After the Spooner family reunion (Mom Spooner, Dad Spooner, and the two married Spooners) got together, I was told that the family has requested a tour of the home, or at least a blog update. Since photos need editing, and we have yet to play with the computers or even hook them up, I decided to use the school's iPad to make a video walkthrough.
For your viewing enjoyment :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
3 more days with the Angry Bear
FYI: I am the Angry Bear.
There are three more days until move-in. This weekend started earl y for me, because I was sick on Friday. Sadly, I didn't get much chance to laze around... I had to stalk Pryde's before I could head to the bed.
This is what greeted us:
At 7:45 am, Dad drove me to Pryde's to wait them out... Eventually they came to work, and I gave them my best Angry Bear - they were contacted to do a job, and we were going to be homeless if they did not get there and finish the job they've had 4 months to complete. After assurances that they would be on the job at 9 am.... I went to bed... At 11 am, they showed up! Better late then never. But they were not the only people on the job. Gingrich was finishing the cabinets, Jack was doing misc. jobs. Dad was wiring the Heat Pump, and I was sleepy! We had 8 vehicles, and about 16 people on site at one point.
Here's the basement mess. With that many contractors, things were cramped, but workable...
Pryde's was not able to complete all their jobs..,. but they did manage to get rough water (in a raw pipe - dirt filled), and the Heating going. One of the younger plumbers put in two toilets in one day... WOW~ No one knows what he was up to all that time...
And Gingrich finished the master bath cabinets - LOVE!
We had been packing our stuff all week and bringing boxes and putting them under the stairs... but this week was our big move-out. We moved EVERYTHING that was not nailed down. So our tiny pile...
Became a mound!
Our moving team also helped to move the appliances to the kitchen too! We now have a working fridge, stove and range!
Of course, I had to cook my first meal with my new appliances... what better than to gather raspberries, Nutella, Caramel/apple filling, and maple syrup and make...
So, with three days to go, here's the kitchen view. Cleaning is going to take some time, but I don't believe it will be anything that I cannot do! I am actually looking forward to clean-up because it will mean that the house is finally ours!
There are three more days until move-in. This weekend started earl y for me, because I was sick on Friday. Sadly, I didn't get much chance to laze around... I had to stalk Pryde's before I could head to the bed.
This is what greeted us:
At 7:45 am, Dad drove me to Pryde's to wait them out... Eventually they came to work, and I gave them my best Angry Bear - they were contacted to do a job, and we were going to be homeless if they did not get there and finish the job they've had 4 months to complete. After assurances that they would be on the job at 9 am.... I went to bed... At 11 am, they showed up! Better late then never. But they were not the only people on the job. Gingrich was finishing the cabinets, Jack was doing misc. jobs. Dad was wiring the Heat Pump, and I was sleepy! We had 8 vehicles, and about 16 people on site at one point.
Here's the basement mess. With that many contractors, things were cramped, but workable...
Pryde's was not able to complete all their jobs..,. but they did manage to get rough water (in a raw pipe - dirt filled), and the Heating going. One of the younger plumbers put in two toilets in one day... WOW~ No one knows what he was up to all that time...
And Gingrich finished the master bath cabinets - LOVE!
We had been packing our stuff all week and bringing boxes and putting them under the stairs... but this week was our big move-out. We moved EVERYTHING that was not nailed down. So our tiny pile...
Became a mound!
Our moving team also helped to move the appliances to the kitchen too! We now have a working fridge, stove and range!
Of course, I had to cook my first meal with my new appliances... what better than to gather raspberries, Nutella, Caramel/apple filling, and maple syrup and make...
Crepes!
Seriously... Raspberry-Nutella crepes are amazing-sauce!
So, with three days to go, here's the kitchen view. Cleaning is going to take some time, but I don't believe it will be anything that I cannot do! I am actually looking forward to clean-up because it will mean that the house is finally ours!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
6 Days - Ready or Not
Our plumber decided that showing up was optional. So with only 6 days (4 of those workable), this look like the not rather than the ready. I contacted Jack, or GC, and he has also been trying to get Pryde's Plumbing to do the job they were contracted to do (within the timeline they were given), but that appears a little beyond possible at this point. Dad's here, and none of the work they said they would do today has been done. The only option is going to be us being HOMELESS for a few days... or at least, squatting in less than ideal conditions. At least my kitchen is awesome!
And the stair banister has partially been put up...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Movement - 8 Days to go
I wish I could say I will post daily, but I cannot guarantee I will have the time.
Here is the cupboard and flooring update!
Here is the cupboard and flooring update!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Delicious Humble Pie! EAT IT! EAT THE PIE!
Well, Josh and I had to choke down some humble pie this weekend. The story begins with our water line, which was done quite crappliy...
When it was first put in, the sub-contractors decided that placing the water lines in water through plastic pipes was the best way to get them in. From what I hear about the story, the heat-pump contractor thought he could save money by doing it himself... and when 3 of our subcontractor friends (and neighbors) told him that the job was insufficient, he apparently just shrugged of the good advice. Sure enough...
The pipe pulled loose from the steel re-bar that they had tie-wrapped to the pipe. The waves (which get quite strong) easily pulled the pipe away from the re-bar. The yellow Photoshopped (not real) circles are where the pipe was damaged. Huge chunks of pipe were exposed. If that had happened in the winter, we would be without water until it thawed... Time for angry bear to come out.
I called Jack and relayed our extreme displeasure with the situation; I again and again reiterated payment pending is exactly that... and that we were unsure on whether company truly knew what they were doing. I told him that I wanted the pipe placed in a steel pipe which was affixed to the ground better. I said we had bough concrete blocks, but that a more permanent solution MUST be found. I tried be as nice as possible, but much like with the Sauna, I was firm.
Sure enough:
Two days later, We found this lovely sight! Another contractor was bought in, one who knows how to submerge pipes... we got exactly what we asked for.
SO, what's with the Humble Pie?
Well, when we went to check on the buried pipes, we found that less than a foot of dirt was used to cover them. In other words, the frost would have gotten them almost as soon as it was ushered in by bad weather. So Josh and I talked with our friends, and it was decided that placing Styrofoam boards on top of the lines, and adding dirt would help the problem, and eliminate frost.
GREAT IDEA!
We put in an order for two full loads of sand/dirt, and about 5 yards small-ish rocks for the water-line issues. Sure enough... we got our two loads.. and a ton of rain! Our Delicious Humble Pie came in the form of using that small wheelbarrow to move half of one load of dirt up and down our hill! SUCKS!
Here's the load we didn't even touch:
Here's the hill which may or may not have killed us this weekend.
And here is a picture of the 2-3 foot rocks that were delivered along with the small-ish rocks we asked for. SIGH!
On the plus side, Josh and I were still laughing about our folly. We learned how strong we are together, as we worked hard alternating raking the sand at the bottom of the hill and pulling loads of sand up and down the hill. We are both zombies, but I was impressed at how well we worked together. I am very happy that we both are stubborn hard workers!
Just because it has been a while since I've posted an Anchor Photo #2.
Let's take a tour. 10 DAYS TO GO!
Here is a look at one of the bedrooms. You can see the colour choices, which carry through the house. It's a little less messy in here.
Back down the Hallway, you can see the doors for the closets.
Some of the shelves have already been put in too!
This weekend, when i was taking a break from pushing and shoveling dirt down the hill, I was staining our doors. We decided to go natural, with a light satin shine. I was able to stain about 3 of the doors (Back and front) before I ran out.
And because I was feeling adventurous, I decided to stain my master bathroom door darker. It was a test. Truthfully, I like it white better (which is a work in progress on the back). But IT was worth the effort to see what it would look like. Josh wanted all the doors like this originally, until he saw how they looked in contrast to each other, then he asked me to change the plan and just clear-coat the doors instead.
No end of work in sight. This week, I pack up most of my stuff, and see about moving it all on the weekend. We are having a huge packing party if anyone is interested? Come on down!
Dad will be finishing the electrical this weekend, maybe?
Pryde's will finish the interior plumbing and attaching the HRV as well as the Heat Pump in anticipation for the 31st move-in date.
Les Gingrich will be bringing in the cabinets on Monday/Tuesday and the counter tops on Thursday.
The appliances arrive on Tuesday YAY!
Wednesday I go shopping for some furniture (Josh promised!)
Dirt will hopefully keep moving... maybe?
Big items will be moved on Saturday/Sunday.
Wednesday the 31st is our last day in the apartment.
I think that's our list so far... some small things in there probably, but we will keep trucking forward! At least we know that some superficial things can be done after we move in, such as the window trims being redone, having the nail holes filled, and finishing the doors. Oh the dusting too. That will be the death of me :) Who knew!
This is the longest post yet. I hope you read it all and enjoyed! See you Saturday!
When it was first put in, the sub-contractors decided that placing the water lines in water through plastic pipes was the best way to get them in. From what I hear about the story, the heat-pump contractor thought he could save money by doing it himself... and when 3 of our subcontractor friends (and neighbors) told him that the job was insufficient, he apparently just shrugged of the good advice. Sure enough...
The pipe pulled loose from the steel re-bar that they had tie-wrapped to the pipe. The waves (which get quite strong) easily pulled the pipe away from the re-bar. The yellow Photoshopped (not real) circles are where the pipe was damaged. Huge chunks of pipe were exposed. If that had happened in the winter, we would be without water until it thawed... Time for angry bear to come out.
I called Jack and relayed our extreme displeasure with the situation; I again and again reiterated payment pending is exactly that... and that we were unsure on whether company truly knew what they were doing. I told him that I wanted the pipe placed in a steel pipe which was affixed to the ground better. I said we had bough concrete blocks, but that a more permanent solution MUST be found. I tried be as nice as possible, but much like with the Sauna, I was firm.
Sure enough:
Two days later, We found this lovely sight! Another contractor was bought in, one who knows how to submerge pipes... we got exactly what we asked for.
SO, what's with the Humble Pie?
Well, when we went to check on the buried pipes, we found that less than a foot of dirt was used to cover them. In other words, the frost would have gotten them almost as soon as it was ushered in by bad weather. So Josh and I talked with our friends, and it was decided that placing Styrofoam boards on top of the lines, and adding dirt would help the problem, and eliminate frost.
GREAT IDEA!
We put in an order for two full loads of sand/dirt, and about 5 yards small-ish rocks for the water-line issues. Sure enough... we got our two loads.. and a ton of rain! Our Delicious Humble Pie came in the form of using that small wheelbarrow to move half of one load of dirt up and down our hill! SUCKS!
Here's the load we didn't even touch:
Here's the hill which may or may not have killed us this weekend.
And here is a picture of the 2-3 foot rocks that were delivered along with the small-ish rocks we asked for. SIGH!
On the plus side, Josh and I were still laughing about our folly. We learned how strong we are together, as we worked hard alternating raking the sand at the bottom of the hill and pulling loads of sand up and down the hill. We are both zombies, but I was impressed at how well we worked together. I am very happy that we both are stubborn hard workers!
Just because it has been a while since I've posted an Anchor Photo #2.
Let's take a tour. 10 DAYS TO GO!
The entry-way flooring needs to be installed, but the hardwood is in! As are some of the closets and all of the interior doors (except the pocket) .
Here is a look at one of the bedrooms. You can see the colour choices, which carry through the house. It's a little less messy in here.
Back down the Hallway, you can see the doors for the closets.
Some of the shelves have already been put in too!
This weekend, when i was taking a break from pushing and shoveling dirt down the hill, I was staining our doors. We decided to go natural, with a light satin shine. I was able to stain about 3 of the doors (Back and front) before I ran out.
And because I was feeling adventurous, I decided to stain my master bathroom door darker. It was a test. Truthfully, I like it white better (which is a work in progress on the back). But IT was worth the effort to see what it would look like. Josh wanted all the doors like this originally, until he saw how they looked in contrast to each other, then he asked me to change the plan and just clear-coat the doors instead.
No end of work in sight. This week, I pack up most of my stuff, and see about moving it all on the weekend. We are having a huge packing party if anyone is interested? Come on down!
Dad will be finishing the electrical this weekend, maybe?
Pryde's will finish the interior plumbing and attaching the HRV as well as the Heat Pump in anticipation for the 31st move-in date.
Les Gingrich will be bringing in the cabinets on Monday/Tuesday and the counter tops on Thursday.
The appliances arrive on Tuesday YAY!
Wednesday I go shopping for some furniture (Josh promised!)
Dirt will hopefully keep moving... maybe?
Big items will be moved on Saturday/Sunday.
Wednesday the 31st is our last day in the apartment.
I think that's our list so far... some small things in there probably, but we will keep trucking forward! At least we know that some superficial things can be done after we move in, such as the window trims being redone, having the nail holes filled, and finishing the doors. Oh the dusting too. That will be the death of me :) Who knew!
This is the longest post yet. I hope you read it all and enjoyed! See you Saturday!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Do they even post here anymore?!
What, I update this page still???!!!
Yes. After a long lull on the mudding and painting, things have picked up quickly. Here now, 17 days before we are to move in, we are in push/panic mode.
Let's take a look:
Inside:
Our false beams are up. Pot lights are going to to in next week, when my father comes back in.
The beam in the kitchen has also gone in.
Half of the flooring in the main living room/dining room/kitchen has gone in. A dark, Tiger-wood bamboo flooring!
Here is a picture of it against the wall in the hallway.
The sconces when they are not on... you have a better view of what they look like.
Bathrooms are grouted up, and ready to be used.... when the plumbing EVER gets finished.
Josh and Dad put up the exterior lighting! It looks fabulous. We had to send some of the fixtures back because they did not fit on the mounts... sad. But we'll get it all figured out eventually.
And the view! The trees have all lost their leaves (most anyway), but the calm winds made for a gorgeous weekend! The sauna is all ready to go, here's hoping that it can get some use this week. I lit it up, and made it nice. Next week, dad will bring up eucalyptus and we'll have a nice cleansing sauna!!! Here's hoping anyway!
Yes. After a long lull on the mudding and painting, things have picked up quickly. Here now, 17 days before we are to move in, we are in push/panic mode.
Let's take a look:
Yes, I painted my door Teal! I like it, but it may be too light of a hue. I may want to darken it, either this year or next! Still, it is beautiful~!
Our false beams are up. Pot lights are going to to in next week, when my father comes back in.
The beam in the kitchen has also gone in.
Half of the flooring in the main living room/dining room/kitchen has gone in. A dark, Tiger-wood bamboo flooring!
Here is a picture of it against the wall in the hallway.
The sconces when they are not on... you have a better view of what they look like.
Bathrooms are grouted up, and ready to be used.... when the plumbing EVER gets finished.
Josh and Dad put up the exterior lighting! It looks fabulous. We had to send some of the fixtures back because they did not fit on the mounts... sad. But we'll get it all figured out eventually.
And the view! The trees have all lost their leaves (most anyway), but the calm winds made for a gorgeous weekend! The sauna is all ready to go, here's hoping that it can get some use this week. I lit it up, and made it nice. Next week, dad will bring up eucalyptus and we'll have a nice cleansing sauna!!! Here's hoping anyway!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Let there be LIGHT!!!
Those lights are the real lights, shining through then night. Our party (my father, myself, my mother and my husband) worked very hard to get the lights on the main floor, and some for the basement. It was 9pm when we left for the night (having started at 8am).
The glow of the sconces was well worth it. Seeing the room come to life in the light really characterized the whole house. Each room has a wondrous glow now!
Here's a more unnatural light.The chandelier which you see in the picture took an hour to install. The makers failed to include any instructions, which made the whole process horrifying. Josh and I sat at the top of our ladders installing, uninstalling, installing, uninstalling, installing those lights!!! But, they are beautiful!
And of course, a shot of dad. He wired the pannel and switches to make this whole thing possible!
I think by this time everyone was zonked! Here's the last light installed for the night: the entry chandelier.
The next day, we went back to do some tinkering.... much easier! Here's a look at the sconces all installed during the day:
All the bathroom fixtures are the same, but in different finishes. Here is the one for the master bathroom:
The Hallway:
Master Bedroom: Each of the bedrooms have one of these massive fans!
And here is my statement wall, one wall is a darker gray than the other two. The all is framed by the sconces! Don't mind the two sticky notes, those mark some errors which have to be fixed by the painter.
So, that's the tour. This week, the floors, the bathrooms, paint touch-ups, hopefully! Pryde's might actually finish the water \(¬▄¬*)/
The glow of the sconces was well worth it. Seeing the room come to life in the light really characterized the whole house. Each room has a wondrous glow now!
Here's a more unnatural light.The chandelier which you see in the picture took an hour to install. The makers failed to include any instructions, which made the whole process horrifying. Josh and I sat at the top of our ladders installing, uninstalling, installing, uninstalling, installing those lights!!! But, they are beautiful!
And of course, a shot of dad. He wired the pannel and switches to make this whole thing possible!
I think by this time everyone was zonked! Here's the last light installed for the night: the entry chandelier.
The next day, we went back to do some tinkering.... much easier! Here's a look at the sconces all installed during the day:
All the bathroom fixtures are the same, but in different finishes. Here is the one for the master bathroom:
The Hallway:
Master Bedroom: Each of the bedrooms have one of these massive fans!
And here is my statement wall, one wall is a darker gray than the other two. The all is framed by the sconces! Don't mind the two sticky notes, those mark some errors which have to be fixed by the painter.
So, that's the tour. This week, the floors, the bathrooms, paint touch-ups, hopefully! Pryde's might actually finish the water \(¬▄¬*)/
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