Well, I tried my hand at this Saturday. Local stores didn't have the skirting in stock, so I bought a piece of 1x10 maple (was cheaper than poplar). I did some trials with a circular saw on some scrap wood and found that my saw is the wrong handed and I can't cut the miter the right way from the outside edge. Don't trust my skills enough to cut on a miter from the inside. Next moved on to my big miter saw, got it figured again on the scrap wood, but found, halfway through the maple, that it's not quite big enough to cut to the edge of a 1x10. Finished it off with a jigsaw. Jigsaw does have both-way miter. That's the plan on the next try. I'm thinking I'll just keep the lower edge square instead of routering it into something more decorative, and run it all the way to the floor. Then I'll cut the baseboard at an angle when it runs into it, and butt them together.

ascorsonelli: Love your house! Did you find that imperfections in paint were more easily visible with the smooth Hardie? I am building a house that is traditional in style, but I like the smooth finish. Trying to decide which to use, and my husband thinks the one advantage to wood-grain is that paint drips will be more easily disguised. Do you still love your smooth finish? Thanks!

those nails should never be done like that. I posted a huge PDF installation file link. did you ever read it? I mean, you keep coming here to us asking for advice, and we've advised you. Not sure what else you want us to say? From where I sit, the install isn't done up to specs. Have you talked over the last issues w/the installer?? Why not call and speak to a Hardie rep. I'm sure if you sent him these pics, they could advise you about their products. those corner pieces don't look right. as stated previously, nail heads should not be exposed. This is just wrong. here is a corner like yours. do you see any nail heads??? Nope. I've posted diff corner finishes: Hardie Mitered Corners. Hardie Corners This just looks like water damage waiting to happen Here's how a properly done window/siding looks: what happens when water gets in between this gap and just sits there or seeps in behind? have no idea if proper flashing was used. Does this one look like yours? nope. This is a Drip Cap. Not sure if that's what was used w/yours I don't know what to say except I'd report all of these mistakes and issues to whomever is in charge. And I wouldn't pay a dime until all of these are fixed

@Mark Bischak This is a custom home and yes it does have brick on the sides and back of house. I am going to have the brick painted white to match the hardie, once we move in as builder wants over 10k to paint—another issue for another story. Builder states he can tape off the stone and spray the flashing white. Not sure if that would look right other than having a more seamless transition? I would have liked less flashing showing, but, what can be done other than painting it? I wish they would have extended the Hardie the entire length, but it was too late once I realized I would have preferred it that way. Lots of wishing and wanting to go back in time on this build, but I am having to deal with what I have.