Day 324

Lottsburg, we have Approval...
Thursday the county inspector came through the cottage and left this wonderful green sticker that gives us approval to move in to the newly renovated "Cottage."
Barbie is seen putting the most important items into the kitchen, wine glasses. We are first concentrating on getting the kitchen up and running. Next will be the bedroom.
Guessing that may be able to spend the first night next weekend. I have a shoot on Wed. and Thurs. in DC.
As you can imagine this has been a real journey from last November. For Barb and I we have enjoyed all the encouragement from everyone who has followed along. The blog has been eye opening for me to keep up with the progress of the project. The completed project took just under the eight month estimate. Four months now seems very, very optimistic. Barb and I both agree that the "product" is certainly worth the wait. Walking around the Cottage and working in the kitchen has convinced us that we will be very comfortable.
We will keep folks informed of our progress through Emails and Facebook but the blog is to be retired.
Thanks to all and we hope to see y'all soon.
All best!

Day 320

We have counters and tile...
The tile work on the surround of the gas fireplace was completed today. Can clearly imagine sitting in the living room on a winter evening basking in the warm glow of the fire, and no splitting or carrying wood.
The granite came today for the kitchen counter tops and was installed in under two hours. The top is not highly polished but has a "leather" finish which comes through as matte. There is a subtle texture to the top as you run your hand over it.
With these two events completed we can now have the county inspector come by, hopefully tomorrow, to give us the OK for habitation of the abode. Hardly seems possible we are that close...
When asked about when we will move in I have been saying "in about two weeks" for what seems to be the last three months.
Our friend Patrick has been an absolute jewel to tolerate us for as long as he has. We will welcome him frequently but this time in our house.

Day 316

Inching ever closer to Move In!
Lights are important, especially at night so we have most of the lights wired and working...
The county inspector breezed through and told the contractor that all we needed was the mantle around the fireplace tiled and the counters in the kitchen installed for a final inspection.
Tile work to be done next Monday and Tuesday...
Kitchen counters to be installed next Tuesday. Then there will be some little things done and with the final inspection we can begin moving back in the New and Improved Cottage.
The tedious nature of getting the final steps scheduled and accomplished can be nerve wracking but now we're able to see the final product.
I feel confident in saying that we are certainly in the "home stretch."

Day 306

We have closet, we have door knocker, we have fireplace, we have gutters...

Today the job site was abuzz with activity getting the gutters installed. Certainly will help move the water away from the "cottage."
The gas fireplace was installed in the living room which will help provide heat on cold winter nights, if we have any of those in the future. Now we have to get the surround tiled which will look a lot better than the 2x4's you see in the photo.
Derek installed the Elfa system in the walk in closet so that we may hang our clothes, a really modern, 20th Century concept.
The "red" front door now has a brass sailboat knocker that Barb gave me for my birthday five years ago...some things take a bit longer than others...
We do have a glitch in the counter installation...seems to have been by a couple of days...waiting for a call from the salesman...
Think we're waiting for the county inspector to sign off on the mechanicals and then begin moving in. William Cooke hasn't heard from him...
Getting close.

Day 302

Getting ever closer...
Big week for progress...Second floor is essentially finished with a working bathroom, carpeting in the bedrooms, etc.
Entrance is now on a real step, not the two concrete blocks from three feet...I'll really miss that exercise step...
Kitchen is coming into place...counter top guy was here to measure and should return with the final install mid next week...
County inspector is expected for final on utilities...
Next week the propane guys come back for final install of gas fireplace, cooktop, and a line for the grill on the deck...
Boogie down!!!!

Day 299

Tallyho Tuesday...
Big crew working today, inside and out...
Connecting the plumbing for the bathrooms and kitchen...had a third coat of polyurethane yesterday to set the floors.
Top pic crew is beginning to set the form for the entrance from the valet parking lot...cement to be poured tomorrow...
Lower right is the new 12' wide deck which will have "sock hops" on a regular basis...
Contractor will try to schedule inspector for Friday...Then, with permission, move in...
"Right on schedule."

Day 294

Very important events...
First: Yesterday the stain was applied to the wood floors and today the crew is back to put down the first coat of polyurethane...Tomorrow they will come back to apply the second coat...The dark walnut stain really sets off the entrance foyer. The stair risers will be painted gray, like the upper back wall of the foyer.
Second: The guys on the right are checking out the septic system and setting it to run automatically. They finished and pronounced it operating very well, and that's a very good thing. Now remember this was a "dry" run with fresh water. I will take their word for the good operation. There is a red light and alarm on the control box should anything go wrong. I will have the technician's number at the top of the list on my phone.
A lot will be happening next week so stay "tooned."