More Contractors

This isn't exactly a contractor, but they keep Jim's old backhoe up and running. 'Very important.

Jerry Roberts is great to work with, and has excellent options and resources (like red windows!).

This is a housewarming gift from Glen, a member of the Parlier Developments "Dream Team". 'So sweeeet!!!

Um - those afraid of heights need not apply.

OMG

Where to begin ... so much going on ... so much money being spent ... so much happiness with Jim and I ... so much excitement and planning ........

Updates:

The house is roofed, exterior doors and windows are in, garage doors are in, and everything is locked.

Our construction loan is closing on Thursday, and THANK GOD because we have been spending money like it's freakin crazy. I am officially broke. Until Thursday :)

We have recently selected kitchen cabinet hardware, where the lights and switches are going, and where the shower faucets will be located (2 people can comfortably take a shower in the master bath - just saying).

Next is the installation of rough plumbing and then electric and then insulation and then drywall.

We are excited!

Our garage doors are more beautiful than we could haver imagined. THANK YOU, Sunrise Doors in Gasport! They are super nice people and their doors are excellent quality.

Finally, we have had multiple crews on site these past weeks, and by far the best crew so far is Larry Parlier's ... hardest working, most skilled, most likely to pick up after themselves, most likely to make me laugh!! The framing is now finished (on time) and we miss those guys already.

Here are a few exterior pics - we love the red windows and most of the feedback has been positive (although one of the roofers made it clear that he was not so sure about red windows. Whatever, roofer-man) :

back

Mom's entrance

front

Welcome!

Larry Parlier, his dad (84 and still working hard!) and his crew ----- love these guys!

Time Keeps Ticking ...

What a difference a few weeks make!

Deep Into Week 8

The changes are dramatic and exciting! Unfortunately the record heat and humidity are taking a physical toll on the crews -- 'not sure how they survive even an hour in that sun. The framers are ahead of schedule, and were able to completely construct the "simpler" areas of roof so that the roofing crew could get started. The final stretch for the framers is the central peak and front porch, and it is a challenging area, but they still plan on having it ready for the roofers by the end of the week.

Update on Parlier Developments: we could not be more satisfied with these guys. They work their tails off, it is clear they really know their business, they are pleasant and polite (and even funny!), and Larry confers with us on all sorts of things. He presents questions and options and suggestions ... exactly what you would want from somebody working on your dream home.

I was able to capture many interior photos last night, and I will hang on to those until the house is completed and I can do a "before and after" post. Yay!!

Here is a collection of odds and ends from last night:

~ Happy crews need ice, water, and after-work beers ~

~ No paper? No problem! Just use a scrap of wood ~

~ 'Found this on the back of the stairs ~

~ Looking up in the sunroom ~

~ Steps for contractors and very large chickens ~

Coffee Brown Granite

Today we made our granite selection, and I believe we made an excellent choice. We knew that we wanted a lot black (because of black appliances, and to contrast with creamy painted cabinets), we knew we wanted a subtle pattern (the granite will be next to the stacked stone on the bar, so we want to avoid over-busy-busy), and we knew we wanted something affordable. Coffee Brown fits all of the criteria, plus it is gorgeous!

Granite is a beautiful, natural product, and I am excited to have it gracing our kitchen. However, there are many environmental issues involved with mining practices around the world. I feel like I just bought a puppy from a pet shop. Guilty. But thrilled nonetheless. And guilty. We will love it and give it a great home.

Coffe Brown 

Walk Out Basement Progress

We will be landscaping this property for the rest of our lives - which makes me happy!

Topsoil Mountain

Bumble and I enjoyed our view, safely out of the way and surrounded by interesting bugs and plants.

Man Cave Progress

Jim's Man Cave will reside at the back of the deep garage. The door was a splurge - almost full glass - but it will be perfect for the boys and their cigars even when the weather is cold. After we win the lottery a pool will go in. 'Better buy my tickets.

My handsome general contractor, Jimmy, envisioning future cigars and bourbon :)

Week 7 - Holy Crane!!

Today the crane arrived and is now in the process of placing trusses and the ridge beam. The ridge beam is a 48' Microllam monstrosity, and it was pretty cool watching the framing crew work with the crane operator. It blows my mind seeing how skilled these guys are.

They began the day by placing the trusses over the garage. The crew was organized and ready, and it all went together fast ...

Then the ridge beam arrived on site, and the crew worked to get it ready and in place ...

When I left the site the crew was beginning to add the trusses over Mom's end of the house. Later today I will grab a few more shots. 'So exciting!!