House selections - starting to get installed!

The house is really starting to come together!  I stopped by the house, and there was a small army working feverishly, but I couldn't help but snap some photos.  I'll have to stop by tomorrow, when I know the house is clear of workers, to get some better pictures.

Countertop installation in progress!

Microwave was installed, and the dishwasher was in the dining room.

Master shower tiled

Hall Bath and Guest bath tiled.  They installed towel bars, curtain rods, and toilet paper holders; which I wasn't expecting.  I don't love them, and will eventually swap out - but one less thing I need to do within the first few days of moving in.

Tile in main areas - done on a diagonal.

The ugly light fixtures - that I'll be swapping very soon after moving.  I've worked in the lighting field for 11 years, I couldn't bring myself to pay an upgrade for light fixtures I didn't like - so I told them to put in whatever we needed for certificate of occupancy.

Driveway and walkway poured - landscaping starts next week!

I love Sherwin Williams

When I painted our condo, our local Sherwin Williams was my go-to place, not only did I love their paints, but the service is AMAZING.  I also love that all the information about the paints I've purchased are stored in their computer.  At one point I underestimated how much paint I needed, and I could tell Erik, with confidence, go in, give them our phone number, and get a quart of the paint that was used in the living room. 

This summer we were looking at some houses, and there was one I loved, was ready to put an offer in on the spot, however, the inside of their house looked like a crayon box had thrown up inside, and Erik wasn't "seeing" what I saw.  I snapped a few photos, and started using SW's online tool that allowed you to "paint" your rooms.  In the end, he "saw" the same thing I did - although a few days later we decided to go for new construction, with a better layout (at $45K less than the five year old house).

Anyway, while I was on the site, I entered a sweepstakes "Color It Today".  Imagine my surprise, when a few weeks ago I was contacted and told that I had been selected, assuming I met eligibility requirements, as the grand prize winner for two $500 gift cards to Sherwin Williams.  To say I was skeptical would be an understatement, but I did some research - and the company that contacted me seemed to be a legitimate company that ran promos for companies like SW.  I also tried to track down the "rules" and sure enough, they were running the promo for SW.  So, I sent in my proof of age and citizenship, figuring I had nothing to lose.

Well, imagine my surprise when at 6:35 last night the UPS guy knocked on my door.  I thought for sure it was one more Christmas gift being delivered, but instead it was this:

I guess the builder beige (actually burma buff) will be going sooner than planned - I say as I pull out my SW paint deck!

The List ... for the house

Inspired by Domestic Jenny, I decided to put together a list of projects that I want to tackle once in the house. 

When I wrote up the list, I was overwhelmed at the length, so I decided to color-code it. 

• Green for items I want to accomplish in the first two weeks of moving in
• Blue for items I want to complete within 3 months of moving into the house (it's going to be getting warm mid-May and blinds and ceiling fans are going to be important)
• Black for items that I want to accomplish, but don't have a set time-frame (at least not yet :) )

Front Entry

• Purchase a welcome mat
• Purchase topiary or potted plant
• Purchase/install vinyl #'s for front door

Foyer

• Paint
• Decide what to do for wall art
• Determine if a small entry table will fit, and if so purchase

Half Bath

• Paint
• Frame builder grade mirror
• Replace builder grade toilet paper holder
• Replace builder grade towel bar
• Install knobs/pulls on cabinets
• Wall art
• Swap out builder grade light fixture

Laundry Room

• Purchase/install washer and dryer
• Paint
• Install cabinets or shelving over washer/dryer
• Purchase/Install coat and shoe storage
• Swap fluorescent light fixture for incandescent/halogen fixture

Garage

• Install shelving
• Purchase/install coach lights

Home Office

• Install ceiling fan
• Install blinds
• Paint
• Purchase/install window coverings
• Pretty up file cabinet
• Determine layout and figure out furniture what can be used, and what to buy
• Replace carpet with hardwood

Dining Room

• Paint
• Purchase/install light fixture
• Purchase/install window coverings
• Swap carpet for hardwood
• Install wainscoting
• Purchase area rug
• Determine wall art

Kitchen

• Purchase bar stools
• Purchase/install pendant lighting
• Purchase/install under cabinet lighting
• Purchase/install knobs and/or pulls to cabinets and drawers
• Organize pantry and cabinets
• Purchase fridge
• Swap out fluorescent fixture in pantry for incandescent

Great Room

• Purchase/Install ceiling fan
• Install window coverings
• Purchase ceiling speakers
• Paint
• Purchase sub woofer
• Purchase universal remote
• Purchase iPod docking station for reciever
• Setup entertainment system
• Purchase additional piece for sectional
• Have chaise re-stuffed
• Purchase indoor tree/plant
• Figure out lighting
• Determine wall art
• Swap out entertainment center
• Paint existing or purchase new side tables
• Ottoman
• Swap out carpet for hardwood
• Find area rug

Master Bedroom

• DIY Crate and Barrel Colette bed
• Find/make bedding
• Find/make and install window coverings
• Find leaning mirror
• Paint room
• Install ceiling fan
• Find bedside tables
• Find dresser/narrow table for TV
• Find lighting
• Find accessories
• Find wall art

Master Bath

• Paint
• Frame builder grade mirror
• Replace builder grade toilet paper holder
• Replace builder grade towel bar
• Swap out builder grade light fixture
• Purchase/install knobs/pulls
• Swap fluorescent fixtures (in walk-in closets) with incandescent
• Add additional shelving to walk-in closets

Stairway

• Install gallery wall

Loft

• Create "homework" zone
• Purchase/install window coverings
• Paint
• Create "window seat"

Bedroom #2 (Leave alone until it's ready to be a nursery, and we know what we want to do with it)

• Install ceiling fan
• Install blinds
• Paint

Bedroom #3 (i.e. future playroom)

• Install ceiling fan
• Install blinds
• Paint
• Collect letters for alphabet wall

Bedroom #4

• Paint
• Buy full size mattress
• Find bedding
• Paint headboard
• Paint dresser
• Install ceiling fan
• Install blinds
• Purchase/install window panels

Hall Bath

• Paint
• Swap out light fixture for builder grade fixture
• Frame builder grade mirror
• Replace builder grade toilet paper holder
• Replace builder grade towel bar
• Install curtain rod
• Install knobs/pulls on cabinets
• Purchase Shower curtain
• Wall art

Guest Suite

• Install ceiling fan
• Install blinds
• Purchase/install window panels
• Paint Bedroom
• Paint Bathroom
• Purchase king size comforter for duvet
• Purchase white sheets
• Fix/re-finish dresser (got damaged in first move)
• Re-finish secretary desk (was my great-grandmothers, and has seen better days)
• Install knobs/pulls on bathroom cabinets
• Frame builder grade mirror
• Replace builder grade toilet paper holder
• Replace builder grade towel bar
• Swap builder grade light fixture (bathroom)
• Create reading area

Backyard

• Request variance to move AC units
• Have pool installed
• Install outdoor ceiling fan
• Purchase outdoor speakers
• Purchase fire pit
• Purchase grill
• Purchase patio furniture

It's starting to feel like home!

I got a call from the design center that the tile I'd picked for the master bath shower was backordered, so I had three options - they could put the floor tile on the wall, I could wait for the tile to come in (and delay closing) or I could pick a new tile.  I want the wall to look different from the floors, and I don't want to delay closing so I went to the design center to pick out a new tile.  The flash washed out the tile that Debbie (the woman who has helped me at the design center) is holding.  It's really close to the tile in the rest of the house - but I'll be able to do a different size.

After stopping by the design center I stopped by the house and saw this:

hello walk-in pantry (to the right) and a sneak peek of the addition to my office

the French doors (with the glass covered for painting)

sorry a lot of the pictures got cut off - with the walls and my lens, there's not much I can do about it.

It's amazing what a coat of paint can do.  Last time I was at the house the drywall had been taped and textured, but it was hard to see the trim.  Not anymore!  The wall colors may change earlier than I planned; I'm waiting to hear back on something - but I don't want to mention it yet, so I don't jinx myself.

Other areas of the house that got new cabinets

master bath vanity

upstairs hall bath

bathroom in guest suite

and the half bath on the first floor

(view coming in from the garage - laundry room on left, 1/2 bath in front, hallway on right that leads to front door and home office to the right and great room/dining room to the left)

Throughout the building process I've obviously known this is our future house, but today, with cabinets and paint, I could really see it as our home.

Progress at the House

Finally got over to the house this afternoon and was able to get some shots.  Walls have been textured and trim (around windows, crown moulding and baseboard) has been installed.  The interior and exterior will be painted on Wednesday, cabinets installed on Thursday and tile work will begin on Friday.

Our front entry

Our foyer - I'd love to have an entry table, but I don't think there's going to be enough room

There is, however, a little niche that might work for a tiny table and mirror.  Home office to the left - laundry room, 1/2 bath and garage to the right (through the arched opening)

My home office

Our dining room (stairway to left - hallway to home office to the right)

View of the great room - from the dining room

View of great room - from master suite

Master suite - "water view"

Master bathroom - closets on the right and left - water closet and shower in the center

Travertine window sills

Where the foot of the bed will end (there's more room than I thought)

The width of the bed (yes, re-confirming my bed will fit :))

Nook at the top of the stairs - at some point I want to put in a "window seat" - minus the window!

The loft at the top of the stairs - down the road I'd like to create a homework zone - complete with built in desks and shelves.

Another view of the loft.

Bedroom #2 - a future nursery - and will remain empty until it's time to make it such

The hall bathroom

Bedroom #3 - will be a playroom (for nieces and nephews until it's needed for kids of our own)

Bedroom #3 (another view)

Bedroom #4 - also known as guest room #2, until needed for other purposes

Guest Suite

View from guest suite

Dining Room Table

I bit the bullet and bought our dining room table this evening; it's the Torrance Table from Pier 1.  Since we'll be using it for everyday use I wanted to make sure I found something that was sturdy and would hold up well, but could easily be dressed up for special occasions.  The dining set recieved great reviews and I think it will be a great fit for our lifestyle.

Lots of Inspiration

My netbook is rapidly heading towards it's demise, and will soon be replaced by Santa.  Knowing this, I'm trying to get all the images and tutorials I have saved on the hard drive in a place that I can find them; so the blog is there home.  I'm dating all of them 1/1/2010, so they shouldn't clog reader, but I'm creating a link in my blog header, so I can rapidly sort.

There's a lot of progress being made on the house.  I stopped in last Tuesday and the house had been insulated - when I got there Saturday afternoon drywall was up inside and half the house was stuccoed.  I went back Sunday to get better pictures, but there was a small army there, taping drywall seams and finishing up the stucco.  The looked frightened by the camera, so I didn't snap too many shots.

The plan is for the walls to get the orange peel texture this week, and trim work to go in.  The interior and exterior will be painted early next week, and cabinets are scheduled to be installed at the end of next week.  Looks like the house is going to be fairly far along when my brother, sister-in-law and nephews come for a visit!