Plans That Change
Most of us experience plans that change. The journey of building our new home isn’t any different. Below I’m sharing an update.
It’s been a little while since I’ve shared any big updates on our house building journey. That’s not to say things haven’t been happening behind the scenes, because they certainly have, but I guess I’ve needed a little bit of time to allow the dust to settle and for us to start over before I shared too much.
But first, let me back up. Over a year ago, January 2021 to be specific, Todd and I closed on a beautiful piece of property with 40 acres. My family roots run deep there with my great grandfather farming the property since 1964. It was a dream for us to buy this property and to continue spreading family roots of our own.
From the day we started thinking about buying this property, Todd and I have had an end goal of what we wanted our property to be and how we wanted it to look… the house we are building included.
Plans That Change
I’ve spent the last ten months working with a local architect on the design and layout of our new home. I’ve spent hours upon hours going over every single element of this home. I’ve walked the house so many times, tracing my finger over all the hallways, our kitchen and really focusing on how we want to use and live in the house.
You could say, it’s been a passion project of mine. I’ve loved getting lost in the little details, choosing window placements and allowing my mind to dream and envision what the finished house would look like when it was all said and done.
And while we’ve been mindful of rising building costs throughout the entire process, the last phase of the design portion has brought a wide array of pricing obstacles. And to be rather direct, when it came down to trying to build this house, it wasn’t coming together.
With each phase of the house, we’ve run into more expensive costs. We’ve run into hidden elements that we didn’t expect or foresee. And it’s been heart wrenching.
But, in many ways, God has been preparing our hearts to start over. I’ve heard His quiet voice whispering to me time and time again that we needed to make the house smaller. And while the home we were designing to build was slightly larger than average sized homes, it still wasn’t large in today’s world.
In the end, with each unknown and expensive hurdle we faced, it was clear to Todd and I that God didn’t want us to build this house. He has something better in mind for us and I can (and have) fully embraced this.
When it comes down to it, Todd and I want to build a home that’s a blessing to us and not a burden. And while we can’t see what tomorrow brings, or what would have been with the original house we designed, I choose to trust that the Lord knows what we don’t. And He protects us.
And so, after nearly a year of working on house plans, we are starting over on a new, smaller design. This time though, I’m letting God take the lead and trusting Him to guide us as we make decisions for the house we’ll eventually call home.
Even though we’ve just started working with our architect on this new set of plans, it already feels better. I feel lighter and excited and ready to see what comes from this change. God’s plan is always the best plan and I know He is leading us to the home He has already prepared for us.
More to come as we get further along on this journey.
Wow, thank you for sharing and being so transparent. The wisdom and blessings God has and will continue to bring are endless. Nothing is better than being in line with God’s will and plan. Keep your eyes on him first in all things. God bless you and your family and the journey he has put you on!
Thank you so much, Jill! This was a hard post to write, but one that needed written. God is incredibly faithful. His will and plan will far exceed what we could have planned for ourselves. I know He has something wonderful in store for us. <3
Dear Shayna
I’m so excited to see what you & Todd decide to create for your family.
God will trul guide you every step of the way.
Love,
Rose
Thank you so much, Rose! We are seeking His wisdom and guidance every step of the way and are looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
Shayna, you’re so very wise to hear God’s voice and not ignore it!! His Will and His plans are always better than what we (as humans) could ever fathom. God will lead you throughout this process and you will be mightily blessed!!
Thank you, Cynthia! It’s not always easy to be obedient, but I know that listening and following His voice is incredibly important. He sees and knows what I do not and we want His will for us as we start this new chapter. You’re right, He will lead us through this. I have faith in that.
i”m going through the same thing. Heart wrenching.
I’m so sorry, Laura! I know how you feel… it’s so difficult to spend so much time and energy on something and not have it come to fruition. God has given me peace as we’ve had to change directions and I’m very thankful for that. Sending you hugs!
I definitely feel for you. I’m a Realtor and made the career change at the start of Covid. The way this market and inflation has been going as a result of Covid has been interesting to say the least. I’ve seen clients experience set backs while building and during this economic turn you definitely have to have faith. My husband and I decided to make a move and jump in as buyers with eyes wide open. It’s definitely made me learn how to let go and trust in Him a bit more, which is difficult since I’m a bit of a control freak. I have faith that you guys will have the right home for you both (regardless of size). In the end everything happens for a reason and how it was meant to be. It can be difficult to see though when you’re in the middle of it all. I cannot wait to see the beautiful home on your blog that you guys will have built. And who knows, maybe one day that home can be just one of a couple of homes on the property.
Thank you so much, Clia! It’s definitely an interesting time in the world to be building a home and it’s been a process thus far. I know the Lord has a plan for us and that He will guide us along the way. It’s not always easy, but I’m thankful He’s given me the peace and understanding to start over and to have a fresh set of eyes as we design our home. Wishing you and your husband all the best as you navigate this market!
Wow, your story sounds so familiar to ours. Five years ago we purchased a plot of land that was our “dream” lot. The place we could never have imagined for ourselves but that we stumbled onto, and even though there were many obstacles, we somehow managed to purchase this price of property with the intentions of building our forever home. We knew we were meant to live in this spot, it was just a feeling. We set to work straight away with an architect planning and designing this home, our dream home. It was not huge, at 2300 square ft it was large enough to be comfortable without being too consuming of the land it would sit on. But like you described, things just kept popping up that made it feel like God was telling us that the timing, and more importantly, the house, just wasn’t “right” for us. So we settled into a different home, something we bought on a different piece of land. We remodeled and even considered selling our dream lot, but deep down knew that wasn’t the right answer either. We sold our home in 2021, moved into a rental and set to work designing a smaller and completely different home. And everything that was falling apart before is falling into place this time around. It’s amazing how God knows the future plans that we can’t even see yet. I truly hope that things fall into place for you as well this round, and I feel confident they will because when God fills your heart with knowing then you immediately feel at peace about your decisions! Best wishes on your new journey!
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Audrae! It certainly sounds similar to what we’re facing and I love hearing how things are falling into place for you this time around. God is so faithful. We’re still early in the process of designing a new home, but it already feels different this time and I have so much peace in knowing God is in control and that He protects us from what we don’t know or see. Best wishes to you as well!
So how much did you spend on the first architect design only to start over? I am trying to decide to build new vs remodel and it is scary to pay out multiple fees for inspections vs designs….would be interested in your thoughts.
When God says no, He sometimes has something better for us. Your faith is an example of trusting in the Lord, In your partner and accepting that changes are not necessarily disappointments.
Keep on Loving, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Laura! You couldn’t be more right! God is so incredibly faithful and He always has something better planned for us than we can even fathom… even when we think we know what’s best! I’m excited to see what He has in store for us!
Courage to accept change and Faith – you’ve got this! Hugs