The evolution of the project..from remodel to demolish

My husband and I bought the 1917 Frankenstein-like house in 2007 with the ultimate goal of completing major renovations over a few years to make a house that runs off solar panels.  Within a few months of moving in, we had contractors come out and give us ideas on what we could do with the home.  After several consultations with various remodeling contractors we realized it was a much bigger project than we anticipated. 

House background:  The original house was a single family dwelling with ~1000 sqft and over its 94 year lifespan >2000 sqft were added.  In 1950, the house was zoned and designed as a triplex.  Each addition yielded a new slope to the upper level, creating a outward spiraling slope downward as you walk from the center of the the upstairs.  
Obvious problems with the house: 

1. Pile of dirt: The lowest floor sits on dirt in many places- if you pick up the linoleum in the bathroom, you will find a pile of dirt.
2. Drainage problems: Water drips through the middle of the ceiling on the first floor....remember there are 2 floors above this with a roof on the very top!
3. Bad bones: Dry rot in most of the studs throughout the home.
4. Waterfalls:  On heavy rains we have witnessed a 1 inch wall of water sliding down the side of the house then entering at the window frame, cascading down the window to the window sill.  This created a beautiful waterfall with a 2"crest off the windowsill that flowed nicely onto the carpet inside the house.  We thought about investing in goldfish for the small pond.
5. Breezeway:  When we open our kitchen cabinets, in some places we can see the outside.  No, we don't have windows installed inside the kitchen cabinets.  As a result, on windy days the cabinets flutter as the wind tests the strength of the magnet that holds them closed.

We thus revised our original intentions of remodeling to DEMOLISHING!
Believe it or not, it is cheaper in this case!

Over the first year of living here we designed the new energy efficient house.  We then had a hand-shake deal with Bank of America on a construction loan to start building. 
The economy then crashed and banks pulled back every offer that was previously available.
Over the past 3 years we have been trying to finance the project. 
....Washington Federal, a local portfolio lender, came through for us.

....Finding contractors looking for work was easy. 
....Selecting one that could complete the project quickly, had great references, could complete the project within our budget, and had a good relaxed sense of humor took some time.  We found him about 5  months ago.
Brian Howson, of Howson's contract specialties, will be building the home.

 

The new house-  architect: Lee Edwards of Evolve