Monday, December 17, 2007

And the Parade Marches On!











Hey everyone! I know, I know, I haven't posted anything in two weeks. Well, when your working three jobs and it's Christmas time, crap happens. But here I am and here we go with the update on the Parade house, River Mist.

Since our last visit, we have had the floor system put in. We use a crawl space with piers and girders. This has to be inspected by the building inspector before it can be covered with the Advantech (aka subfloor). Advantech is a great product that is water proof and has a 50 year warranty. So basically, you could leave it out in your yard for 50 years with no protection. However, we cover it with a lovely roof and surround it with walls and all that other good stuff.

We passed the floor framing inspection and we moved on to standing up the walls. All was going good until we realized that the brick mason's made the side garage door opening too small. Back he came to cut out the concrete block and brick and make it into the correct size so a door could be installed later. We also had him move a foundation vent that was not equal distance from the other vent. Yes, it will eventually be covered by bushes, but for right now, we know it's off nad it will drive us crazy!
Next, we realized that the framer had all the windows too high. He had to lower all of them one foot. That's Gilbert talking to Joe, the framer. Joe is the head framer and he does a great job. Someone on his crew misread the blueprint and thus the windows were too high. No problem said Joe and he fixed them all. Last week the framer's got to work in 78 and 80 degree weather. Incredible! This week they are freezing their little "batooties" off as today is only 49! Boy what a difference a week can make.

Also since my last post I have finalized my interior paint colors and gotten my vision together for the house. I did this so I could select and order the fireplace, the logs, the mantel and the surround. I have selected all the plumbing fixtures and this week I will select the appliances. These items have to be selected now in order for the framer's to get the proper measurements and to make sure everything is ordered for the "walk thru" that happens after the framing is complete. I can't wait for everyone to see what I have picked out for this year. Yummy! I always decide on my paint colors first because it is easier to match everything up to that. It sets the stage for the rest of the house.

The windows have been ordered, the doors have been ordered and the roof shingles have been ordered. Shopping, shopping, shopping! What fun it is! Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The foundation survey has also been ordered. Let's see, let's see. I have mailed blueprints to the three major subs: electrician, plumber and HVAC guy. They will review the plans and meet us at the walk thru. I have scheduled an appointment with the cabinet maker (fun, fun, fun) and the concrete guy has been informed that we have a garage slab ready to be poured. I also called the "bug man" and let him know that we have a garage slab coming up that he will need to treat for termites.

Well, that's all for now folks! Have a great week and I'll chat with ya again next Sunday.

Hugs,

Shell and the bunnies




Sunday, December 2, 2007

And on we go!





Hellooooooooo! Our adventure continues! This week we got our footing dug, rebar installed, inspected, the concrete poured in and the batter boards put up for the brick masons. Our foundation will be 4 concrete block and a cap high. That's Matt operating the digging equipment. His father is David Boswell, of BOSCO. He taught Matt how to be a footing expert. We have used BOSCO for many years and they are one of our many treasured subcontractors. Thanks David and Matt!

This week we also got the temporary electric pole inspected and hopefully, my fabulous friends at the City will get us some power by Monday! In addition to that, we had brick, block, mortar sand, and mortar delivered so that our brick masons could build the foundation. That's Marvelous Marvin going over the blueprints with Gilbert and the other fella is a guy we call DJ as he is always singing on the jobsite. These guys are the best in the business. They can brick a house in a week! I try to bring them treats whenever I can. They just love candy and cookies! Of course, I also call them the "beanie weenie crowd." When they leave the jobsite, there are bunches of beanie weenie cans around. You'll meet the Bogangles chicken crowd, and the cinimon bun crowd in future postings. All these fellas are so sweet, but I feel like their Mama telling them to pick up after themselves. I may as well talk to the wall. Hee, hee, hee. See, I don't need kids, I just go to work and I have plenty!

This week, we will start the floor system, which needs to be inspected and then we will start standing up walls. I will go and pick all the plumbing fixtures, appliances, and the fireplace stuff. Fun, fun, fun. I love shopping! If there were a homeowner involved, I would be asking them for a draw on the construction loan to pay for all the work that has been done. I would also be keeping up with any changes made at this point. It is my responsiblity to type up all changes, make sure the proper subs get the information, make sure the proper subs complete the change and then collect the money from the homeowner for the change. However, since this is a Parade house, Gilbert, Steve and I are technically the homeowners. Since we have done this several hundred times, we rarely have changes. I usually have a vision for the house, stick to it and Gilbert lets me run with my ideas. I have to laugh at the folks that in the beginning of construction say they will not have any changes. They are the ones that have the most! I have been blessed with some of the most wonderful homeowners ever!!! In the past eight years there have only been three that were a serious pain in the butt! These people wouldn't be happy buying a happy meal! The other 100+ homeowners I truly love them, their homes, and I enjoyed my time with them. You know who you are!
I got lots of feedback from this blog and I'm so delighted that you are sharing this adventure with me. I hope you all have a fabulous week filled with fun, exciting and fabulous things!

Hugs to you all and see you next week,

Shell

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