The tile is 95% finished in the hallways. We weren't able to continue the hardwood flooring through these hallways because they are located on a cement slab. 3/4" plywood would have had to be place down before the 3/4" hardwoods were installed. This increase in height would have forced the stairs out of code. Anyway, we selected a tile that should tie in nicely with the wood floors. Once the hardwood is down the remaining trim tiles will be installed.
The laundry room is really starting to shape up nicely. The laundry cabinets are all installed and look great. The counter top still needs to be cut out so the wash sink can be installed The only other thing we are waiting on is the arrival (and installation) of the washer and dryer. Our contractor pointed out one small oops -- one of the larger cabinet doors actually hits one of the ceiling lights. Small oversight and something we are going to live with.
After struggling with decision of what tile to put on the walls (that will remain for a long time!) for the first floor bathroom, we finally came to a decision. We picked a porcelain tile family that matched what we were looking for. The floor has a 13"x13" varied colored tile, which matches the 8"x8" on the walls of the tub/shower surround. We then selected a matching 2"x2" border flanked on both the top and bottom by a 1"x2" trim. The tile color contrasted nicely with the bisque tub and soap dishes. Master Bath is next!
Unfortunately it looks like we are beginning to fall a little behind our original time line. The electrician doesn't think he will get through everything next week, which means no insulation the following week. The insulation contractor is booking 2 weeks out now, which means we will have to wait around until we can get scheduled once the electrician completes his work. :-/
After deciding what we wanted to do (stick frame it all instead of the trusses) we had to place a quick order and keep our fingers crossed. Today the 'emergency' lumber arrived (big thanks to the supplier!) and away we went. There was a lot of time spent setting the one main LVL and then leveling out the studded wall. When we left this evening they were making great process. Plan was to begin sheeting before dark -- excited to see how far they got!
Today we were back at the job site after a relaxing time away for the labor day holiday. There were some issues that came up while we were away that required a number of phone calls - but all is well.
up in the kitchen so accurate measurements can be taken. We were very excited to see the the three-way (yeah, it was weird) is gone! In place of it we are going to have a nice welcoming open space
The walls for the powder room are all complete. It was an odd space. We will probably never know what the 2' tall tile walls were for but we are happy to cover them up.
Well a little flooring at least. Today the dining room was re-framed, moving the access to the basement into the corner, a much more out of the way location. Then some of the sub floor was laid down. Mind you it is a little, but a little is better than none making this a good sign.
The overall cost was not much more than traditional board and this comes with an added piece of mind.
Today we were pleased to see our first new wall in place. After the contractor and the architect sorted out requirements and what needed to be put in place where, we are finally under way. This is our first new wall, between the media room and the living room. It is framed with 2x6s and will accommodate the double French doors that will come later on.
The second wall is underway, but requires a little more care. a new beam will be installed across the entire span of the house. Because of this, removing the existing wall is a slower than normal process. Temporary support walls are put in place as sections of the existing wall/header are removed. This wall is about half way removed, should be finished up tomorrow.
Well today was a another slow day. It seems there are some questions about the drawings so before any of the main support beams were set in place, some questions have to be answered. In the meantime, more of the new floor joists were set in place. The big deal is the the brick facade was torn (pounded) off. (sorry about all of the 'orbs' we are assuming they were there due to dust and not spirts. Well if they are spirts we hope they are friendly.) Our plan is to replace this brick with a custom stone veneer from Canyon Stone or a similar company. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully the answers will come from the architect and we will be able to remove some of the load bearing walls blocking the wonderful view to the lake.
Today things continued to move forward -- at a slow pace. A number of things were accomplished today, few of which provided visual evidence of anything being done. One thing that did take place construction wise today, was the the installation of a temporary support wall that allowed a load bearing wall to be removed, so it can be rebuilt.
plumbing contractors. It seems everyone is on the same page and the inspector seemed pleased with what he saw (let's hope it stays that way!)
Today we began to see a little progress -- a little. A large number of the floor joists that had been taken our to allow for the digging, began to be replaced. This process ended up taking a much longer time than originally planned. It seems the sill plate was basically gone - rotted away like a bad hunk of cheese. Treated lumber had not been used, so it had to be replaced. Once that was taken care of the joists started getting dropped in. Originally the floor had about a 1.5" difference in height due to going from the transition from one section of the house to another. This finally provides us a little solid floor to walk on. Nice.
