We are Ken and Jenna Tomalka, and we are building our dream home. We are building with the help of David and A.J. Howard at www.firstdaycottage.com, and many wonderful friends and family. We will use this site to document our project, and to keep all of our friends and family updated on our progress.
So, grab a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy your visit to Twin Birch Cottage!
Finish Construction (empty)
Shell Construction
(go here!)
1) When did you start the project?
We started clearing the site in April, 2003. We finalized plans and received necessary approvals in June and July 2003. Our basement was installed in July 2003. (see www.polysteel.com) Our First Day Cottage house package arrived on August 15, 2003.
2) Why are you building your own house?
We shared a dream of building a cabin in the woods-- we didn't really know how or when, but we knew someday we would build one. When a series of life situations occured that provided us with the opportunity to purchase the perfect piece of property, it was the beginning of making our dream a reality. We also had several other goals in building:
1) If we were going to clear a spot of beautiful Michigan woodland to create a new house rather than buy an exisiting one, we wanted it to be unique from the homes we could have found on the market.
2) We wanted to use different energy sources than standard fossil fuel systems.
3) We wanted a home that would fit well with the environment in which it was built.
4) We wanted an efficiently designed, smaller home, that was built with unique, quality materials.
5) We didn't want a mortgage.
6) We wanted the control and responsibility that would only come if we were directly involved in designing and building this house.
Once we identified our goals for this home, we began shopping for a company that could provide us with the necessary planning, materials, and technical assistance. First Day Cottage fit the bill. Visit www.firstdaycottage.com for more information.
3) How big is the house?
The first floor is 1040 square feet and includes the kitchen, dining room, living room and full bath. The second floor is 640 and includes the master bedroom, bathroom and a studio. The walkout basement will have 800 finished square feet, including a family room, full bathroom, and two bedrooms- each with an oversized window. The total square footage is 2480.
4) Will you use contractors at all?
We contracted for excavation, basement installation, plumbing, and the installation of a masonary heater. (What's a masonary heater, you ask? click on the "About the house and floorplans" link above.)
5) When do you expect to be done?
We are planning that the first and second floors will be finished by the end of the year, and that we will be finishing the walkout basement this winter. Stay tuned....
