I'm pretty convinced this was an afterthought. Even though the builder doesn't do houses for less than 475k, they are always doing some kind of "fixit" with new homes around our 'hood. Another home they had to add an 8ft wide x 3ft deep extension to the living room to hide an 8in plastic drain pipe that was exiting and running down from the second floor bathroom. Until they did that, the wall had a 1 foot bulge in it where the siding crew simply covered over it! The lot next door to the house in question here just had the slab poured. The back end encroaches within 3 feet of the side property line -- which happens to be the side of the road right-of-way. Which happens to have the power poles and lines running along it. If they build up to the second floor, the wall will be 1 foot from the power line! They are now trying to get the power company and the city to move the pole, saying it is planted wrong. The line has been there since 1940. The only way to move it is out -- which would put it too close to the road and have lines over the road for a spell, due to the way the road winds just up from there. It's really fun to watch all this... ;-)

teedup: Thanks for the suggestions. That was my first take on it as well--but wanted to be sure before I had the drapes shortened. Your statement about having the rod level makes sense. It almost sound like the guy needs to shoot a laser--that's what my GC did to determine the high point to start installing my kitchen cabinets. I think I will discuss this issue with the labor coordinator to see how they address these situations. graywings: The crown is still in progress. The schedule fell behind and drapes were ready so we went ahead with the install. As I have 8' ceilings I had planned on a simple crown. I have a CA ranch and I don't think any elaborate trim is in keeping with the style of the house. It's beginning to sound like the solution is to drop the rod and shorten the drapes. squirrel: Are you talking about the drapery header? The installer was also concerned about that as well. I will check with the labor coordinator later today to see what her take is on it after looking at the pics.

You know, in general, people still respect your privacy when you live in an exposed home. We've never had people leave the sidewalk and peek in the windows or anything of that sort. We did get lots of people coming up on the porch to the doors before we took the sign down (it was a B&B) but now that's rare as well. I guess you find your own privacy whereever you live :) For me, the views posted here would be my escape. Believe it or not you do look past the heads and into the sunset! The only area I was having trouble with privacy in was the yard because it's so exposed. People stand in front of it to take pics of the house so while pausing they'll often chat. We don't mind, but the dumb dog goes bonkers and DS is too friendly (offers tours of his room LOL) so we put in a fence that suits the house but sort of blocks the tourists heads from our relaxation area (we're outside a lot). It's heaven and we still see the view because the yard is on a slope. To me, looking up at a farm or out at land is actually not relaxing. I love the water and can mentally escape the world while enjoying a view of it from lake, stream or ocean. I've lived in remote areas, and I'd never trade them for this location. Besides that...our walls are a foot thick LOL So if I want to ignore the world, it's not hard to do so. Ohhh and Lynn, I have SO MUCH difficulty with that door problem. I have 9 outside enterances....that's probably 7 too many LOL. I get Fedex out of one, UPS out of the other, the post office likes another, and the tourists another. Only one of which is the actual front door LOL

Thanks Rick. - saw your post above on the remote - I previously read the manual when installing it and the fan button (top left most button) is for boost which lasts only for 10 minutes and will return to either off or one of the previous lower speed (if the hood was already on). You have to use the regular power button (bottom most right button) to turn it on (always turns on low) and use the + button to turn up the speed. I always have it on med or high. I installed with an external blower so it doesn’t get loud unless boost is used. The top right button suppose to look like a clock (which it doesn’t really) keeps everything on for 30 minutes and cuts things off (but it doesn’t work with boost mode). Hope this helps.