Spring 2011 ~ Working, working, working!

Happy Spring to all! Much has been done at the Property since I last updated the blog. We have now past the 5 year mark since we broke ground on the house. I have to say I am one of the most frustrated people regarding getting this project done, so if you think to yourself, “they are still not into the house” you are not alone. That said, I know that Kenny is working as hard as he possibly can on the house. Since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build this house, getting it right is paramount. This perfectionism has bread much debate and indecision. So stay tuned and hopefully by summer’s end we will get the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).


For us to move into the first floor only there is still much to do. However, first let me report on what has been completed as well as the decisions that are made and those still pending. A big decision (I couldn’t have imagined this being such a big deal but even for me it took some time) was the handle pulls for the kitchen cabinets. I know it seems minor but you would be shocked, as I was, at the variety and the cost involved. Two visits at both Lowes and Home Depot later and about 6 hours we decided on oil rubbed bronze finish and the “bird cages. I know having 3 different pulls seems like overkill but it really does work wonderfully. we have drop down pulls are for the long drawers, straight pulls for the cabinet doors and small pulls for the overhead cabinets. You will have to see it really appreciate the options.

Next, we not only picked but we also purchased all of the fixtures for the “guest bath”.

The vanity is about 48” (think maybe longer) long from wall to wall and has 4 drawers it is absolutely beautiful. The sink is unique in that is built into the counter and has a slow drop to the drain. This sink really needs to be seen to understand. We picked a frameless shower stall and all the fixtures are oil rubbed. The floor is a slate type material but is quite muted and earthy. The tile really was a family decision, Ryan and Amanda helped to pick it out.

The Guest room is just about finished with the framing of the laundry and clothing closets. The door is on and these are real nice doors. The sun room tongue and grove ceiling is completely finished and the French doors are installed.

The fireplace, now this is an area of great debate and issues. First the fireplace is fully operational and amazing. The heat that it throws off is amazing. This fireplace was chosen before we had the wood burning boiler and was designed to be a primary heating source for the main living area. Now the debate has been in choosing the stone for the fireplace along with the mantel and hearth. I think just this weekend that decision has been made, at least for the most part. The final hearth and mantel stone needs to be picked but the type has been decided on. Thank you Mark B. Now this same stone will be used on the stone areas of the Kitchen (the bar and stove area).

Indecision…..in the kitchen there is, I think still open debate on the stove back splash and the under mount areas of the stone enclosures. Another focal point of great uncertainty is the banisters for the staircases, to the upstairs, downstairs, across the bridge and the loaf area. One thing is for sure we are not doing it the way in the architectural plans so this leaves us with many options which leads to a lot of vacillation. This too will pass and we will be able to move forward.

One would be surprised at the great amount of work that goes into each seemingly simple step towards that coveted and oh so elusive TCO. First all of the exposed insulation must be covered, which we had to wait for the electrical inspection. You need to have all of your fire/smoke and carbon monoxide detectors hard wired (I think), the wall connecting the house to the garage must be fireproof and completely finished. There is all of the staircases have to have banisters, food prep surface, a fridge, and a fully working bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. For us one of the hardest parts is the ceiling since it is so high and tongue and grove, each section has to have insulation and each piece of wood has to be cut to size all working over head on scaffolding. This is time consuming and tedious and yet precision is necessary and working mostly alone it can also be dangerous.

Given all these factors as well as work and family obligations, it is understandable why it has been 5 years! There is such workmanship in this house is AMAZING!

Hope you all enjoy the update and I will keep you all updated on the progress!!