Behind the Build March 16, 2026

When a House Starts to Feel Real: Behind the Build Pt.2

In my first Behind the Build post, I shared why our family decided to move to Glouster and begin building our modern farmhouse in the hills of Southeast Ohio. What started as a vision on paper is now becoming reality.

And the last couple of weeks have been one of the most exciting stages yet.


When the House Suddenly Appears

If you’ve ever built a house, you know the early stages can feel slow. There are permits, site prep, and excavation. A lot is happening, but it doesn’t always look like progress.

Then suddenly everything changes.

Our property in Glouster has gone from a cleared lot to something that finally resembles a home. Both the lower and upper levels are now framed. By the end of the week, the roof will be on.

Seeing it happen this quickly has been both exciting and a little surreal.


Two Days of Framing

One of the most surprising parts of this stage was the speed. The framing for both levels of the house took only two days.

After weeks of groundwork and preparation, the structure appeared almost overnight. One day we had an open lot. Two days later we had a house taking shape.

Watching that transformation happen so quickly was incredible.

 


Watching the Craftsmanship

Just as impressive as the speed was the skill of the crew doing the work.

These guys move with a level of experience and efficiency that is hard to describe unless you see it in person. At one point we watched a crew member carry eight 2x4s on one shoulder while shimmying up a single 2×6 plank to the upper level like it was nothing.

It was equal parts impressive and slightly terrifying to watch. But moments like that gave us a whole new appreciation for the physical skill and craftsmanship involved in building a home.


Seeing the Layout Come to Life

Walking through the framing has been one of the most exciting parts so far.

The layout that once existed only on paper is now something we can step into. We can stand in what will be the kitchen. We can look out the future living room windows. We can start to picture everyday life in the space.

Our home sits on a hillside, which influenced the layout. The lower level will open toward the backyard, while the main living space sits above it. This design allows us to take advantage of the natural light and views that make this part of Southeast Ohio so beautiful.


What Comes Next

The next step is roofing and exterior work. This stage will really begin to define the look of the house.

If you’ve been following along, you know we’re planning a black modern farmhouse with natural wood accents. The goal is something that feels modern but still fits naturally into the hills around Glouster.

Watching the structure of our home rise from the ground has given us a deep appreciation for the people who make projects like this possible. Their speed, skill, and craftsmanship are incredible to witness up close.

We’ll continue sharing updates as the build progresses and the house starts to take its final shape. Make sure to follow me on Social Media to see additional images and updates!


This post is part of my Behind the Build series, where I’m sharing the journey of building our modern farmhouse in Glouster, Ohio — from land purchase to move-in day.

If you’ve ever thought about buying land or building a home in Southeast Ohio, follow along as we document the process.