4-Way

They've started roughing in the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and framing is almost complete.

This is called 4-Way.

We took a gazillion pictures during this time so that we can refer back to them incase we're wondering where things are under the sheetrock.  You know, like where the studs are and stuff.  I learned that builders will make studs 16 inches apart as a way to save money in some areas.  Wouldn't that suck if I was trying to hang something on the wall and kept pounding holes thinking there was a stud underneath there, but in reality, it is probably 4 more inches over?  The Hubs We've also made the mistake before of shooting a nail through the wall, just in time to hear the water spewing out of the pipe that he we just hit! So, I thought it would be nice to have a visual of where important things are located.  

I'm a thinker.

We decided to rough-in a fireplace and then we'll get to it when we get to it.

We decided not to go fancy schmancy in the master bath for 2 reasons:

1- We're cheap.

2- We like to re-do things 

That is why you see a beautiful white insert for our shower!

So, I'm pretty sure the master bath will be one of our first re-do projects once we finish this up.  We also knew that we'd be able to do things exactly how we wanted afterwards and for a lot less money. 

Inside

Here are a few pictures of our home from the inside!

There is actually a roof over our heads!

And we already have friends in the neighborhood:

He was making our basement his new home.
That was until The Hubs let him know that he wasn't welcome here!

In other news,  we've made one out of many purchases for the kitchen!

Wish us luck because here we go...

Almost

I can't believe how fast this is happening.  I love showing up each night to see that something else has been done.  They are almost finished framing!  It's so neat to watch everything take form.

Newel Post Inspiration

We went inspiration shopping today.

Newel posts.

Exciting, right?

I like the one on the right:

Here's what is also going on today:

List of Things To Do

When we met with the builders and made some of the decisions, we knew we needed to get started right away with some of our plans.
We opted to:
- Research and purchase all of our own appliances
- Buy a farm sink instead of using the stainless steel sink they would have provided
- Build and install all of the cabinetry in the entire house
- Install all trim work which includes: base, case, hang interior doors, railings, and closet organizers
- 2 tone paint the entire house
- Add extra insulation (in areas that weren't standard)
- Rough-in central vacuum system
- Install fireplace and mantle
- Provide the master vanity top and faucet

It was important to order the appliances as soon as possible so that we'd be able to design the kitchen cabinetry with all of the correct dimensions of each appliance.  I spent hours days researching appliances online, in catalogs, and called on "Pop" to dig up the Consumer Reports Buying Guide of 2010.
In the end, we decided to go with GE appliances.  I felt like it was important to order all of the same brand so that the finishes and hardware all matched.  I'm a "matchy-matchy" kind of girl, ya know!
I also researched kitchen sinks and faucets like no other.  Who knew there were so many choices.  I hit up the local pluming supply store and found out a little more info on them.  I knew I needed to have a Moen faucet (per builder) so that made that part easy.  Sinks were a little tricky.  My requirements:  white and single basin.  I wasn't set on a farm sink but after comparing prices and products, it appeared that a farm sink was the way to go.
Everything was ordered (probably the most money I've spent all at once- besides for a car, of course) and delivered just a few short weeks later.  I didn't really plan out exactly where I was going to store stuff once it came, so thanks Mom & Dad for letting our appliances live in the garage for months!

 Super exciting for The Boys to have a semi-truck in the driveway!

 Because of the fragile nature of this delivery, it needed to be inspected right after delivery incase I needed to send it back with the dude who just dropped it off.  No need to worry though!

 Appliance tower in the garage.

Wet Walls

There have been some crazy weather patterns lately.

It hasn't really held up the framing crew though.

I was delighted to come today and see that they've continued to work even in the rain!

WALLS!

There are a few walls going up!

Good thing there is a lone 2x4 to hold that entire wall up.

It would be a shame if it fell over.

Floor Joists

Today, they started putting the floor joists on and framing the load-bearing walls in the basement.

It really looks like a construction site!

Floor Poured & Delivery

We showed up today and it's official!

We have a basement floor!

It looks so smooth and clean!

We also got a special delivery out front:

Guess what that means?

Forms are Down

Ahhh!  They took their clothes off!

It's probably the best lookin' foundation I've ever seen!