I have uploaded the outside pictures, Eliana’s room, and a few other things. Also, I have cleaned up the album into subsections. You can see it all HERE.
It has been a while. Just because I have not fulfilled my duty of keeping this updated does not mean work has stopped. Craig and I have been crazy busy trying to pick out flooring, decking, and other odds and ends. And somehow the vision of this house is supposed to come together. I am just hoping the picture in my head matches the actual house. So far it does. The brick layers have been working for several weeks. They just started the front porch today and after that it will be done. I have to say they have done an incredible job. We make sure and thank them and all the other workers each day for their hard work. Each one is so appreciative and tells they are just happy to be working.
I have uploaded more pictures to our gallery. Hope you enjoy.
Fireplace brickwork
Foyer
Kitchen and Breakfast area
Seems like there is a lot going on with the house. Craig and I have decided and ordered the appliances. We are happy with what we picked out. Not to mention the great deals we received. We have enjoyed working with SJ at Friedman’s in Knoxville.
The electricians are finishing up as well. About a week ago we had to meet them over there and tell them where we wanted each plug and each light. That was a little overwelming. HVAC is done and the plumbers are about done as well. The brick was delivered last week and they have started that process today. They said it could take 4-6 weeks or a little longer.
I will try to get more pictures loaded when I can.
New pictures are in our photo gallery.
We were happy to see the actual roof go on Saturday! The guys worked hard and they have a little bit left on the back. Windows have also started to go in. Once this happens we are in the dry and the electical and plumbing can start. We still have our eyes set for June 30 to finish but I am not going to hold my breath. I know things can take a little longer and we will be patient. I just want things to be done right. We spent the weekend looking at fireplace inserts and also looking at a front door we had seen. I am glad Craig was there to talk to the fireplace people because it was over my head. I just kept Ellie out of trouble as she roamed the patio furniture.
Here are a few pictures.
So, it has been a while. The house is moving along. For the record we have had the coldest winter since I think 1917 and we have had the wettest winter. All of these things have affected our project. But, the basement walls did get poured and waterproofing has been done. Just this week the huge mound of dirt has been moved to fill in around the house and to fill in the garage. Note to self and to anyone out there: If you want your house to sit up off the ground it does affect your garage height! We realized this after the fact but after seeing the garage get filled in and the driveway take shape we are good with it. The floor trusses should be arriving any day now. Anderson Lumber has them built but we are waiting for delivery. I am not sure when the plumber will be there do set the drains in the basement and then pour the basement floor.
Today I am going back to meet with Wholesale Supply in Maryville to discuss more plumbing options. I have to see if we can get our budget down and to get some answers on questions. I had no idea plumbing can be such an issue!
Thanks for reading and I promise we will do better at this. I will do my best to go out and get pictures made today or tomorrow…although more snow is in the forcast for tomorrow.
Well the rain has stopped and we were able to get some work done on the house. The footers were finally poured and this week they have started putting the forms up for the basement walls. Since we have opted for poured concrete walls instead of block walls they set forms to hold them in place until the concrete is stable. We are about 6 weeks behind because of the weather. It is nice to know we are making some progress now. Below are a few pictures of what is going on.
Well John has taken most of the trees down that need to come out. He has 3 or 4 more that will come out tomorrow so they can dig on Friday. The rain from last night really made things muddy. Aaron said they could not work with the mud because it will take longer to dig and cost us more money. Tomorrow will help dry things up for Friday. I am really impressed with the way the yard will be. Enough trees were left in the front yard that they will make great bones for the flowerbeds. As I am out there, I can see some of the shapes of the beds forming and beautiful azaleas under the trees. We are not sure if we are going to sod or seed. We will probably seed and go back in the fall to sod the yard. That is next year though. Craig has asked the men to stack up the tree trunks that have been cut down so he can have it as firewood. He will have lots to cut up this winter. Maybe Andy will come and help him! Lets just say we will have plenty of firewood for years to come!
We have been looking at brick options. One brick color we liked is no longer available. Luckily we have another color called Old Columbia from Boral Bricks that we like with a grey mortar. We need to find a house with that combination. Most of the houses have a Buff mortar with that brick. It looks too yellow to me. So that is where we are in brick color. I think we the roof we will stick to the normal Charcoal. Yes, we are traditional.
Well, tomorrow is the day. Deposit is to be paid and we start to get the permits. We are very excited and thrilled. Craig got the insurance figured out and all is well there. We walked through the neighborhood this evening and it was peaceful even with the kids playing football. Tonight would have been a perfect evening to fix smores and hot chocolate over the imaginary fire pit!