A Journey in the Making

Welcome to the first of many posts documenting a journey that’s been decades in the making—and one that will likely continue for the next 3-5 years. We’re finally taking the plunge to build our forever home on our 8 acres just outside Madison, Wisconsin. But before we can even think about moving in, there’s a lot to do, starting with tearing down the old farmhouse and building a temporary but totally livable barndominium.

This project will be more than just a construction zone; it’s truly a labor of love, a dream we’ve been nurturing, and we’re thrilled to take you along on this adventure. From navigating the financials to collaborating with the amazing professionals helping us bring our vision to life, here’s the first chapter of our story.

You can follow along on Instagram at @katyanddale.

Step One: Financial Planning and Finding the Right Partners

Before we can even think about breaking ground, we have to get serious about the financial side of things. Building a forever home, especially one that involves multiple stages like a teardown, requires careful budgeting and planning. Not totally my jam, but I’m willing to learn. We’ll be working closely with a team of financial advisors and my banking BFFs Ben Swanson and Brent Landrum from Lakeridge Bank who understand our long-term vision. Together, we’ve crafted a financial plan that will see us through not just the barndominium but the full build of our main home.

As we move forward, we’ll be spotlighting the companies and experts who are making this possible. If you’re dreaming of a similar journey, keep an eye out for the tips and resources we’ll share from our own experiences.

The Barndominium: A Cozy First Step

With our falling-down farmhouse coming down, we need a place to call home while our forever house is being built. Enter the barndominium—a versatile, stylish, and functional living space that’s more than just a temporary solution but a multi-functional space for Dale to park his work truck and trailer, our tractor, RTV, lawn mower, etc. We’re putting as much care into designing this space as we will the main house because it’s going to be home for the next couple of years.

We’re planning to DIY most of this project with the help of friends and family members in the trades. They’ll be instrumental in helping us create a space that’s both practical and beautiful. The barndominium will blend modern comforts with a rustic feel, perfect for our family and the landscape around us.

I can’t wait to share more about the design process, the materials we’re choosing, and how we’re making this space truly feel like home, even if it’s just for a few years. Down the road, this space will be available as an Air BnB or disconnected space for the fam.

Collaborating with Our Dream Team

One of the most exciting parts of this journey is the collaboration with so many talented professionals. We’ve teamed up with Scott Ripp of Ripp Custom Homes as our general contractor (yes, he’s a cousin), Larissa Anderson, principal designer and owner of Haven Design, and artisans who share our vision and values. Each of them brings something special to the table, and together, we’re creating something truly unique.

I’ll be introducing you to our dream team in future posts—sharing their expertise, the challenges we’re tackling together, and how they’re helping to turn our ideas into reality. Whether it’s choosing sustainable materials, crafting custom furniture, or navigating the logistics of a multi-year build, these collaborations are what will make our forever home truly special.

What’s Next: Building the Foundation (Literally and Figuratively)

We’re just at the beginning of this incredible journey, and there’s so much more to come. Over the next few weeks, months and, ahem, years, I’ll be sharing every step of the process, from the first dig to the final touches. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of construction, the joys and frustrations of designing a home from the ground up, and the many decisions we’ll make along the way.

I’m excited to take you along as we build our barndominium, tear down the old farmhouse, and eventually, raise the walls of our forever home. Stay tuned for regular updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of tips for anyone dreaming of building their own sanctuary.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us—and to share every moment with you.

---