Semi-finished but I don't care 'cause we are in!! (pics)

16 years ago

Well it's been a crazy few weeks but we moved in with lots of work left to be done. We sold our house back in March and the new owners were sick of giving us a lease-back (I don't blame them!) so we packed everything up and stuck it in the garage of the new house. Dogs went to the kennel, son went to grandma's and DH and I went to a hotel. After two weeks and a couple thousand dollars we decided to move in. For the most part it's finished, just little pesky things like bathroom vanity tops and sinks. We have most of our furniture in storage however because the dust (from workers tromping in and out) is horrible and I need to buy some stuff too.

We closed with an appraised value $100k over the cost to build so even with the 15 months it took to get to this point I feel good about saying it was all worth it. It also helps that I just love the way it turned out!

Here are a few pics and more in the link below.

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Here is a link that might be useful: My house pics

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Comments (44)

worthy
16 years ago
So despite all the sturm and drang, another well thought out GW home reaches completion.

Very nice.

How many guests do you host for shower parties?
stephanie_plum
16 years ago
Beautiful!
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I am probably not going to be posting many pics when asking questions any more because I find that too many people are only looking at the pictures, NOT reading the text, and thus their responses are either directly contrary to something I've said in the text (for instance "get rid of XYZ" or "the color of ABC is wrong" when I've already said in the accompanying that I love XYZ so it's not going anywhere or that the color of ABC is really more toward mauve when it shows up as puce in the picture) or have nothing at all to do with what I'm asking. I find that intensely frustrating. I have almost no pictures of my current house because it's still in "whatta dump" stage. No paint (walls need a TON of work), short on furniture, dreadfully designed kitchen that's a perpetual mess because there's nowhere to put things... and forget outside pictures, a few weeks ago we ripped out almost every trace of vegetation outside (and will not be replacing it until next year, probably fall '09 to get the end-of-season sales) due to a honeysuckle invasion that I swear was growing by feet per day and was starting to attack the porch. I'll happily post pictures of my previous house because I think I did a pretty decent job with it. We're not on Google Maps but we're kinda-sorta on Google Earth - but the best you can get is a fuzzy whitish blob in the midst of a bunch of other fuzzy whitish blobs on a fuzzy grayish stripe. No closeups. Our town is clearly not a high priority as far as Google is concerned! WRT security - we live in a somewhat iffy neighborhood so I am one HECK of a lot more worried about the people a dozen houses down the street breaking in looking for meth money than I am about someone trying to track me down via the Internet (I Googlebate every so often just to see what's out there re: me) from half a dozen states away. I've been email-stalked and -harassed a bunch of times in my 18 years online because of my outspoken ;-) opinions and my ISPs have always been helpful in dealing with it. However, I've had meet-ups with a whole slew of people I've met online over the years, twice flying nearly cross-country to do so, and it's been grand fun.
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Hi, I am new to this forum but reading everyone's comments made me feel so much better about the way I feel. I have been with my fiance for 11 years since his son was 2 years old. His ex is a psychopath, she has tried to kill herself multiple times in front of the child and suffers from bipolar and depression. We have been to court multiple times and everytime her family swoops in to protect her and the child says he wants to stay with his mom. We just got finished wasting $6k on an attorney for family court because she broke up with her boyfriend, went out drinking and got a dwi and then told the cops she was going to kill herself so she spent the weekend handcuffed to a hospital bed. She has manipulated her son into thinking that everything is his father's fault. He is now 13 years old and just called up my fiance to tell him he doesnt want to talk to him or see him anymore, and my fiance is beside himself. We have done so much, he is such a wonderful father, he never says a bad word about his ex to his child and has done everything to try to make up for the stress his mother puts him through and this is how he is repaid. I have spent the past 11 years giving up my weekends to have his son here, we sold our house last year to buy a house in his school district because she couldn't find am apartment I'm the district. We have gone above and beyond, I just can't take anymore. Now I have to see all of the pain my fiance is going through and there is nothing I can do. I feel helpless and deep down in side I'm happy to get a break. I just feel like I have never had a life with my fiance that didn't involve his son and his ex and now I could possibly have a chance but he is so broken over his son. I feel horrible saying this but I dont care if he doesnt come over anymore on the weekends the only reason I care is because it hurts my fiance so badly. I also fear how it will be when his son decides to come back around because I am angry for what he has done to his father and have a lot of resentment. Sometimes I feel like just giving up.
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Satchitosan, after reading Irisgal's comment & reading a couple articles about potted gall mite infested Fuchsias I might actually "trash" your plant. (cringe) Bag it, secure bag & put in regular trash can. Since it's a laborious procedure over time to treat the mites even with heavy chemicals your chances don't seem great of ridding your plant of gall mites. One thing I'm sure of is that your tools and even hands that come in contact with the plant must be sanitized before you touch another plant. I don't know if a 10% bleach solution is sufficient for gall mite "demise" but that's what I used when working on any type of plants "just in case". Since these mites are more like spiders they are movers that can get on things & be transferred to other plants. That's in addition to the risk of spread by pollinators noted by Irisgal as well as gloves & tools. Don't want it to spread to Fuchsias of other people so I'd have to amend what I said about trying to treat with neem oil if it were my plant. Up to you for your plant...I can obsess on my own! http://www.americanfuchsiasociety.org/fuchsiaarticles/fuchsiagallmite4-2004.html By the way, the free large containers I got from local nursery were still black but before I planted anything in them I used a light colored spray paint on outside of containers. That was my attempt to reflect sunlight off containers instead of absorbing it with dark color. I didn't search for something "green" as I didn't think paint chemicals would leach through thick containers. Up to you how "green" you want & can afford to be. I gardened at my late father's place & had containers behind wire fencing to keep deer, rabbits, groundhogs & various other varmints from eating plants down to nibs.
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allison0704
16 years ago
It looks great, kelly! I know you're so glad to finally be in your new home. Many years of happiness.
sniffmeister
16 years ago
It's so charming; congrats! Love the dogs. =D
lyfia
16 years ago
Sorry it is taking so long for the final details, but congrats on being in. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your foyer and the kitchen too.
sierraeast
16 years ago
Like your doors/windows/trims. Great flooring and cabinetry.Nice woodwork. Beatiful home!
txgal06
16 years ago
Looks beautiful. Love that Southern Living plan. Wish I would have thought to take pictures earlier. Now I don't want to cause it's already "lived in." :) Enjoy your new place and equity.
fishpants
16 years ago
You have a wonderful looking home. I like the tile work. That bed looks familiar...PB? Almost got that one but didn't 'go' with bedding I ordered! Cheers...
kats
16 years ago
OH Kelly!!!

The first thought that went through my mind when I looked at your pics was "BRAVO" and then I honestly can't come up with anything grand enough for your stunning home! I love the cabinets, I love the floor, I love the wood ceiling, I love the brick, I love your dogs!

Congratulations girl!

Oh, P.S. This has nothing to do with the build but we're looking for a great rustic bed and guess what... I love your bed! LOL Mind if I ask where did you get yours???
arleneb
16 years ago
Beautiful! I love your interior stone . . . love the loafin' dogs . . . Hope you all feel as at home as they obviously do! Congratulations!
pinktoes
16 years ago
It's perfectly--well, perfect! Don't see a thing i'd change. Love the beastly bed decorations too.

If you have a spare minute would you tell me how far the top trim over your doors extends past the vertical/side trim? At the edge. I can't find that detailed info. anywhere and yours looks exactly the proportion we want on ours. Not too far, but far enough. TIA

Looks like a real "home"--finished or not.
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for all your wonderful comments. It feels so good finally getting here!

Okay Worthy, so the shower is too big. There, I said it. We haven't had any shower parties yet even though it has been suggested several times by friends, family and workers. Who knows, we haven't had a house warming party yet. Wouldn't it be funny if people congregated in the shower!

Fishpants and Kats - I had that bed built by a local custom furniture builder. I gave him a picture of the Pottery Barn bed, Sumatra, and he copied it. It's made out of solid Alder. He also built the night stands and media cabinet as well as the hutch/buffet and dining table.

Pinktoes, the trim extends 1 inch over the side trim. I just watched while my builder held a piece of wood up and slowly extended it. When it looked right I said "That's it" and he marked the length.

Thanks again everyone!
owl_at_home
16 years ago
It looks awesome! Congratulations!
I love the bedroom shot. The floor is gorgeous.

Here is a link that might be useful: Owl's progress blog
lindybarts
16 years ago
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly! Flippin' awesome! Congratulations...it's been a long haul and worth the wait. Your home is just gorgeous! Enjoy!

Lindy
jeannekay
16 years ago
It looks wonderful! I know you're enjoying it, even if the little details aren't done yet!
krislrob
16 years ago
Kelly, I love it too!! The stone, the stucco, the windows. The kitchen.....
Can I ask :) what color/finish is your stucco. I think that's the color I need for my red doors. Would you mind? Thank you!!
amyks
16 years ago
Oh, Kelly, it is gorgeous! I love the kitchen, your double island, the wood ceiling in your entry, the stone, wide plank floors in the bedrooms, your trim work, and so on, and so on.....

Very well done! Worth the headaches and the wait. I understand that. It's a good think I don't care much about dates, because we passed our original move in a few days ago!! I figure it's done when it's done.

Enjoy!

Amy
charliedawg
16 years ago
Kelly, it's really pretty. I think everything looks great. If I remember correctly, you did your floors yourself?? They look gorgeous. I love that dark, rich color.

Congrats on getting in!!! Who needs a bathroom countertop anyway? They just get cluttered. :)
trudymom
16 years ago
Kelly, everything turned out gorgeous. Love the kitchen--awesome backsplash. Your stone is gorgeous too. You did a wonderful job!!!
User
16 years ago
kellyeng-

Lovely home, the details flow so well together like the echoing of the arched doorway in your drawer pulls and light fixtures, those are the things that make a home IMO. The interior stone is simply stunning and your furnishings work effortlessly with the style of your home.

Great job, and I know how you feel, we aren't done either , but we're in, dang it. The relief is immeasureable.

sandyponder
kygirl99
16 years ago
gorgeous home, beautiful dogs, great job!!!!!!! congrats!
stanza30
16 years ago
We also had to move in before our house was done. And there are no words to describe the dust that we had to live with. But the picture below shows what the greatroom looked like three week after we moved in.

Congratulations on your move, and getting so close to finishing such a beautiful house both on the inside and outside.

Joan
sweeby
16 years ago
Congratulations Kelly! I knew I'd love it just from the floor plan and front renderings, and you've kept true to your vision. I'm not surprised it appraised over cost...
sierraeast
16 years ago
Stanza30, I'd take that great room as is tools and all, especially the festools. Nice temporary "shop"!
juniork
16 years ago
CONGRATULATIONS! That is seriously one gorgeous house!

Is your kitchen floor stained concrete? I'd love to know what material it is! Congrats again...I would LOVE to build a house of that style! Beautiful!
kats
16 years ago
Stanza30

OMG! and I thought I had it rough with a woodstove not hooked up, the wall needing paint and scaffold between me and the TV. Hardly!!!
Just goes to show there's always someone that has a bigger cross to bear. LOL
xavieralumni
16 years ago
Hey kellyeng,

What's the ceiling height in your kitchen, just curious?
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
Krislrob - The stucco color is SW Downing Straw and it is a sand finish (I think).

Stanza30 - I showed DH your pictures and he wanted me to say "Thank You" for putting everything into perspective. I'm just glad we aren't the only ones going through the moved-in and semi-built phase.

Juniork - Yes, the floor is stained concrete. The color is Cola by Kemiko.

Xavieralumni - The ceiling is 10ft.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the well wishes and wonderful comments!
labradoodlelady
16 years ago
Kelly, congratulations! It's absolutely gorgeous, and I know you must be so pleased to just be in. And I'm sure the critters are happy to be back with their family!
brutuses
16 years ago
Kelly, congratulations, your house is beautiful. Absolutely love the slate in the hall bath.
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
Labradoodlelady - I think the dogs prefer the kennel! It's actually called a "pet resort." They actually give the dogs a daily massage! They get lots of one-on-one time with the workers - walks, play time, and cuddle time. When I pick them up they are happy, healthy and so clean!

Thanks again!
suzanl
16 years ago
Kellyeng, is this Harrods Creek? We are building that house with a few adaptations-love the ways yours looks. It seemed as if you altered the floorplan somewhat. We are finishing the rock and stucco and the roof now and hope to start the long overdue work inside soon.
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
suzanl - Lots of Harrods Creek lovers. You guys and spot my house from a mile away!

It's loosely based on the Harrods Creek plan. DH and I went to the idea house back in 2003 and just fell in love with it. It's been my inspiration ever since. I guess it's the exterior that most looks like Harrods Creek? At this point I can't even tell anymore.

The floor plan is quite different but we did try to use some of the same finishes like the stone in the foyer. I originally had the architect (Cornerstone) create a plan that was exactly the same just scaled down to 3000sf. It was way too expensive to build so we had to scrap that plan and go for one a little more compact since the original plan is so spread-out.

I would love to see your pics!
luckymom23
16 years ago
Just Gorgeous!
I love your light fixtures and the stone walls, your home has such a warm feeling to it, Congratulations!
suzanl
16 years ago
Well, I will try to post pictures soon. I, too, love my stone foyer-looks much like yours! We kept basically the same floor plan and it is proving to be more expensive to build than we had planned. Stone and rafter tails are budget breakers! Where are you located? We are right outside of Birmingham, al
popeda
16 years ago
Kelly, wow, what a great home! Know you and family will have many years of happiness there.

Good job on patience, especially.
hoosiergirl
16 years ago
Congratulations, Kelly! Your home is beautiful, and the shower is to die for -- just gorgeous!! I hope you have many, many happy years in your new home!
teresa_b
16 years ago
Kelly,

Everything looks great. You have such great taste and did a spectacular job at keeping with your "theme" of a home in Texas. I love your fixtures.

I'm sure you will enjoy showing off your home for years to come.

Teresa
houseful
16 years ago
Congratulations on a job well done! The showers and fixtures are great. Everything is great actually, but ooooohhhhh, that kitchen!!!
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
Suzanl - I'm outside of Austin, TX

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. You guys are the best!!
totallyblessed
16 years ago
kelly~

After posting on another thread to see more of your house photos, I did a search and this thread came up.

OMG!!!! Your house turned out SPECTACULAR. It is soooo gorgeous. I love it all. There's not one thing I see that I think should be different. It is perfect. I too love the kitchen, the wood ceiling, the stone walls, and both of the showers. That slate is amazing! That's the most gorgeous application of slate I've ever seen (and I happen to adore slate!!).

I am so happy that you have moved in. How goes the progress? Are you hosting the holiday's in your gorgeous new home? It would be a crime to keep that beauty all to yourselves. LOL. :o)

Is that an outdoor shower? My goodness. I could just look at your photos all day. The trees in the front are gorgeous. The view looks amazing. The colors are perfect. The wood is sublime. Girl, you couldn't have done it better. It's stunning. And I too can see why you have oodles of equity in it already!

Many happy years in your new home. :o)

SusanL~ I too bought the Harrod's Creek plans from Cornerstone. We ended up not building that plan (too expensive for the area we were in... it was "overbuilding" for there). We purchased a home in your state and are having it finished. So now we're "neighbors". I hope you'll post photos of your house as you progress. It was my favorite home, and I still hope to build it somewhere, someday. :o)
kellyeng
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, you beat me to it while I was adding a few more pics!

Thanks for the wonderful compliments. You sure do know how to make a girl feel good about her "not-yet-finished" house!

I made a punch list yesterday with 143 items on it. Most of them are small but some are big (central vac & landscaping!!). My builder is still working on it although very very slowly. Someone is here about four hours a week on average. We might be finished this time next year that that rate!

have you posted your pics yet? Have I missed them?

Here is a link that might be useful: few more pics
totallyblessed
16 years ago
Wow Kelly~

The additional photos are even more beautiful (how is that possible?). :o) How DO you get your dogs to pose so sweetly for your GW friends? LOL!

Well, your punch list is lengthy, but I'm so glad you are in. I know it was a long time coming, and I can see how much you have already made it a home, even with the punch list. You'll get there. And really, what would you have to do with your spare time if you weren't getting the punch list taken care of. ha, ha.

I have shared some photos of our master bath drywalled, and just a few shots of garden room, etc. The hangers are still finishing up the 2nd floor, and the finishers are working on the 1st floor. At this point, it doesn't seem that portion of our build will EVER be complete. :o~

Anyway, I've enjoyed seeing your home. You have a marvelous interpretation of the original plan!! I really love the Harrod's Creek plan, and I do so hope to build it someday. I never could get my designer to draw it the way I wanted to build it, so it will still need work when/if the day comes. :O) Of course, by then I'll probably have some different ideas on what I want/how we live, so maybe that's not a bad thing.

Thanks again for the photos. That green bathroom counter is amazing! And again, a HUGE congratulations on moving in. :o)
millican3581
16 years ago
Your house is absolutely stunning, very beautiful. What is the dimensions of your kitchen.

Semi-finished but I don't care 'cause we are in!! (pics)

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