We got the construction ball rolling a few months ago when we took our plans (created with Punch and untold hours) into a drafting company (B&G Drafting in Springfield, MO) to watch them magically change before our eyes. It turns out there are a lot of things you can do wrong without the benefit of any formal engineering or design training.
Our ‘Low Maintenance’ mantra has led us toward the use of ICF for the structure, a standing seam metal roof, and polished concrete floors throughout the house.
To this point we have selected the land and started lining up the financing. Additionally, we have started working with a builder, Doug, who is something of a Renaissance Man and will guide us through the process and perhaps pummel some subcontractors along the way.