The first floor's exterior framing is done. Tomorrow, plywood goes up. AFTER the window problem is remedied.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Day 84 - A Glitch in the Kitchen
This is the back wall to the kitchen. The transom windows are supposed to be six inches from the top of the ceiling (10-foot walls) as is the kitchen sink window in the center.
As it is now, the sink will be mounted to glass and there will be no room for cabinets.
Measure twice, cut once.
In this case, read three times, measure twice, cut once.
Dan will fix these tomorrow. And we will be up there again to make sure it's right.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Day 85 - The HORROR
We are STILL waiting for Connecticut Light & Powers to get its shit together concerning our electrical power.
Followed up on the follow up AGAIN on Friday and it turns out that the dingbats THREW AWAY our maps believing they were incorrect.
After surveyor and attorney review, it turns out that the maps they threw out WERE correct.
WHAT THE &#^$#?
Frank will raise hell on Monday with superiors and I will be incredibly patient with those at fault while fantasizing about wringing her little neck.
The Good Cop/Bad Cop method has worked well for us in the past.
Let's see how we fare this time.
Followed up on the follow up AGAIN on Friday and it turns out that the dingbats THREW AWAY our maps believing they were incorrect.
After surveyor and attorney review, it turns out that the maps they threw out WERE correct.
WHAT THE &#^$#?
Frank will raise hell on Monday with superiors and I will be incredibly patient with those at fault while fantasizing about wringing her little neck.
The Good Cop/Bad Cop method has worked well for us in the past.
Let's see how we fare this time.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Day 84 - More Discussions
I thought they were discussing joists or walls or trusses or something.
They were discussing Phillies v. Yankees.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Day 82 - The First Walls
We finally have walls. Not many walls, but walls nonetheless. This is facing the coffee room, a 100-square foot space with ten-foot ceilings and casement windows on three sides. I never thought I'd see this. Things should really start to move quickly now - our goal is to get the Dryvit guys in right around Thanksgiving. Keeping our fingers crossed. Tightly.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Day 72 - Floors Get Poured
You gotta love these guys. They work in rain, cold, heat, humidity, and never drop their butts!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Day 62 - Manageable Driveway
The driveway has been levelled enough to be able to get up with our truck without feeling that it's going to tip over. At some point, we'll be adding aggregate but we won't be tarring or paving. I like the way it looks 
"unprocessed".
"unprocessed".Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Day 30 - Forms for Footers
After one month, the hole is dug for the foundation and forms are in for the footers. Everything looks small to me, but people keep assuring me that this is normal and we really will have a house into which we can fit a queen-size bed.
If not, bunkbeds will have to do.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 20 - A Pebble In My Shoe
About a million years ago, the world's temperature dropped and the polar ice caps thickened. Millions of tons of ice built up on the original ice pack, and the weight of this build-up pushed the edges of the ice pack outward, towards the equator.
An enormous blanket of ice moved slowly southward over what is now New England, plowing up the soil and absorbing rock and dirt into itself by a slow-motion churning.
Huge boulders (known as glacial eccentrics) were picked up and carried by the advancing ice and dropped helter skelter as three or four glaciers advanced and retreated.
When that last glacier (the Laurentide Glacier) came and went between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, it left a pile of boulders in what is now our yard, more specifically, our garage.
Most we've been able to move.
This one will require a little more persuasion.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Breaking Ground
We closed on our house on August 6, nine days earlier than we expected.
After packing, cleaning, purging, moving from a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, no-dishwasher-or-microwave apartment, Frank and I both needed a break.
We took off for Nova Scotia for six days and forgot about everything under the sun.
But now we're back.
It's showtime!
After packing, cleaning, purging, moving from a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, no-dishwasher-or-microwave apartment, Frank and I both needed a break.
We took off for Nova Scotia for six days and forgot about everything under the sun.
But now we're back.
It's showtime!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 0 - A Picnic and a Prayer
We closed early afternoon and then headed off to look at the land one last time before the Devirginization began.
Grinders, Chardonnay, and a deep breath!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Under Contract
We accepted an offer on our current home on June 30 after seventy-one days on the market.
We expect to close no later than the 15th of August and the contractors are aware.
So with a little luck and co-operative weather, we should have a great big hole in the ground by Labor Day.
Photos will follow.
We expect to close no later than the 15th of August and the contractors are aware.
So with a little luck and co-operative weather, we should have a great big hole in the ground by Labor Day.
Photos will follow.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
We Appraised!
We appraised *exhale* and got the news last week.
We also got another bit of news with our Mortgage Commitment.
It appears that we need to sell our existing home BEFORE we can close on the construction loan. *inhale*
It took us a good twenty-four hours to get past the shock and anger, at which point, all we could do was laugh.
House went on the market that night and we've been scrambling to get it ready-to-show.
We also have to start looking for a place to live whilst our home is being built (yes... pack twice, move twice).
The surveyor delivered the Easement Deed and map and now CL&P gets to sit on that for who-knows-how-long before we can start on the driveway.
Supposedly, we should get the last two things we need from the architect today to bring to the Town so that we can get our Building Permit approved.
Our windows have gone on sale (20% off) so we need to go in and pay for those but first we need to go through the plans with a fine-toothed comb because Frank and I have added a few windows and removed a few others.
To boot, the real estate market has picked up substantially in our area so I'm busier than I was three months ago.
Our heads are reeling.
We think it's worth it, but some days we're just not sure.
We also got another bit of news with our Mortgage Commitment.
It appears that we need to sell our existing home BEFORE we can close on the construction loan. *inhale*
It took us a good twenty-four hours to get past the shock and anger, at which point, all we could do was laugh.
House went on the market that night and we've been scrambling to get it ready-to-show.
We also have to start looking for a place to live whilst our home is being built (yes... pack twice, move twice).
The surveyor delivered the Easement Deed and map and now CL&P gets to sit on that for who-knows-how-long before we can start on the driveway.
Supposedly, we should get the last two things we need from the architect today to bring to the Town so that we can get our Building Permit approved.
Our windows have gone on sale (20% off) so we need to go in and pay for those but first we need to go through the plans with a fine-toothed comb because Frank and I have added a few windows and removed a few others.
To boot, the real estate market has picked up substantially in our area so I'm busier than I was three months ago.
Our heads are reeling.
We think it's worth it, but some days we're just not sure.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Walk-in Closets
Everything I've seen to date looks rather cheap. A lot of laminate, veneer, and crappy hardware. I think Frank can build us a better closet with full-extension drawers (I refuse to have dressers in the bedrooms) and of solid hardwoods (cherry or maple).
A few things have to come to mind during this process which I don't understand.
Why do I need a "make-up table" in my closet.
I am out of the closet.
I put my make-up on (mascara and lipstick) in the light of day which I call the bathroom.
Why do we need seating in the closet?
That's right up with there with literature in the bathroom.
Do we not just take care of business and go on our merry way?
Who hangs out in closets and toilet rooms?
We have a 9 x 10 walk-in closet which will give us up to 40 feet of linear space to hang clothes from the 70's, 80's, and 90's. We've got room for the 20-pounds lighter collection, the 10-pounds lighter collection, and the love-me-as-I-am collection.
Well..... I do.
Frank has clothes from way back when and I am working on the purging, but it isn't easy.
Men who say that women are pack rats haven't met us.
Frank saves.
I purge.
The software program we used to design the closet doesn't allow for cut-and-paste, but when it's complete, I will shoot and show.
All of Frank's shirts will be crisply starched and pressed and not touching each other.
To get there, we must PURGE.
A walk-in closet.
Not as easy as it sounds.
A few things have to come to mind during this process which I don't understand.
Why do I need a "make-up table" in my closet.
I am out of the closet.
I put my make-up on (mascara and lipstick) in the light of day which I call the bathroom.
Why do we need seating in the closet?
That's right up with there with literature in the bathroom.
Do we not just take care of business and go on our merry way?
Who hangs out in closets and toilet rooms?
We have a 9 x 10 walk-in closet which will give us up to 40 feet of linear space to hang clothes from the 70's, 80's, and 90's. We've got room for the 20-pounds lighter collection, the 10-pounds lighter collection, and the love-me-as-I-am collection.
Well..... I do.
Frank has clothes from way back when and I am working on the purging, but it isn't easy.
Men who say that women are pack rats haven't met us.
Frank saves.
I purge.
The software program we used to design the closet doesn't allow for cut-and-paste, but when it's complete, I will shoot and show.
All of Frank's shirts will be crisply starched and pressed and not touching each other.
To get there, we must PURGE.
A walk-in closet.
Not as easy as it sounds.
Monday, March 30, 2009
More Rendiitions
Rhode Island Design Center's website has a great little gadget that lets you plan out a room. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at working the colors or getting the windows plumb and level when I play with it. As long as the framer figures it out, it doesn't matter much how well I do.
I inherited the basement (dungeon) for my office space and I couldn't be happier. It's a huge space with two Bilco wells attached to the windows. That will let in plenty of light. I think we'll be going with blue and gray tones in here, and you'll just have to trust me that all this periwinkle blue and prison gray won't be the final outcome.
Along one wall, we'll install a countertop with cabinetry underneath for my files and and other "junk" that grows in offices. I can't stand to have the clutter on my desk, so we'll add three tall bookcases with doors to hold office supplies and what-nots.
This room will double as a "hobby" room for my photography and for Frank's ship-building.
A table in the center with chairs will come in handy.
The floor will be ceramic tile anchored with an area rug in a better shade of blue than what I came up with.
Below is our guest bedroom on the second floor. This room has windows galore on three sides and a pocket door in the center which leads to a private bath. Again, my RIDC limitations prevented me from placing the silly door where it goes. That "armoire" in the corner is really a closet. More limitations.... what can I say?
Frank has a wonderful bed that is as contemporary as the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
I didn't care. I like that bed, and I like the blanket chest he got from his grandmother years ago. He has an easy chair that will work beautifully in here in a lovely shade of pink. Drapes and bed linens in sage and pink will pull it all together.
I suspect we'll be using this room for some time while we try to figure out what we're going to do with the master bedroom.
Below is the Chainlocker. That's what we've come to call any space that is definitively Frank's space.
This room was a bit of a challenge for me in my head.
I had certain things that I had to incorporate that I was less than crazy about, starting with an old, old rug that Frank picked up in one of his travels to Pakistan.
My problem with the rug is that it is RED. Red has no place in a home or garden. Red belongs in shoes, lipstick, and nail polish.
But the rug is important to Frank so I knew we had to incorporate it in a way that would satisfy him and satisfy me. (Laying it out in the garage was not an option, although the thought did cross my mind.)
Frank also has a wonderful table that his mom gave him that he likes to use as a desk and a leather couch that is worn and comfortable and masculine.
Add some of his prints that he's collected over the years, and the space will be complete.
Because having a television in the living room was not an option, we've decided to use this room as our TV room as well. He'll have the best view from the main level since he has windows all around and will see the courtyard and pond from his desk.
If I can get him to keep the clutter to an absolute minimum, we shouldn't have a problem.
All that's left to figure out is the master bedroom, and of course the three bathrooms.
Some may think it premature to try to think this out so early in the game, but we think it's the best approach. This way we know what to keep, what to toss, and what to donate.
The less we have to move, the better.
I inherited the basement (dungeon) for my office space and I couldn't be happier. It's a huge space with two Bilco wells attached to the windows. That will let in plenty of light. I think we'll be going with blue and gray tones in here, and you'll just have to trust me that all this periwinkle blue and prison gray won't be the final outcome.
Along one wall, we'll install a countertop with cabinetry underneath for my files and and other "junk" that grows in offices. I can't stand to have the clutter on my desk, so we'll add three tall bookcases with doors to hold office supplies and what-nots.
This room will double as a "hobby" room for my photography and for Frank's ship-building.
A table in the center with chairs will come in handy.
The floor will be ceramic tile anchored with an area rug in a better shade of blue than what I came up with.
Below is our guest bedroom on the second floor. This room has windows galore on three sides and a pocket door in the center which leads to a private bath. Again, my RIDC limitations prevented me from placing the silly door where it goes. That "armoire" in the corner is really a closet. More limitations.... what can I say?Frank has a wonderful bed that is as contemporary as the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
I didn't care. I like that bed, and I like the blanket chest he got from his grandmother years ago. He has an easy chair that will work beautifully in here in a lovely shade of pink. Drapes and bed linens in sage and pink will pull it all together.
I suspect we'll be using this room for some time while we try to figure out what we're going to do with the master bedroom.
Below is the Chainlocker. That's what we've come to call any space that is definitively Frank's space.
This room was a bit of a challenge for me in my head.
I had certain things that I had to incorporate that I was less than crazy about, starting with an old, old rug that Frank picked up in one of his travels to Pakistan.
My problem with the rug is that it is RED. Red has no place in a home or garden. Red belongs in shoes, lipstick, and nail polish.
But the rug is important to Frank so I knew we had to incorporate it in a way that would satisfy him and satisfy me. (Laying it out in the garage was not an option, although the thought did cross my mind.)
Frank also has a wonderful table that his mom gave him that he likes to use as a desk and a leather couch that is worn and comfortable and masculine.
Add some of his prints that he's collected over the years, and the space will be complete.
Because having a television in the living room was not an option, we've decided to use this room as our TV room as well. He'll have the best view from the main level since he has windows all around and will see the courtyard and pond from his desk.
If I can get him to keep the clutter to an absolute minimum, we shouldn't have a problem.
All that's left to figure out is the master bedroom, and of course the three bathrooms.Some may think it premature to try to think this out so early in the game, but we think it's the best approach. This way we know what to keep, what to toss, and what to donate.
The less we have to move, the better.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Art
I have absolutely no appreciation for fine art. Frank and I have been to the Met and the Guggenheim, both in New York City, and we spend most of the time staring at stuff on the walls wondering what in the heck people are oohing and aahing about.I am extremely partial to photography, black and white. Frank likes all things related to the sea.
God deliver me from having seascapes in this house. Or boats. Or ships.
This Picasso has great sentimental value to me. My dad is from Spain, as was Picasso. My dad's favorite book in the whole wide world is Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel Cervantes de Saavedra, and I gave him a copy in 1969 for Father's Day. He still has it and it is worn and mangled and held together with a rubberband. I was nine years old when I gave it to him. He was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack and my brother and I went to see him with our mother. I don't remember what Wesley gave him, but I know I signed and wrapped this book and he was thrilled to receive it.
God knows I am not a Picasso fan. Elias draws better pictures.
But this one I must have.
In the living room, bigger than life, matted, and framed in black.
Why have a television in your living room when you can have this?
Vettriano's Singing Butler is another favorite. I think this would look smashing in our bedroom.Dance and music are very important to us, and we find rain to be soothing and comforting and serene.
The Issue of Doors
Now that we've decided on all the structural issues, it's time to focus on the details.
So many decisions to make.
Door knobs and door hinges, baseboard mouldings, recessed lights, floor and wall tiles, cabinet pulls, paint colors and finishes, not to mention the general decor.
Our front door is going to be difficult to find, I suspect. We need French doors that make a statement, create impact, contain glass, and fit with our contemporary style. Frank would like a wooden door and I would like it stained black. I think all the doors should be stained black, or at the very least, an espresso color which is black mixed with dark brown.
We have seen dozens and dozens of doors and Frank found ONE that he liked.
The Jeld-Wen door above is Frank's favorite, without the transom or side panels. I don't know if I like the circular pattern or all that etching. Maybe I do. Maybe it's a good thing to have a circle here since there is absolutely no curve of any kind anywhere in this house.
But for some reason, this just doesn't grab me.
The search continues.
So many decisions to make.
Door knobs and door hinges, baseboard mouldings, recessed lights, floor and wall tiles, cabinet pulls, paint colors and finishes, not to mention the general decor.
Our front door is going to be difficult to find, I suspect. We need French doors that make a statement, create impact, contain glass, and fit with our contemporary style. Frank would like a wooden door and I would like it stained black. I think all the doors should be stained black, or at the very least, an espresso color which is black mixed with dark brown.
We have seen dozens and dozens of doors and Frank found ONE that he liked.
The Jeld-Wen door above is Frank's favorite, without the transom or side panels. I don't know if I like the circular pattern or all that etching. Maybe I do. Maybe it's a good thing to have a circle here since there is absolutely no curve of any kind anywhere in this house.
But for some reason, this just doesn't grab me.
The search continues.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Second Thoughts
Frank is wishing he had asked for a walk-in pantry.
I don't know what we would do with a walk-in pantry except fill it with junk we don't need, want, or use.
Our new kitchen will have more than enough cabinets for our one set of dishes (never understood having two sets), our pots and pans (all we need is one more skillet), and our small appliances (can't stand to see "stuff" on my countertops).
The food we buy is perishable so the refrigerator needs to be big. But a walk-in pantry? Nope. Don't need it.
Our 18-inch pantry will suffice.
Six-ounce cans of tomato paste don't require much space.
And I store oatmeal in the fridge after it's been opened.
I don't know what we would do with a walk-in pantry except fill it with junk we don't need, want, or use.
Our new kitchen will have more than enough cabinets for our one set of dishes (never understood having two sets), our pots and pans (all we need is one more skillet), and our small appliances (can't stand to see "stuff" on my countertops).
The food we buy is perishable so the refrigerator needs to be big. But a walk-in pantry? Nope. Don't need it.
Our 18-inch pantry will suffice.
Six-ounce cans of tomato paste don't require much space.
And I store oatmeal in the fridge after it's been opened.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Living, Dining Room, Kitchen, and Breakfast Room
Decent renditions. The silver "bar" between the living room and dining room doesn't exist. It's the way the program "read" an opening.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Our New Family
The "package" was delivered to Chelea-Groton Savings Bank this afternoon.
Dee, the branch manager, gave me a hug and thanked me for not bringing this to her in a paper bag or cardboard box.
Dee is also an avid Red Sox fan, and if that isn't enough, she also knows what she's talking about in the construction loan business.
Fifty-four quotes, fifty-four licenses, fifty-four certificates of insurance translates to approximately one hundred bids, interviews, and estimates.
This process has been exhausting.
I was the one to work with the contractors, discussing plans, negotiating costs, and calculating their time on the site. Frank delved into the technical issues, particularly with plumbing. We spoke with THIRTEEN PLUMBERS and found ONE who was willing to work with a Warmboard system. The others were clearly on a different page.
I found the plumbers to be frustrating: I couldn't engage them, I couldn't understand their fees. Frank couldn't either, but at least he could make eye contact. The plumbers are an issue. The rest are not.
Todd and Carl, of T & C Excavation, are gems. They are so different. Carl and I can talk on the phone forever about a million different things. Todd has a marvelous sense of humor and clearly knows his "stuff". They make an excellent team. One's weakness is the other's strength. And when I call them, we always end the call laughing. I trust these guys completely. They're honest, fair, good communicators, and enthusiastic!
Our foundation guy, Phil Fustini, is married to Nicole who has become my ally in all of this. My God!!! I have never laid eyes on her and look forward to meeting her and her children. Phil built our garage on our current home and the builder on our garage marvelled at how well he built that foundation. Even the inspector was impressed, and we know that's not an easy task. Phil understands 90-degree corners, scheduling, commitments, promises. He didn't disappoint on the garage, and I know he won't disappoint on the new house. Nicole is simply someone who gets that paperwork taken care of, and has a clear understanding of what's involved in this project. She also makes me laugh, and let's face it.... if you can make me laugh, you're my friend forever! Phil also referred us to the Todd & Carl team.
Our builder, Dan Atkinson of Atkinson Builders in East Lyme, has a mop of hair that would make any young man envious. I met Dan years ago in my real estate career and forgot all about him until, Carl, the excavator, recommend him. Dan is a high-energy New Englander who is sooooo busy that I wonder if he'll even have time for us. Every reference I checked assured me that this will not be an issue. I'm not sure Dan sleeps. I know Phil doesn't, but wonder about Dan.
Dan led me to Matt Vernotzy, our electrician. Matt is a young, calm, laid-back kid (anyone under 30 is a kid to me) who actually shops out electrical supplies to get us the best price. Matt answers his phone and when he can't, he calls me back within ten minutes. Is that not the ideal contractor? I had a real estate deal that required electrical work, and Matt was all over it, took care of it, and spared me the details.
Matt led me to Scott Harris, the plumber. Scott is a character. Understatement. But man, does he know his stuff. This guy wasn't twisted about the Warmboard, didn't try to sell us fixtures, called when he said he would and provided estimates on time. I could sit on my patio with Scott for hours on end and have a ball with him. Word has it that in the industry, Scott is second to none.
Carl also led us to our drywall guy. Russell Laetris has a new baby (he showed me pictures) and I'll forgive the fact that the boy was wearing a Yankees jersey. I forgive it because this guy came in dead-on with his quote. I saw his work at Groton Long Point and couldn't spot a seam ANYWHERE. Everyone knows that the drywall is the jewelry of the project. One bubble, one blister, one blemish and I am going to be a cranky old woman. Russell wouldn't do that to me. Personable, licensed, and insured... every General Contactor's dream!
Nick of Coastal Construction is our roofer. I love this guy! I love him because he's not a salesman. He just gives me the facts and lets me decide. I call him Joe Friday. Nick is in New London on Connecticut Avenue and is the EPDM master in the area. He came to me via Dan Atkinson and for that I'll be forever grateful!
Frank, my husband and partner-in-crime, is stuck with much of this work. I have promised to help although I didn't sign anything to that effect.
But the truth is, that if you want to build your own home and save money, you have to be willing to do some of that work yourself.
We are installing our cabinets, tile, and wood floors; we are staining the doors and painting the house ourselves (a contractor wanted $9,300 to paint only the house... what???); doing our own patio and pergola in the back; creating the perennial and water gardens ourselves; and finishing off the workshop in the garage.
Frank will be exhausted. I know this.
But I have a plan to make it worth his while.
In the meantime, I have exhaled.
And I'm going to enjoy this time off.
All two weeks of it.
;-)
Dee, the branch manager, gave me a hug and thanked me for not bringing this to her in a paper bag or cardboard box.
Dee is also an avid Red Sox fan, and if that isn't enough, she also knows what she's talking about in the construction loan business.
Fifty-four quotes, fifty-four licenses, fifty-four certificates of insurance translates to approximately one hundred bids, interviews, and estimates.
This process has been exhausting.
I was the one to work with the contractors, discussing plans, negotiating costs, and calculating their time on the site. Frank delved into the technical issues, particularly with plumbing. We spoke with THIRTEEN PLUMBERS and found ONE who was willing to work with a Warmboard system. The others were clearly on a different page.
I found the plumbers to be frustrating: I couldn't engage them, I couldn't understand their fees. Frank couldn't either, but at least he could make eye contact. The plumbers are an issue. The rest are not.
Todd and Carl, of T & C Excavation, are gems. They are so different. Carl and I can talk on the phone forever about a million different things. Todd has a marvelous sense of humor and clearly knows his "stuff". They make an excellent team. One's weakness is the other's strength. And when I call them, we always end the call laughing. I trust these guys completely. They're honest, fair, good communicators, and enthusiastic!
Our foundation guy, Phil Fustini, is married to Nicole who has become my ally in all of this. My God!!! I have never laid eyes on her and look forward to meeting her and her children. Phil built our garage on our current home and the builder on our garage marvelled at how well he built that foundation. Even the inspector was impressed, and we know that's not an easy task. Phil understands 90-degree corners, scheduling, commitments, promises. He didn't disappoint on the garage, and I know he won't disappoint on the new house. Nicole is simply someone who gets that paperwork taken care of, and has a clear understanding of what's involved in this project. She also makes me laugh, and let's face it.... if you can make me laugh, you're my friend forever! Phil also referred us to the Todd & Carl team.
Our builder, Dan Atkinson of Atkinson Builders in East Lyme, has a mop of hair that would make any young man envious. I met Dan years ago in my real estate career and forgot all about him until, Carl, the excavator, recommend him. Dan is a high-energy New Englander who is sooooo busy that I wonder if he'll even have time for us. Every reference I checked assured me that this will not be an issue. I'm not sure Dan sleeps. I know Phil doesn't, but wonder about Dan.
Dan led me to Matt Vernotzy, our electrician. Matt is a young, calm, laid-back kid (anyone under 30 is a kid to me) who actually shops out electrical supplies to get us the best price. Matt answers his phone and when he can't, he calls me back within ten minutes. Is that not the ideal contractor? I had a real estate deal that required electrical work, and Matt was all over it, took care of it, and spared me the details.
Matt led me to Scott Harris, the plumber. Scott is a character. Understatement. But man, does he know his stuff. This guy wasn't twisted about the Warmboard, didn't try to sell us fixtures, called when he said he would and provided estimates on time. I could sit on my patio with Scott for hours on end and have a ball with him. Word has it that in the industry, Scott is second to none.
Carl also led us to our drywall guy. Russell Laetris has a new baby (he showed me pictures) and I'll forgive the fact that the boy was wearing a Yankees jersey. I forgive it because this guy came in dead-on with his quote. I saw his work at Groton Long Point and couldn't spot a seam ANYWHERE. Everyone knows that the drywall is the jewelry of the project. One bubble, one blister, one blemish and I am going to be a cranky old woman. Russell wouldn't do that to me. Personable, licensed, and insured... every General Contactor's dream!
Nick of Coastal Construction is our roofer. I love this guy! I love him because he's not a salesman. He just gives me the facts and lets me decide. I call him Joe Friday. Nick is in New London on Connecticut Avenue and is the EPDM master in the area. He came to me via Dan Atkinson and for that I'll be forever grateful!
Frank, my husband and partner-in-crime, is stuck with much of this work. I have promised to help although I didn't sign anything to that effect.
But the truth is, that if you want to build your own home and save money, you have to be willing to do some of that work yourself.
We are installing our cabinets, tile, and wood floors; we are staining the doors and painting the house ourselves (a contractor wanted $9,300 to paint only the house... what???); doing our own patio and pergola in the back; creating the perennial and water gardens ourselves; and finishing off the workshop in the garage.
Frank will be exhausted. I know this.
But I have a plan to make it worth his while.
In the meantime, I have exhaled.
And I'm going to enjoy this time off.
All two weeks of it.
;-)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Forward Thinking and Inspiration
Above, you'll see our upper stainless steel cabinets and cherry lower cabinets. We're going for a lighter floor (natural maple).
We like these riser-free stairs with the maple steps.
Cable railings are a must-have in this house.
We haven't decided on a backsplash just yet but stainless steel (above) is an option.
I took this photo (ab0ve) in Pattaya, Thailand before we even suspected we might be building our own home. We're not crazy about the sink, but the glassed-in shower to the left of the tub was a big wow factor for us.
We are rather partial to the gray-tones and found this tile (Avenue One) that we think would suit us just fine for the master bath.
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