I just got a PM from a member asking why I haven't finished my engine, and I thought I'd post this by way of explanation.
Yes, I've embarked on yet another thing to build. No, it's not another crazy idea (I've had more than my share), and I'm not the one actually building it, so it
will be completed. It's a front porch for the house. The ground is still frozen here, so it hasn't been started yet. The natural gas line comes in to the right front, and regulations state that you have to hand dig (no machinery) within 2 feet of a gas line.
Before (when we were painting the house):

Windows have since been replaced with new energy efficient ones (and new trim), and the roof was also done last year. The tree and all the bushes in the front yard were cut down last summer as well.
After:

This is the rendering I used for obtaining archetectual review board approval late last fall. It's done in Solidworks. One thing I specified in the contract was that there was no painting and minimal maintenance. That means vinyl clad railings and posts, composite decking, aluminum wrapped or vinyl trim. Gonna cost me almost 20 grand all told. I'm saving a little by purchasing my own lights (which they will rough in) and doing the demolition (it's fun to break things!). Sidewalk was demolished (by hand!) last fall, but that's as far as we got before the snow started. Outside water faucet will have to be relocated, but that's no big deal since I put it in myself.
Building permit has been issued, and I expect the contractor to start digging next week. I just wanted the crumbling steps fixed, wife wanted a porch. The things we do for love...