A Dry Run

Finally the Washer and Dryer we bought months ago arrived, after much hassle to get them here.

And...ta da...the dryer is damaged.

***UPDATE***

They brought the new dryer a week later:

And...ta da...that dryer is damaged too.

Basement Blues

We have cleared out of the old house this week, just in time to fix up a few things before Lisa's Mom moves in today. 

Which means we have experienced the vast capacity of a basement to accumulate unessential (and a few essential) items.

We do have more physical space in our new house, and possibly more in-house storage, but lack the junk-drawer-like basement space to swallow up all this schtuff.  Help.

A Gift!

Our good friend B. Bishoff just sent us an amazing housewarming gift. 

Handcrafted soaps!

The scents and textures were inspired from her visit to Oregon a some weeks back.

So beautiful.

Morning Light

A glow in the Guest Bath

Finished Stair

Completed Stairway

First Night in the New House

 

Our first night in the house.  So nice.

In the last few days, a massive effort transformed the dirty project-space into a home.

OK to Occupy!

We passed our final inspections today!

Though we still have LOTS of work left to complete (some exterior siding, landscaping, a driveway, street trees, etc.), the items the City deems necessary for occupation have been met (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Envelope, Erosion, etc.)

We celebrated by moving over some furniture right away.  The rest follows this weekend, and we'll be living here by the end of the following week.

Entry Steps

We have completed the rest of the steps to the front door.  In a couple of days we will peel off the formwork.

Mirror Moves

The mirror in the upstairs guest bathroom has always been an unknown for us.  We discussed various design ideas for that sink area, but decided to wait for a final decision.

Handrail Completion

Just in time for the final inspections, I completed the handrail on the stair.

Overheard on the Jobsite

"This concrete is NOT warrantied against chicken prints"

Said the concrete contractor as the neighbor's hen wandered ever closer to the freshly troweled steps.

Beginning to Move In

We plan to start inhabiting the house next week, even though it is not completely finished.

Lisa started carrying some belongings over.  And of course she starts with the things most dear to her...

Shoes.

Garage Doors Installed

Managed to get these doors in place, so now the garage can be secured.

Tools are migrating from the house, allowing us to prepare for move-in.

Now if we could just choose the second siding material, I can cover these doors and remaining bits of wall on the house and garage.

Bee Swarm

Not sure how well you can see it, but thousands of bees are swarming in a cloud above the south fence.

Cooktop Installed, Tile Backsplash

The cooktop is now installed, and hooked up to the gas line.

The tile backsplash, started last week, was completed today.  The wood strips are temporary spacers for shelves that i still need to get to.

One of the lights we refurbished is installed now in the foreground over the island.

The countertops are not blue - that is temporary protection.

Garage Door Progress

Built the framing for the sliding door of the garage.

Lap joints, screws, and plenty of construction adhesive should keep this dimensionally stable for the future.

Concrete Subtraction

Here the concrete guys remove some of their new work.

The steps to the kitchen were pretty wonky, and the paving in front of the Dining Room door didn't slope enough to drain (puddle).

Luckily, they agreed to 'make it right'.

Completed Lower Landing

Somewhere under the protective cardboard is the completed run of stairs.

Well...almost complete.
The fir flooring on the landing needs another sanding and coat of finish.
And then I can install the missing riser board (can you see it?) 

And then, of course, another coat of finish on the whole thing.

Is It Rude To Stair?

Morning light on the steps.

Making progress on the interior stair.

Steps In The Right Direction

Last week was all about steps.

Exterior concrete steps in the front, and interior wood stairs to the second floor.

Breakfast Ready

Completed Breakfast Nook seating and table.