Big Dirt Pile

20 yards of loam to make the yard more even

Juggling Tasks

The last 10 days has been full of tasks and phone calls.  Things are moving along, but issues have come up with lights, plumbing, floors, and landscaping.  Trying to get all the contractors to do the right thing while managing the finance end of it is hard.  Nevertheless, the bank is all set to close, they’ve given me the loan, and we should have the cash to put down in the right place in time. 

Today I started the garden, using the mound of dirt they left me and some boards that weren’t used.  It isn’t done, but I took a couple pics of the area.

Also here are a couple pics of the almost finished floors and the kitchen island. 

And a pic of the fireplace with TV mount

On Track

So our closing is just about set for June 16th, about 3 weeks away.  As of now, the landscaper, painters, and flooring guys are finishing up, and the appliances and counters will be installed in the next couple days.  Some time next week the plumbers will be there to finish their work and the driveway will be re-paved, and then the house will be complete.   By the end of June we ought to be fairly comfortable and knee deep in projects.

Here are a bunch of current pics:

Dining room wainscoting:

Master bedroom with bench:

 

Frpnt steps and door (to be painted)

 

Japanese Maple out front:

Driveway & Yard

The driveway is half done, but they’ll wait until most of the deliveries are done before the top coat.  The landscaper was over shooting things out, but there is a ton of work left to go.    Also trying to pick out appliances and plumbing so it can be delivered and installed in 10 days or so.  The granite is ordered (see left sample) and the finish carpenters are doing the red oak floors and painting this week.  Pics:

Driveway going around the side:

 

Granite samples (left is what we picked)

 

Cabinets fully installed:

 

Deck with railing:

 

Railings and Stairs:

 

Tile installed (no grout):

 

Front Steps (I need to have them fix this:

Cabinets

This weekend the cabinets and bath vanities were installed.  We’re supposed to get the granite place to measure and then install next week.  I need to order the final plumbing fixtures ASAP, since the sink needs to be cut into the granite.  I also need to commit to the stove type (slide-in or drop-in) before the granite is cut.

Also this week, I committed to paying extra to have the driveway go to the back of the garage, so that we can store another car there.

The back yard was graded, and this week I also need to meet with the landscaper to talk about the stone patio.

Fireplace and TV hookup – Fireplace mantel will be installed this week too.

So Many Decisions

I haven't written here in at least a week, but that time has been full of things happening. In that time, we've picked lighting for the whole house (over budget of course), had the yard graded, watched the plaster crew do the whole place, saw the garage floor being poured, and started to see finishing materials brought in. As of now, there are tons of things left to decide, and not a ton of time left to get them done. I think the kitchen cabinets and the driveway are going in within a couple days, and I need to choose paint, tile, and plumbing fixtures. Today we also picked the fireplace surround and mantel, and let the kids pick their rooms. I will have more pics soon, but for now, I just wanted to list out whats been done. By next week all of the trim and doors will be in and the painters will start. It will be crazy that the kitchen may be in and almost ready. Next thing you know, the yard will be sprayed on and they'll be talking about closing.

Cabinets in boxes ready to install:


Interior finish (before paint)

After Vacation

While we were gone for a week, I see a few things that have happened.  The deck is framed, the columns out front are there, the central vac is in, the gas lines are in, the whole house is insulated, and the place is ready for plaster.  They owe me an updated kitchen plan and I am going to make them swap out the shower valves for something that isn’t the cheapest there is.  I looked at what they were and called Jon, who reminded me that since shower valves are buried in walls, they should be a good brand.

Nevertheless, here are some pics from last night:

Siding – Almost one day

Two pics from the same day.  This takes it to looking more like a house – even if the inside isn’t done yet.  At 7am, no siding, and by 6pm almost done.  Another post will describe the interior work.

Lots of Decisions

Have been over there many times talking to the contractors over the last week.  Given that we are leaving for NC tomorrow, many things needed to be decided.  The electrician and plumber had a bunch of questions, and I had to decide to pay extra for some recessed lights.  Note to self, this probably could have been negotiated, but now I am going to pay.  Also note, next time make sure the allowances for lighting and appliances are higher, as I am going to pay for that too.   Today we need to make final decisions here, like around CAT5e cable for computers, plumbing in the downstairs bath (the plan calls for pedestal sink, I was thinking small vanity), finalizing the kitchen plan, and a few other decisions.  Definitely a lot to decide upon before the plaster crew arrives next week.  The last thing I want to do is tear open walls later.

Here are pics of some of the rough plumbing and progress yesterday:

Below, a pic of the master bedroom.  I asked for a bench by the window.  We think this will have recessed lights and bookshelves when it is done.  Should be a nice feature…

Looking towards the family room.  You can see the gas insert in the distance.  Also on the right, you can see how I asked for the kitchen window to be boxed out for plants, etc.  The deck will now be 10x20 as well.

Windows + Interior Progress

As of now, all of the windows and doors are installed, and the inside has showers, A/C vents, rough plumbing, and the fireplace cutout.  I met the kitchen guy this weekend, who suggested re-arranging the kitchen a bit.  He also gave us some ideas on bathroom vanities.  I met the builder’s foreman, who is in charge of finishing the place, so I have a load of things to work on with him.

Some pics, mostly of interior features.  The outside is mostly untouched. These pics are of the shower and the family room.

 

Roof Complete + Portico

Good luck cleaning that window.  Eric will find it with a baseball.  Actually there are many options with rocks and balls….

Roof Almost Complete

Days of rain and the basement was wet again.  But lets see if that was before the roof was covered.  By the end of the week it ought to be done, and then the place will stay mostly dry.  We are meeting the builder on Saturday.  Lots to talk about, including the tree in the back, the pond out there, the yard and its slope, and maybe doing built-ins in the office and bedroom.

Almost a Roof

It is a shame that the rain keep coming.  Nice day on Sunday here, but the crews are off.  It is supposed to pour (2-5”) over the next couple days.  Yesterday the framing appeared to finish, and without a roof, there will be puddles everywhere unless they get the roof boards up, which may be possible.   

 

Poll: should we ask them to add some windows to the upstairs bedrooms?  Each of the 2 rooms on that side of the house has 2 windows, just both on the same wall.  You can see the 2 windows on the right – those are for the dining and living rooms.   I am under the impression that there aren’t any upstairs, since 1) each room has 2 already, and 2) to allow for furniture to be up against walls w/o windows.  Also below,  there will be a window to the left of the front door, in the study.

 

View of the kitchen, breakfast area, and into the family room.  You can see where the gas fireplace is supposed to go.

Framed Without Roof

The plans don't call for windows upstairs in the 2 bedrooms. I am debating on whether I should have that fixed. Hopefully the roof is on the house soon.

Framing Continues

Amazing to see how fast a house can start to go up.  Just yesterday there was nothing on top of the foundation, and today there is the beginnings of a house.  Pics below are from the street, from the back yard, and from the inside. 

Framing Begins

Here it is after 1 day of framing work.  The floor for the first level is done, and some of the walls are up.

Drying out

No pics today, but I talked to the builder and gave him the choices for the shingles and siding. He pumped the water out and was able to pour the floor in the basement. I had him leave a spot for a sump in the corner, even though there is the perimeter drain. I know hundreds of people who got we basements this week, so this is the best I can do.

After they poured the floor, they put up the beams that will carry the floor. Maybe this will enable me to finish the basement after we move in.

Rain Rain Everywhere

Well today culminates the 3rd day of heavy rain in a row. Basements and streets are flooding, and people all over are wondering when this will stop. Given the frustration over water levels, I went over to check what’s inside my foundation. I was expecting a swimming pool and found one. But the floor isn't in, so perhaps that level isn't bad. Plus I need to find out if the french drain is hooked up yet. Hopefully this mean I won't get water, but I am thinking about getting an inside drain too if that would help. I need to talk to the builder. Essentially this is such a widespread problem, and it is unfortunate for everyone.

No more hole

Drove by today and the french drain was it, the asphalt coating on the foundation was done, and they were filling in the dirt around the foundation. The town water and sewer lines are done too.

Foundation Complete

Drove past and took a few pictures of the foundation as completed.  The first one is the entrance to the garage and second one is the front door.  The third one is from the lot corner and shows the bulldozer.  Notice the moat at the footing – we’re hoping that this state of the art waterproofing system works.  That will be explained at some point.