What a whirlwind lately! Â We’ve been busy making decisions, but I can’t rest too easy. Â Every time I think I’ve got this project in hand, project superintendent Bill wants more. Â We ordered the fireplace stone (great — do you want that arched or level? What type of gas logs? What do you want for the back of the fireplace box?). Â Ordered all the lighting! (Nice! Â Now you need to meet with the electrician to place everything — and do you want under-cabinet lighting? How far up should the soffits be in the kitchen? What type of doggy door are we installing?) Â Picked out all the tile! (Awesome! Â What do you want under the deck? Â Getting bids on the low-voltage stuff! (Terrific — where are you storing the “command center?” Oh, where the wine is stored? Â Then we need to find a way to keep the wine from over heating. Â can I run duct work through the exercise room?
I am NOT complaining: Â this has been an easy project so far (unless you count Mother Nature’s resistance. Â Third week in May and today I froze my toes walking the site, as it was about 19 degrees! Â But should hit 50 by this weekend!). Â I just really find satisfaction crossing things off the list, and my lists have lists. Â Some of my next tasks include picking all the hinges and hardware for the doors. Â Will stop by Knob Hill or Brass Handle for that, maybe next week. Â I am also going to design the front of the fireplace. Â We picked our stone out at Hedberg. Â I was thrilled because Rich picked the same one I did without me telling him my favorites — and it was one of the cheapest. Â Score! Â I want to create alcoves in the fireplace for candles, artwork, etc, so I am going to draw that plan up this week. Â I want something like in this picture:
Picking out the light fixtures was tough — so far it has been the most exhausting, simply because there are so many options online! Â Created an order today at Cartier Lighting with Susan, who really helped me out. Â For example, we wanted some fun, flush-mounted lights covered with crystals in the master closet. Â Susan pointed out that while they would put off good light, the kind of light (wavy) wouldn’t really be great for picking out clothes in the morning. Â SO went with some basic, utilitarian lights instead. Â There are a few key, funky lights that we found online, and Susan is checking to see if she can get them for me. Â If not, I’ll order online. Â One is for the master bedroom:
Fun, huh? I still need to hit Ikea, Pier 1, and a few places like that for paper lanterns.  Hoping to string them up with lights inside for Frankie’s room, like this:
I think we are good to go on tile, too.  Submitting choices to the Kraemer & Sons tile guy, and he will get me numbers.  Goal was to stay under $10 per square foot, and I think we are close.  Still need to finalize vinyl flooring for kids bedrooms, pick out basement carpet, and choose stain for wood floors.  I think that will come after our cabinetry meeting, which should be coming up soon.
It is exciting to visit the site, as every day is different. Â Windows go in in next week, and the roof will go on, too (still need to finalize shingle selection, but narrowed it down to two. Â Waiting for samples so we can see it on site). Â Thursday we meet with the landscaper to make preliminary plans. Â This will probably be a multi-phase event, as we will probably be ating ramen for a few months after the actual construction is done!
Here are some new pictures of the project:

The view of the back of the house. Upstairs, left to right: water closet window, master window, dining room doors opening. Downstairs, left to right: Frankie’s room, Frankie’s bath, the guest room (when will you come visit?), and Carter’s room.
I’m so excited for you! And your parents sold their house, too. When do they have to move?
Elvia
>________________________________ > From: A little Ado About Everything >To: enftalk@yahoo.com >Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 3:30 PM >Subject: [New post] Making progress > > > > WordPress.com >DonniT posted: “What a whirlwind lately! We’ve been busy making decisions, but I can’t rest too easy. Every time I think I’ve got this project in hand, project superintendent Bill wants more. We ordered the fireplace stone (great — do you want that arched or level? W” >
Their house here closes next week, but they won’t move until mid-May.