Landscaping is Last – June 4, 2025
The city required us to install a larger gravel “swale”. Usually a swale goes somewhere, this is more like a sump. The water just goes…
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Almost Finished – May 7, 2025
After 5 years of 3 designers and 2 contractors, we are nearing the beginning of enjoying the effort. It’s been an interesting few years I would not like to repeat! There has not been any designer or contractor who has met the deadlines. The deadlines are set by end dates of expensive construction insurance. I’ve paid it 4 times! We have been working on wall texturing and painting. Most of the cabinetry is installed, still need the bathroom cabinets designed…
Are We Done Yet? – March 16, 2025
Nope sorry, we are not done!!!! But getting closer. The drop-dead date is May 1, 2025. Six weeks away. Are we going to make it? Who knows? The new contractor is working very hard to get things done. There needs to be people working inside and outside, at the same time. Not always happening…. We have drywall, painting is complete, doors are going in but everything needs constant oversight by me. Even if I pay a General Contract to do…
We Start Building Again! – January 15, 2025
After 6 brutal months of not building, we are going again! I felt the need to replace my general contract with a new one. I probably waited to too long to do so, but I did it. I’ve learned the downside of delays. Some of what I have learned by all of this is, that a project cannot be allowed to slow down, if possible. There are so many moving parts that can affect the progress of the project. Insurance…
Can It Go Any Slower? – July 7, 2024
As impatient as I am I moved forward on some items that are out of sequence, but DONE, unlike other issues! City of Marathon requires approvals for an inspection of rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work before I can move forward. I had gutters installed, so we can feed the cistern (required for my PBAS permit) of reclaimed water. I got a used cistern, one of the only deals I could find now here. The biggest news is…
Still Slow Going – April 17, 2024
Well it’s been a difficult few months. The contractor has NOT picked up the pace, at all! So I’ve been reluctant to sit here and write about nothing happening. If I know then, what I know now, I’d choose differently, that’s for sure. In the interim I’ve been ordering things for the house, such as who will I sub out work to. I’m doing it because the contractor is so slow and is not to be moved! Too much other…
Well, Some Things Are Happening, But Slowly – Nov 12, 2023
Before the insulation for the walls is installed the room studs must be installed. The choice was wood or steel. Surprisingly to me, the cost is the same. I went with steel, as it is resistant to mold and termite proof. The door frames are encased in wood 2 x4″ lumber to decrease the chances of the steel, at the doors, from twisting out of plumb. The second floor ceiling is insulated with SealTite PRO Open Cell insulation. The R…
So far… from being finished! – August 22, 2023
Working is so rare around here, that when it happens, they put up a sign! After the stud lines have been placed on the concrete floors, the rough plumbing was installed. Due to the inefficient design, the second bedroom shares common walls with two bathrooms. I am hoping to add insulation or a double layer of sheetrock to deaden the bathroom sounds. I also delivered the 3 bathroom fans and kitchen fan to be fitted as…
Roof and Floor Update – May 3, 2023
After a long wait (in my mind) the roof is mostly complete. This week the final (I hope) concrete pour was completed. The wood trusses are installed, the plywood over the trusses are installed and the waterproof membrane is on! The exception for the roof is the final metal installation. The concrete pour was to finalize the truss supports. The contractor decided to set the trusses and then pour the concrete around the set trusses. Why?…
The Long Wait – March 17, 2023
Finally! The concrete pour for the second floor is completed. What every idea I had for a completion date is a sad joke. First, I guess I’ll go through the second-floor concrete pour. I send the week before the pour trying to add electrical outlets to the balcony area before the concrete was poured. I asked the general contractor for the name of the electrician so I can coordinate with him. Nope! No answer. It seems the contractor wanted to…