From Land to Livable
Build Timeline
Every major milestone, in order. Updated as I go.
✓ Completed
Before the Build
Land acquisition, permits, site prep, and everything that had to happen before breaking ground.
November 2022
Land Purchase
Purchased 3 acres on a ridge in Swain County, NC — Fontana Lake HOA area near Bryson City.
✓ CompleteMarch 2023
Property Survey
Survey completed establishing property boundaries.
✓ CompleteMay 2023
Septic Permit Issued
Swain County health department issued the septic permit.
✓ CompleteJanuary 2024
Septic Trenching Begins
Initial trenching for septic system installation begins.
✓ CompleteJune 2024
Site Prep — Land Clearing
Excavator on site, clearing three acres of ridge line and establishing the building pad.
✓ CompleteNovember 2024
Tree Removal
Additional tree clearing to fully open the build site.
✓ CompleteJune 2025
Septic System Complete
All trenching and septic installation finalized.
✓ CompleteFebruary 2026
Architect Engaged
Architectural plans underway for the 2,052 sq ft cabin.
✓ CompleteMay 2026
Building Permit
Swain County building permit issued.
✓ CompletePhase 1
Basement + Floor System
Footers, block walls, under-slab plumbing, concrete slab, floor trusses, and subfloor. Target: October 2026.
Est. Cost: $77,821
June 2026
Foundation Starts
Footer forms set, concrete poured — the build begins.
UpcomingTBD
Foundation Complete
UpcomingPhase 2
Upper Structure Dried-In
First and second floor framing, roof trusses, sheathing, and standing seam metal roof on. Target: May 2027.
Est. Cost: $32,756
TBD
Framing Begins
UpcomingTBD
Roof Dried In
UpcomingPhase 3
Envelope Close-Up + Rough-Ins
Windows, doors, siding, exterior trim — then rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and spray foam insulation. Target: September 2027.
Est. Cost: $73,634
TBD
Rough-In Complete
UpcomingPhase 4
Interior Finishes + Certificate of Occupancy
Drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, trim, appliances — then final inspections and the CO. Target: December 2027.
Est. Cost: $66,220
TBD
Interior Work
UpcomingTBD
Certificate of Occupancy
Upcoming