Just a couple days after the closing, Kelsey went up to the property for soil testing. Basically, we need to learn about the soil composition to help direct the engineering of our slab-on-grade foundation.

As a former geologist, Kelsey was pretty darn excited to be on the back of a drill rig this first task at the property.

He was treated to this amazing sunrise that morning. Me and the kids were jealous that we couldn't be there to experience it ourselves! Our master bedroom will face southeast, so it will be a nice treat to wake up to this view each morning.

Now...back to the soil testing...

Drill rig doing its thing with Buffalo Mountain and the Gore Range in the background.

We partnered with CTL Thompson in Breckenridge for the drilling, testing and analysis.

Next up, finalize the floor plan, design and code compliance! We're working with Rod Kazenske at CMB Architecture to make sure that our Sketchup design actually looks good when built (and will pass the HOA guidelines), and then Derek Henderson and Anthem Structural Engineering with start the structural design in December to make sure our lovely home doesn't cave in after a huge blizzard.

We're also starting to study up (if that's even possible) to take the Summit County Building Department - homeowner builder test. This is a key step so that we can qualify to be a self-contractor.

Lots of details and work ahead to be ready to begin building after the snow melts!