Archives for February 2017

This is a sampling of one of the many style boards I have for filing all of my final finishes. The master bath will have a vintage spa feel (did I create a new category?)

I’m just now feeling like it might be safe to come out into the light. After a few days of sun (two of which spent sick in bed- bleh!), the ground is finally drying enough to get to the car without my shoes getting caked in mud. yay!

Geez- I am seriously slacking! I didn’t realize it’s been almost 2 weeks since an update. Of course, when it rains all day and you’re in a trailer, the days kind of meld into one another. Thank goodness this month is almost over, because for being the shortest month, February seemed to drag on for an eternity. The weather was gloomy, and dark, same as it feels for the world around me. I try to run (literally, because it’s always raining and I never have an umbrella) between my car and the trailer, or my car and my little office cave, and then just bury my head in the task at hand, or under the covers.

My creativity, in both home and profession, tends to reflect the inspiration I have around me, and right now, it’s a wee bit lacking. I live inside my head because that’s where the new house resides- does that make sense? It’s almost funny to me when people ask about what things will look like or if I’ve thought about how to decorate yet (I mean, only like every tiny minuscule minutia of detail), because in my mind, I’ve been looking at a very clear photo in my head of the house and yard for almost a year. I’m sometimes puzzled when people can’t see the picture in my head! And because of that, it can create some issues when it comes to working within the restraints of reality. Things like…. budget. or building codes. or time. or budget (cannot stress that one enough).

I haven’t really talked a lot about these restraints, but they have had affects on every aspect of the build. However, in the end, everything will end up in it’s place, and no one will be the wiser (well, I guess, you, the reader, of course, since you are getting the inside scoop), and if not…we upgrade later, right?! Some of the things along the way- so far- that have had to be eliminated off the list were; the gable (tragically), black window frames, metal roof, window trim in all rooms (although we’re spending some extra to have it done in the front living spaces)- just a sampling. Some of the upgrades, or um, surprise expenses we’ve decided on; new furnace and ceiling ducting, pricier garage door opener (to fit the existing garage), extra insulation, pricier water heater, and the list goes on. It will all add up to a few pretty pennies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But now on to what you’ve really been waiting for. The progress! The house is sheet rocked. What a difference walls make! Suddenly, the rooms take shape and people see the layout and the space. A few coats of tape, mud and texture and they should have it wrapped up by the end of this week. Thank goodness we have some dry weather- the mud takes a long time to dry between coats. The siding should be complete in a couple of days and it is looking fabulous. And the contractor punched the kitchen cabinet order today.

Also, tons of shopping is being accomplished. Have no fear, the furniture and decor are coming together. For now, I’ve run out of storage space- we are up to FOUR storage units (our shed included). So shopping will have to wait- at least on the large stuff.

Technically, we are less than four weeks till completion due date. As much as the crew is trying to meet that goal, we all know that it will take a miracle to make it. And even if we obtain sign off, there will still be many details to finish up after. But now that it’s sunny, and the fun part is beginning (finishes and decorating), things are starting to look up. March is my month!

Last week was one of those weeks that progress seemed very slow-going. There weren’t a lot of noticeable changes because most of the work was on the systems for hvac, plumbing and electrical. Plus it was raining, of course, which never helps. But the weekend was a huge improvement- beautiful and sunny, we took full advantage of the nice weather to get some outside projects done.

We purchased a garden shed and it was delivered on Monday (finally, after weeks of delay because of the mud!), so we spent many trips with the wheelbarrow hauling rock down the hill. My husband, son and I got a work out with that job- the boys especially. I also planted 210 bulbs- because I had to get them in the ground so they didn’t go to waste (it was a late night groupon purchase by my husband).

And lastly, I put in some serious hours on sanding the beams, and I’m actually making some progress. Thank you, Natalie, for helping me in our sip and sand session 😉

Kudos to the construction crew for passing the big inspection! And today the insulation was delivered and installed by early afternoon. We ended up spending a little more to insulate all of the interior walls so it’s the first time we’ve seen “walls” in the house. No more walking in between the framing!

The sun restored my mood, but now we anticipate another long round of rain. Hopefully, within the next week, we will see the entire house sheet rocked and taped and the siding complete. We’re getting there!

There are at least 8 or more sweet little calves in the pasture across from us that I’m happy to call our new neighbors. They were all born in the cold January storms, and now at least four weeks into their life, they’ve still only felt the rays of sunshine for a few sparse days. The wind, mud, and wet are getting a little hard to take- for us more than them, but at least we get to watch these cuties grow up (which to a 4-H girl who raised them, is a fun perk). 

The progress on the house seems to be at a snails pace when it’s storming out, but in actuality, a lot is getting done on the inside. They are hoping to have a frame inspection this week, which is a big deal because it covers not only all of the framing, but also the systems (electrical, plumbing, hvac). Fingers crossed that inspection goes well, and they’ll be drywalling by next week. The sheetrock all arrived today in the rain, on a big truck, which was sort of a fiasco to get into our narrow roads with gushing water in the ditches on each side. They got the job done and we are so excited to see it piled in the house and ready to go up.

On a different note, I found a beautiful wooden louvered door on a local yard sale site (I’ve been collecting a ton of great items!) and drove to pick it up from the seller. The lady was also remodeling their house and we had some stories to swap! I love the door, which will be a pocket door between our bedroom and bathroom.

Lastly, the “blasting” of the beams did not go so well. I think it would have worked, but the hassle involved in set up and refilling the tank would have taken a lot of time. Just when I thought we had the kinks worked out, there was a clog in the hose nozzle, and I finally threw in the towel. I think it will still be fun to use for other projects, like furniture, but for the beams- it’s back to sanding!! ugh. I will definitely have to schedule a “sand and sip” night so I can get some help!