Lots of Silver Things

It does not look like a lot of work was done on the house the week of July 24-30, but we can see "lots of silver things" and a "tunnel," as Evan described it. Evan is seen here with his grandmother standing in the balcony area under the "silver things" also known as the beginnings of the duct work. In the second photo, you can see Tim putting in the pipes, also on the second floor, for the central vacuum. The second floor heating system is also seen in the right of the photo which includes the "tunnel."

Besides the duct work, pipes have been put in for showers, tubs, sinks, etc. and the roof shingles are almost done.

Bathtubs Everywhere

This week of July 17-23, 2006 marked the beginning of the plumbing, as seen in this first photo of Evan in front of his new bathtub. He is holding his construction equipment and is very excited to see the real machines at his new house. The second photo is a bird's-eye view of the master bathtub and plumbing for the two sinks. This photograph was taken from the second floor at the top of the steps. And finally in the third photo, there is the third bathroom's shower. The original floor plan did not call for a bathroom on the second floor but we decided it would be nice to have one especially with an office and lots of room for guests to spend the night.

Talk about fast...

In one week, all the windows are in as seen in this Sunday, July 16 photo. Evan enjoyed peeking out the windows while we picked up trash this afternoon. He is seen here in the breakfast nook. Notice the windows are the prairie-grid design as opposed to the six-lite panel design. The prairie grid design allows for a clearer view. We love them now!

You can also see the front porch area in this second picture. The window at the top will be the office/computer area and the window on the bottom is in one of the second bedrooms. Evan is sitting on the wall here watching daddy pick up trash.

The final picture is on the second floor with the bathroom in the narrow area on the left, steps, Evan looking out the window. The middle area - away from the balcony - will be Evan's play area which he will need if he keeps getting trains and cars!

First Window

We were so excited Saturday, July 8 to see this first window at the rear of the house as seen in the top photograph. The window is on the wall of the great room close to the ceiling and above the doors to the patio. This other photo shows the view from the inside of the house, specifically on the second-floor balcony that overlooks the great room. For those who are interested, these pictures were taken around 7:30pm on July 8, so that means the backyard gets the afternoon/evening sun.

We are also starting to notice notes about where appliances, cabinets, etc. will go. Tim is meeting with the electrician and plumber this week to hash out details about placement of smoke alarms, electrical outlets, wiring, security system, etc. And we continue to pick up trash but we also have a dumpster on site now so our already-full trash can at home saw some relief!

Almost Dry Roof

These Monday, July 3 photos show that the house is almost "dried-in," as in the roof is almost completed. The second photo - with Evan checking out the sand pile - is of the front, where the area above the porch had to be extended four-feet since the first floor was extended four feet. The first photo is of the back of the house and the triangle is going to be a huge window parallel to the balcony overlooking the great room. As Tim and I said as we drove around the neighborhood - "that looks awesome!" We are so glad we decided not to close off the balcony and take out that window.

Roof To Be Continued and Yard Fertilized

With all the rain the week of June 26, you can see in this Sunday, July 2 photo that the roof continues to go up. Our builder had hoped to have it done by Friday, June 30 but that was impossible with the much-needed rain last week.

And Evan - no picture - fertilized our side yard between our house and the neighbors, also on Sunday, July 2. We all had tons of water after having watched a soccer game in 90+ degree heat and then went by the house and spent an hour picking up trash everywhere. Evan needed to go potty so Daddy "helped" him in the yard (Port-a-Johns were dirty). Evan was happy to know that only boys can do that, "not you mommy!"