Rounding third and heading toward home...

More good progress this week as we start our sprint toward home. It's going to be a close call, but we decided not to count on moving in at month end, and will hang on to our apartment for a couple extra weeks to give us some breathing room and flexibility.

Another round of grading all around the property this week. Grabbing a shaded seat under the Grand Oak is something we're really looking forward to!

This week the trim-out of plumbing fixtures was started and is probably 80 percent completed. We need to have some pipes rerouted to accommodate a pedestal sink, the master tub, and an outdoor shower fixture, but that's the extent of remaining work in this area.

Our master bathroom is nearly complete. Faucets were installed throughout the house this week

We're using polished nickel fixtures in the main living areas. The softer yellowish tone is obvious when contrasted with the bright chrome in the bathroom photo above

Meanwhile, door hardware installation, grading of the property, staircase trim-out, appliance delivery, and construction of an awesome cherry mantle for the fireplace all competed for the crew's attention.

The simple but elegant mantle and corbels were hand-made from the same cherry slabs used for the shelves that flank the fireplace

When clear finish is applied the beautiful grain pattern in this cherry wood will really stand out

Appliances were delivered on Wednesday and now await their turn for attention!

Electricians were on-site today, as well, but we were busy reviewing plans and other details and forgot to see if the power generator was the subject of their work, but that's likely the case.

Staircase is being trimmed out with spindles loosely installed for fitment. Newel post, railing and steps are all hickory, and will be stained to match the floor

Not the prettiest thing to hang off the back of our house, but this water heater is just outside the kitchen sink, and master shower above, so near-instant hot water should be the upside

Next week we're hoping to see the appliances actually installed(!), tile backsplash in the kitchen and pantry areas, and completion of plumbing and gas trim-out, among many other smaller details.

That's it for this update... we're looking forward to an excellent week ahead!

Ron & Bonnie

What a difference a week makes...

We have power! And light! And air conditioning!! And floors!!!

That's pretty much the update for this week...

Last week we were dealing with the consequences of August rain showers and some untimely attempts to install our air conditioning units. Thankfully, the crew was able to get the exterior units placed on our HVAC platform on Monday, and had them wired up and cranking cool, dehumidified air into the house on Tuesday.

Power was connected to the house last week but it wasn't until after the AC was installed that we got to actually "see" the power!

This important step not only made for a much happier crew, but enabled the start of flooring work after a short rest period for the wood to adjust to the drier climate.

Installation of the floor started on Wednesday, and by end of day today was mostly complete, save for stair landing, baseboard mouldings and other finish details. Given the investment involved we've been anxiously awaiting this moment to confirm we made the right choice, or not. As it turns out, we love it! It's just the right mix of mid-browns and gray tones, with a character and finish that is somewhat rustic, yet still traditional and somewhat formal... but not.

The family room was the last area being surfaced on Friday afternoon. The 7.5" wide planks and open living areas made for a pretty fast installation!

Here in the kitchen you can see the color variation and other traits of the hickory wood

Fortunately we stopped by the house mid-week and were able to see the flooring in the bedrooms, dining and other areas before they were covered up with this protective sheeting

Given the progress made this week, and plans for next, it's going to be a tough call on the hoped-for end of August target date! Rain has played havoc with landscape companies and other trades, but if we're able to move in and can live with some work going on around us for a couple weeks that may be the way to go.

We'll have to give it another week and make a call on how long we commit to our current living quarters!

Cypress beams in kitchen were completed with the exception of an end-beam that will run along the back wall, flanking the exhaust hood for the rangetop that will be installed next week

Framing for the screened portion of the rear porch was painted between rainy spells, so screens can be applied once the crew is finished using the porch as a temporary workshop!

Next week is going to another big one. Plumbing fixture installation is scheduled to start on Monday, and appliances will be delivered and should be installed by end of the week.

Gas trim-out, generator hook-up, staircase work, brickwork for the fireplace surround, some hardware installation here and there, and various minor repairs are also planned, so our expectations are high!

Among a few items we're stockpiling is this mirror we stumbled upon this week. It has a silvery tone with antiquing of the glass frame that should go perfectly with the bling'd up chandelier in the powder room. Reflected in the mirror are two wool rugs we acquired for... can't remember

That's it for this week. Hope you enjoyed our update!

Ron & Bonnie

Hurry up and wait, or so it seems!

Two weeks have passed since our last update, due to a combination of business travel and just a general desire to see more accomplished between then and now! A lot's been done in the interim, but there are days when it seems things move in slow motion as we approach the finish line!

By the end of last week we cleared inspections on the electrical installation but, for various reasons (including City Hall red tape) the actual connection of power to the house was delayed to Wednesday. Then, three attempts to install the air conditioning units were foiled by rain over the last two days. Assuming no further delays in this area, we should still be able to get some flooring work started by the end of next week, fingers crossed.

Articulating-arm brass lamps over family room bookcases will provide a nice warm touch

Simple barn-style lamps will provide "dark sky" downward-only lighting in the back of the house, helping minimize light pollution and otherwise keeping bright lighting out of neighbors' view

On a more positive note, we have the start of an irrigation system for the landscape and lawn, remainder of lighting fixtures mounted, shower glass and bathroom mirrors installed, framing for the screened porch in progress, cabinet hardware and Bahama shutters on order and, as of this afternoon, our rustic wood beams being installed in the kitchen!

Walk-in showers have been enclosed in glass and are just awaiting installation of some shiny plumbing hardware to call this job done!

After much anticipation it was great to see the cypress beams being installed this afternoon. The large beam running along the wall was notched to accept those running across the ceiling
 

Framing for the screened area of the rear porch was installed. The crew had hoped to have this painted this week as well, but the weather did not cooperate

Starting to wonder if this is necessary given all the rain lately, but a network of water pipes has been laid in trenches and will ensure our future lawn and landscape do not go thirsty!

Here's where we landed with hardware for our cabinets. The kitchen, pantry and laundry rooms will use a combination of these Art Deco -inspired drawer pulls and knobs, in nickel and chrome, while the master bathroom will use classic glass knobs on both cabinet doors and drawers

That's it for now! Other work like plumbing fixture installation, elevator construction, low-voltage trim-out, stair railings and other finish trim details are being scheduled over the next few weeks, but this coming week is going to be key to meeting our revised goal of a move by month-end. We'll keep you posted!

Ron & Bonnie