We have a running list of building expenses going so that we can keep on top of our budget. Every month or so, I add them up to get a current subtotal. We have yet to break ground but we have already spent almost $35,000 getting to this stage. Wow.... the little bits and pieces certainly do add up.

A painfully large chunk went into geotechnical engineering and reports to clear our parcel with the county and assure there aren't any dangerous mining relics under our future house. The house design process was obviously a big upfront cost as well. The rest went into building permits (non-trivial!), tree cutting, septic design, deposit to PG&E, surveying, fire sprinkler system design, energy consultants, large scale printing, and structural engineering.

The scary part is that one of the biggest site prep expenses has yet to come- getting electricity up there is going to blow that subtotal out of the water!