Wrapping up the year

It's hard to believe that we'll be in the house in 30 days - potentially less. The last 15 days have been spent finishing the floor, tiling the sinks, grouting, and misc. projects.

The electrical plates are installed and they should be doing the low voltage (speakers, TV, etc) outlets in the next week. Joe and my dad installed the outside lights and will be working on the bathroom vanities over the next week or so. We opted to do a little sweat labor to keep costs down and my non-labor intensive husband is actually enjoying the work. :)

We met with the landscaper last week and expect the new plan in the coming days. We're debating on real vs. fake grass - many pros and cons to both. We're also trying to decide on rain vs. clear glass for the showers - clear would be nice to show the beautiful tile, yet rain is more practical for cleaning and privacy.

We did the research on a custom closet system for the master - so if you are in the market, I've got the details. Long story short, L and B Closets has great quality and worked with us on the pricing. We have a full closet system going in for $3,400 including two hampers, hutch with 8 drawers and more. Best of all, it's a floor based system and much better than the wall hung style.

Over the next few days, we need to finalize our carpet selection and a few other items. As of now, the granite and plumbing will go in the second week of January. Can't wait!

Here is a shot of one of the secondary bathrooms. The flooring is similar to a small/medium size river rock.


Here is a picture of the kitchen tile. The chair on top of the island is a nice touch.

45 Days...but who is counting???

We are getting SO close! The house has progressed a ton the past two weeks. The floor tile is complete with the exception of grouting and final touches on the baseboards. The cabinets are installed and the wood door casings and base boards are in the midst of installation. And...I drove up tonight to find the roof tile going into place - very exciting.

We've been agonizing over light fixtures for the past several weeks and think we've finally got it under control. Same goes for granite - we've been going back in forth on what to do in the kitchen (all other areas are covered). Our favorite granite (Cosmos Gold) has been on back order for several weeks and we're now down to the wire. We have a back up plan, but really like the Cosmos Gold so hope the truck arrives by Tuesday.

What else...inside and outside painting is done, the stone work is complete on the front of the house and patio pillars. More will be added to the outside breakfast nook and likely other areas as we really like the look...just wish it was free. Our columns were installed in the entry and are awaiting faux painting. Also, the pool edging is complete - once we have our CO, the pebbletech will be applied and be ready for filling. That should do it - here are some random pictures:

Roof tile going into place:
Columns (2 of 4 - they are in the foyer/entry of the house - this hallway is looking toward the master):
Stone work going on the patio pillars and house being primed for paint:

Our second granite option - our first is very similar but I forgot to snap a photo.

Rocking

Stone
They started to apply the stone yesterday - love it and wish we could have it all over the house. For now on the outside, the entry, a side wall on the north and south, the pillars on the patio and the breakfast nook area will have stone. We plan to add stone to the two fireplaces, bar area and niches.









Cabinets
The cabinets are about 80% installed and the floor tile is pretty much done. With the exception of the kitchen island, the cabinets and all doors are an alder wood stained with a black glaze (to give them a dark brown appearance). We went with an oatmeal color on the kitchen island.




Pool
They added the tile around the spa and pool. This picture does not do the color justice - here it looks gray, but it's actually glazed with a deep blue hue.