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 25, 2015

Butcher Block

This is my version of a butcher block under construction.

What you are viewing is a whole lot of end grain fir being glued down to a plywood substrate.  The buckets and random chunks of concrete are to press them into place while the adhesive dries.

Then...hours of sanding, and an edge strip.

May 22, 2015

Steel Install Time

Brackets are painted and ready for install.  Might actually get on this today.

Guest Bath Progress



The toilet / tub room is complete.  Well, except for the toilet paper roll holder and shower curtain.

This was the interior door that was delivered with broken glass.  Got the replacement, and got it painted and installed finally.

Drilled the tile (scary) and mounted the shower bar.

May 19, 2015

Window Trim

Corner trim in progress.  One panel and receiver added on the right side.  Insulation shown beside it.  On the left side the nailer has been added over the waterproofing..
Completed the metal trim on the Living Room windows today.

A series of aluminum extrusions are fit together so that the various window are joined together visually.

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.