The House is Really Coming Together

There was a whole lot of work done today. The stove vent was installed and the gas line to the range. They were also able to bring in the refrigerator. The molding is going up and trim painting has begun. 

I have been fighting this awful sinus infection! I spent much of the day laying around feeling miserable. I am hoping to be back on my feet after this weekend!

  

Range In - Check!

The oven/range was delivered today. The installers had to perform a bit of creative problem-solving and a little geometry to move it into place. In the end, they took the door off the oven. Whew! Rod also prepared the hood for final install on Friday and Don went to town on the trim. 

Electrical & Plumbing

We had a lot of progress at the house today. The plumbing was installed and much of the electrical. It is so nice to have lights on in the kitchen. We have been in the dark since May. I feel like the house is starting to come back to life. 

With the water on in the kitchen, I actually wiped down the counters. I also cooked bread in the oven for dinner and used the counter-tops to prepare some of the food. The electricians will need to come back and do more work, but we definitely appreciate being able to use this space after dark.

I also hung some pictures back on the wall that were knocked down during the tear-down phase. We are getting close!

Twinkling Lights!

Red Pendants

I baked bread in the oven for dinner tonight.

I think it's safe to hang pictures up again.

The Floors are Finished!

We are in the homestretch. I am trying not trip and fall before reaching the finish-line. Most of this past week was spent finishing the hardwood. What a pain! It smells and it left us without access to much of the house. In the end, the floors are beautiful and it was worth the hassle.

What's a major remodel without one more fire drill!??!! 

The blower for our range/oven vent has been causing us quite a bit of frustration. I will not even try to explain the details of this one. After calls and emails to our builder, architect, building inspector, the manufacturer, the manufacturer's technician, a visit from the heating and cooling salesman, a couple of glasses of wine, a few bottles of beer and then finally a chat with our salesman - we have resolution. I think...

Here are pictures of the shiny new floors:

A Trip to Lake Michigan

We took a trip to Lake Michigan while the floors were stained today. It was the perfect weather to enjoy the beach! 

The Floors are Getting a Little Love

The remainder of the week is dedicated to the floors. The back steps were finally installed on Monday! We no longer have to jump down and heave-up! The sanding began today. The living room wood looks brand new! It is amazing what a little TLC can do for a place! Staining and the top-coats will round-out the remainder of the week. We are not really going to be able to access much of the house, so I am starting to plan adventures for us. Tomorrow we are off to Lake Michigan for the day! 

The kids had their first meal at the kitchen island.
It was not very gourmet, but Subway will work in a pinch! 

 New Stairs Up and Down

The old floors have been brought back to life!

The intersection of new and old.

The Challenges of Remodeling

The kitchen looks great, but our house is a disaster. We have been limping along the last few weeks of this project and I am so done. I went on a laundry strike and finally caved after contemplating purchasing new underwear or doing a load or two. I am not sure if my children know what a vegetable looks like at this point. I have been serving them pre-made jello "fruit" cups in place of actual real fruit for about a month now. We only allow the kids to select restaurants that serve alcohol. And I have become the worst landfill violator and have completely given up on recycling.

Our builder has assured us that we will be moving back into the kitchen/first floor before Labor Day Weekend. I am not sure our family is going to make it if this does not happen. Here are a few pictures of the chaos and living conditions in our home.

Our make-shift kitchen in the basement.

It doubles as a laundry room too.

Our dining room/rec room. Yes, Will is playing Minecraft.

Our lawn mower is buried among remodel equipment. It has been weeks since we mowed (it's not pretty).

Counters & Tile

The counter tops and tile went in this week. The back splash is completely finished and the mud room floor is well on it's way. The plumber stopped by today to install all the finishing touches. Unfortunately, I forgot to order a key part for the hot water tap and they will have to come back to finish it off. Oops!

It is all coming together so nicely. With every addition, I get nervous about my selections and choices and worry if I have made the right decision. Usually in a day or two I am comfortable with it. It is so overwhelming to pick-out everything and not be sure if it will all turn-out the way I envisioned it!

Mud Room Tile

Trim & Lockers

The trim is just about finished. It is starting to feel less like a mess and more like a home. They also installed the locker cubbies & a shelf in the mud room. 

We met with our builder yesterday and he said that we should be using our kitchen by Labor Day Weekend. I am a bit nervous even putting this information out there - I just don't want to jinx it! If anyone is looking for a fun, family activity over the holiday weekend, stop by and join us for a little moving & unpacking!

New Bar Stools!

Windows Trimmed & Baseboards On

 Lockers & Shelf in Mud Room

The Cabinets Are In!!!

Today, they finished installing the cabinets. The refrigerator cabinet was so large that they had to bring it through a window. Tomorrow, they measure for our counters!

 

Hardwood & Island Cabinets

We have been out of the house for a week on vacation. We came home to hardwood floors and the beginning install of our islands. The floors look great! We are getting close and are on pins and needles to have this project wrapped up!