Thats right. We are done! Done, done and more done! Such a great feeling… completed 1 year to the day! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but the final product was well worth the wait. I’ve experienced quite a few successes and “opportunities for improvement” along the way, so feel free to shoot me your questions if you’re about to attempt a similar project in the neighborhood (or elsewhere). My grandmother has not seen the house since my grandfather passed away in January 2008, so the final reveal to her will be around Father’s day weekend 2009. Stay tuned for a digital story and some web clips.
Moreover, I’ve maxed out the # of photos I can upload to the main gallery, so I need to work a few things out before I can upload the latest batch of high quality photos. In the meantime, take a look at some of the pics I have linked from my cell phone:
So take a look at my plot and design me one (Or one for yourself, for that matter). Bob Vila, Lowes and others have licensed a cool java app that helps you to design a deck and automatically calculates materials. Take a look at it here: http://www.bobvila.com/DesignTools/DeckDesigner.html
Dont forget Plan3D, http://www.plan3d.com, an inexpensive ($30/yr) 3D Home design tool.
So, the final bathroom had been on hold until I was reeeeallly happy with it. I found out from Kohler, at the last minute, that my valves would only operate 2 units at a time (jets + shower head, showerhead + handshower, or handshower + jets). I had initially designed everything to operate at the same, and the jets were on the side wall instead of the front… but at any rate, THANKFULLY I didn’t install any tile. Speaking of tile, Melvin Houston at MBTILE is a true pro - what he did for the guest bathroom was GREAT!. I’m helping him get his business set up on the web so his they can showcase their work online. Here’s a little mockup of what I’m envisioning:
Good things come to those who… blah blah blah, been waiting too long! Lol, but alas the kitchen is finally complete, now its just time to make sure everything works. Have ALOT of small detail work that needs to happen and I think I might hold off on some tile work until I can solidify a design… but at least I have a place to make coffee (and wash my stankin’ tail until the bathtub is ready). Hooray! BTW, Drywalling stuff by yourself is not fun at all… great learning experience tho! Staaaay tooned!
55 square feet of exotic India Cream will be installed today. Tony, from Classic Granite, will be doing the install around noon. They’ve been great to work with - I cant wait to see the finished product. One thing to note, I wanted to make sure I had all of my appliances in order before I finalized on my granite install. You have to make sure the sizing it an EXACT fit. Be sure to check with your local Lowes, they have some AMAZING clearance deals going on right now… might help you save a few dollars (so you can put it towards something else… like a granite fireplace)
We started building the fence this week and it looks like its coming up pretty nicely! We decided to build from this design:
We also chose to use severe-weather salt-treated wood for the purposes of longevity and low-maintenance… however the boards still need to dry. Expect them to be stained a rich red chestnut once the weather gets warmer!
What does a rich red chestnut look like you might ask? Well since the good folks at Ronald Woolfolk Flooring, Inc. have finished sanding, prepping and pre-staining the first floor with that color… the fence will ultimately look like this:
You know how just about everyone in their family has a crazy uncle? Well luckily, not only do I have one that is crazy, but also very handy as well! Big thanks to Uncle Mike who came all the way from California to put my custom closets in. He also helped out BIG TIME by providing me the tools to test all of the Cat5 wiring, as well as installing the kitchen cabinet lights! As far as progress, I’m still waiting for a few key items. Once the tile sets and the countertops are installed, the next call is for a plumbing trim out. Who wants to place bets on whether I’ll be able to have Christmas here or not?
Still waiting for items to get finished… In addition to battling against time, I’m also battling against weather. It’s starting to get cold and propane is getting expensive! If you see this little guy, please give him a hammer.
One good thing, however, is that this has been a great experiential learning process. And I’ve got lots of advice and recommendations for the many folk who have sent me messages concerning the project. Should have some new pics up next week as we prep for finals.
Its time for halloween and Tony, one of the carpenters at Robert Cole Finishing, Inc., endured 16 of the most painstakingly horrific hours of his life this weekend. Meticulously, he removed 15 layers of 40 year old paint from the houses’ original door, stained it a rich mahogany red and polished all the original brass door accents. I think its looking pretty regal, if I do say so myself.
Too bad the only thing I can offer trick or treaters this year is some sawdust and a side of sheetrock. Gotta tell the kiddies to keep it movin’…
Thanks to the incredible design and installation work by Sayward and Mr. Lewis (Southside Richmond Lowes), these cabinets look absolutely STELLAR! She was absolutely right that the cherry cabinets would go PERFECTLY with the stainless steel appliances. I still need a dishwasher… Can someone say Fisher Paykel? Yay!
Still waiting for items to get finished… In addition to battling against time, I’m also battling against weather. It’s starting to get cold and propane is getting expensive! If you see this little guy, please give him a hammer.
