Granite countertops

The granite countertops have been installed. We have a raised snack bar with granite on it. To support the granite, we built a 2 x 4 wall, drywalled it, and then placed the granite on it. The homeowners plan on tiling the back splash, so there would be granite between the lower countertop and the raised snack bar. This raised snack bar hides the dishes in a sink when entertaining. July 16 , 2007

Boulder Retaining Wall

We have 2 boulder retaining walls. This is very common when working with a walk out basement. Either the dirt gradually falls around the sides of the basement, or a wall is built to hold the dirt back. These turned out especially nice. One boulder on the bottom is over 6 feet wide! July 16 , 2007

Ceramic tile

The ceramic tile has also been installed. This is around the whirlpool bath. All the baths have ceramic tile on the floors. Ceramic tile is a place where expense can easily be added quickly. Expensive borders, patterns and designs add to the cost. I feel that ceramic tile should be neutral and without the latest patterns due to it quickly dating a house. Remember colored fixtures? Or what about the 1' tiles that were used everywhere? July 13 , 2007

Entertainment center

This is the entertainment center in the rough. We built it to the homeowner specifications, then it gets drywall and then trim lumber and painting and staining. Building it this way, the expense is much less than a piece of furniture for the size. July 13 , 2007

Retaining walls are started

The boulders are being delivered and stalled for retaining walls on each side of the walk out basement. July 12 , 2007

Kitchen cabinets

We have been busy installing all of the cabinets and trim in the house. The hardwood floors have been installed, sanded and the first 2 coats of finish are complete. Check back with us for the next few days for a new posting each day. July 12 , 2007

Progress report

Well, the drywall is complete with a knock down finish on all ceilings. The 3" oak hardwood floors are being installed. Lastly, the front porch railings, shutters are installed. The railing is a maintenance free material. Today the well drilling truck pulled onto the site. We are making progress! May 24 , 2007

Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes has begun! I have never had a home unfinished before. But I am getting good comments on the design and that they are able to see how the rounded drywall corners are achieved. People are also interested in coming back for 2 weeks to see our progress. We will be having an open house in July to show the finished product. Email me for directions. May 16 , 2007

Fireplace Brick

Our fireplace brick has been installed. The color of the brick is Knob Hill purchased from Theut Products in Romeo. This is the same brick that is on the exterior of the home. It is very neutral and will go with any color scheme. A wood mantel will be installed at a later time. May 16 , 2007

Fireplace

We have a wood burning fireplace that vents and has a blower to heat the entire first floor. Most of the area is wide open and will efficently burn the wood cut from the property. The inside has real fire brick and it is oversized to fit more than one log at a time. Drywall is the next step. April 25 , 2007

Exterior is complete

We have finished the siding and have all the windows and doors installed. The colors and textures here are just wonderful! The front door really sets off the exterior. Concrete is next! April 25 , 2007

The siding is almost done.

Well, when something is not going on the outside of the home, there is not much to take pictures of. We are almost done with the siding. Inside, the rough plumbing, heating and electrical are done. We will be insulating this week, and drywall will be installed the first of next week. The concrete for the basement, garage and porch floors goes in the first of the week also. I have been waiting for frost laws to go off. That is when heavier loads may travel on the secondary roads. We have a lot of earth work to do. Keep an eye on us! April 16 , 2007

Brick is complete

We took 2 days to complete the brick on the front of our home. We have sandcastle (light brown) siding going up with white overhangs to follow. We added 2 windows and are waiting for them to come in before we start the siding. April 9th the windows should be in and delivered just after that. April 2 , 2007

The walls are up!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update the postings. I was on vacation. As you can see, we have all the framing complete. Inside, the rough plumbing, heating and electrical are taking place. We are making good progress. The parade of homes is approaching fast. May 12th! April 2 , 2007

More framing

The outside walls are up! Roof framing is to be set by crane on Monday afternoon. By the end of this week we will have a house! Next we will be shingling, bricking the front of the house, and starting the rough heating and plumbing inside. A walk through will have to be scheduled for the electrical decisions. March 11 , 2007

After first day of framing

They guys are making great progress! The walkout wall is framed and the first deck is about done. They are asking how deep do I want the window seat to cantilever off the back? I think 24" will make for a nice seat to watch the water from. March 7 , 2007

Start of framing.

We have backfilled the basement, and are starting the framing today. It should take about 2 weeks to frame the house. Keep watching, it gets better all the time! March 6 , 2007

Pouring basement walls

This is a picture of the trucks bringing the concrete for the basement walls. There were two trucks delivering concrete and two trucks waiting. Pouring this consistently keeps us from having what is called a cold pour line in the walls. The rear of the house, is a full walk out. The footings in the walk out section are 42" deep. We are finally moving! March 6 , 2007

Getting started

We have cleared the trees, staked the house and septic out, and we are ready for digging. We have a great view of the lake too. The house is staked so that it doesn't look directly at the house to the right of the water. The garage is a second garage to the house and will be sided to match the new home. February 28 , 2007

Spring Parade of Homes

Hello! I have a nice addition to this department. You will be able to watch this house under construction and then tour it for the Lapeer County Spring Parade of Homes 2007. The show starts Saturday May 12th. I have heard that when the viewer doesn't see the end of the job it is like "reading a book with the last chapter missing." So I am making sure that you get to read the entire novel. Keep coming back for updates. February 28 , 2007