home renovation recap

 Hi: This was a noble effort to limit posts on this page to home renovation. But as you can see I have fallen woefully behind. And the truncating has made this less reader-friendly than I had imagined. So … if you are fascinated or mildly interested in the details of the renovation, just click the cloud that says “dream home renovation” to pull up relevant posts more easily. And, for the record, I have some confidence that phase 1 of the renovation will be done, done, done on May 30. Stay tuned for more delusion and errant brainstorms.

In case you are just interested in the postings related to the renovation, I’m running them below so you can skip the random tangents of the full blog (as opposed to the random tangents of the renovation postings …).

If you stop by, please say hello. If you have advice, guidance, an off-the-wall notion or clear disagreement with my renovation plans, please leave a comment. Though there are roughly 4,000 hits — who are you??? — there are very few comments. If you have thoughts on how I can increase blog interactivity, please share that too.

For the posts that are truncated, you can read the entire piece by clicking on the headline.

Thank you for taking the time to visit.

get thee to the scullery

If you are (as I am) planning a new or remodeled kitchen, designer Christopher Peacock offered some wisdom in the New York Times article, “And Now the Six-Figure Scullery,” written by Penelope Green.

Based on his experience with clients asking for features that rarely get used, he developed two Top Ten lists of kitchen features that are often underused as well as must-haves.

A Designer’s Punch List

Here are 10 items Christopher Peacock said clients have asked for but don’t often use, and 10 items they don’t think to ask for, but should consider.

SELDOM USED

• Pot-filling faucet
• Pantry dishwasher
• Pantry refrigerator
• Kitchen desk
• Trash compactor
• Large microwave
• Rangetop grill
• Two-tier island countertops
• Large island
• Appliance garage

GOOD TO HAVE

• Refrigerator and freezer drawers
• Two dishwashers
• Warming drawers
• Small microwave
• Bookshelves
• Tray storage
• Roll-out drawers
• Message center
• Marble countertops
• Wood countertops

You can find the entire article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/garden/10peacock.html?pagewanted=all

a remodel in shades of green

If you’re like most amateur remodelers (ie, me), you soak up information around you and research when you have time to make the best choices for you. If you’re also looking for alternatives that benefit you, the planet and your children’s children, tons of resources exist on the internet.

It can be fairly overwhelming to sort through what is truth and what is hype.

If you’re looking for a starting (or middle) point, check out this new publication produced by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the folks who brought LEED-certified building into the mix.

It’s called Regreen, was unveiled in mid-March and can be downloaded for free here: http://www.regreenprogram.org/

Go green. What are some innovative tips you’ve unearthed about sustaining the planet?

backyard gets the green light

I don’t know if you’ve priced post lights but for some inexplicable reason just the top light part (not the post or the other electrical mechanisms) cost nearly as much as a regular coach lantern, and they often aren’t nearly as big. It’s a vast lighting conspiracy though because it’s consistent among product lines and manufacturers of the better-quality lights.

So imagine my surprise when I discovered beautiful little post lights that coordinate closely enough with my front lighting to replace the old colonial lights that already exist in the backyard at a relatively inexpensive price. The existing two are falling apart; one is 25 years old, easily. The other may be 100 years old from the looks of it.

I’m comfortable with the line (Minka-Lavery, which is now also going by Great Outdoors for their exterior products) as I used them on my current house. They’ve held up very well over six years despite their modest pricing, and look as good as new. The fixtures the seller had put on the house lasted about a year before falling apart.

They are so much less expensive than comparable products. But it gets better!

They just introduced a new Energy Star version with a dusk-to-dawn photocell and a 13 watt fluorescent bulb (California Title 24 compliant). And it’s not tiny, measuring 12 1/4 tall and 8 wide for $104. The only other site carrying this new line had them for $284 a light.  LampsPlus has free shipping and no tax.

I’ve used www.lampsplus.com before and they were quite good. If you have an interest in the Scottsdale II Energy Star line, you can find it here: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/s_scottsdale/?lpqsv_cid=114

As always, do some competitive shopping via Google as pricing and sales change daily on the different vendor sites.

I’m going to sand the posts (which are peeling black paint any how) and repaint in a bronzy/copper color, and pop those puppies on top. I can even do this project myself. I admit, I also found another post light that matches my front lights almost exactly for $135 on sale (regularly $240) but they weren’t energy efficient nor did they have the photocell. So I decided aesthetics loses to one more little thing to stomp less on the planet. These are close enough.

   I am delighted.

slate porch and walk

I have been remiss in my blogging. In my defense, I did successfully complete my doctoral comprehensive exams (which I may have noted earlier), which took up January through March. We’re also finishing a capital campaign and preparing for our big event (to raise $600K in a single evening) which is in two weeks.So, work has been quite busy. I do have this week off as part of my need to prepare one house to potentially get it on the market … though I remain torn on timing. I may try if for three months and then yank it if it starts to become a stale listing with so many in College Park on the market.However, we still have a few loose ends to tie up at on the outside renovation at the new house (which is almost a year mine now, so not so new really).Slate tile for the front porch and walk way is on my mind.

I orginally chose the multi-Raja: . However, the samples from the quarry came back very pastel pink and green. I almost wonder if they sent dessert Raja by mistake, which the website shows as:

.  The door is a rich (slightly yellow, could use a little more black but will stay as is for now) red door. And the siding is a deep moss green. I like them but once they were up, the slate that seemed most appropriate would have to limit red to avoid clashing, not have too much green to avoid an almost entirely green palette (next to the grass), and probably should have more blue and/or gold.

Yet I cannot find blue slate from the source I was given. Rustic gold seems to have a good bit of blue and some yellow.

Brazillian black (will it really be black?) looks like this, which seems blue to me:

Brazillian multi-color may be going too green in tone:

What about mixing:   and ? These are Rustic gold and Brazillian black?

Tile shouldn’t be this hard.

The house colors (the second green photo is truer):

I am in need of feedback so if any of my NYT Dream Home Diaries buddies are reading, please jump in …

Thanks!

you’ve got mail

My new mailbox from Renoma Lighting (aging copper with tapioca glass): I think it complements the Arroyo Craftsman lighting well. These are stock photos so the finishes don’t match as well as they do in real life — both are a slightly patina-ed copper.

a bewitching kitchen?

For the kitchen cabinets — Kraftmaid oatmeal glaze in maple.

With moss green glaze for the island.

Door fronts.

update on biscuit/bisque appliances

As you may recall, I’ve been pondering whether biscuit would look lovely with the kashmir white granite (potentially) and the Kraftmaid maple oatmeal glaze and moss glaze cabinets. A very kind man at Home Depot did put an oatmeal glaze cabinet up against a biscuit appliance — and what to my wondering eyes did appear: the appliance is a yellow beige and the oatmeal cabinet is definitely a gray beige. And they absolutely do not coordinate …

 So, back to rubbed oil bronze (ala Jenn-Air) or perhaps I’ll suck it up and do stainless again. Stay tuned.

on a clear day …

I may be delusional but the house seems to look spiffier when the sky is blue. So here are a few updated photos. It will look even better when the slate is in, I think.

nearing the finish line

Day 127. Here are some before and after shots, along with a close up of the paint color (the first one). We’re very nearly there … just some additional electrical work, a little concrete work, the slate tile porch and walk, landscaping and new hardware on the garage doors still to come in the next week or so. 

green suds?

January 4, 2008 at 4:33 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | | Edit this post

Five years ago, I wasn’t at all environmentally aware. I liked the environment, naturally (unless asked to camp out in it), but I did not understand the impact of everyday decisions on its long-term sustainability. Truth be told, I’m still learning — and amazed at all there is to discover about how we can mitigate our impact on this fragile planet.My previous washer/dryer purchases — which always occurred when I was on a strict budget — involved finding the largest capacity that Sears offered at the lowest price. No questions about water use or energy efficiency occurred to me.Of course, in the interim, I’ve become a little wiser and have been researching the appliances for the new house. You may recall that the exterior renovation will be complete in a few days, the inside is a cosmetic disaster, and I will be camping out there in the most habitable part of the house while the current house is on the market. In Florida these days, that time period could be quite awhile.I’ve been eyeing the new front-load washers and even admire them while visiting Home Depot and Lowes. But the prices took my breath away. One unit is more than I paid for the last two W/D combos put together. And I’ve heard from friends who were early adopters that their frontloaders had mildew/mold problems in the rubber gasket around the door (not sure what brands they had).Consumer Reports last summer offered up several recommendations: For washers, the LG Steamwash was tops. For dryers, they pointed out that the bells and whistles of the new models really aren’t worth $1,200-plus when one could get a Sears or GE energy efficient model for $435 or so. That made sense to me.Dutifully, I looked up the Sears dryers and discovered they are not available in my area. I did find the GE and could have it delivered for about $450. Not bad. I put it in my online shopping basket.Next I investigated the LG and discovered two different Steamwash models (one slightly newer), which, according to the LG website, have exactly the same specifications (except for colors). While price-comparing I also found oodles of incredibly positive reviews on the Steamwash washers and the dryers. The reported savings on water and power (from owner reviews) and the machines’ efficiency ratings (from Consumer Reports) were impressive.After nearly settling on AJ Madison (which would price-match Rainbow Appliances), I decided (though it wasn’t showing up on a Google search) to check one of my favorite stores, www.absolutehome.com, before I hit submit.Sure enough, I wound up saving about $600 from the next cheapest price – with AH’s low price, no shipping, no tax and a 10% coupon code I found through Google. This convinced me that I could get both LG machines (also that I should investigate Google stock). No, really, that I should get both machines, lol. The appeal of the dryer was not so much aesthetics but rather the steam function and the reviewers who pointed out how quickly it dries. I saved about $1,000 on both pieces as compared with product, tax and shipping from most sites, including Home Depot.Having read the zealous testimonials of current owners, I figure — if nothing else — everything that can be put in a washer (and it’s huge) will be very clean. Clean and green! (Well, actually they are white. The red was spiffy but cost $180 more for the pair. The blue was also pretty but ran several hundred more for the duo). The twins should arrive around January 21. Below is a picture of model 2487 washer in red. You can view the specs for all LG appliances at www.lge.com. Sites I explored: AJ Madison, Rainbow Appliances, Best Buy, Appliances Direct, Home Depot and Lowe’s, among others. The most helpful parts were the customer reviews.

If you don’t subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can no doubt access the files electronically from your local public library (I got them online from my university library). It has a wealth of information on specific products in every category. You can see a few of their reviews for free at www.consumerreports.org. And try your favorite search engine: I found sections of the washer/dryer report listed on different appliance sites. Oh, and if you’re in the market for a new top-loader, CR strongly recommends staying far, far away from them.

Happy sudsing.

renovation time in dog years

January 2, 2008 at 1:09 pm | In NYT, dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments

As the new year starts, my “30- to 45-day — even if it rains every day” exterior renovation (enclose garage, add porch, move doors and windows) is nearing its 124-day finish line. It’s like dog years.Those of you following the New York Times’ Dream Home Diaries blog/saga of Paul Brown and Alison Davis may find the article link posted below interesting. It’s a shame the authors are not sharing the same insights and self-reflection with the loyal readers/responders who have for more than a year been showing great foresight, asking smart questions, and offering solid guidance and options.Having said that, I do not envy these erstwhile (and no doubt well-intentioned) bloggers the rash of told-you-so’s they receive when they seem to stumble upon some issue that a reader pointed out months ago. I am sure there are days they wish they had never embarked on so public a pursuit.To catch you up, the $350K cottage on Anna Maria Island is now $750K or so (the readers have a betting pool on finishing dates and final costs), not including the property they purchased four or five years ago. It is three stories with an elevator, roof-top deck (that’s the fourth story), two laundry rooms and plenty of room for the grandchildren they envision (and have apparently named). The builder, John Agnelli, does offer the backstory to some reader questions, for which he has gained undying loyalty and praise. The rest you can read at: http://dreamhome.blogs.nytimes.com/. It is entertaining and painful at the same time but the reader comments — many with experience with construction, design and green building — are helpful.The article written by Paul and Alison, “The Beach Cottage,” for Architecture Boston can be found at:http://www.architects.org/documents/publications/ab/novdec2007/OtherVoices.pdfAlthough I wonder who is behind the 2,800 or so hits to this blog (folks who don’t actually ever comment, lol), I also count my lucky stars that I’m not getting beat up for the missteps I’m making on my own project. On the other hand, I sure could benefit from some really smart readers/lurkers who would like to share their own hard-earned knowledge.Feel free to jump in on any of the renovation issues. No, really. I mean you, dear reader. All items on the interior renovation (which can be found in the Home Renovation Recap tab up top) are still ponderings that will continue to be pondered for at least a few months before work begins.

more savings on emtek (30%)

December 29, 2007 at 12:16 pm | In dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments

You would think I rep for the company. (I don’t). I’m just a big fan (and have been purchasing lots of hardware), and the big box and specialty store prices for Emtek are out of my league.I had to pick up a few more parts and pieces for both houses and wound up at www.homeannex.com, where I found at least 30 percent off their Emtek (and another 8 percent + 3 percent newsletter bonus for other stuff, including sale items).I used this site once before and had good luck. I will say that their reviews are mixed, so I hope for good fortune once again. But in case you’re in need of lower-priced Emtek hardware and missed the coupon for the other site that I like, this might be an option.

all quiet on the southeastern front

December 29, 2007 at 12:10 pm | In dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments

For the one or two people who frequent this blog (and the other 2,000 who have wandered here at some point), I apologize for having been so uncharacteristically quiet.I did finish my 26th doctoral class, so I start comprehensive exams in January. This quarter was the toughest so far on every level, and had it been the first, would likely have also been my last.Update: The new house’s exterior renovation should be complete within two weeks. I’m not sure what it is about this process but time-frames multiply in dog years.Then: I get to go camp out there (the inside is wickedly dreary) until the current house sells … and then we begin the interior renovation, which is a gut within the existing footprint (at which point I get to move again). I plan to spend 90 percent of my time there on the back porch facing the lake, ignoring the disaster that will have become my daily environment.With any luck I can escape to the beach periodically.So, as the new year begins, I am counting all the people and things for which I am grateful. In fact I am going to go jot them down in my gratitude journal.What makes you most grateful?

you say biscuit; i say bisque

November 25, 2007 at 12:31 am | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments

I’m toying with the notion of bisque/biscuit (depends on the manufacturer) appliances (rather than my keenly sought-after yet very pricey Jenn-Air oiled bronze) to fade into Kraftmaid’s Oatmeal Glaze cabinets. I’ve visited Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Expo … and I can’t find a bisque/biscuit appliance anywhere — to hold up next to the Kraftmaid cabinets to see if this is a brilliant idea or a really dumb one.Some web sites are claiming that bisque is the new neutral, and Consumer Reports keeps it among the top 3 finishes. The snooty man at Expo (who is after all working at Expo in overalls and I don’t mean that in an ugly way) pointed out to me in a rather derisive, ugly way that it is a very low-end finish.I’m ok with low-end remarks from the snarky man at Expo, particularly as GE and Maytag have the new French-door, sort-of high end (certainly not low-end in terms of price) refrigerators and other matching appliances.What do you think?Do I spend $50K on a kitchen remodel to end up with potentially tacky 1950s appliances?I’m torn.I’ll know better when I can see the cabinets next to the appliances. (Looks like I’ll have to “rent” a door and go to the local discount appliance dealer or Sears, which I guess the Expo guy would consider low end too, lol). I have a feeling the oatmeal is too gray for the bisque, but we’ll see.I look forward to your feedback.

new emtek coupon (nov. 30 deadline)

November 25, 2007 at 12:18 am | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments

 

Update:

I was searching for pretty, bronze garage door handles/lifts. I looked and looked (and looked) and found very little, and nothing with an arts and crafts, craftsman or mission style.

So, then I thought, why not purchase two 8-inch door pulls that match the entry set, put them sideways, and pretend they were meant to be garage pulls? (I feel brilliant).

Then I went back to work to remain employed.

Low and behold, in a divine providence retail moment, a coupon arrived minutes ago from a company from which I’ve bought crystal/bronze interior door knobs http://www.doorknobdiscountcenter.com/?CustomerCoupon). They are low-priced to begin with (have about the same or better discount as any Emtek discounters). But the coupon is for 25 percent off their already fair prices. Emtek has a beautiful line of arts and crafts hardware.

So, while I won’t need interior door knobs for a few months, I’m taking advantage of the sale. I also picked up the 8-inch pulls and a doorbell cover. If you, too would like to take advantage, the codes are below. Happy shopping!

Codes are expired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gratitude check

November 23, 2007 at 10:30 pm | In NYT | No Comments

Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for my niece and nephew (and their mom, dad and grandmother), who drove cross-country to hang out for some nuked ham at the beach.I’m also grateful that I’m nearly done with doctoral coursework (three weeks and counting), which has kept me away from blogging (or doing anything but work really) much this quarter.And of course health, friends, home, and our spiffy escapes with amazing ocean waves. On some level, I’m grateful for general contractors and home renovation. Think: oppportunities and long-term possibilities, not short-term drama or angst.I’m grateful for a truly meaningful job helping students to transform their lives through access to opportunities and to higher ed. And of course I must remember the staff and volunteer board members who toil endlessly in pursuit of our mission.The New York Times offers a view into the concept of gratitude and explores keeping an intentional gratitude journal (a la Sarah Ban Breathnach and Oprah), which I remember was a very enlightening daily exercise for me back in the 1990s. Probably time to resurrect it.In the mean time, check out this NYT article by Henry Fountain: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/fashion/22grateful.html?pagewanted=all

For what are you grateful?

Wishing everyone who drops by this blog a blessed day of thanksgiving every single day.

to my gc: “you had me at ‘hello’”

November 1, 2007 at 2:28 pm | In NYT, dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

Well, apparently I’m not the only one who is experiencing general contractor woes. It’s nothing deadly, and is mostly annoying. We’re starting to creep over budget and construction time will easily take double what was originally estimated. I guess, given other home renovation horror stories I’ve heard, I should count my lucky stars.

He came on strong, loving, empathetic, attentive, and then before you even realize it, the anomalies begin to become patterns, not unlike, as a NYT author points out, a bad boyfriend.

OK, so this is my current renovation story but it is also the premise of a very funny (sadly funny) New York Times article by Deborah Derrickson Kossman, “Why We Needed a Prenup with Our Contractor.”

The memory starts to go, they stop writing things down, the excuses become more prolific and creative, and the project lingers. This is my “rebound” contractor; the first one was sent packing early on. I’m just not sure I’ll use him for the inside renovation once we wrap up the outside. Assuming we do wrap up the outside. I wonder which is worse: The devil you know, or the devil you don’t know?

It is by the way construction day 52.

Here is the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/fashion/28love.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all

I have to ask: Are all the good contractors taken???

construction day, hmm, i’ve lost track

October 24, 2007 at 1:21 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

It’s day 46.

Well, I have been a really bad blogger. But on the sunny side, I’ve been a dedicated doctoral student and an insanely busy fundraiser, with lots of great results. You can’t do everything.

Speaking of which, I’ve not made tons of progress on selling one house. I did meet with three realtors (during the break between quarters) and then was overwhelmed by the little to-dos. I was going to touch up the paint in the kitchen while writing my advanced research methodology paper but I ran out of hands.

The new house renovation however is going swimmingly, though of course it is taking twice as long as predicted. Suspecting that going in, I’m A-OK with it. I will say, however, that we’re still under budget.

Quick, someone knock on wood.

A few little glitches: the garage door hardware (which I asked not to have included) came preinstalled. So we have black colonial hardware on a house that is mission style with copper/bronze fixtures. Hmmm …. I’ll try painting the strappings and handles and see if I can live with them. I had a very simple solution with some beautiful bronze pull handles that will look goofy with the other froo-froo hardware. A problem for another day.

The subs put up round columns with no flutes but as it was their mistake, the correct square fluted columns are now up. The paint has been chosen (at least until I see it on the wall and could change my mind).

I love, love, love the front door, though the pictures don’t really reflect its beauty. I’m not sure if it’s going to be stained or painted.

I do have new pix.

If anyone can explain to me how to save these at a much lower resolution, I would be very grateful. They are 8 mp so they are huge when I try to insert.

I had good luck with my old camera and different software.

Nevertheless, a slide show is below from “before” to now.

That’s all for now. I still can’t figure out who the 2,000 hits are on this blog. I hardly hear a peep from any readers. I do know from blog stats that your favorite topics are:

• Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.
• Jenn-Air oiled bronze appliances.
• The Not So Big House and Sarah Susanka.
• copper and bronze mission fixtures.
• NYT Dream Home Diaries.
• lakehouse renovation.
• cottage/bungalow style.
• the teeny tiny powder room.
• What’s your house worth?
• the real estate market.
• front porch renovation.

If you are interested in my posts on any of these, just go up to search.

So feel free to drop a note if you’re stopping by. Leave your blog address and I promise to leave a note.

 

Photo slide show: the renovation evolution « dream home, beach moments, sundry thoughts

the not so big house

September 30, 2007 at 10:10 am | In NYT, dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

Recently, thanks to Carol, Eva and several other readers of the infamous New York Times Dream Home Diaries, I’ve discovered the work of architect Sarah Susanka. She promotes the “not so big house,” which defies the current McMansion trend of more is more and bigger is better.

Instead, she promotes a more sustainable model, in which families are actually more comfortable in carefully crafted spaces which work around lifestyle and daily use.

This notion also fits the remodel of my own not-so-big house, in which I’m doing away with the formal living room and dining room, combining the kitchen, dining area and family room into spaces that open into each other, allowing clear diagonal views across the house out to the lake.

She also discusses the “away” room, at least one private space in the house, where individuals can hide away for quiet time, meditation or work. Susanka believes that rooms should have combined uses — the office can also sleep guests, for example.

I borrowed her first two books, The Not So Big House and Creating the Not So Big House from the library this weekend, and spent hours poring over more than 400 pages of gorgeous photography and detailed explanations about each decision and each space.

The idea is not to cut costs — in fact, working within a smaller footprint can allow for finer finishes and lots of built-ins. Susanka is a big fan of green building and remodeling. She invokes some Frank Lloyd Wright and much of her design has a craftsman feel to it. Lots of wide wood trim, varying ceiling heights to add intimacy, and mullions everywhere.

If you want to learn more, go to: www.susanka.com or www.notsobighouse.com. Her web pages offer sample chapters of the books, as well as many pictures of her showcase homes.

construction day 19

September 28, 2007 at 3:43 pm | In college park cottage 4 sale | | Edit this post

Magicians indeed!

Note from the general contractor:

We have made a new front door opening appear at Kasper, the neighbors are going to call us magicians!!

Everything is looking great; electricians will be doing their thing next week; garage doors are ordered; entry doors are on their way, all is well.

If you live in Central Florida and would like the name of the this miracle-worker send me a note with your email address. As my architect commented this morning, had we stuck with the first GC, we just now be going into permitting on their timeline (after starting the process with them in March).

construction day 17

September 26, 2007 at 7:02 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

The concrete block is up, the windows came out today, and the framers are finishing the front porch.

img_0223.jpg

porch.JPG

rainbow over the lake

sunrise over the backyard

September 23, 2007 at 12:19 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

This is the view from the back porch in the morning.

a column on, well, columns

September 22, 2007 at 10:30 am | In 1 | No Comments | Edit this post

Details. Details. I’ve decided to go with foam columns and exterior window trim to avoid Florida’s wood-rot/termite issues. My current house is stick construction and, well, let’s just say the exterior has had to have a good bit of work done to rehab it after six Florida rainy seasons.

I never thought I’d want concrete block but am thrilled that the new house is block. The front and side of the house will be sided with Hardiplank.

I investigated the “green” factor in foam. It would seem to be an improvement upon wood that isn’t sustainable.

www.WNCfoam.com says:

A Win-Win Situation for the Environment!

Use of foam reduces the need for wood, thus reducing the impact on our forests. Unlike block, wood or plastering processes, foam produces very little jobsite waste. It can also be recycled and some foam manufacturers are experimenting with foam made of recycled products.

It is greener, so it will be my choice for crown molding, baseboards and window trim inside too. It is less expensive, has beautiful architectural detail, countless style options, can be finished with a wood grain and is installed with caulk.

Below is the column, the cap/base, the exterior wood trim and the interior molding (from www.foamsupply.com).

construction day 12

September 21, 2007 at 5:42 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

Note from the Godsend general contractor: Things are going very well. We accomplished much of the block today, we should finish it on Saturday. My framers started today and should be finished today with the exception of a small shortage of decking board that I will take care of myself and not require them to make a special trip back. I plan to have two inspections by Tuesday. After my inspections I will remove the windows accordingly and the entry door and relocate them to their new permanent spots. Our new doors should arrive in approx. 7-10 days, electricians will start on Tuesday with their rough-in for the project.

the teeny tiny powder room

September 20, 2007 at 4:21 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments | Edit this post

I’ll be adding a small half bath to the house and have chosen this vanity from Overstock.com. It has arrived, and it is adorable. When I purchased it, it was $499 plus 20% discount and free shipping.

construction day 10

September 19, 2007 at 8:33 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

The rainbow yesterday foretold good news on the home renovation front.

Although you can’t see too much yet, we’ve had great progress. I tried to download pix but it isn’t working tonight for some reason. However, you’ll see links to the photos below.

kasper-sea-dip-sept-2007-035.jpg

kasper-sea-dip-sept-2007-030.jpg

Concrete block was delivered. New piers dug around the garage, old supports moved, temporary up, and block goes up Saturday.

The front porch is poured. Front porch framing should happen this weekend, too.

Upon discovering that the existing bronze finished windows (which coordinate with the copper/bronze fixtures) are double-paned, tinted and only a year old, the GC counseled me to consider canceling the Anderson window order. We will repurpose two existing windows that are the perfect size to put on the garage, and that means not having to change out the front bedroom window when we get to Phase 2.

I love a GC who gets green building and sustainability, and is willing to make a compelling case when I was set on brand-new energy-efficient windows. These will do just as well. We’ll add mullions to give the mission look. Originally, we were going to repurpose the windows in the office with the lake view or donate to Habitat for Humanity. Plus, I save around $3,800.

We’ll surround with white foam window trim to give the illusion of wood and coordinate with the fluted white foam columns.

It doesn’t look like much yet but the GC has gotten more done in a couple of weeks than the first one did in five months!

And, I got the deposit from the first GC back today. Between the window savings and the deposit check, we’re $8,000 to the good this week! So all is well.

emtek coupon alert

September 13, 2007 at 5:14 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

I was searching for pretty, bronze garage door lifts/handles. I looked and looked (and looked) and found very little, and nothing with an arts and crafts or mission feel.

So, then I thought, why not purchase an 8-inch door pull that matches the entry set, put them sideways, and pretend they were meant to be garage pulls? (I feel brilliant).

Then I went back to work. Low and behold, in a divine providence retail moment, a coupon arrived minutes ago from a company from which I’ve bought crystal/bronze interior door knobs. They are low-priced to begin with (have about the same discount as any Emtek discounters). But the coupon is for 25 percent off their already fair prices. Emtek has a beautiful line of arts and crafts hardware.

So, while I won’t need interior door knobs for a few months, I’m taking advantage of the sale. I also picked up the 8-inch pulls and a doorbell cover. If you, too would like to take advantage, the codes are below. Happy shopping!

http://www.doorknobdiscountcenter.com/?CustomerCoupon

Use one of the following referral codes during checkout:Save $10 for orders between $100-$250 (Excluding Emtek) use referral code: SEP7SAVE10 or Save $20 for orders over $250 (Excluding Emtek) use referral code: SEP7SAVE20 or Save 25% Off Emtek orders (no minimum order) use referral code: SEP7EMTEK

bronze (age) appliances

September 13, 2007 at 12:16 pm | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

I have been yearning for Jenn-Air’s new oil-rubbed bronze collection since they first mentioned them about a year ago.

They aren’t cheap. In fact, the refrigerator is $3K, dishwasher is $1,200 and the double oven is $3,400.

I think I was willing to splurge if I could find it in the budget but as I’m planning the whole look, I’m leaning now toward — not avocado or harvest gold but one about the same vintage, biscuit.

I’m going to have to hold an oatmeal glaze door next to a biscuit refrigerator but I’m pretty sure they will be close enough that the appliances will fade out rather than become design elements. And I’d save thousands of dollars. Hmmm … well no firm decisions yet.

construction day 3 (with update)

September 13, 2007 at 11:38 am | In dream house renovation and construction | No Comments | Edit this post

Note from the general contractor: All is going very well. We are set for our inspection on Thursday, I had hoped for an inspection today but it was not in the cards. I am going to be pouring the new concrete on Friday morning so if pictures are part of the plan, good photo opp coming soon!

So, we have progress! By Saturday, the garage floor, appliance platform and front porch should be in place. This should get us in just before Hurricane Ingrid heads our way.

Update: Note from contractor Thursday at 5 p.m.: I took several pics before we poured the concrete, our inspection went well today and was done very early this morning, I was able to order concrete for today and we poured it today. Back on schedule….just the way I planned it!!! I will take more pics tomorrow with the new concrete after we strip the concrete forms. I will send them to you over the weekend.

Have I mentioned that I love this man?!

In other news, finals for all three classes are done, done and done.

construction day 1

September 10, 2007 at 2:24 am | In dream house renovation and construction | | Edit this post

Finally. Sept. 10 marks day 1 of external construction. The concrete sub will be beginning the process. Stay tuned.

pop the cork

I’m investigating cork as a flooring product. It has many advantages, as it’s durable, sustainable, insular and kind of bouncy. It can be applied to concrete or a subfloor, and it comes in tiles, planks and sheets.

On iFloor.com I found dozens of different varieties as far as color and texture. I’m going to have to see them in person and throw a few samples on the floor.

My concern has been whether the cats (rescues with claws intact) will think we’ve laid down a new scratching post for them.

And, speaking of corks, I’m going to have to pop one for the new general contractor, who walked the application through permitting in a couple of hours Friday morning!

The concrete guy gets there Monday. YiPPee!!!

i’m floored

September 6, 2007 at 12:27 pm | In dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments | Edit this post

Hello: As I’m watching the New York Times Dream House Diaries commentors go into nuclear meltdown with the bloggers’ lack of attention to detail and planning ahead, I’m amused and befuddled.

But more importantly, I am reminded that I need to make some final decisions on interior finishes because when one house sells, the interior of the new one will be gutted. The plans are below (I apologize but I cannot get the architect’s PDFs to show rightside-up here; there must be some code embedded).

kasper-floor-plan-5-13-07.pdf

Nevertheless, today I would like to talk about floors. I need advice on which flooring to choose for this renovation.

The original plan was oak (real, not laminate) and slate, with oak in the living areas, bedrooms and office, and slate in the kitchen, butler’s pantry, three baths, front porch and exterior screened porch.

As I’ve investigated, I am reminded that oak is pricey, and slate is quite reasonable.

The great room opens to the master and office with french doors, and then out to the porch, the pool and the lake, where there will be some wet foot traffic from visiting wee ones.

• So would it make more sense to do slate throughout, except the bedrooms (or maybe just except mine)?
• What about bamboo? It’s sustainable, and it’s not bad looking, particularly the carbonized.
• But how will bamboo coordinate with deep oak and some cherry mission furniture?
• I love the look of wood throughout but am I making an expensive mistake not tiling for durability and cost-effectiveness?
• Should I consider a high quality laminate?

This decision, like most of the other major ones, has a domino effect on subsequent purchasing/finishing decisions — such as:

• crown molding now or later;
• oil-rubbed bronze appliances (Jenn-Air) and copper farm sink or stainless (or even almond) to blend in with the Kraftmaid maple cabinets that will be finished on the island in moss glaze (green) and mostly oatmeal glaze (a sort of taupe-beige);
• does the island wait;
• finish out the cabinetry in the butler’s pantry now or later;
• redo the screened porch now or later (am betting later);
• redo the pool (triage now), etc.

The remaining budget will be contingent on every decision made before, so I’m trying to master the details on the front end and strategically plan for what’s most important (to me).

Your advice on flooring?

breathing room

September 5, 2007 at 7:44 pm | In dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments | Edit this post

Sunrise over the lake. Makes all the renovation drama worthwhile.

Twilight on the ocean. Makes everything worthwhile.

It has been a lovely day! I am counting my blessings.

external plan and elevations

September 2, 2007 at 6:26 pm | In dream house renovation and construction, random thoughts | No Comments | Edit this post

kasper-front-elevation.pdf

kasper-side-elevation.pdf

kasper-outside-floor-plan.pdf

These are the PDFs for the outside floor plan and the elevation from the front and side. Before photo is below:

What do you think of the changes?

 

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