Utilities already??!?

Just got a note that we need to schedule plumbing, electrical and HVAC walkthroughs for week after next. Holy moly! 

Full meal deal

The full footprint is finally starting to take shape, and without counting the front porch and back deck, this is the rough shape of the house as we will know it. 

A second floor wall and beams of steel

'Nuff said. 

Stairway to whatnow?

The walls are closing in and we can now walk upstairs. Not much up there but the view is pretty nice for the moment. 

Details, details

We have finally settled on our appliances, which really means our dishwasher and oven, and the centerpiece is the 36" American Range performer:

Since the second story starts next week it's time to start talking cabinets, which is ideal since our new dishwasher, while quiet as a mouse, can also be hidden behind a cabinet door. It's the little things...

I'm looking through you

WE HAVE ROOMS, PEOPLE!

Hallway from garage:

Media room:

Laundry nook:

Den/guest room:

Entryway:

and the beginnings of stairs to the second floor, next to where the piano will go:

Drawn and Quartered

The house is definitely starting to take shape now. Still waiting for the garage to they started but I can imagine the rooms in my mind's eye. 

Great room door to the back deck:

Dining room:

Media room:

and Den:

I'm betting we will see the second floor by next week. 

Leaps and bounds

Jeez, you leave this property alone for a day and suddenly walls start breeding like rabbits. 

Case in point:

Getting Vertical

Progress is accelerating as the stacks of wood begin to take shape on the finished and approved foundation.

As the finishing touches on the exterior plumbing came to be, the old driveway got filled back in. Farewell, trusty blind exit!

One wall stands alone while the rest wait for their time to rise. We should have all four standing within days!

And finally, it appears we have a lovely bonus on the property, as this rhododendron has gone into full bloom. This and the nearby hawthorn are pleasant surprises and will save just that much on landscaping:

A series of tubes

Met Mike the contractor up there this morning to review trenching progress (see above, cutting through the north driveway) and discuss drain options. Not the most thrilling phase but important nonetheless. Based on the grade we agreed that a deck on the back (west side) would be about the same cost as a patio pad so we will plan on that in a couple of months when the siding is ready. 

Floors go onto the joists on Monday along with finishing out the external plumbing. Garage walls start going up on Tuesday and framing begins in earnest later that day. Should see walls going up over the next month!

Dribs and drabs

Well, we have the beginnings of something great here and there's a lot wood, metal and concrete but nothing terribly impressive from afar. The footprint of the house however is showing me just how much it had to move to accommodate the required setback and we are closer to our southern neighbor than I ever thought we'd be, but there is still plenty of room. 

This area is becoming somewhat controversial as it was going to just involve steps from the great room to the back yard but given the grade this far south on the lot, even a concrete pad may be infeasible. May have to add a deck but we will tackle that in a couple of weeks when the walls are up and the area is more finished off. Either way, it'll be barbecue-ready just in time for Halloween. Doh!