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….