You all have been great, keeping on top of us for these posts. The house is progressing quicker than we can post updates! We are still scheduled for an end-of-August/early-September move in date. Hopefully in the next month or so we can get a closer window for the projected U&O approval.
In the last post, the house was dried in, electric and other utilities were being installed and the bones of the framing were being stuffed with insulation. Before they began the insulation process, John and I walked the house and took pictures of every wall in the house. This will save us later when we are trying to find an electric line or avoid a pipe when hanging wall decor in the house.
As the weather gets better (and less wet!) the team is able to start making progress with the exterior. Since our last update, the brick-to-grade was installed (WE. LOVE. IT!), the septic system was installed (more mud!) and the siding was delivered.
Inside the house, this place looks like a whole different story. This may sound silly, but I found myself falling in love with the cast of neutral, earthy colors brought in from the windows against the wooden framing. We now have a completely dry-walled and primed space from floor to ceiling. It is amazing how different and bright it looks with all the natural lighting pouring in and I love it even more than when it was at the framing stage. In homage of that neutral light, I plan to incorporate a lot of wood elements into the interior design - obviously not a surprise considering the hubs could basically be a master carpenter at this point! John and I both love the contrast of wood and iron, which will be a constant theme incorporated into the house.
The drywall team did a fantastic job on the install. There were a few spots that had us puzzled on how a patch and sand job could come out so smooth - and they did it. The edges are square and clean - the painter was even impressed! For those of you looking to build, make sure the drywall contractor installs "green board" or water-resistant drywall in your bathrooms. We have green board installed and having that peace of mind will be well worth it in the long run.
The interior trim for the windows and doors are being installed, as well as the interior doors themselves! I love the simple door pattern we chose - which fits very well with our colonial-meets-craftsman look and will be highlighted by the matte black door hardware throughout the house.
And drumroll please.... The brick from the fireplace was installed! We love the pattern of the brick and the high hearth... perfect for warming up and family Christmas photos! There's no doubt that this will be the heart of our home. It has been a marathon to get here, but we are so happy with the (almost) final product! Now we just need that mantel installed and a shiplapped chase (yes, that's happening!) from floor to ceiling!
Until next week (promise!).
- Cassie
