@fullspiral that is both really unfortunate and hilarious. I'm sorry you were set back to far, but I am glad you were able to save that pic for us!
@Bob89 Welcome to the challenge! Have fun, and be as creative - or not - as you wish to be! My first playthrough, I just threw the most expensive pre-made furnished rooms all over the yard until I met the 350K goal. The second playthrough I make a 3 story Abbey complete with wall and pond. As long as you don't let your Sim out, your are fine. If you do not want to make money from writing books, I don't think you need the mailbox for anything else, if you wanted to do the stairs you were talking about.