Phase 4: Trusses, Windows + Doors — What We Spent Before Dry-In

Phase 4 was less about what was physically happening on-site that week and more about getting the big-ticket materials ordered and ready so we could keep moving toward dry-in.

These were purchases we needed lined up before framing, truss installation, windows, and exterior doors could all start coming together.

Phase 4 Cost Breakdown

Truss Package Balance — $14,479.71

We already paid the design/permit portion of our truss package earlier in the build, so this was the remaining balance for the actual truss package.

Windows + 3 Exterior Doors + Slider — $60,000

This includes our window package, three exterior doors, slider, and installation.

Custom Iron Front Door + Installation — $14,000

Our front door is a custom 10' × 6' iron door, so this was definitely one of the larger statement purchases for this phase.

Phase 4 Total: $88,479.71

Why We Ordered Everything During This Phase

A lot of these items weren’t installed immediately, but they needed to be ordered ahead of time so we wouldn’t hold up the construction schedule.

Once framing and trusses start going up, the goal is to keep everything moving toward getting the house closed in and dry.

This phase definitely felt different from foundation and block because a huge amount of money went out without there being an immediate dramatic visual change on the property. 😂

But these are the pieces that make the next stages possible.

What’s Next: Phase 5

Next up is framing + truss installation, including the labor for the first- and second-floor framing and getting the truss systems installed.

That’s when we should finally start seeing the roofline and overall shape of the house really come together.

Phase 4 Total: $88,479.71

Follow along as we share the real costs, selections, splurges + saves behind building our forever home from the ground up.