Where do I begin? Ahh yes, the big reveal. At long last the siding and gutters are complete!
And to top it off, we got this little gem in the mail for the OB:
For those of you that haven't been to The Triple V, here is the view as you approach. Gives you a better idea of the proximity between the house and the outbuilding.
But now, for a quick story, or two...
Last week we scheduled our final building inspection. Apparently the inspector did not like our attempt at blocking off the patio and balcony sliding doors. He did not think the 2x2s would keep a 200 lb person, or a small child from getting through. So, that, along with a few other minor fixes became the weekend 'to-do' list. As you can see from the 2nd picture, we went with adding steps out the back (might as well make it functional, as well as safe) and in the 3rd picture, you can see we blocked the balcony off the master much more securely. Not a very romantic view, but all in due time.
You can also see here all the touch up paint.
And not to be outdone by the other exits, the front door also failed inspection because without the final grading the step up (or down) was too high. So....nothing says 'welcome to my beautiful new home' like some pallet steps! Temporary, of course.
And on that note, after a re-check today, we have PASSED inspection.
There is one minor detail to take care of. Well, major actually. But since it can't be done til spring, my inspector agreed to accept the below letter (which I am hand delivering to county tomorrow on lunchbreak). Upon receipt, he will issue us our CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.
And in keeping with the pain-in-the-ass theme of all utilities, AT&T has decided to join in the fun.
I called a couple weeks ago and tried to explain to them that our new home would require a crew to come out and do overhead line, to our private utility pole, which we had already ran underground line from to the house, at which point they could connect. But I was advised that a crew could not be sent without a work order to install new service. Since we intend on keeping our same phone number, that meant setting up a date to shut the service off at the old house. But I didn't really want to wait for moving date, because I knew as soon as they showed up at the new house, there was no way they were going to be able to do all the work necessary in one day. And I was right. God, I hate being right. Well, easy enough, the installer called the other crew, who came and did the overhead service and connections. And told me to reschedule the install. Upon arriving home that evening I realized they had not turned my service back on at the old house. I spent the next hour trying to get help, only to be told that the particular office I needed was closed for the evening and NO ONE could do anything. The next morning I promptly called and spent the next 2 hours talking with someone (offshore) who I finally convinced to ask a manager for help. At long last, my connections were restored and my install for the new house was rescheduled for the Friday before moving day. But that one night and 2 hours without internet, well, that was rough. Here's the pic that goes with the story. I'm learning to love this utility pole....
Finally, today, great progress was made AND we did not burn the house down. So, what more could you ask for?
Mary Beth and I successfully measured and previously purchased all the shelving for the walk in pantry, kids closets and his/hers closets. Today was installation day.
Below we have the pantry. As if I didn't have enough reasons to eat more, now I have to fill this up.
And here we have my (Hers) walk in closet. Let the drool begin ladies!
So, to round it up this evening, don't be sad, we still have this weekend, to do more work, which includes finishing the fireplace. I still owe you an entry on our lighting fixtures and the carpet goes in next Wednesday. After that, it's moving time! And what better way to enjoy the antics of The Triple V, then to join in the fun!
What's that you say? Oh yes, I will feed you pizza and beer. See you soon!
Our excavator finished the final grade and got the yard "seed-ready". We spent many evenings picking up rocks. We spread a nice starter fertilizer. On Tuesday, May 24th we spread the seed and put down 11 bales of straw. We installed 4 long range sprinklers and PRAYED for rain. Before the week was over we had grass growing.
