Mom V. in the house!

After joining us for a motorhome trip to Makinac Island in Michigan, Mom Violett toured the house before we drove her to the airport. She'll be back in August to see the finished product, but it was fun to let her see how things are progressing. Love you Mom!

May 14, 2011 - Part 3 of 3 "Tile, fireplace, handrails, molding"

Georgia's bath is the most complete so far - her shower surround and floor are in as well as the facing on her soaking tub. The main tile (floor and walls) is all the same color and pattern but we used different sizes and shapes as well as putting some on a diagonal to make it more interesting. And we added small strips of accenting to really make it stand out.

The fireplace surround looks amazing! There will be a solid slab for the hearth that picks up a bunch of the colors in the surround, and the mantle will be wood stained to match the kitchen cabinets. The fireplace will complement the kitchen backsplash, which will be a dark, multicolored slate with an accent stripe of glass/slate/metal tile in a pattern they call "random boulder". Since the family room and the kitchen are at opposite ends of the same large space we wanted them to tie together and think they will very well.

The permanent stairs are in, and as you can see they have started the bannister and handrails. The bottom step of the staircase is wider and will be wood matching the hardwood floors on the first floor, with the remaing stairs being carpeted in a tight-weave frise style. It's hard to describe, but should look good.

They are supposed to finish the trim and painting this coming week, and then enamel the trim so it is durable and hopefully stays clean. It is white, after all... We've been told we don't want to be around when they spray the enamel so we won't be! There will be lots of accents in the front part of the house, including crown molding throughout and a chair rail in the dining room. This picture shows an accent piece on the front door. Not elaborate, but they are nice touches.

There won't be a blog update for May 21st since we are leaving that day on a 10-day motorhome trip with Georgia and Mom Violett. Duluth Minnesota, Bayfield Wisconsin, Munising Michigan (Painted Rocks National Seashore), then Mackinac Island and vicinity for four days. Wish us luck with the weather! Next update May 31st or therabouts...

May 14, 2011 - Part 2 of 3 "Siding and retaining wall"

The siding is about 75% done overall; as you can see they have finished the bonus room and garage and most of this side of the house.

They have a little more to do on this side and the back of the main house, but they'll probably finish up in the next few days.

The retaining wall is turning out to be much bigger than we expected, especially considering they originally told us we wouldn't have one! But we like the way it looks, and all the other houses on the block have them so it makes the street look more uniform.

We're still a little confused about how the earth along this side of the house will be held back, since they are stopping the wall just past the front of the house. There is only about two feet between the house and the driveway and there will be quite a slope. We can't wait to see how this gets resolved!

There isn't a retaining wall running up the other side of the house since there is ten feet between the house and our neighbor's driveway and a gentle slope is possible there.

May 14, 2011 - Part 1 of 3 "Cabinets are in!"

The cabinets were installed this week and they look great! Here's the kitchen...



And the butler's pantry...

This is Georgia's bathroom...

And this is the bonus bath. Look at all those drawers!

Cabinets are also installed in the princess bath, the hall bath, and the mudroom. The bench in the mudroom is really big and looks great!

May 7th, 2011 - Part 3 of 3 "Tiling of the floors has started"

All the baths, the mudroom, and the upper laundry will have tile floors. Here's the upper laundry, grouted but covered with dust.

Here's Georgia's bath before grouting.

Here is the mudroom before grouting. This tile is much darker and makes the room look huge!

Finally, this is "The Daves'" master bath. The branch in the dark stripe leads to the shower.

May 7th, 2011 - Part 2 of 3 "Painting has started"

We think this is just the primer since it's flat and the paint we're getting is supposed to be semi-gloss, but the color is pretty close. Here's the family room looking toward the breakfast area and kitchen.


Here's Georgia's master bedroom.



And "The Daves'" bedroom...

Finally, here are twelve pallets of stone they'll be using to build our retaining wall in the front of the house. That should be starting soon as well!

May 7th, 2011 - Part 1 of 3 "Siding started - Garage Floor In!"

Lots happening now... As you can see, they have started the siding. The color is called Blueridge. When finished, with the white trim, black doors and shutters, and a lighter color(Slate) in the triangle peak we think the house will look amazing.

This pic shows the box bay window, which really stands out in white.

The garage floor has been poured and looks good.

Here you can really see how finished the gaage looks with the walls and ceiling painted.