Since there has been so much demolition done on the cottage and next week we start to rebuild it, a bit bigger and certainly better, I thought it would be a good time to compare where we started and where we are now.
I continue to find this process exciting and daunting at the same time. If I had known what fun this project would be, and I should have known how much I would like it as I have done many projects at my PA home, I would have done this professionally a long time ago.
Cottage the first summer after some work to clean it up and ready to enjoy. June 2005
Cottage gutted, gypsum board removed and replaced with plywood, foundation dug out, and water and sewer pipes removed. November 6, 2012
November 7, 2012
The digging begins with the land being cleared and the foundation digging. November 2, 2012
Water and sewer disconnected, hole dug, view opening up more and more. November 6, 2012
Forms up after the footings were poured. November 10, 2012
Forms off, waterproof tar layer applied and the floor of the cellar curing. November 12, 2012
Another view of the basement. I still am pinching myself that I will have this much room. Interesting fact, as they poured the walls they placed the windows in the wet cement, amazing. 
Despite a huge dumpster in the front yard, the hole around the foundation became a garbage dump. If I am ever feeling nostalgic about the fireplace, I will know that it is still on the property! 
Just look at the view we have opened up! Cannot wait to see what the view is going to be like from the master bedroom. This is what started it all! Notice that the ground has been leveled off and the foundation hole filled in. We are really moving along. November 16, 2012
Another shot of the leveled ground and the foundation with the new stairs, one where one will not have to fold in half to get down the stairs. The middle garden is gone, allowing for the circular driveway to be replaced with two parking spots alongside the addition. The shed will soon get two french doors, salvaged from the cottage, which will open to the view. Hopefully the shed will become a workshop not a storage shed! Placement really does open up the view even as one pulls into the property.
While grading was done around the new addition, the backyard was graded for the enlarged deck area. Deck will run from the great room across the property to the far edge of the new addition, ending with the outdoor shower. A view from there too. November 16, 2012
Before/After: Opening the Great Room Chimney coming down one brick at a time. November 12, 2012
WOW! The new view from the front door as you enter the cottage. Fireplace will be to the left of the double slider and the dining area is to the right. November 14, 2012 Before and after: Nov. 2-16, 2012
Lessons Learned:
1. When you read the contract for the building plan and I quote, " Landscape and drive by owner.", let the owner beware! When I questioned this, the discussion which followed included the assurance that the property would be graded. Since I do not want a sprinkler system or formal lawn I didn't think this would be a great expense. I am recalculating my budget to include landscaping and driveway repair. Let the "Extras" begin.
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