This blog is solely about the start-to-finish construction of a house.
It is recommended to start at the earliest post and proceed chronologically.


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May 19, 2015

Paving Progress

Finally starting the concrete flatwork (steps, walkways, driveway).  You can see the wood forms on the ground where the walkway will be poured.

The subcontractor was scheduled for 2 1/2 months ago, but only now has arrived, despite constant attempts on our part to get them here.  A source of major stress and consternation.

Lisa and the cat inspect the formwork.

May 15, 2015

Appliances Have Power

Before Hookup
All of our appliances are now electrically connected.

Master Bath Shower


It took a real good bit of fussing, plus some extra adapters from both the manufacturer and the hardware store, but we got our British shower fixture to work.





May 11, 2015

Front Door Landing Spot

Installed the steel box that serves as our "landing spot" by the front door - a place to drop your keys, sunglasses, etc.

May 08, 2015

More Metalwork


Working on metal supports for the Kitchen & Breakfast Nook

May 07, 2015

Master Bath Mirror


Got the large mirror installed in the Master Bathroom.

Super tight clearances getting it into the room, but it made it.

The room suddenly feels so much larger, and the natural light from the skylight fills the room.

Breakfast Nook Seating Mockup

We wanted to make sure that the bench dimensions were optimal, so we made an adjustable mock-up. 

Got the back angle dialed in, and tested table overlap and seat-to-table heights.

May 05, 2015

South Fence

Completed the South property-line fence today.  A welcome change.


May 03, 2015

Post Posting Post

Spent this weekend starting on the fence along the South property line.

Took one full day, with energetic help from friend Bryan, to remove 80' of chainlink fence and posts.  Broke a heavy duty webbing strap and a nylon rope trying to pull the old posts.  A lot of grunting labor.

Today Lisa and I got the post holes finished, and set the new steel posts in concrete.

Put the old fence on Craigslist, and managed the swarm of sketchy metal scrappers who descended.

Tomorrow the wood infill begins.






May 01, 2015

Heavy Metal Bath

Working today on our experiment for the upstairs guest bathroom - a steel countertop.

It wraps up the wall and forms a backsplash and small shelf for the mirror to sit upon.
The cutout is for the undermount sink, and a hole for the faucet.

Now we just have to decide what to finish this with - we are considering a color in this location.

Behind it, you can see steel bars awaiting their turn to get cut and welded for the kitchen.

Steel Wall Surface in Kitchen


A steel surface beside the door in the kitchen; a place for magnets or chalk notes and doodles.

The wood is temporary bracing to hold it flat while the mastic dries.

Can't wait to replace the door with the glass and fir door. 
Oh yeah - I'll have to wait.

Mirror Moves


The first of the mirrors got installed today - downstairs bathroom.

And look - the glass shower door is now in place (3 days later from previous post)