Brutuses - I love your bathrooms. Gorgeous work!

Coffeehaus - What a wonderful way to recycle the old barn wood and use the walnut from the trees you had to cut down. The only trees we cut were terribly twisted mesquites and the cost of milling them into useful boards was prohibitively expensive. But, we're all set for mesquite smoked bar-b-que for the rest of our natural lives.

Rhome410 - it sounds as though your DH is building a houseful of furniture as well as the house itself. He must be a wonderfully talented guy. Don't feel bad about how long it is taking with all that he is doing. My DH STILL owes me window sills in two rooms in our current house that we remodeled and finished to the 95% done point fifteen years ago! When we started having the new house built, I quit bugging DH about the windowsills. Figure once we move out of here, I'll hire someone to come in and finish up our 15 y.o. remodeling job in about 3 hours!

Everyone else's homes look awesome and it is marvelous to see the progress being made.

As for me, I still don't have any new pretty pictures yet but my aerobic septic system has been purchased and installed and the remaining Hardie plank has FINALLY been installed. There is still some trimwork and painting to be done on the exterior of the house but it is mostly complete. (Well, we still have decks and porches to finish but those will be done near the end.)

They're working on the parking pad outside the garage and on the walkway between it an my front porch right now.

On the interior, the builder has finally completed certain necessary "beefing up" of the framing and caulking and sealing various small holes so the house will be tight. I've taken about a thousand "open wall" photos and mini-movies in the past few weeks but while those may someday be extremely useful for knowing what is behind which walls, they simply don't make very interesting pictures for posting here. LOL!

Our wall insulation has been purchased and should be installed this coming week. Then FINALLY sheet-rock can go in and I'll have pictures to post again. I was so hoping the sheetrock would already be in by this point but that was not to be. Maybe by February????? So hard to stay upbeat when progress is sooooooooooooooo slooooooooooooow.

We finished staining the floors! We're working hard at all the finish/trim work this week. This is Kemiko's "cola" stain with a glossy sealer. I'm going to wax on top of that this week.

Lots of beautiful houses underway! All the brick and stone...I'm getting a little jealous.

Mamabird, all I can say is "Wow." The view, the property, the house, the fireplace, such a house early on in your family life...You are right to take time to enjoy your little guy.

Armomto3boys, I love the stained concrete. I always love the transparent brown, and thought it looks like root beer. :-)

Bevangel, the unfinished windows at 15 yrs is my fear! -I found some hardware that's supposed to be on the stair railing, and commented,'This is for the project in 2025.' ;-) We have lived a few places that got *finished* when it was necessary to put them up for sale. This time I was hoping it'd be finished when we moved in and we wouldn't live in the middle of a constant project...Ha! Pretty funny. That's OK. This house is much better unfinished than any other house we've had. DH and I have always been a good team with me to design and him to build. I definitely am thankful he is so talented. I have the easy and fun end of the job, but, fortunately, he thinks he does! He built beds with drawers for the kids, and all the rest are built-in cabinetry. Storage is the key with this many people in the house, of course.

We are still at framing stage...terrible weather including snow, sleet, rain and 50mph gusts have been slowing us down.
This shows the winds we had on a typical day...this was when they were trying to put in the roof rafters and roof structure. Not safe.

Here is a view of the front of the house:

and here is the front right as well as the garage.

Everyone's homes look great; it's fun to see the different stages....we are finally getting drywall .....yipeeeeeee
living room and dining room

Yay, twotogo! Now it becomes a house, doesn't it?! Congratulations.

Cool house style, igsmith! We're on opposite sides of the country, but our weather sounds the same!

Drywall is finished, mudding starts Monday. We're finalizing choices and think we've finally found a tile guy we feel comfortable with. Still wishing that SOMEONE would run an appliance sale that applies to at least some of our needs. HHGregg had 20% off last week -- but not on any of our special order stuff, so no go.

Everyone above is looking great! There are sure some beautiful houses at GW, aren't there!

And (a bit OT) I may have found a Golden Retriever breeder!! Met a 5-month old puppy at the Bark Park today and got some good references!

Arlene

Everyone's houses sound and look wonderful. We are finally done framing and roofing. The roofing took forever because of the winds and rain. The rest of the windows are scheduled for Tuesday the 6th. We are working on HVAC now and plumbing will start next weekend.

a href="http://s391.photobucket.com/albums/oo357/smoochamoo1/?action=view&current=house041.jpg"; target="_blank">

we broke ground september 27 and despite some rain, snow and hail, the crew is moving right along. we're happy with the progress. dh needed to slow them down however, since he didn't want to move anymore money out until after the new year. builder says we will definitely be in by thanksgiving, although i would prefer MUCH sooner. everyone's builds look great and i'm thrilled to finally be here!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1397365}}

We moved in on December24th! It's not 100% done, but close enough. There are lots of little things I still need to do, like finishing touching up the nail holes in the trim and painting interior doors. Also the sunroom trim is not done nor is the flooring. Master bedroom is not started yet.

Here's a couple of pictures.

Oh wow, what a Christmas gift you received. It looks beautiful. Your kitchen is fabulous. Look forward to seeing more photo's. Congratulations!!

We're finally getting a kitchen. Our kitchen guy is gone and we're building it ourselves. It should be an adventure.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our progress

Happy 2009 everyone.

We finished our porch ceiling and installed the lights this fall. We were hoping to get the flooring in too but, the cold weather set in, so we will have to wait until Mar/Apr to finish that up.

We have plenty of work to do inside, projects include:

- finishing installation of Zero clearance wood FP in GR. We contracted that out and the installers have not returned to finish up (what else is new). That is holding us up on the other projects.

- Flooring in GR

- Permanent stairs
-flooring in Dining area
- Back splash in kitchen
- Tons of trim work
When that is done the downstairs will be finished except for the MA BA.

I have added a few photos to our BLOG please check it out.

My fav is this one:

Here is a link that might be useful: Our TF

Here's the progress at my house. Everything framed. Siding almost done. Air ducts run, plumbing being added now.

{{gwi:12165}}

On the rare snow day in New Orleans. The roof and walls weren't up yet, so the snow got in the house. This might not seem like a big deal to ya'll up north, but this is only the third time seeing snow in my whole life.

We're finally in!!! 29 months after signing our contract. Of course, with the other new change in my life, I'll probably actually be settled about when she starts preschool! HA! I'll get around to posting a few pictures and factoids about our project a little later. Congrats to everyone else who has finished up or is about to...

The framers have been building in the rain and we have a huge muddy mess but since December 9th we have graded, seeded and strawed, poured a basement, and framed the basement and first floor.

cursive, I was so upset that I couldn't go take photo's of my new house with the snow around. The highway's were so dangerous. As you know we don't know how to drive in snow. LOL Your house is looking great.

Brutus - Thanks. Its actually starting to look like a house. Hopefully the copper doesnt get stolen before they get all the exterior doors up!

My boss called me that morning and said to stay in bed that the whole shop was taking a "Snow day" I didnt believe her at first and thought she was pulling my leg.... Until I went outside. I quickly grabbed the camera and carefully drove around the corner to the house and took pictures. Luckily I am renting an apartment right on the other side of City Park from my future (and old) house. Driving even those couple blocks made me nervous.

My final decision on snow - Its cold and wet. You yankee's can keep it!

Master bath now 99.9% complete. Just need glass block for shower and we are going to wait till after we move in to install it. Forgive the extension cords (our only access to electricity right now) and dusty light fixtures.

{{gwi:1387349}}

{{gwi:1397425}}

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{{gwi:1387355}}

brutuses,
Your bathroom is just lovely!!! I love the wainscotting and that paint color too....everything is really beautiful!!

mommabird......I've NEVER heard of a house 'without' a front door???? I would think that would be code...at least for safety...fire for ex......IMO...that would be reallly kind of weird at Halloween.....:)

twotogo, thanks

brutuses-
I have been lurking and enjoying watching your house progress. I LOVE everything about your master bath! Would you mind sharing the details about the paint, lighting and faucets? Did you buy the vanities and the mirrors together? It looks beautiful.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks crescent, the vanities and mirrors were bought as sets from HD. I'm not sure if they'll have any in stock. Soon after we bought them a year ago, they were no longer available, then they came back. So I'm not sure of their status now. The faucets are also from HD, but I don't remember the brand. The finish is brushed nickle.

thanks brutuses!
I actually checked the bathroom and home decorating forum since I know you post there- you have a stalker:) LOL
I saw that the lighting was form the Thomasville Collection- is it the Roxbury?
I love it.
Thanks again and good luck as you finish.

Our foundation is poured and we are just starting to make decisions on exteriors and plumbing. . These forums are such a source of help and inspiration!

Wow...what amazing houses you all have! And I must say, I'm terribly envious of how close so many of you are to being done! We broke ground in November, and so far have the basement walls and garage footings poured. We drove out there last night, and I was ecstatic to see a floor covering the basement! We have a very long way to go...

Unfortunately, we've had more snow here in ND than we've had in recent history...go figure. With the snow storms every week and subzero temps., it looks like the weather is definitely not cooperating!

Everyone's homes are just beautiful! I love seeing the progress - thanks for sharing.

We are moving along, the holidays slowed things up a bit, but we're back on track. They began trim work this week, so we finally have interior doors! Fabricator will template next week for granite.

kitchen

masterbath cabs

mudroom

Robin, We do have a door on the front of the house. You just can't see it. :) It's just not your traditional, right in the center, type of door. It's a french slider on the side of the front bump out, and will be the door to our business office.

We also have a main entrance that is actually around back. A beautiful set of stone & brick steps will lead you there from the driveway. Aren't back door guests supposed to be the best???? :)

There is also a door in our MB, as well as the 2nd story front, that will lead out onto the wrap around porch.

There is also a man door on the garage side of the house.

So we have plenty of exits. We actually had 3 more sets of french doors, but removed them because we started thinking it was excessive. They were replaced with windows.

I think we're pretty safe. :)

Like I said, our design is not traditional at all and we didn't want that. I wanted more of a country, vacation type style of a home since living there will feel like one every day.

As far as Halloween, our home is out in the country. Not too many trick or treaters. It sits 700+ feet off the road and we also have a gate at the end of the driveway to keep the goblins out. Visitors will be by appointment only. ; )
Lol, actually, I plan to leave the gate open on Halloween. We know most of the folks that live around there so they will be able to drive up for treats.

jbradshaw- I am new here, but love looking at pics and hearing how eberyone is doing...feel now like were not the only ones building a house! we have a very similar looking plan to yours (we adapted the De Stio plan from house designers web site). Just wondering what you are doing for the exterior? We have canexcel red siding with some stucco accents. I would post some pics but not sure how. Looks like we are in about the same phase of construction as well. e-mail me your e-mail adress and I would love to hear more.
gretchenfowell@yahoo.com
Thanks and good luck to everyone!

Hi,
Beautiful looking homes everyone!
Alicia58801, we are at the exact same stage as you! We also broke ground in November. We live in Iowa and have had a lot of snow and ice this winter :(
We have basement walls poured and main floor deck is on, but no basement slab yet. They are getting ready to order windows and doors this week.
Builders say there is a 'slight' delay due to weather, but really do not seem concerned at all.
Good luck to all with their builds!

We are getting there. Painting is almost done except for doors. Tile is underway. Hopefully move in a month or so. Its been a long process!

Yes, it's the Roxbury colletion. Sorry, I sould have included that in my description.

What a beautiful home hollyh3kids. I'll trade you my lake for your snow (LOL)

Alicia58801- I totally understand. We are at the same stage but in Georgia. We have had about 10 inches of rain in the last 48 hours. The good news is that the framers were working very hard when it was only lightly raining.
I don't think we will need to put it that pool we were wanting but we will need to keep the row boat handy (LOL)
The rain has already receeded thanks to a large drain our grader installed but what a mess.

HollyH, your home is gorgeous. I was hoping you would share the paint and also cabinetry you have in your kitchen. I've been trying to convince my husband that that sort of color combo would be good, and now I have your kitchen as evidence! Thanks!

Thank you arewethereyet! I'm so embarrassed because the house is so messy right now!
The cabinets are pecan with alder crown so in person in looks like a really deep chocolate brown or almost black crown. I plan on putting oil rubbed bronze hardware so I think that will pull it all together nicely. The floor is hardwood maple. The red walls are Repcolite paint so I'm not sure if that is a nationwide chain or not...they sell Benjamin Moore too so I can't remember if my red was Repcolite or BM. I can find out if you are still interested in the actual color. It is very deep when you see it in person. Not orange at all...a very deep cherry red.
We have some sort of color in every room of the house so tell your husband that is what makes it fun! Its just paint!
I hope to post more pics when we get more done!
Thanks for the compliment!

For some reason my first picture isnt working.

Here it is.. Corner lot, front side view.

hollyh3kids - which wood are your floors made out of in your kitchen/dining room? Could you pass along the producer? Thanks!

cursi, yes it came out the first time. At least I can see it anyway.

brut- where did yall get the beadboard in the bathrooms? i think i might wanna do that instead of backsplashes behind the vanity and tub.

cursi that beadboard is from HD. It's a PVC material, and the color is through and through so no painting is necessary. It comes is 8 ft and 3 ft. lengths and the planks are 7" wide. The molding on top my DH made by routing out the thick end of some window casing. The PVC molding is nice, but actually more expensive than wood. We wanted this look in wood but didn't want to pay for the "real" beadboard wood trim so we made some ourselves. You do what you have to when you can't afford the overpriced alternative. LOL DH used a chop saw to cut the PVC beadboard.

Kangell...the wood is Hardwood Maple and it is from Legacy Hardwoods in Michigan. It turned out really pretty with some nice character in it. I'll try to post a link below, we'll see if it works.
Cursivesailor, I did beadboard as my kitchen backsplash so if you scroll up to hollyh3kids kitchen picture you can kind of see it. I can post a better picture later.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wood floor company

Holly, I see it. I am thinking about doing that in my two bathrooms like Brutus did. But I am on a really tight budget. And as I have stated before the Fiance is the artsy musician type who wouldnt know what to do with a saw or hammer. So who knows what the builder would charge me to do the beadboard and molding.

Cabinets went in this week!

fowgrel, thanks! we are doing stucco with stone on the bottom 4'. we adopted a schumacher plan layout. im amazed at how quickly things are really goings. it seems like everyday im needing to pick out more things (i know its going to get busier just surprised there are so many desicions this early on). if you want to keep me updated im at smoochamoo@hotmail.com

AMOMTO3BOYS - LUV LUV LUV YOUR CONCRETE FLOORS! WE ARE READY TO HAVE OUR BASEMENT FLOOR ACID STAINED. DID YOU GUYS DO THE STAIN YOURSELF? IF SO WAS IT CRAZY DIFFICULT? WHAT WAS THE PRICE PER SQUARE FT? YOUR FLOORS LOOK FABULOUS!

ANYONE WITH ANY ADVICE ON ACID STAINING FLOORS???????? AVERAGE COST / DIFFICULTY

THANKS

rtester, thank you! We are so pleased with how they turned out.

Yes, we did them ourselves. The actual staining was very easy, just mix it according to directions and spray it on. I watched some videos on youtube and also had the advice from a friend who's done it before.

The hardest part was cleaning the concrete before hand. We did not cover it during construction (big mistake) so there was silicone tracked on spots where a worker stepped in it. Then there were large areas where sap had drizzled down from the framing. Lacquer thinner took care of most of it, but it was time consuming and hard on the hands. Some of it didn't show up until the first coat of stain, so I had to clean it off before we could continue. There were some spots that still didn't come off well and so we faux painted after the first coat of sealer and then sealed over that. Worked great!

But still, it was totally worth it. They are beautiful, just what I wanted. And the cost was less than 30 cents a sq ft!

We've really got things cooking right now - lots of crews going simultaneously - painters (who are also hanging crown), hardwood floors, trim guy, and then next week, electrician, cabinets, and tile.

Here's a pic down the hall:

In the kitchen:

Taken from the loft down into the living room:

And an outside shot:

Project 4820, day 187.

Here is a link that might be useful: House Blog

Our electric and plumbing finished and passed. The insulation and sheetrock hanging started yesterday and is almost done today.

Would yall say sheetrock is half way?

jnjmom, your paint colors are very pretty. Love the toile you are putting in one of the rooms.

cursivesailor,

We asked our builder if drywall was about half-way and he thought for a moment and decided that the beginning of the drywall was! I see now that the drywall is several stages as we are going through that now. We had 2 guys come and hang it and that took almost 2 weeks(we had some major snow issues); 3 guys are here 'mudding and taping' and they have been kind of 'sporadic' but each time they do a 'coat' then leave; finally the texture, prime, and paint....maybe next week? Anyway, we are getting excited and impatient :) Good Luck!!!