Insulation and sheet rock

Loving the progress.  We passed our efficiency inspection (insulation etc) today.   really thankful for as she sheetrock was going in while the inspector was there.   anyways, we are good to go.   

The great room has the 'beams' in place and we will be putting up the wood ceiling today.  

Staining wood and wiring house

  first night at the house tonight.   We wired the surround sound. 

Here is the wood that we stained

Back porch!!

Hipolito finished the deck today.  We are shopping for outdoor decking as well as spindles from Knox Rail Salvage.

Another side of brick done.

Electrical rough in of kitchen is done.   We should be really ready for mechanical and framing inspection on Tuesday.

I'm really stressing about the sound system and other automation stuff... I have no idea how to do it.   Oh well.

Oh NO we DIDn'T!

Yes.  We did.  Check out the brick.  We chose to go with the 'weeping joints' on the masonry bricks.  So, looking down the side of the house, it looks kinda weird.  But, looking directly and angled at it - it honestly looks amazing.  Me and Shae are in love with it.  haha.  I can't wait to get more progress on it.  The masons are doing a great job and they're having a lot of fun too.

just tell me if you don't like it, i know, it's kinda strange

Also, we are making a lot of progress on what is being called "The Turret".  Wow.  The jury is still out on this one, but Shae feels good about it.   Hipolito is the man.

Richard Knight is finishing up the security system today.  Electrician, after his accident hurting his leg, is scheduled to start tomorrow.   We also got some cool news about using "aluminum soffit and fascia" that should save us a ton of money.   Still looking into that.  -G

Vendor Update and Stuff

So ... here is the update.    

Got my first huge bill from 84 Lumber today.  (thanks Mark).  

HVAC - the guys from Rocky Top Heating and Air have been working all week and should be done with the HVAC rough in probably today.

PLUMBING - He should be done this week - but kinda been AWOL.  We have the rough in plumbing stuff ready.   Not too worried.   

GARAGE DOORS - So, wife found a garage door guy that beat Dukes out that does Amarr doors.  So, we got belt drives, keypad, and controllers - 2 in steel back insulated "fake wood" doors with glass and hinges.  Saved about $500 overall - maybe.   I don't remember the guys name.

Electrician - He is starting Monday - and wants to be the only contractor in the house.  He's a machine and has a huge crew - committed to be done in 2 days

Insulation - about 90% sure that we'll be using my vendor CFI (Mike W.) for insulation.  He comes recommended by Cooks and Fuad.  

Sheetrock - we are on the schedule for Mr. Lynch and his people.  They met budget and are in the works.

Brick - ACME Block and Brick are scheduled to drop off brick Monday AM.   Told Hipolito to get guys started Monday

Framing - Hipolito is getting all windows set today (Wed.) and will be working on the garage bump out tomorrow.  He is pushing to get done this week.   The shingles are about 95% done.

Here is the picture from the high side looking down the side of the house

It's always really cool to see about 20 trucks lined up

 ... but, yeah, neighbors are getting angry

Weeping joints on brick?

So, our brick  mason came by and put us a few sample boards together with our brick.  We have a house that inspired us that used (what is referred to as) 'weeping joints'.  The concept is that (see the board on the right) the mortar is pressed into and outside of the bricks creating a 'old world' look to the brick.   This kinda fits into the French Quarter look that we are looking to get with both the bricks, the bronze clad wood windows, and the Bevolo gas lamps that will be hanging in the front.  It's about 60/40% right now that we're going with the 'weeping joint' style.  

I know, it's a risk, but we need to have something that is a little signature and something that is unique.  

Standard on the left, 'weeping joint' on the right