April 19, 2004
Now comes the fun part!
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Most of the grunt work has been done and things are starting to come together. Exterior painting is almost finished - we're waiting on a few new exterior doors. Landscaping is all but complete. Drywall is starting to go up and we're finally picking cabinets and surfaces. Once the drywall is up, we'll paint the interior. Woot. As the Missus says - time for the pretty things.
Since the last update:
Exterior painting: completed (almost)
Kitchen framing: completed
New kitchen door: completed
Fencing: completed
Side Patio: completed
New glass installation: partially completed
Drywall: partially completed
Pick floor tile: completed
Pick shower surfaces: completed
New block wall to hide pool equipment: partially completed
On the job list for this week: finish drywall - tape and mud, install new choo choo lounge door, install new glass in living room, pick a tile setter for bathrooms, finish interior painting prep, finish block wall.
Surfaces
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We had planned to do both bathrooms in glass mosaic (which is all the rage these days around here) but instead we are going to go for the minimalist spa look. White ceramic with aquamarine glass accents.
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Just a note - These glass tiles cost a pretty penny. The sheets of mosaics are $12.70 a sq. ft. and the individual 3x3 aquamarine tiles are $3 each.
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The floors are going to done in VCT (vinyl tile) instead of a more traditional ceramic tile. Two reasons for this decision...
First, if a potential buyer doesn't like the ceramic tile - they will turn on their heal and walk out in a heartbeat. It's a huge expense to tear out and replace an entire floor. With vinyl, it will be totally livable and they can choose to install the tile of their choice if they want to - or not. I've seen several applications of the VCT in these tract homes and it really works well.
Secondly, cost. Our cost. A new ceramic tile floor (wall to wall) would cost us roughly $6 sq. ft. installed by professional tile setters. The VCT is going to be about $2 sq. ft. Big difference.
Of course, we've not ordered any of this yet and reserved the right to change our minds :)
Choo Choo Lounge
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Drywall is going up.
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All new glass has been installed. We chose the reed glass for the front window to let in light but offer privacy.
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This is the view of the exterior of the lounge and finished pool. In case you forgot what this looked like a few months ago... reality check 1 and reality check 2
Fencing
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We decided that we really didn't like the unfinished look on the backside of the fence. The fence is all the Missus' handy work.
So is this - all together now... Awww....
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It's the little things
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Like having a working toilet after 3 months of not having a working toilet on site. Granted the walk across the street to use the facilities wasn't that much of a pain but this sure is convenient!
Kitchen Framing
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I installed the new header for the kitchen entry. The header (that giant beam) was a pretty big deal for me. I'd never done anything like it before so I asked my contractor buddy to come by and confirm that I was doing everything correctly and to code. And I did - I felt mighty proud after that installation.
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I also framed in the recess for the refrigerator and installed a new back door for the kitchen. This would be the scene of the Great Stuff crime below.
April 16, 2004
Great Stuff
This stuff really lives up to its name. It's great!
But here's a tip from me to you...
When using this product, ALWAYS follow the "wear gloves" directions. If you choose to ignore this directive and you happen to get the stuff on your hands, not only does it act as the worlds strongest dirt magnet, but because there is no solvent that will remove it, you will have wait for it to eventually wear off. This may take several days.
Most importantly, if you're an idiot like me who doesn't follow directions and you happen to get the stuff on your hands - whatever you do - don't WIPE YOUR NOSE.
You won't be able to go out in public for a week.
a full houselog update will come this weekend