Power Struggle

We conquered one hurdle, and chose a builder.  We'll call him "Jim".  He's pretty great.  Unfortunately, he also discovered our first problem. 

In looking over the site plan, "Jim" realized that Idaho Power has lines buried exactly where we are putting the addition.  Obviously, we can't build over buried line.  Why, you ask?  Well, I don't know, but apparently, it's supposed to be obvious.  We contacted Idaho Dig Line who came out and painted pretty lines all over our property indicating where power, gas and sewer lines are located.  Idaho Power sent a representative to go over our options with us.  While all lines are property of Idaho Power, and they have pretty specific rules on what can be done, we are solely responsible for any and all costs incurred with moving things around.  Of course we are!  It couldn't be easy, right? 

Since we have to move things around anyway, we've opted to do a little upgrading.  We are planning on moving the meter to the back of the house, instead of leaving it attached to the front.  I think aesthetically, this will be much nicer.  While the electrician is moving the box, he's also going to move the air conditioner unit to the back.  I'm not sure who decided that the meter box, air conditioner AND gas meter should be placed in the flower bed directly in front of the house, but they were just wrong!  So, the only thing we will have to camouflage will be the gas meter.

The guys will start this process today (lucky boys, having to dig in the rain) and as soon as everything is moved, the next crew will come in and start digging for the addition.  Jim hopes to have the addition built (not finished, of course) by mid-to-late May.  I believe he said "caught up with the existing structure". 

I'm so excited to see everything get started!  All of our research will finally come into play.  I need to get a list of items to pick out, and find out what is budgeted as far as fixtures and finishes, and start shopping.  Ahhhh, shopping....I'm sure Mark never imagined he would be happy for me to shop.