Back in the House

One of our "dog rugs" purchased on eBay - cheap to the point that Max and Charlie can do whatever they want to or on with no major consequence.

The dedicated office space was quickly utilized.

It didn't take long to accumulate clutter.

The foyer is a nice space. The large front window brings the exterior space inside. Lots of light during the day really makes a pleasant atmosphere. The stairwell has become a favorite place for the kids to hang out. Grace reads on the top step, Jack uses the upper landing as a launch pad for paper airplanes.

We haven't quite filled all of the new space created by the remodel. No hurry on this though. As we get to know the house and how we use it, we can arrange furniture to fit our needs.

Its now 5 weeks since we moved back in, about 3 since the items in storage were brought back. Lynn's been working hard to unpack, store, put up or delete the various items that were packed away this past year. It's a slightly stressful time. We're starting to feel comfortable in the house now. We've figured most of the light switches and have determined the source the for various noises and rattles most houses seem to have. There are still numerous finishing jobs to do - paint in the basement, some yard work, a little bit of trim here and there - but it's mostly done and a big relief.

Certificate of Occupancy

Starting to set up the cellar

Something I never thought I'd see - a construction debris-free back yard.

View of the deck off the guest room - come stay and check it out.

The new book case/stair rail. The other shelf will fill the corner of the room shown.

Stairs with railing.

Front of the house today - notice the cardboard street address sign.

Today we received the Certificate of Occupancy. That means the house is safe for habitation and we can move back in. Some final projects are taking place. The builder had to do a couple of temporary patches to bring the house up to standard. The cabling in the main stairwell rail is temporary, as is the masonite board that closes off the stair opening into the living room. One of the bookshelves is installed. There is one more to go and then granite tops on these. We don't have the fireproof surrounds for the fireplaces on, so cement board was placed to get them past the inspection. No plans on using them until they are finished. Today also saw the installation of blinds in the master bedroom and guest room. We'll add in others as the budget allows.

Overall we are excited to see the main construction wind down. The movers will come Monday to get the big things in. We'll spend time this weekend moving what we can, unpacking and starting the process of settling in.

Closer Still

A view of the house at night, lights on.

The kitchen at night, pretty much completed

Here's a view into the foyer

The mirrored cabinet was installed last week.
Here's the tub, and it's view, in the master bathroom

We're getting closer. I'm think one more month of finishing touches by the builder. We've ordered the concrete counters that will form the surrounds of the fireplaces. The stair treads are in and look pretty good. Downspouts are in on the gutters. The railing guys were back last week to measure the stairwell. Hopefully these will be in.

One problem - we need to be out of the rental house by the 20th, but I'm pretty sure the house won't have it's Certificate of Occupancy by then. Probably need one more week. We're exploring a coupe of options.

We've been moving more of the none essential, less than valuable items into the house. More clothes went over along with some yard stuff. I'm going to make on more run tonight. I took a couple of pictures today and last night, posted above. Remember, you can double click on an image to bring up a larger version.

Moving out

The south side of the house. The lower rounded vent cover is from the stove hood. The one above that is from the dryer on the second floor

Latest view of the kitchen. Love the hood. A cowling will cover the duct above the hood and a tile backsplash is planned for the white area between the cook top and hood. Pot filling faucet will be installed there as well. Pendant lights are installed over the island, but not so low that they get in your way while working. I'm thinking a long table slightly lower than the height if the island would be a good addition for extra open storage space.

The recycle bins in north Asheville have come through again. I pulled a dozen or so dish pack boxes out of the cardboard bin. Someone must have just moved to Asheville. We'll return them when we're done.

We started moving in earnest this weekend. We can't take anything valuable, but that doesn't preclude much. Books, files, most of our hanging clothes, the basement stuff that we had kept with us. All of it went back this weekend. Our formal move is set for the week after next, but we're going to continue to move the things we can up to that time.

We got a quote for finishing the outdoor fire place surround (picture below). I thought we could use concrete -big mistake, it cost more than granite. We're going to consider other options and should have it settled by the end of the week.

Other big events: the outdoor compressors for the air conditioners were installed. Most of the interior door hardware is on, the interior painting is done (including beams) and the lighting is installed. The basement will get these treatments in the next week or two.

The treads for the stairs have been delivered and should get installed next week. Once these are on, the rails can be installed. The cabinet guy is working away on the bookshelves for the main room. We got a quote back on granite tops for these (like the kitchen counter tops). It seemed a little high, so were going to get another quote before finalizing that decision.

Update

Spent more time at the house this weekend as we start moving a few things back - books, wardrobe boxes and the like. Big shout out to Michael for helping with the Saturday morning shift. A couple of events of note. The lights for the kitchen and foyer were installed Friday. Also, the siding guys have been working on the outdoor fireplace. Everything seems to be installed except for the surround. It will be made from a slate colored cement.

We're getting close. We have to be out of the rental unit by the 19th. The movers are coming a few days before that.

Stairs-

First pictures of the stairs. This is the spine, there are rails and treads that need to be installed.

Also, the garage doors are in.

Moving Day?

Much progress this week. The final coat of varnish is being put down today. No work inside for three days after that while it drys. The last major instillation will be the staircase and rail. There are still some more features to complete - the garage doors, painting in the cellar space and finishing the guest room deck. We also need to finalize plans for steps leading up into the front of the house. Even with all of this, we are starting to plan for a move back into the house around the 16th of September. That will be a big day. The end of a significant period for the family and hopefully the start of an interesting 20 or 30 years.

Watch this space for new interior pictures after the varnish has dried.