Lot Possession Day + Inspiration for Exterior

Well, the day is here! We finally take possession of our lot. It feels like we've been waiting forever, even though it's only been a couple of months.

It seems like there is so much to do in these beginning stages, and it all starts with drilling our well. We are waiting to hear back from the previous owner of the property to see if we can use an access point he's got on his property about 30 feet down from ours. If we can't, then we've got to create an access of our own from the road - which will include removing fence, and getting an entrance permit through the township.

Once we begin drilling the well, we will know for sure where the house will be placed on the lot. As of now, we know where we would like it - but anything can change depending on whether or not the first place we drill is successful. There would be nothing worse than not getting water!

Regardless of whether or not we will be using the access 30 feet down the road for drilling, we will eventually need our own access. The entrance permit is just a form you fill out and send back. We will need to place stakes or flags where we'd like the driveway to be. The township will then send an employee out to survey where we'd like our access to be, see if there are any restrictions/setbacks we are violating, and whether or not we need a culvert. The setbacks on our property are: the driveway (and anything else) needs to be at least 3m from the property line on either side, and the house must be at least 9m from the road. We will likely need a culvert because there is a fairly large ditch between the road and the lot.

We met with Mitch's step-dad (and our home designer) Bob Hynes from Your Own Design on Sunday and gave him our version of the home we would love to build. We drafted a main floor and a second floor on graph paper, and can't wait to see what he can do with our ideas on his system!

We decided on using HardiePlank lap siding, and HardiePanel vertical siding by James Hardie in Arctic White. We really like the classic look of the white modern farmhouse. We will be using the lap siding on the lower level, and then board and batten on the second level.

Above photo from @millhavenhomes on Instagram. *White siding + layout inspiration

Above photo from @frazierhomedesign on Instagram. *White siding/style + black windows inspiration

We really like the look of black windows. They are modern but kind of industrial at the same time, and contrast beautifully with the white siding. We're looking into doing a steel roof, and we think we like the grey tones, The grey roof doesn't seem to contrast as much with the white siding as black would, which allows it to look a bit softer, more country, and less 'beverly hills'.

Above photo from HGTV's Fixer Upper. *Grey roof + wood elements inspiration

We LOVE the look of wooden doors and beefy wood posts out front. We're not too sure if we're going to be able to make it happen, but doesn't that look amazing?! White on wood is always a fresh, clean, and classic look. It brings an earthy element to the house, and I don't think we would ever get sick of it!

Above photos from @house_sprucing on Instagram. *Wood elements inspiration

We'd like to have a bump out room on the front left side that is the kids room - for all of their toys and mess to stay behind closed doors. The bump out is going help us incorporate a covered front porch - which means there's a place for friends to stand and ring the doorbell in the pouring rain instead of getting soaked. Great, right?!

*covered porch + grey roof inspiration

Above photos from Pinterest. *covered front porch inspiration

Now that we've chosen our exterior materials, Bob can draft up our home to scale on his system. We can't wait to see what it looks like!

We are excited to be able to share some interior details and inspiration with you soon. What do you think of the exterior look?

#ClearyFarm #BuildingOurFamily #ModernFarmhouse #NewBuild #WellDrilling #Permits #JamesHardie #Siding #WhiteOnWood #PossessionDay