East Tennessee Lake Home build.

[Slink]

I get my 30 year PERS pin in December and am retiring from 30 yrs in LE. Realizing CA has nothing left for me, I sold my home in Woodcrest (Riverside) last year along with pretty much everything I own....25 Shockwave, river trailer, toys etc. About 3 years ago I took a month off and ventured to TN looking for a retirement home location. Scouted numerous lakes in East TN and finally settled on Watts Bar Lake..just fit what I was looking for. Bought just under 3/4 acre in a gated community. Didn't really want an HOA, but everyone I spoke to in the community was pretty low key. Also, most of the lake lots that I found in non HOA communities, where either too steep to access water or I don't know if I wanted to build an expensive home with some of the neighbors. As I was there looking 3 years ago, the lot I bought just happen to hit MLS that week I was there...looked at it and jumped. It was initially moderately "Wooded". I was able to see the potential.
Of course dealing with an HOA, there are some hurdles to get over....they don't allow "Front Facing" garages...either courtyard entry or 45 angle. I wanted an RV garage, but it needed to be front facing, as I have a sloped lot. We came to a compromise...they allowed a front facing garage, but not 14' tall....so its going to be 10' so I can get a pontoon in....going to add a second 14' header for future negations just in case...it'll be a quick fix.
Home will be a walk-out basement style. 2300 sq ft on top....1600 finished downstairs, including a second master suite for my daughter and a gun vault room. The upstairs will be 2 bedroom with an open area for great room, dining and kitchen. A 12x10 pocket sliding door will look at to the lake and open to patio. Great room will be 15' tall. Garage is just under 1500 sg ft. It has a front entrance and a court yard entrance....as well as an 8x8 door leading out to the back. Home will be all Brick/Stone.
Went with a local Knoxville architect that builds upper end homes. Took about 2 months of renderings to finally come up with the final product. I. flew out on Labor Day weekend for 12 days. Closed my all in one construction loan, pulled all permits and staked out the lot. Expecting to break ground within 2 weeks. Shooting for May/June completion.

See If I can figure picture posting. I'll post pics of the plans first...

 

[Slink]

Some lot pics before tree's were removed

 

[Slink]

Current Lot pics....Staked out. The other two pics, I am standing on the right side boundary. The back of the house will be where the two stumps are located....they will be pulled out by excavator.

 

[Joe mama]

That’s looks awesome!

 

[v6toy4x]

congratulations!

 

[LOBOATOMY]

Did you find the BAR?
Congratulations on your purchase, the Gorge just up stream on the river is unbelievable.
Chattanooga is a fun town and nice day trip by boat.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Congrats! Try not to count the days but know its easier said than done

 

[rivermobster]

Beautiful views. Congrats!

 

[Cole Trickle]

Awesome...Thats going to be a nice set up!!

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Looking good and well deserved!

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

Looks beautiful, congratulations

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

I get my 30 year PERS pin in December and am retiring from 30 yrs in LE. Realizing CA has nothing left for me, I sold my home in Woodcrest (Riverside) last year along with pretty much everything I own....25 Shockwave, river trailer, toys etc. About 3 years ago I took a month off and ventured to TN looking for a retirement home location. Scouted numerous lakes in East TN and finally settled on Watts Bar Lake..just fit what I was looking for. Bought just under 3/4 acre in a gated community. Didn't really want an HOA, but everyone I spoke to in the community was pretty low key. Also, most of the lake lots that I found in non HOA communities, where either too steep to access water or I don't know if I wanted to build an expensive home with some of the neighbors. As I was there looking 3 years ago, the lot I bought just happen to hit MLS that week I was there...looked at it and jumped. It was initially moderately "Wooded". I was able to see the potential.
Of course dealing with an HOA, there are some hurdles to get over....they don't allow "Front Facing" garages...either courtyard entry or 45 angle. I wanted an RV garage, but it needed to be front facing, as I have a sloped lot. We came to a compromise...they allowed a front facing garage, but not 14' tall....so its going to be 10' so I can get a pontoon in....going to add a second 14' header for future negations just in case...it'll be a quick fix.
Home will be a walk-out basement style. 2300 sq ft on top....1600 finished downstairs, including a second master suite for my daughter and a gun vault room. The upstairs will be 2 bedroom with an open area for great room, dining and kitchen. A 12x10 pocket sliding door will look at to the lake and open to patio. Great room will be 15' tall. Garage is just under 1500 sg ft. It has a front entrance and a court yard entrance....as well as an 8x8 door leading out to the back. Home will be all Brick/Stone.
Went with a local Knoxville architect that builds upper end homes. Took about 2 months of renderings to finally come up with the final product. I. flew out on Labor Day weekend for 12 days. Closed my all in one construction loan, pulled all permits and staked out the lot. Expecting to break ground within 2 weeks. Shooting for May/June completion.

See If I can figure picture posting. I'll post pics of the plans first...

We are next door to each other I’m in Orangecrest been here for 25 years

 

[Slink]

Just got a few pics from my builder....Official start day...Just broke ground. Let the games (stress) begin. Ordered my Thermador Appliances two weeks ago through Pacific Sales. Nearest Best Buy to me is about 30 minutes so they will hold them/ install when ready. Easier than dealing over the phone with a local business out there. Estimated receiving date is April 2022....guess we'll see. Secured a rental about 20 minutes from my build starting in January...so things are lining up.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Congrats! That is going to be so awesome.

That's some great timing on the Thermador appliances. We got their 36" freedom induction cooktop, but there was a black hole for lead times on their oven, steam oven, and column fridge/freezers so we went with Monogram. Scary stories of people ordering over a year ago and still no eta on delivery. What did you end up getting?

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

We looked at Watts Bar, some of the homes / lots are not lockable from what we could see. What are the rules? Im assuming TVA is in charge of that determination?

 

[Slink]

We looked at Watts Bar, some of the homes / lots are not lockable from what we could see. What are the rules? Im assuming TVA is in charge of that determination?

Yes, from my research, TVA does have the say so as far as dock building and shoreline improvements go. If you have over 150' of shoreline there is another entity involved as well, but TVA has the power. Since there is Barge traffic, a lot of the area is "Safe Harbour" for them....A couple of the lots I looked at were Safe Harbour, so I passed. My lot is Dockable. Have already applied for the permits....5 months ago. TVA has been to my lot for the inspection. Still waiting. Dock builders are at least a year out. I'm on two waiting lists...whoever gets to me first.

Xtreme....since I plan on this being my forever home....I went big. Got the 48" pro grand range (griddle top) with steam, upgraded dishwasher, vent hood, side by side 30" columns, microwave drawer and under counter wine fridge. Their promotions helped but still stung writing that check. I saw all the horror stories on FB...I am hoping I don't become one of them. UGH. Still haven't decided if I'm going with matching cabinet face or S.S

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Yes, from my research, TVA does have the say so as far as dock building and shoreline improvements go. If you have over 150' of shoreline there is another entity involved as well, but TVA has the power. Since there is Barge traffic, a lot of the area is "Safe Harbour" for them....A couple of the lots I looked at were Safe Harbour, so I passed. My lot is Dockable. Have already applied for the permits....5 months ago. TVA has been to my lot for the inspection. Still waiting. Dock builders are at least a year out. I'm on two waiting lists...whoever gets to me first.

Xtreme....since I plan on this being my forever home....I went big. Got the 48" pro grand range (griddle top) with steam, upgraded dishwasher, vent hood, side by side 30" columns, microwave drawer and under counter wine fridge. Their promotions helped but still stung writing that check. I saw all the horror stories on FB...I am hoping I don't become one of them. UGH. Still haven't decided if I'm going with matching cabinet face or S.S

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. That's a hell of a setup. Top tier.

 

[v6toy4x]

Will there be guest parking at the dock?

 

[Slink]

A

Will there be guest parking at the dock?

absolutely...

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Yes, from my research, TVA does have the say so as far as dock building and shoreline improvements go. If you have over 150' of shoreline there is another entity involved as well, but TVA has the power. Since there is Barge traffic, a lot of the area is "Safe Harbour" for them....A couple of the lots I looked at were Safe Harbour, so I passed. My lot is Dockable. Have already applied for the permits....5 months ago. TVA has been to my lot for the inspection. Still waiting. Dock builders are at least a year out. I'm on two waiting lists...whoever gets to me first.

Xtreme....since I plan on this being my forever home....I went big. Got the 48" pro grand range (griddle top) with steam, upgraded dishwasher, vent hood, side by side 30" columns, microwave drawer and under counter wine fridge. Their promotions helped but still stung writing that check. I saw all the horror stories on FB...I am hoping I don't become one of them. UGH. Still haven't decided if I'm going with matching cabinet face or S.S

Very cool, we are looking at Old Hickory in Tennessee, Lewis smith in Alabama, lake Conroe in Texas, and tiki island in Texas. Kind of leaning towards tiki island cause I would like to make the change over to ocean boating.

 

[Tank]

Bad ass! Congrats. I was looking at the lake via google maps. Seems to go on forever with the river system. LOTS of exploring via boat can be done. Pretty cool. You're not too far of a haul to LOTO, Pickwick, GLOK, Table Rock etc. Bad ass. Looking forward to following the build.

 

[Slink]

Bad ass! Congrats. I was looking at the lake via google maps. Seems to go on forever with the river system. LOTS of exploring via boat can be done. Pretty cool. You're not too far of a haul to LOTO, Pickwick, GLOK, Table Rock etc. Bad ass. Looking forward to following the build.

Ya, it is set up for lots of adventures for sure. Already talking to some other retired boaters (@Beerme) about hitting LOTO once I'm settled in. Definitely tons of water ways around there

 

[v6toy4x]

A

absolutely...

My new best friend, nice to meet ya!

Congrats keep the progress pics coming

 

[Mark G]

I get my 30 year PERS pin in December and am retiring from 30 yrs in LE. Realizing CA has nothing left for me, I sold my home in Woodcrest (Riverside) last year along with pretty much everything I own....25 Shockwave, river trailer, toys etc. About 3 years ago I took a month off and ventured to TN looking for a retirement home location. Scouted numerous lakes in East TN and finally settled on Watts Bar Lake..just fit what I was looking for. Bought just under 3/4 acre in a gated community. Didn't really want an HOA, but everyone I spoke to in the community was pretty low key. Also, most of the lake lots that I found in non HOA communities, where either too steep to access water or I don't know if I wanted to build an expensive home with some of the neighbors. As I was there looking 3 years ago, the lot I bought just happen to hit MLS that week I was there...looked at it and jumped. It was initially moderately "Wooded". I was able to see the potential.
Of course dealing with an HOA, there are some hurdles to get over....they don't allow "Front Facing" garages...either courtyard entry or 45 angle. I wanted an RV garage, but it needed to be front facing, as I have a sloped lot. We came to a compromise...they allowed a front facing garage, but not 14' tall....so its going to be 10' so I can get a pontoon in....going to add a second 14' header for future negations just in case...it'll be a quick fix.
Home will be a walk-out basement style. 2300 sq ft on top....1600 finished downstairs, including a second master suite for my daughter and a gun vault room. The upstairs will be 2 bedroom with an open area for great room, dining and kitchen. A 12x10 pocket sliding door will look at to the lake and open to patio. Great room will be 15' tall. Garage is just under 1500 sg ft. It has a front entrance and a court yard entrance....as well as an 8x8 door leading out to the back. Home will be all Brick/Stone.
Went with a local Knoxville architect that builds upper end homes. Took about 2 months of renderings to finally come up with the final product. I. flew out on Labor Day weekend for 12 days. Closed my all in one construction loan, pulled all permits and staked out the lot. Expecting to break ground within 2 weeks. Shooting for May/June completion.

See If I can figure picture posting. I'll post pics of

I get my 30 year PERS pin in December and am retiring from 30 yrs in LE. Realizing CA has nothing left for me, I sold my home in Woodcrest (Riverside) last year along with pretty much everything I own....25 Shockwave, river trailer, toys etc. About 3 years ago I took a month off and ventured to TN looking for a retirement home location. Scouted numerous lakes in East TN and finally settled on Watts Bar Lake..just fit what I was looking for. Bought just under 3/4 acre in a gated community. Didn't really want an HOA, but everyone I spoke to in the community was pretty low key. Also, most of the lake lots that I found in non HOA communities, where either too steep to access water or I don't know if I wanted to build an expensive home with some of the neighbors. As I was there looking 3 years ago, the lot I bought just happen to hit MLS that week I was there...looked at it and jumped. It was initially moderately "Wooded". I was able to see the potential.
Of course dealing with an HOA, there are some hurdles to get over....they don't allow "Front Facing" garages...either courtyard entry or 45 angle. I wanted an RV garage, but it needed to be front facing, as I have a sloped lot. We came to a compromise...they allowed a front facing garage, but not 14' tall....so its going to be 10' so I can get a pontoon in....going to add a second 14' header for future negations just in case...it'll be a quick fix.
Home will be a walk-out basement style. 2300 sq ft on top....1600 finished downstairs, including a second master suite for my daughter and a gun vault room. The upstairs will be 2 bedroom with an open area for great room, dining and kitchen. A 12x10 pocket sliding door will look at to the lake and open to patio. Great room will be 15' tall. Garage is just under 1500 sg ft. It has a front entrance and a court yard entrance....as well as an 8x8 door leading out to the back. Home will be all Brick/Stone.
Went with a local Knoxville architect that builds upper end homes. Took about 2 months of renderings to finally come up with the final product. I. flew out on Labor Day weekend for 12 days. Closed my all in one construction loan, pulled all permits and staked out the lot. Expecting to break ground within 2 weeks. Shooting for May/June completion.

See If I can figure picture posting. I'll post pics of the plans first...

Congrats!! I'm out in 8 more months to finish off 33 years in the big city of LA. Keep us posted on your build. Very nice!!

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Good idea on the outside shower. Only thing to maybe ask is if you can get some kind of ball value shutoff and way to drain those lines out the lines in the winter? You don't see as many outdoor showers in the middle of the country.

Glad you can build a dock that makes a huge difference in enjoying boating.

 

[Slink]

Few update pics from my builder...moving along. Basement dug out..footings poured.

 

[Slink]

Basement block walls finished today. Tomorrow they will start excavation for the basement plumbing. Switched up the plans a little bit....builder suggested moving the safe/ gun vault to underneath the front porch. Made it a little smaller ( narrower ) but saved some cost of not having a larger concrete supported roof. Should see some wood next week or two if weather holds up.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Basement block walls finished today. Tomorrow they will start excavation for the basement plumbing. Switched up the plans a little bit....builder suggested moving the safe/ gun vault to underneath the front porch. Made it a little smaller ( narrower ) but saved some cost of not having a larger concrete supported roof. Should see some wood next week or two if weather holds up.

May be a stupid question but why do they do block vs form pour on the basement there?

 

[Slink]

May be a stupid question but why do they do block vs form pour on the basement there?

They do both.....40k difference for my build. I asked around and did research on both. Tossed and turned over it but in the end I didn't think the 40k was worth it....would rather put that into the dock.

 

[v6toy4x]

They do both.....40k difference for my build. I asked around and did research on both. Tossed and turned over it but in the end I didn't think the 40k was worth it....would rather put that into the dock.

Block wall will be fine, I would have made the same choice and I am a tiltup concrete guy who despises masonry

 

[Ace in the Hole]

They do both.....40k difference for my build. I asked around and did research on both. Tossed and turned over it but in the end I didn't think the 40k was worth it....would rather put that into the dock.

Pretty much every build I ever was a part of in HI multifamily was block. Was just curious if there was a specific reason and $40k is a lot of reason lol

 

[ToMorrow44]

Basement block walls finished today. Tomorrow they will start excavation for the basement plumbing. Switched up the plans a little bit....builder suggested moving the safe/ gun vault to underneath the front porch. Made it a little smaller ( narrower ) but saved some cost of not having a larger concrete supported roof. Should see some wood next week or two if weather holds up.

Damn that’s gonna be a great view out the back of your house. Nice build! If/when I’m in the area I’ll let you know, I’ve got some future trips planned in my head on the TN River.

 

[Slink]

Damn that’s gonna be a great view out the back of your house. Nice build! If/when I’m in the area I’ll let you know, I’ve got some future trips planned in my head on the TN River.

For sure....I should be out there in January....renting in the area till the home is done.....hoping early summer. Just got my TVA dock permit approved yesterday as well. On the dock builders list....he says probably next November

 

[ToMorrow44]

For sure....I should be out there in January....renting in the area till the home is done.....hoping early summer. Just got my TVA dock permit approved yesterday as well. On the dock builders list....he says probably next November

What’s the dock going to look like?

 

[Slink]

What’s the dock going to look like?

6' walkway from the shoreline out 55' so I'll have year round deep water. Max for my permit is 1,000 sg ft. It'll have a single slip 30' deep (covered) with hoist. The rest will be open deck with Trex. Front will have a lowered step for easy access to paddle board.

 

[Slink]

I got 4 quotes when I was out there in September.....One guy saw that I was from CA and saw $$$$$$$ signs...he quoted $120k....Ya, thinks for coming out. Other three were all between 55-65k depending on options.

 

[ToMorrow44]

6' walkway from the shoreline out 55' so I'll have year round deep water. Max for my permit is 1,000 sg ft. It'll have a single slip 30' deep (covered) with hoist. The rest will be open deck with Trex. Front will have a lowered step for easy access to paddle board.

Awesome! You’re gonna spend a lot of time hanging out on the dock

 

[Joe mama]

That’s going to be great! That view is awesome. Hopefully you can post pics in the dead of winter.

 

[Slink]

That’s going to be great! That view is awesome. Hopefully you can post pics in the dead of winter.

Once I get out there I'll post more. Now at the mercy or my builder and neighbor getting me pics

 

[v6toy4x]

6' walkway from the shoreline out 55' so I'll have year round deep water. Max for my permit is 1,000 sg ft. It'll have a single slip 30' deep (covered) with hoist. The rest will be open deck with Trex. Front will have a lowered step for easy access to paddle board.

is the majority of the 55' on pilings and stationary and the "dock" portion floating? Or does the whole 55' float?

 

[Slink]

is the majority of the 55' on pilings and stationary and the "dock" portion floating? Or does the whole 55' float?

Its going to be fixed pylons....every builder I got a quote from said no floating docks on the main channel...they get beat up

 

[SLT Kota]

Congratulations on the build and welcome to the neighborhood! I boat on Chickamauga Lake (one lake down stream).

Good choice going with a fixed dock on the main channel, I would also suggest going on ahead and putting some riprap in along the shoreline if you don't have a sea wall or rock already in place. It is FAR cheaper to bring it in by land while you already have equipment there and no yard to mess up. I've had some neighbors that have lost part of their yard due to erosion and TVA won't let you add fill to build it back.

 

[Slink]

Congratulations on the build and welcome to the neighborhood! I boat on Chickamauga Lake (one lake down stream).

Good choice going with a fixed dock on the main channel, I would also suggest going on ahead and putting some riprap in along the shoreline if you don't have a sea wall or rock already in place. It is FAR cheaper to bring it in by land while you already have equipment there and no yard to mess up. I've had some neighbors that have lost part of their yard due to erosion and TVA won't let you add fill to build it back.

Yep.....Rip Rap is getting started on Monday. You're not kidding on being able to get it done by land....getting it done for a 1/3 of the cost that my neighbor got his done by barge. Since the lake is down right now, they are able to get their mini excavator and bobcat to the shoreline via the launch ramp in our community. He's going to dump the rocks just behind the house...plenty of access right now. Hopefully it should be done by end of next week....weather permitting. Looking forward to learning the water ways around.

 

[Tank]

Starting to come together!! Bad ass and congrats. You gonna put a little bar and chill area out on the dock? Love how people do that in LOTO

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

We bought this weekend on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. Are you doing a safe room? Lots of places we looked at had them, the one we bought does not but they can be ordered and then assembled on side and bolted to the concrete in the garage or basement.

 

[Slink]

We bought this weekend on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. Are you doing a safe room? Lots of places we looked at had them, the one we bought does not but they can be ordered and then assembled on side and bolted to the concrete in the garage or basement.

Yes..if you look at the basement pic you will see a doorway formed. It is under the front porch of the house and will have concrete poured for the roof. I ordered a Knox Vault door to close it off. It will be my gun safe and storm shelter in one.

 

[Slink]

Starting to come together!! Bad ass and congrats. You gonna put a little bar abs what other out on the dock? Love how people do that in LOTO

Ya, when I get out there next month Im going to scout some of my neighbors docks to get ideas.

 

[Slink]

We bought this weekend on Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama. Are you doing a safe room? Lots of places we looked at had them, the one we bought does not but they can be ordered and then assembled on side and bolted to the concrete in the garage or basement.

And congrats on the new home....

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

And congrats on the new home....

Thanks, so your docks dont float? Our lake has about a 15 foot swing from summer to winter so they float. Some of the houses have mud in the winter so thats one of the big things when shopping, year round water, and has alot to do with the price. We have a private cove on our land where the dock is, year round water, nice and secluded and keeps the surf boat wakes out. We need to ad the boat lift, and some underwater lighting to light up the cove at night.

 

[gordon]

OK that safe room is gonna be so cool