2010_10_02 Master Bath

This past week we had a plumber come out to fix a problem with both the kitchen sink and Jessica's toilete. In addition, he replaced an exterior faucet with a valve that could not be shut off due to the basement renovation. In addition, I have completed all the trim for the master bathroom, with the exception of the large arced window. The trim package for the arc should be the same as every other window. Sending a sample of our trim, along with all measurements, we are pursuing a custom-bent trim package to fit the pictured window, which is about 6' across. I have also found out that the hardware store that provided our windows, and our window manufacturer, have gone out of business. With a list of window issues still open, I have escalated those issues via the manufacturer's website per warranty. We'll see what happens...

2010_10_02 Continued Trim Rot

At the beginning of August I noticed more rot in the exterior trim. Contacting the builder, he does not appear to be taking any responsibility for it. The manufacturer has come out and confirmed it to be, and only be, due to improper installation (since I caulked and painted the material I was concerned, but he assured me there was no indication of this being anything but cut ends not primed and improper installation). While the manufacturer is working up a report, I am working to figure out the best way to resolve the issue. All counsel leads me to seeking resolution through the builder. It appears this is an issue for all exterior trim boards, which are many. The pictures are from August 2nd.

2010_09_18 Upstairs Hall Completed

The tedium of painting the 2nd floor hallway wainscot was completed. The Benjamin Moore Dove White required many coats, and the wainscot required much caution for drips, but it came out great. Now on to the master suite...

2010_07_16 Jacob's Room Completed

It's been a while since I've been able to post anything. The attic, for all intensive purposes, is completed, and a great help to have that storage area. About half of the ducts still need to be covered, but all of the floor is fit to walk and store things on, and is now being used regularly, as seasonal gear is swapped and accessed.

As the school year ended Jacob finally moved into the master closet area, while we cleaned out his room. The trim work was completed, and the closet built-in was added, similar to Ben and Jessica's, with dovetail joinery and strong slides that fully extend. Thanks to the Scout Tag Sale, a drafting table that was going to be thrown out was salvaged. In fact, there were three that were going to the dump, and I got one for each of the kids (how cool is that!).

The work on his room was completed while he was away at camp, so he has a nice surprise waiting for him upon return. My next task is to finish painting the 2nd floor wainsot in the hallway, then finally on to the Master Suite...

Week Ending 01/30/2010

Well, Jacob never did move out of his room in December. He cleared out about half of it. The boy's bathroom is completed, however. We were surprised by a neighbor's tree coming down, so we got a bunch of the wood, rented a spliter and took 4 days to split what is about 4 cord of wood (for burning next year). Since then we have cut and split about another cord from our woods for this winter (standind dead trees).

With a warm (40s) spell in January, I am taking the opportunity to go back in the attic and finish what I started last year about this time. Our house was finished with the attic only roughed-in. We have stairs to the attic, and ample space, but there is no floor and the insulation extends above the joists. To simply lay plywood on top of the joists would compress the insulation, and reduce the thermal barrier. Plus, with the small doorway to the attic, and ductwork and electrical work, plywood needs to be cut and fitted. The process is tedious, and kills the back and knees, but the result is nearly 600 square feet of very functional storage space.