Thursday, April 22, 2010

It had to happen - HATE IT - send it back

Windows arrived today and installation started. They all look beautiful....















We ordered 3 over 1 style to match the original windows and they installed with extra trip (which will be green)
















EXCEPT...the bedroom window set - the 3 over 1 is not 50/50 as all other windows (above) it's 30/70 split.

It's the first time I've said - Hate it - send it back today during the entire project. Technically the drawings show this window is not exactly 50/50 but it didn't look this severe. I'm surprised it was speced this way as ALL other windows match.

New windows are on the way!
















Siding will be painted same yellow as the house is now. The addition section will be a few shades darker yellow.
















Sunday, April 18, 2010

Paint Colors....

Alexandria Beige in the living room.  Dirt brown or soothing neutral?















Dining room will be Chestertown Buff (no test color because it's one of my favorite yellows)

Kitchen/gather space:
Pittsfield Buff is the base color for the kitchen/gather space - this color also goes up the staircase wall and wraps around reading area upstairs.This looks much more yellow in person.

Copper Mountain is the color in the kitchen (3 walls around cabinets)

Newburg Green is the back wall of the gather space (wall between our BR and gather space). This color also wraps up the other side of the staircase and the wall around the bathroom entrance.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Spring views of the front/side of the house

Front - no change. You can see part of the kitchen extension





























Side with new bath, master bedroom & gathering space addition















Faucets are easy to select - right? NOPE!

Another email exchange that broke the 'only 3 email replies before a call' rule:

Our architect gave us 3 recommendations for a kitchen sink faucet. While shopping for a sink (another saga) we found one of the recommended models for a good price. We bought it.

I sent the specs to our architect for reference and found that we bought the wrong model....She was not happy : )

Architect:

I'm sorry to question a decision once it's made, but feel I need to voice my thoughts.  I am not overly concerned about the selections.  They are all good.  However, I do want to point out features that are a bit different than what we discussed previously - just so you are aware and making an informed decision.  It is entirely your choice in the end.

The LadyLux Grohe model #33 755 you have ordered is the older version with the bulbous shape on both sides of the faucet.  The newer version has removed that bump-out on one side.  The price for these faucets varies greatly depending on finish, but I assume we're looking at the ones with the triple zero "000" extension, which are chrome.  Here's a link to a site that per my google searches this morning seem to have low prices and free shipping.

http://www.wamhomecenter.com/productcart/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=24&keyword=ladylux

My rec is the "LadyLux Pro 32 244 000" (b/c I like the clean lines of the pull down spray), OR the "LadyLux Cafe 33 758 000," which is the newer version of the same faucet you orders, but both still have the old style handle. 

The Ladylux3 is the newest model and what I originally recommended.  It has a more sleek handle.  I like the 32 226 or the 32 298, but this faucet will be more expensive than the above and may not be worth the price difference for the new handle design.

[many links to sites with the models]

(Note that there is a version with a "WA" extension, which is "green" b/c is limits your water flow.  Wouldn't recommend as I think your incoming water service already does that ;-).

Hope this is helpful in understanding on what you are purchasing.  Thx.

Me:
Dan - I don't see any difference between the specs of what we bought and what she recommended - do you?
Dan:
Sure - it's the rounded shape at the bottom of the faucet where they have the water control hardware. They have improved the design in the new model.
Me:
Did you see this when we were at the store?

Dan:
Yes
Me:
WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING?????

Dan:
You said you liked it so it's fine w/me
Me:
I didn't even NOTICE this...I was focused on the height of the faucet, arc of the arm, water control, sprayer...Now that I look at them side by side the older style looks horrible.

Me:
I canceled the order and will select the updated model. SIGH! This #$%& faucet better make me coffee!

Architect: Smiles....

Dan: Shrug


Thursday, April 8, 2010

New Roof & A/C vents

The re-roof was started today and duct work for AC is progressing. Some elements of a1910 original house are not charming...window  A/C units are 1 of them.

New duct work in Grace's room & office:





























New roof shingles















Closet doors in our room















New sky light in transition space between Grace & John's room

Saturday, April 3, 2010

All new spaces are almost ready for utilities and drywall!

In the last 10 days the house has really taken shape - we can't wait to live in the space.

Nope this isn't our house it's the bookend house - it's a speed project....















THIS is our project - so pretty!




























The 2nd floor has been extended for John's room and then they can roof the whole house. This is the extension of John's room and framing for new window.
















SHINY new A/C piping!!!



















Shiny new plumbing too!















View from the new gather space looking upstairs














Exterior details taking shape

 

Hmmm - that doesn't look right....