Week Ending 9/1/07

Builder and his son picked up the bunnies on Monday. Summer is now over, and the kids started school Thursday, 8/30. By Tuesday, insullation was completed and we passed that inspection. The Polish crew is cleaning up odd's and ends (leveling floors, minor trim & shingle work, French door banister, etc). I started paint prep for the exterior trim. Each of the kids, Josie and our friend Jenna helped, taking time to also clear rocks from the yard. Sheet rock has been delivered and installation is nearly completed on the second floor. Taping/plastering has started on the 2nd floor. Access to all of the exterior is rough, as I can't handle the scaffolding or 40' ladder by myself. Needed to get a yellow-jacket nest exterminated. The boys got into swinging a pick-axe to help level the back yard. Two big piles of dirt were moved from the front to the back,to allow level ground for the ladders.

Week Ending 8/20/07

While the carpenters missed some days working, due to rain, there was still a lot accomplished this week. HVAC and plumbing roughs were completed. I was able to install about 120' of blocking (for towel bars, soap dishes, coat hooks, etc.) throughout the house. Half the sound-system was ordered (speakers, wires, volume controls), received and installed, and recorded with pen and pictures (so I can find the wires after the walls go up). The fire/burglar alarm system was wired. Mechanicals inspection took place on Wednesday (we passed). Kitchen cabinetry is now under construction. Insulation was installed, and should be completed Monday. Mason work on each of 3 stoops completed. Carpenters completed siding and trim. They also boxed in some of the plumber's work and began repairing the floors. By Friday, the Ukrainian carpenter crew (who had been working on the house since June) were done. While a few of them weren't here, I was able to grab a quick picture before they left. Sheet rocking crew scheduled for Wednesday. The replacement door arrived; and, like the door it was replacing, it too was the wrong door. Regardless, it's been a good week for progress!

Week Ending 8/18/07

All plumbing roughs delivered. Most plumbing rough completed (Jessica's very excited to see her tub installed). Electrical rough completed. Electrical fixtures are starting to arrive. HVAC install continued. Exterior trim and cedar shakes continue to get completed. Lines to septic worked on. All trenches, footings, gas tank and lines buried. Ground leveled, large rock removed from next to driveway and excavator now gone. Much work with building department re: clarrification on code for alarm system (each of four quotes interpreted laws differently). Downpayments for granite and cabinets made. Alarm service chosen (service will cost $250 annual, insurance discount will be $520 annual), will be installed 8/21. Researching soundproofing and multimedia, preparing trim bid (materials). Masons started, chimney done (big). Stoops next. Expecting mechanicals inspection next week. Installed blocking for towel bars, etc.

Week Ending 8/11/07

Evergreens on either side of front door moved to back property line (got poinson ivy). Purchased stained-glass for master bedroom, received quotes for fire detection/security system, gas tank linked to house. Progress on external shingles/trim. Exterior doors arrived and installed (wrong front door, will need to be swapped). Plumber on vacation. Wood species for kitchen approved, with construction on cabinets beginning 8/13 (with delivery expected mid-October). Purchase of electrical fixtures begun. Working out final details of interior trim scheme. Researching media system options and soundproofing. Subfloor in old family room removed, allowing new wood flooring in new kitchen to be level with wood flooring in existing living room.

Week Ending 8/04/07

This week our propane tank was filled, the plumber and electrician did most of their work, and we met with the HVAC people. Plumbing would have been finished but the fixtures, which are now all purchased, have not all come in. We hope they will arrive while the plumber is on vacation next week. Stained glass was picked out for the master bedroom, final kitchen plans were made, as I'm trying to get the cabinet maker rolling (8-week turnaround). Ninth dumpster (at least), and more siding and exterior trim went up. When the dumpster was swapped out the driver backed into my neighbor's Porsche, pushing it back three feet and almost into my car. Plans for soundproofing and sound systems are now under way, as insulation, sheetrock and hardwood floors are soon to follow. I also was called upon to remove the stairwell walls and remaining living room walls (where I found a live cut wire and a great deal of water).