bedroom. We love the size of it and that there is room for a sitting area. We bought a new king size mattress for the bed as well, which sleeps wonderful! For many years, Jeff and I have slept in separate rooms due to his very bad snoring. But before we left Galena, he got a CPAP machine and that has made a huge difference in his snoring and his sleeping better. So now we are once again in the same bed and loving it!! 💑💑
January 23rd:
Doors to the master bath and the master closet
Door at far end goes into the kitchen area
This is my favorite spot in our home! I spend every morning here having my quiet time. Such a blessing!
Master bath/shower
Master closet
Jeff fixed this necklace wall for me for Valentine's.
Our closet opens into the bedroom and also into the utility room. It's wonderful!
Laundry isn't near the task now with it being so convenient!!
Looking into the kitchen from the laundry room
My kitchen (which I'm so thankful for!)
At the suggestion of several, I did add "splashes" of red 💗💗
Those of you who know me, know I love RED
Our "tiny" breakfast nook is at the far end of the kitchen. I still haven't found a table small enough to use there. Looking for a drop-leaf. Hopefully, someday, I will find the perfect one.
Entry way
Jeff's office
He has a nice view when working.....
Yes, he plays the keyboard (played in a rock band in high school)
Guest bathroom
Garage -- January 29th -- took us a while but we got all the boxes emptied and/or stuff in the attic/shed
Jeff didn't have room for all his bookcases in the office, so there are 3 in the garage
Recently, we bought this shelf at Sams to put canned goods and paper goods on in the garage. Sure helped clear out a packed pantry!
I saw these magnets on Amazon and purchased them. They definitely help decorate our garage door! (Jan. 31)
Feb. 8 - Kaye came back over and helped me hang curtains in the 2 guest bedrooms (a job that Jeff hates!)
My curio cabinet that Mike Meier gave me after my dear friend Karen passed away.
2nd guest bedroom
And lastly, on Feb. 14th, Jeff hung the valances in the kitchen/dining room
Pictures of our living area
(Kaye hung all those crosses back in December!)
Jeff recently mowed the yard (mostly just mulched leaves). We are using a local company to fertilize and treat our "new" sod. Am looking forward to seeing it turn green.
Closing out this post, with a very grateful heart, for the current pictures of our retirement home!!
💙💙
Due to that deep drainage ditch on the north side of our home, Jeff had a couple of guys install a fence the week of April 12. We want to keep our grandkids safe when they visit!
Pictures after grass turned green
💓THANK YOU, JESUS!!!💓
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