Posted on by Emily · 2 Comments

Day 399

As we approach a very large number of days that this project has been underway, we are *this* close to starting drywall.

I feel like a broken record, saying for the last 8+ weeks that we are close to starting drywall, but we are actually almost there.

The insulation is nearly complete and drywall has been delivered, with drywall guys on standby.

Though the interior has been progressing slower than I would prefer, the exterior has made some big strides.

We’ve also had some visitors who came by to check out the property…

Lorelei was not terribly impressed with the raw interior, but enjoyed walking the grounds. She decided the yard was good for playing and that she will come back for many more visits.

Since Lorelei’s visit, the dirt pile has disappeared and the yard is completely graded.

Try to envision the hedged courtyard with a fire pit and herb garden that will be here in the future. Likely Phase 271.

Look how smooth and lovely the side yard is!

Also of note, the classical columns for the front porch arrived! They weigh a casual couple of tons each.

Funny/not funny story: The column company tried to deliver these to our builder’s office, which is in an office building in a busy part of town. They called and said, “We’re here!” and our builder, who was at our property, said “So am I! and I don’t see you…” And that’s when they realized the billing and shipping addresses had gotten mixed up.

I’m glad I wasn’t there for that.

The driveway is complete! It is now a breeze to pull up and park by the front door, which I intend to use frequently.

Lastly, the exterior painting is almost done. They will have to come back to paint the porches and garage doors, but the yellow is history!

We have a site meeting in a few hours. Wish us luck and hope that drywall is starting…

Posted on by Emily · 1 Comment

Day 331

Well, well, well…

We have a well!

I stopped by for a quick site visit this week and this was happening in the backyard.

It amazes me that they can do this all in one day.

Mostly because of what they charge for this.

Nonetheless, I am THRILLED that we have a well, and therefore, a water supply. We are waiting on the official report, but our builder told us that they were somewhere around 140 feet down and getting 15 gallons per minute.

Continuing the exciting infrastructure tour, Walt, our builder, is seen here pointing to where the propane tank will be buried behind the garage.

And, lastly, here is the electrical thinger. It will have a cover and we can plant some shrubs strategically to block it from view as you come up the driveway.

We’ve been watching Yellowstone, Longmire, and now Justified lately so I am really feeling my 10 gallon hat shadow in these photos.

In other news, we have exterior doors! Front door…

French doors from the living room to the screen porch. I have a thing for French doors so these make me especially happy.

Kitchen door to the screen porch.

I’m also obsessed with transoms. There will be many throughout the house.

OK, back to the exterior: John graded the hill by the garage and it looks approximately 1 million times better.

They also put in the gravel driveway up to the garage, which means, were there not a bunch of supplies and bathtubs in the garage, I could park in the garage!!!

I will be doing this the first chance I get.

Having the hill graded meant it was time to seed and straw. This was our project yesterday morning. Here is Barry (my dad) loading up the erosion control matting at the local Farmers Co-op. I predict we will be back here many times over the next few decades.

My Dad and Josh did a fine job getting all of the matting and straw in place.

My job was to spread the seed. The workers did not know what to make of this. One day, I show up in business casual attire and am telling people what to do. The next day, I am wearing yoga pants and a fedora, spreading grass seed.

I like to keep them guessing.

The masons are almost done with the first chimney.

And they have started on the second.

We REALLY need them to finish the chimneys so the roofers can finish the flashing and put on the roof.

My other order of business yesterday was to paint some samples for the exterior.

I LOVE this color. It’s Benjamin Moore “Limestone”.

The exterior is coming along. I can’t wait to see the whole thing painted!