Summer Sundays

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Summer Sundays

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Did I Forget To Mention...

that we moved in!?!  Heck,  we've been in for over a month! I started a post, received a phone call - hadn't saved the draft - then lost it.  Even had a couple pictures.  Started again - something happened - lost that post too. And now I sit here with a list out the window of things to do and I realize I have never posted that we've moved in!

So we moved in.

It is not nearly as simple as that.  I took the day off work to be at the house when the final inspection cleared.  Around mid-day it cleared but workers were finishing up a few things here and there.  We were ready to start when we were told we had to be sure and make a list of ANY and ALL items that needed correction and sign, scan, and send this report BEFORE we could take occupancy.  UGH.  Quite frustrating to say the least.  I would've started the list when I was waiting around all day.

So list completed we started the move - all weekend long. (Very long weekend) 

Here it is about 6 weeks and we are beginning to wrap up the loose ends.  We've put in a bit more landscaping and added the rocks around the front pad.  We've also spent the morning getting the garage ready for the rubber mat.  The stainless steel fabricator stopped by with the new wider range hood vent cover. (Looks pretty awesome)  We had to have most of the powder room backsplash removed to replace the sink mechanism.  Big mess.  The list is much shorter now and we are settling into the home.  The pantry was set up, mostly.  And a few meals have been cooked - although we need to seal the backsplash so no splatter cooking yet.  I'll have a few pics up as soon as I get them off of my phone. 

Better pics should be on the way after that as the builder offered some professional pics since the project turned out so well. 

Waiting...

...for final REinspection. Not our favorite color!


We had final inspection scheduled the day after we passed the final plumbing and electrical. The last few issues were resolved or clarified when the countertop for the bathroom arrived. This sets things back AGAIN as we need the plumbing reinstalled before final.

So we are waiting. And waiting. And waiting.

Landscaping, tile, stairs, appliances, and a hiccup or two

...and a fireplace, plumbing, and glass.






So things have really taken off this week with subcontractors in and out every day. Quite the whirlwind of activity.

Landscaping is mostly finished with the sod going in, gravel spread in the side walkway and river birch planted. We've worked to keep costs down in this area and plan to work on this ourselves over time. We did have a planting mix added to the sand base under the sod si that we've a better chance at a nice lawn.





Tile is mostly finished. The kitchen backsplash has been grouted. The glass mosaic sparkles and will certainly look great when all the remaining pieces are in. The vent hood requires some work as the ductwork didn't align properly. AC guys will be out to figure a way to make it all fit. We still need to redo the shower floor and install the master backsplash, but these are smaller jobs.





Plumbing - most of this is in. We need an o-ring replaced in the powder room but it looks awesome. We had to switch out a broken toilet tank but no real issues. Kitchen sink and faucet are in and running. Everything is lining up as planned for the most part.





Glass and mirrors - The frameless shower went in and it looks great! It really works well with the clean look of the master bath. Tub has gone in also and it fits the space perfectly. There are many little things to be finished in here but the most pressing is the countertop. Lammax may sound like a super material but it is very fragile until installation is complete. We can't install the plumbing or backsplash until it is replaced (again!). This is seriously delaying everything. Also the mirror was cut incorrectly for the sconces, but that is an easier fix.





Front door and railing - The metal railing came in and ithas the slightly industrial edge we were looking for. The iron worker usually does more ornate work but we are pleased. The long run of railing is l o n g but we wanted the short rail to stand alone.





The mahogany front door came in and was installed. Not yet stained as some adjustments need to be made. Frustrating as we think the installer may have been over-zealous when planing the edges to fit the frame. It seems a bit off, but it will be looked at this week.





Fireplace -The installer came out and finished out the fireplace since the gas has been turned on. It is awesome. We went through hoops to get this unit and even the builder is impressed. Even better - it has a remote.





Still so much to doubt we are on the home stretch!

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Flatwork, electrical & cabinets (again)

Flatwork has been framed out and is ready for inspection. We've become quite frustrated with the general process of building this house. (the main reason for the lapse in posts) The framing for the drive had to adjust for the culvert and the required radius resulting in an approach that basically sucks. We've worked so hard to keep the overall lines symmetrical and clean and now it can't be achieved. The foreman put out some calls for a fix and for a mere 900 bucks we could have 16 inches of concrete culvert added. Hard to swallow considering we all knew if this possibility for months but were told - it "may" be possible. Also we are SO excited to have a 5 foot wide sidewalk (required) but our neighbor's is only 4 feet. We have a really hard time understanding how our neighbor 2nd house down has no sidewalk and a plastic culvert and it was installed 4 months ago. Funny how inspections and code requirements work. Generally most of it is visually straight just less than perfect in many spots - and those who know us know we are a BIT particular.

Electrical - most of the electrical was finished up Saturday morning. Great crew! Looks good and ready for an inspection with sconces capped off until mirrors installed, etc. All that work earlier on with lining up recessed lights and receptacles really paid off. The foreman got the dimmers installed from the start so we don't have to worry about that later. The closet lighting turned out as expected.  We may need to reduce one or two lights - 'tis a bit bright.  LOL. 

Cabinetry - Round 3 - Due to an overzealous stainer/painter trying to "even out" the stain, our cabinetry ended up a painted chocolate Hershey bar brown instead stained.  Aaaargh.  They tried stripping portions but due to variances in wood some looked acceptable to a modern "Asian-inspired" mottled finish.  Not good.  Soooooo that means this is the second rebuilding of the kitchen.  They'll rewrap the island in new plywood and veneer and rebuild the wall cabinetry and doors.  They should be able to reuse the drawers (with new fronts).  Quite a setback.  Between the freezing weather and this issue, the project draaaaags on.

This week: Flatwork poured, floors finished.  Hopefully AC installed to acclimate the building for further work.
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Stucco - Sheetrock - Flashing - Paint

Well things are moving along!  And of course the rain is just another thorn in our side.  We have stucco applied - all three layers - and flashing was actually being installed today.  The house is really coming together on both inside and out.  We have our first coat of primer on the lower level and even 3 paint swatches (we easily could've had 10 but were asked to keep in "within reason".)  When the weather cooperates I'll take a couple better outside pics.

The sheetrock has been applied and floating and taping continues.  It really has helped to visualize the layout.