Well it finally happened! Yes, we finally got the Certificate of Occupancy! We can move in! It’s not over, not even close. The big hurdle is behind us! There are big things yet to accomplish.
There is still the punch list of items that need to be completed, fixed or changed. Some doors do not seem to be plumb, locks need adjusting, shower handle is reversed for hot and cold, some electrical outlets seem to work only when they want to, etc. But, we will get there.
The landscaping is in, finally. The plants are mostly natives, so they should survive with out too much care. I was required to put in a water cistern and have it on an automatic irrigation system. I think I wrote last time that it took 3 consultants to finally get a system to work. Now it works, but we are in a drought! This is the “rainy” season and my cistern is empty so I need to use expensive City water. Cistern water will be just as expensive, or more, since I had to install an automatic irrigation system for it!
BBQ in the Keys
And then starts the next steps; residency for homestead tax purposes, get “reasonably” priced insurance for flood, wind and the usual stuff, change address from temporary mail box to house, finding furniture, keeping plants growing until the guarantee period is completed, etc, etc.
Now we need furnishings! So we will bring some things from home and other things that I find here. I’ve been looking on local “for sale” boards and driving around with my little red trailer. I found some wicker dressers and outdoor furniture that need washing and maybe painting.
I went to the local Restore Store and Salvation Army for some lights and night stands. My goal is to find some furniture and try my hand at refinishing furniture. I’m sure if they don’t look rustic when I get them, they will look that way when I’m finished.
Palm Trees in the Breeze
All my personal items are in the house now. All my clothes in cardboard boxes waiting for furniture.
Now for my first spaghetti dinner with wine!
