2022 Building Runyans Recap

You Build that house yet?

Planning and preparation are important when gearing up for a big project (along with being flexible when all your plans fall apart or circumstances change). For over a year the most common question we have heard is "when are you going to start building?" We had a date in mind when we started planning, but I stopped telling people because the reality is we've already started, even if we haven't broken ground. We have already started preparing the lot, worked for over a year with an architect on plans, researched and dreamed and pinned every finish, and saved for the build. The global pandemic, supply chain and labor issues, interest rates, and more unexpected things have made lessened the urgency to break ground a little. So we'll keep planning a little longer.

Throughout the year that didn't stop up from preparing for the build; we spent a lot of time cleaning up the lot. We cleared the thick thorn patches and brush, hauled out all the stumps, rocks and trash, and cut down several dead trees (already have the start of a great woodpile for the fireplace in the new house).

The wooded area behind the lot has walking paths, forts built by the neighborhood kids, and a lot of wildlife. We cut in a little access path from our property to the main trail. The kids spend hours exploring and playing with friends while we get work done!

Camping Runyans?

This fall we bought a camper. With kids busy in sports it gave us a way to travel to tournaments and not have to mess with checking in and out of hotels while getting to spend a little more family time together. I also got some great use out of it this year when a client I work with hosted a week long event at the state fair that I staffed. It was nice to be able to camp near the grounds!

In true Runyan fashion, we got a flat tire on the way home from picking up the camper... in the middle of interstate road construction, 40 miles from anywhere with a service station. It was an adventure... but its been fun ever since and we look forward to camping and build site adventures next year!

When we eventually break ground, it will be nice to have the camper on site while we work and possibly even serve as a temporary place to stay once our lease it up and before we officially move in.

Looking forward to 2023

With the kids growing at lightening speed, we are focused on building more than a house. In 2023 we are focused on building a strong healthy family. As we juggle constant sports, work, and travel schedules, build our business, and still find time for some fun we are trying to find a new routine with healthy meals and more time outdoors. There will probably be more food/ family/ fun posts in the next year.

There will also be plenty of building content in 2023. Now that the plans are complete we will start building budgets, getting bids, selecting materials and document the process.

Cheers, Happy Year!