tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48924858438696113322024-03-13T22:05:29.741-05:00Our Naples adventure in Shorewood, Illinois!Building a Ryan Homes Naplesbridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-33384289666823520622016-07-04T20:07:00.001-05:002016-07-04T20:07:13.673-05:00Disgusted...Hey all! Long time no talk to! How have you all been? How are your homes? Let me know in the comments! <div><br></div><div>Well, I'm here with some pretty upsetting news. If you've been following our blog you know that we got a defective driveway. It's basically crumbling before our eyes. We've been in the house a year and a half at this point. I can tell you that I love our house. We've had no large issues with the interior at all. Then it comes to this driveway where EVERYONE is passing the buck. If you recall we had the owner of the concrete company here to look at the disintegration. He ADMITTED to me that it was poured way too late in the season where the temps hit below freezing for ten days straight. The concrete never had a chance to set. At the end of last year we had our 10 month review where the service manager Dick stood in my kitchen and ASSURED Jim and I that the driveway would be replaced as soon as the weather broke. </div><div><br></div><div>I talked to Dick in the spring and he said that we were "last on the list" but it would get done "in June". Well, here we are with no driveway while it just washes away everytime it rains. I'm at the point where I printed a rather large banner for the front of my house that says," Before you by Ryan please look at my driveway. Lots of lies in the company." They are still actively selling homes in here so I think that could get some attention. I've added some pictures for you to see for yourself. Let me know what you think of my plan! Is it good or should we skip straight to litigation? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqyRmspk0Ko/V3sIOhVn-LI/AAAAAAAAAdM/lE1tL1FMVy8/s640/blogger-image--285358636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqyRmspk0Ko/V3sIOhVn-LI/AAAAAAAAAdM/lE1tL1FMVy8/s640/blogger-image--285358636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Spalling and pitting that extends the length of the driveway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bibi7Ua97f4/V3sINvYJGZI/AAAAAAAAAdE/I3ynQWTFZc8/s640/blogger-image-48626716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bibi7Ua97f4/V3sINvYJGZI/AAAAAAAAAdE/I3ynQWTFZc8/s640/blogger-image-48626716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fajviLC680w/V3sIOUXm3PI/AAAAAAAAAdI/l5_04faliHQ/s640/blogger-image-1112859429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fajviLC680w/V3sIOUXm3PI/AAAAAAAAAdI/l5_04faliHQ/s640/blogger-image-1112859429.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The assorted cracks that have started appearing everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LN5LjVPAWSY/V3sIP1vNirI/AAAAAAAAAdY/BpxsKGmlyyg/s640/blogger-image--2073879292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LN5LjVPAWSY/V3sIP1vNirI/AAAAAAAAAdY/BpxsKGmlyyg/s640/blogger-image--2073879292.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Cracked walkway leading into the house. This has been cracked since a week after we moved in. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9yMV5tO4yg/V3sIPCWH0FI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/UhzsOyuGY-k/s640/blogger-image--424195256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9yMV5tO4yg/V3sIPCWH0FI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/UhzsOyuGY-k/s640/blogger-image--424195256.jpg"></a></div>A better view of the pitting.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BmQ4ib7ciHM/V3sIPpPJYXI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Yq2wWl3sBEI/s640/blogger-image-426234760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BmQ4ib7ciHM/V3sIPpPJYXI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Yq2wWl3sBEI/s640/blogger-image-426234760.jpg"></a></div>At the downspout where the driveway is literally washing away each time it rains. </div><div><br></div><div>What do you all in the blog world think we should do? </div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-28111234406911802932015-11-10T15:23:00.001-06:002015-11-10T15:49:59.770-06:00If you're considering a cedar deckThis will just be a quick post (I could honestly go on for pages but won't. Ha). Here are some considerations if you are looking into a cedar deck. In our old house we had a concrete patio, but after a few years it started to spall and pit and we were not very pleased in its appearance. For the new house we were torn between stamped concrete or a cedar deck. Composite deck was out due to cost. After we got price quotes a 300 square foot cedar deck was roughly double the price of stamped concrete. But we decided on the deck because of how we were turned off by the deterioration of our old one, wanted it to feel like a outdoor living space and feel warmer. <div><br></div><div>Long story short, make sure that if you contract the work out you know exactly what you are getting. We went through a reputable company and we were never told the work would be subcontracted out. Loooooong story short, we weren't pleased with all of their work. We basically paid for the equivalent of finish carpentry and got the equivalent of rough. Ultimately we paid only 1/3 of the quoted price. So in that respect we got a good deal. I rebuilt all the railings myself due to the poor workmanship and a few of the deck boards and other odds and ends. All materials ran me about $300 so not too bad. That's one pro of a deck, easily repairable. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's the part that will kick your butt, proper prep and staining. Don't just use a Home Depot stain, think you can slather it on and have good results. I let our deck weather for about 2 months so it would "dry out". </div><div><br></div><div>I used all products made by Defy Stain and am very pleased. First you use a deck cleaner followed by the Brightener. This fully cleans, removes all mill glaze, open the pores and balances the PH of the wood. Then after a few days it was staining time. From start to finish from cleaning to staining, I probably invested 12 hours of time. So this is much more time intensive than a concrete patio. For the first year the instructions say 1 light coat of stain. So next year when I stain again it will be much richer. </div><div><br></div><div>Would we do a deck again and are we happy, yes. BUT in hindsight I would have paid to have had someone do the concrete footers and I would have done it myself. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's some pictures.</div><div><br></div><div>Initial framing</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YOjywXuuw_Y/VkJgJZbJ8UI/AAAAAAAAA00/2UuwS1_khk8/s640/blogger-image--1634695338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YOjywXuuw_Y/VkJgJZbJ8UI/AAAAAAAAA00/2UuwS1_khk8/s640/blogger-image--1634695338.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Done the first time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y13mHNZodXA/VkJgHgZDbWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/uCuzxyWAaIQ/s640/blogger-image--1517791110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y13mHNZodXA/VkJgHgZDbWI/AAAAAAAAA0g/uCuzxyWAaIQ/s640/blogger-image--1517791110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ETtbYdnyHhQ/VkJgL8OeIMI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/MYM0e8z1V-g/s640/blogger-image-1198553427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ETtbYdnyHhQ/VkJgL8OeIMI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/MYM0e8z1V-g/s640/blogger-image-1198553427.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of their sloppy work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_c3Mx16UPU/VkJgKJuomCI/AAAAAAAAA08/rLa85j7Vjd0/s640/blogger-image--1811376985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_c3Mx16UPU/VkJgKJuomCI/AAAAAAAAA08/rLa85j7Vjd0/s640/blogger-image--1811376985.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2H7HBl_drc/VkJgIGH3lSI/AAAAAAAAA0k/XmoNwX9Qt2M/s640/blogger-image-526114433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2H7HBl_drc/VkJgIGH3lSI/AAAAAAAAA0k/XmoNwX9Qt2M/s640/blogger-image-526114433.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Me tearing it apart</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BP5pl19ECSw/VkJgNcP9FfI/AAAAAAAAA1k/n8EgR9SsM7k/s640/blogger-image--332059998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BP5pl19ECSw/VkJgNcP9FfI/AAAAAAAAA1k/n8EgR9SsM7k/s640/blogger-image--332059998.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-epTAKQ2gv9M/VkJmhrvzTvI/AAAAAAAAA2E/NEGLfOEsICI/s640/blogger-image-1230045640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-epTAKQ2gv9M/VkJmhrvzTvI/AAAAAAAAA2E/NEGLfOEsICI/s640/blogger-image-1230045640.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Final product (lighting wasn't the best, but I'm just so done with this project. Lol)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eWhV5QTWFQ/VkJgMtoABKI/AAAAAAAAA1g/YnPfwBYWD94/s640/blogger-image--2079557233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eWhV5QTWFQ/VkJgMtoABKI/AAAAAAAAA1g/YnPfwBYWD94/s640/blogger-image--2079557233.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hIvwHrJoA40/VkJgKpzflII/AAAAAAAAA1I/tb4cMXc5lg8/s640/blogger-image--423283770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hIvwHrJoA40/VkJgKpzflII/AAAAAAAAA1I/tb4cMXc5lg8/s640/blogger-image--423283770.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5MnRosfIVc/VkJgInSYU4I/AAAAAAAAA0s/mZ-VFJ_m28s/s640/blogger-image--773868644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5MnRosfIVc/VkJgInSYU4I/AAAAAAAAA0s/mZ-VFJ_m28s/s640/blogger-image--773868644.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BGlMbfiPsyM/VkJgLdGr31I/AAAAAAAAA1M/Rq7YKRi9ri8/s640/blogger-image--267201520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BGlMbfiPsyM/VkJgLdGr31I/AAAAAAAAA1M/Rq7YKRi9ri8/s640/blogger-image--267201520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGP6_Y7mNpc/VkJloBkthvI/AAAAAAAAA18/FWWFwYazOvw/s640/blogger-image-755573435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGP6_Y7mNpc/VkJloBkthvI/AAAAAAAAA18/FWWFwYazOvw/s640/blogger-image-755573435.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-39886959021296616532015-10-05T17:57:00.001-05:002015-10-05T17:57:38.259-05:0010 months in!!What is up with all of you Ryan home builders?!? I feel like I haven't been here in forever. When you move in its such a whirlwind. I just wanted to blog to touch base as well as keep a record for us!<div><br></div><div>So how's your decorating? I am 95% complete now. There are a few more things I need for the walls. I also want to print some canvas prints of family photos for decor too. Then a few more just decorative things. I can't find anything that I really love unless it costs thousands so I think I need to hit the lotto! Haha. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EUjU63M60f4/VhMAYFG64hI/AAAAAAAAAVk/rh9g8MX3QM4/s640/blogger-image--1528425080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EUjU63M60f4/VhMAYFG64hI/AAAAAAAAAVk/rh9g8MX3QM4/s640/blogger-image--1528425080.jpg"></a></div>So I asked for coffered ceilings in the dining room for Christmas. LOVE THESE and it's something Jim can do. We might even carry them into the living room too. Fancy, right? I will be sure to update if I get them for the holidays! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D8yM7L7lqd0/VhMAXNnPSLI/AAAAAAAAAVU/zgSU6mmzw2Y/s640/blogger-image-40161732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D8yM7L7lqd0/VhMAXNnPSLI/AAAAAAAAAVU/zgSU6mmzw2Y/s640/blogger-image-40161732.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We also had a deck built. People, I can not stress enough that you need to hire a quality contractor cause we were so fooled. We hired a company to do our fence which we were super pleased with. I told Jim that we should get a quote from them for a cedar deck. Well it was in our budget so we decided to go ahead. I've never been so frustrated(well encrypt for with a certain SR here) with a company in my life. They misrepresented that they were the ones who would be doing the work when it was sub contracted out to a different company. Well that company had ZERO pride in work. I could keep going on and on about how crappy they really were but I don't want to get mad again. We ended up with a substantial discount due to their negligence while Jim has been redoing it over the past three weekends. He's currently staining it so that's why it's half one color. I will post pics when it is done! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-24zpL6HuUEk/VhMAXlwL5GI/AAAAAAAAAVc/O0zQ5OgtWtQ/s640/blogger-image--817188009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-24zpL6HuUEk/VhMAXlwL5GI/AAAAAAAAAVc/O0zQ5OgtWtQ/s640/blogger-image--817188009.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This is also something else I asked for. The Naples really has the saddest little "mud entry" so I want to do a built in like this. One project at a time, one at a time... Lol. </div><div><br></div><div>As far as the house goes it's settling. Not too bad but a good amount of nail pops and cracks. We haven't scheduled our 12 month yet so that should get resolved then. We are STILL waiting on this driveway to get rectified. The service manager assured us it would be in the fall but here's fall and we are still waiting. We also still have siding issues. A lot of homes in here do. We are a Hardie board community and it seems they didn't know how to install it. It's very windy so you can hear them flap in the wind. I've been trying to stay on top of the SM to get it taken care of but I think the entire house needs to be face nailed. </div><div><br></div><div>So what's going on with all of your homes? Let me know! I've missed you all! </div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-64242181342021022052015-08-24T14:36:00.001-05:002015-08-24T16:55:48.835-05:00Installing new sump pump<div><br></div>Well, figured it was time to install a backup sump pump. We had a scare last week when our power went out and the water got to within 5" to the top, our basement is unfinished, but that doesn't mean it would be any less of a disaster. I did some research and seeing that the one Ryan installed sells for $65 on eBay also made us realize we should probably just change the whole thing. We did our research and found this Zoeller unit which gets rave reviews. <div>http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002N6VHXI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1440444646&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=zoeller+507-0008&dpPl=1&dpID=21YVPf5QdPL&ref=plSrch<br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's both a primary and backup. Not cheap, but well worth it. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I'll give a fairly in detail installation post. Scale of 1-10, I would say this was a 3. It's not difficult at all, but you do need some basic DIY abilities. Took me about an hour to install, but would have been faster if I didn't take so many pictures. Ha. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So begin by unscrewing the bolts that hold the cover on and unplug. Clearly don't do this if you recently had a lot of rain. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zbdm1h4BHiQ/VdtyQ41WoPI/AAAAAAAAAxA/DsR8UEsjTJ0/s640/blogger-image-1804006305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zbdm1h4BHiQ/VdtyQ41WoPI/AAAAAAAAAxA/DsR8UEsjTJ0/s640/blogger-image-1804006305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next I just unscrewed the coupling below the check valve and just removed the whole unit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaeFi0vNilM/Vdtz_eitdzI/AAAAAAAAAxs/MgCL9Q8m3qc/s640/blogger-image-977408025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaeFi0vNilM/Vdtz_eitdzI/AAAAAAAAAxs/MgCL9Q8m3qc/s640/blogger-image-977408025.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpDKNaXLg4g/Vdtz8Y_VFCI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ZmR2YB-k07Y/s640/blogger-image--1604275948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpDKNaXLg4g/Vdtz8Y_VFCI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ZmR2YB-k07Y/s640/blogger-image--1604275948.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From there, unscrew the threaded connection that went into the old sump. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QwPZGbbbLEU/Vdt0ALpHAvI/AAAAAAAAAx0/74_JWo7bhcs/s640/blogger-image-1448961881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QwPZGbbbLEU/Vdt0ALpHAvI/AAAAAAAAAx0/74_JWo7bhcs/s640/blogger-image-1448961881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unscrewed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJMC0N6_ETw/Vdtz-fHocWI/AAAAAAAAAxk/EbA6F2wb2ks/s640/blogger-image--1465199859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJMC0N6_ETw/Vdtz-fHocWI/AAAAAAAAAxk/EbA6F2wb2ks/s640/blogger-image--1465199859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I next bailed out some water at the bottom of the pit to give myself a clearer view. This is a plastic pit, there should be no debris in the pit, but there was probably 3/4" of rock from construction in the bottom. I removed all of this. So even if you don't plan on replacing your pump, at least check for debris so you aren't burning out your current pump. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RCZ1CHoOqE/Vdtz9KeNq2I/AAAAAAAAAxU/q1n9fxx9WNs/s640/blogger-image--144825980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RCZ1CHoOqE/Vdtz9KeNq2I/AAAAAAAAAxU/q1n9fxx9WNs/s640/blogger-image--144825980.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next I measured from the floor to the top of the new sump pump pipe. The Zoeller is 18", but that's irrelevant. I simply used a paint stirrer and marked it, that way I wasn't getting a good ruler mucked up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jvxj-Jn_i7E/Vdtz9-g5auI/AAAAAAAAAxc/G7bXD0cEoTk/s640/blogger-image-971751641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jvxj-Jn_i7E/Vdtz9-g5auI/AAAAAAAAAxc/G7bXD0cEoTk/s640/blogger-image-971751641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then reinstalled the discharge pipe. Then simply stuck the paint stirrer in the pit and transferred the measurement onto the discharge pipe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNDYlOLjdxM/Vdt3DOdSx7I/AAAAAAAAAy4/UM9OPH8YxzY/s640/blogger-image-1941100452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNDYlOLjdxM/Vdt3DOdSx7I/AAAAAAAAAy4/UM9OPH8YxzY/s640/blogger-image-1941100452.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Removed the discharge pipe and then cut. I prefer to use a miter saw. I tape where I cut to keep it cleaner, grip the pipe tight, then do a slow cut. See, perfect cut! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmvIg8DA0rs/Vdt2-gnlkPI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/0L-WSTxgHus/s640/blogger-image-1007300650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmvIg8DA0rs/Vdt2-gnlkPI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/0L-WSTxgHus/s640/blogger-image-1007300650.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ku_hZCLXEo/Vdt292ssm4I/AAAAAAAAAyI/6WOGHypVf7Q/s640/blogger-image--415679203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ku_hZCLXEo/Vdt292ssm4I/AAAAAAAAAyI/6WOGHypVf7Q/s640/blogger-image--415679203.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then put back in discharge and put new sump in to make sure my measurement was right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4SLSxV5ziA/Vdt3D7frK3I/AAAAAAAAAzA/q4syc7sbbaM/s640/blogger-image--512729071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4SLSxV5ziA/Vdt3D7frK3I/AAAAAAAAAzA/q4syc7sbbaM/s640/blogger-image--512729071.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Removed the discharge again, then slipped the discharge through the plate cover, and then secured the discharge to the sump with the rubber coupling that's included. Here's how it looked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1FHlHUA6To/Vdt3CWmySzI/AAAAAAAAAyw/PFNQDf7lBo4/s640/blogger-image-1749707280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1FHlHUA6To/Vdt3CWmySzI/AAAAAAAAAyw/PFNQDf7lBo4/s640/blogger-image-1749707280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then drop the whole unit into the pit and then secure the discharge to the check valve. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oP9JZg40ssg/Vdt3Erb481I/AAAAAAAAAzI/Qmxh56Vilwk/s640/blogger-image-771172798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oP9JZg40ssg/Vdt3Erb481I/AAAAAAAAAzI/Qmxh56Vilwk/s640/blogger-image-771172798.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This took me maybe 30 mins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From there I ran a bunch of tests to make sure the primary worked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then hooked up the battery and the charger and ran through those tests. I still have to build a stand/shelf for the battery and charger. We bought a deep cycle marine battery from Sam's Club for $80. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ro6A43GyFnI/Vdt2_UA3N-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/IOTSGHt3Fag/s640/blogger-image-1735530285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ro6A43GyFnI/Vdt2_UA3N-I/AAAAAAAAAyY/IOTSGHt3Fag/s640/blogger-image-1735530285.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9da1qVooaM/Vdt3ADtCANI/AAAAAAAAAyg/orST5W03J9A/s640/blogger-image--1036641044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9da1qVooaM/Vdt3ADtCANI/AAAAAAAAAyg/orST5W03J9A/s640/blogger-image--1036641044.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here's the underwhelming little baby original pump. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ltlVsW1OCZ0/Vdt3A2JY7mI/AAAAAAAAAyo/tY_0wN-RZ1Q/s640/blogger-image--1979289444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ltlVsW1OCZ0/Vdt3A2JY7mI/AAAAAAAAAyo/tY_0wN-RZ1Q/s640/blogger-image--1979289444.jpg"></a></div>In closing, so far the Zoeller pump seems beefy and well made. I'll obviously keep an eye on it the next few rains. I see ZERO reason to pay a plumber to install. The 2 pumps in one is the way to go in my opinion. Hope this helps!</div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></font></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-91584954351855793242015-06-23T08:08:00.001-05:002015-06-23T08:09:37.831-05:00Siding issues continue<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While we love our house, we have always believed the siding installation of the Hardie Board has been substandard. We are clearly in a high wind zone and they do not follow the Hardie best practices for installation. They will not add the extra face nails until you start losing the boards. Last night grind storms several houses lost more boards and we have about 15 loose. Our siding has been knocked loose so many times we are going to demand a total pull off and reinstall. There has been so much unseen damage that there is no way we are going to let them say it's all good, then we lose boards when we are out of warranty. Hardie has not been responsive to our concerns. I believe we will now have to take this to Twitter and go above some heads here. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JiOocZWYIqY/VYlaZ9OTZ3I/AAAAAAAAAvI/eQS6K27Zqio/s640/blogger-image--347188964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JiOocZWYIqY/VYlaZ9OTZ3I/AAAAAAAAAvI/eQS6K27Zqio/s640/blogger-image--347188964.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-82DQ3UNJWEM/VYlaY7-OSwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/qj8uaWGIkTk/s640/blogger-image--1109133389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-82DQ3UNJWEM/VYlaY7-OSwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/qj8uaWGIkTk/s640/blogger-image--1109133389.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-33163665388383006192015-04-27T14:21:00.001-05:002015-04-27T14:21:21.547-05:00Smattering of updatesBeen awhile since we've blogged and like to keep the timeline going. <div><br></div><div>Got our sod on April 11th and landscaping a few days before that. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDu-qFJIrsg/VT6ML4Y2GwI/AAAAAAAAAtw/kGYcEe7JWlE/s640/blogger-image-1710237899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDu-qFJIrsg/VT6ML4Y2GwI/AAAAAAAAAtw/kGYcEe7JWlE/s640/blogger-image-1710237899.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-asqZvO6_zt0/VT5LSkTr92I/AAAAAAAAAsk/05uWudMqzJE/s640/blogger-image--1869039496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-asqZvO6_zt0/VT5LSkTr92I/AAAAAAAAAsk/05uWudMqzJE/s640/blogger-image--1869039496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YbsmcWkQdQ/VT6MJfc2vCI/AAAAAAAAAtg/87Bou9ENGdM/s640/blogger-image--1873439349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YbsmcWkQdQ/VT6MJfc2vCI/AAAAAAAAAtg/87Bou9ENGdM/s640/blogger-image--1873439349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now nice and green<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E93cvr1PKWY/VT6MKkiMfFI/AAAAAAAAAto/RvfREA7WAl0/s640/blogger-image-250452868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E93cvr1PKWY/VT6MKkiMfFI/AAAAAAAAAto/RvfREA7WAl0/s640/blogger-image-250452868.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We painted our office</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-69gIvSI3D7U/VT5LUM_L6SI/AAAAAAAAAss/zuIigJghF1o/s640/blogger-image-1403704347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-69gIvSI3D7U/VT5LUM_L6SI/AAAAAAAAAss/zuIigJghF1o/s640/blogger-image-1403704347.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2W9QovNmSJY/VT5MDfOrc0I/AAAAAAAAAtE/EINCaIMZURM/s640/blogger-image--823495816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2W9QovNmSJY/VT5MDfOrc0I/AAAAAAAAAtE/EINCaIMZURM/s640/blogger-image--823495816.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Replaced the powder room mirror from this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hgStQwSnxI/VT5MCBuzXWI/AAAAAAAAAs8/6JjDy1Z592k/s640/blogger-image-1659058464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1hgStQwSnxI/VT5MCBuzXWI/AAAAAAAAAs8/6JjDy1Z592k/s640/blogger-image-1659058464.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To this<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UuJXa-OcN_U/VT5MAJdQClI/AAAAAAAAAs0/Zr7sdqofeW0/s640/blogger-image--1343858288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UuJXa-OcN_U/VT5MAJdQClI/AAAAAAAAAs0/Zr7sdqofeW0/s640/blogger-image--1343858288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll also blog on some issues we're looking to resolve shortly. </div></div></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-38003523599516832262015-03-20T09:54:00.001-05:002015-03-20T09:57:24.263-05:00First major service call doneWell we've been in the house 3 months. We had a variety of small issues pop up and put in multiple service tickets. The Service Manager came out to take care of them or evaluate. Here's the rundown and remedies:<div>-French door deadbolt wasn't keyed right. He replaced it and fixed on the spot. </div><div>-Evaluated siding we weren't pleased with. He related there are a few problems and they'll gladly replace in Spring. </div><div>-Cracked sidewalk. Will replace in Spring.</div><div>-One Ethernet doesn't work. I tried contacting the vendor previously and got a run around. The SM got right on the phone with them and told them to fix it and stop the run around. </div><div>-Kitchen cabinet door that had a sloppy touchup on (we didn't put in a ticket). He said no problem, was sloppy, will order new one and replace. It was just a minor ding, so we're very pleased. </div><div>-Some interior door and drywall issues we'll take care of at the 10 month. </div><div>-Driveway spalling. The SM was very upfront and said he can't make that decision, that decision is above him and will be evaluated in Spring. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall very pleased. He was super nice and attentive and did not fight us on anything. The majority of our issues with paint/trim/drywall will be during the 10 month. </div><div><br></div><div>Also feel free to join our Facebook group!</div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/518775804929369/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/518775804929369/</a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-60126555405252242582015-02-28T14:18:00.000-06:002015-02-28T14:20:26.981-06:00Come join our Facebook group!!Jim and I decided to start a new Facebook group for all the owners of Ryan Homes.<br />
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If you are a longtime owner, halfway through the build, or thinking of maybe buying a Ryan you are more than welcome to join us. </div>
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Here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/518775804929369/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/518775804929369/</a></div>
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The group name is the Ryan Homes Owner Group </div>
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Hope to see you all there!! </div>
bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-17940489628435601952015-02-26T16:37:00.001-06:002015-02-26T16:39:27.419-06:00Rooms getting doneFinally putting the finishing touches on some rooms. Seems like we get 90% done, then get distracted and move onto something else. Ha. So family room is finally done. Just hung the curtains. The dining room is basically done other than wanting to hang a family picture canvas on the wall to the left, but we'll have to wait until spring to take it. Also the house across the street from us is almost done. Hope everyone else's progress is going well, and with any luck Spring is around the corner. (Again just crappy cellphone pics)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aehDafG27jw/VO-gJrCXalI/AAAAAAAAAqw/qOoj0PthaUc/s640/blogger-image--579213877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aehDafG27jw/VO-gJrCXalI/AAAAAAAAAqw/qOoj0PthaUc/s640/blogger-image--579213877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8RAFIrsxrk/VO-gMS0WTGI/AAAAAAAAArI/tckU3q5BWrA/s640/blogger-image--681788003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8RAFIrsxrk/VO-gMS0WTGI/AAAAAAAAArI/tckU3q5BWrA/s640/blogger-image--681788003.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RsR977gqj0o/VO-gLd61llI/AAAAAAAAArA/oUMeerOdO3Y/s640/blogger-image--370678673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RsR977gqj0o/VO-gLd61llI/AAAAAAAAArA/oUMeerOdO3Y/s640/blogger-image--370678673.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K5tdLl-f3kg/VO-gKWFtgQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KYgYpli3C3o/s640/blogger-image--701938478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K5tdLl-f3kg/VO-gKWFtgQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KYgYpli3C3o/s640/blogger-image--701938478.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-5535991751357805672015-02-20T12:14:00.001-06:002015-02-20T12:14:54.157-06:00Crappy concrete workI'm basically blogging this to establish a timeline and for future reference. Our driveway was poured on Nov. 7th and the sidewalk that goes from the driveway to the front stoop about the same time. One part of the sidewalk is already cracked. The driveway is also spalling badly. All the dark spots that look like kitty litter is the concrete crumbling. No salt was ever placed on the concrete from the snow. I believe too much water was added to the top when they were finishing it and overworked the finish causing it to weaken. I remember the surface in that area looking "wet" for quite awhile. Also the sidewalk crack from not properly compacting the soil. Well, they better have their jackhammers ready come spring to rip the problem areas out and replace. <div><br></div><div>Sidewalk <br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UIDVn-0R_FA/VOd5nJGG_fI/AAAAAAAAAqY/ejCrbM8M4oo/s640/blogger-image-151248748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UIDVn-0R_FA/VOd5nJGG_fI/AAAAAAAAAqY/ejCrbM8M4oo/s640/blogger-image-151248748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Driveway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QhlZknSeX3g/VOd5k30vJZI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RtW6JTR7R4s/s640/blogger-image--1471554044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QhlZknSeX3g/VOd5k30vJZI/AAAAAAAAAqI/RtW6JTR7R4s/s640/blogger-image--1471554044.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Al6R5nJED3w/VOd5l3XjPtI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/7w-Maqghcuo/s640/blogger-image--734834472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Al6R5nJED3w/VOd5l3XjPtI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/7w-Maqghcuo/s640/blogger-image--734834472.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-55889450069610080602015-02-14T09:21:00.001-06:002015-02-14T11:53:10.322-06:00Siding ripping off!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well currently high winds here and our siding is ripping off! To say this will be addressed is an understatement!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOSaIhTijpw/VN9n4nOp-eI/AAAAAAAAApg/KlukPPwp2eI/s640/blogger-image-653668073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOSaIhTijpw/VN9n4nOp-eI/AAAAAAAAApg/KlukPPwp2eI/s640/blogger-image-653668073.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now a few hours later. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KQRho4T1WjE/VN-LhOa1wFI/AAAAAAAAAp0/kqCwCRBCwUc/s640/blogger-image--1108305322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KQRho4T1WjE/VN-LhOa1wFI/AAAAAAAAAp0/kqCwCRBCwUc/s640/blogger-image--1108305322.jpg"></a></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-86884135478572238762015-01-26T20:37:00.001-06:002015-01-26T20:46:14.924-06:00Cheap storage shelving<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I knew that we wanted to do organized storage for one section of the basement. Nothing is worse than an overflowing basement, and we only wanted to dedicate one specific spot for it so we can finish the basement in the future. I bought what's called Shelf Links made by 2x4 Basics. I'll include a link below. Basically they are plastic links that you then screw 2x4's to. So it's super customizable. You can make it as tall or wide as you want. So I knew I wanted it 16 feet wide and the top shelf about 6 feet tall so I can use it up to the 8 foot basement height. It's standard at 16 inches deep. Now I did modify the shelfs from the plan. You really need a vertical brace about every 4 feet. But I made wood bracing instead of using a Shelf Link to be ultra cheap. Lol. </span></div><div>Cost: 9 shelf links: $36</div><div>40 2x4's 8 feet long at $2.40 a piece: $96</div><div>Total: $132</div><div>That's not bad for so much shelving. Now it will look far neater when all boxes are gone through, etc. I just kind of threw everything in the shelf to get it off the floor. Also I built it on the fast side, I had better things to do. It's storage, no one will really see it. But it could look far neater and cleaner taking your time. This would work equally well in garages, etc.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YiOzUxlsCK8/VMb5yoglmVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/CwxSiiLvDZ4/s640/blogger-image--42391099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YiOzUxlsCK8/VMb5yoglmVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/CwxSiiLvDZ4/s640/blogger-image--42391099.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ytMndrf_tM/VMb5z15fcDI/AAAAAAAAAo8/mqDFQOBWP9g/s640/blogger-image--1062025965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ytMndrf_tM/VMb5z15fcDI/AAAAAAAAAo8/mqDFQOBWP9g/s640/blogger-image--1062025965.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0030T1BGK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1422325373&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=418I3-s3iHL&ref=plSrch</div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-18522095981975457372015-01-22T14:15:00.001-06:002015-01-22T14:15:48.927-06:00Our viewQuick post. Oh the joys of living in a construction zone. Few weeks ago had a flat tire from a nail and a chunk of steel. So we love our view out the back. Serene, snow covered and peaceful. The front is a series of houses in various stages of construction, and nothing like seeing "puto" sprayed on the side. Stay classy subcontractors. Lol. <div><br></div><div>Peaceful</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZPzqO3qrdCg/VMFabwnXmqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/E7TTGbrDYGc/s640/blogger-image-1802550947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZPzqO3qrdCg/VMFabwnXmqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/E7TTGbrDYGc/s640/blogger-image-1802550947.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not so much</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0_s97GPn6FY/VMFac9_luDI/AAAAAAAAAog/df6GH6EZih0/s640/blogger-image--1077720045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0_s97GPn6FY/VMFac9_luDI/AAAAAAAAAog/df6GH6EZih0/s640/blogger-image--1077720045.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-12007886154049296572015-01-22T12:42:00.001-06:002015-01-22T12:42:33.376-06:00Undercabinet lights in<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Installed the undercabinet lights in a little over an hour. Cost $160 from Inspired LED. It could not have been easier. I used the microwave outlet and just used a 3 way outlet adapter. I'll use the 3rd outlet for a home security camera. All I had to do was drill a few holes to run the cords and used self adhesive LED strip lights. Also got a remote control because it was only a few bucks more than a regular switch. You can adjust from 1%-100% brightness with it. It really makes an aesthetic difference and was basically cheap to do. Also weeks ago I installed a pull out garbage can. $40 at Home Depot and 10 mins to install. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RpsHvZUrqtw/VMFEhasJqOI/AAAAAAAAAng/Vfh1VvYV4HM/s640/blogger-image-1506190602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RpsHvZUrqtw/VMFEhasJqOI/AAAAAAAAAng/Vfh1VvYV4HM/s640/blogger-image-1506190602.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uny3ZigCQ1U/VMFEj-7a3tI/AAAAAAAAAn4/TelsoVvFijw/s640/blogger-image-634744872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uny3ZigCQ1U/VMFEj-7a3tI/AAAAAAAAAn4/TelsoVvFijw/s640/blogger-image-634744872.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K_641nCQ5wc/VMFEggscI4I/AAAAAAAAAnY/gONPOAXxPOc/s640/blogger-image--1944240000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K_641nCQ5wc/VMFEggscI4I/AAAAAAAAAnY/gONPOAXxPOc/s640/blogger-image--1944240000.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LOlOn3fdKNI/VMFEkueKfbI/AAAAAAAAAoA/eZpsggJOYOI/s640/blogger-image-1399844716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LOlOn3fdKNI/VMFEkueKfbI/AAAAAAAAAoA/eZpsggJOYOI/s640/blogger-image-1399844716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kGvrlf81aU/VMFEiyPG8AI/AAAAAAAAAnw/1UBbWY0acQQ/s640/blogger-image-819867425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kGvrlf81aU/VMFEiyPG8AI/AAAAAAAAAnw/1UBbWY0acQQ/s640/blogger-image-819867425.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-33QoVXkUbqY/VMFElvEKXfI/AAAAAAAAAoI/ApWpWj5KyEE/s640/blogger-image--1467551826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-33QoVXkUbqY/VMFElvEKXfI/AAAAAAAAAoI/ApWpWj5KyEE/s640/blogger-image--1467551826.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6z5tPY6ERR0/VMFEiKTNPPI/AAAAAAAAAno/_utf6sshuNs/s640/blogger-image-2034630722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6z5tPY6ERR0/VMFEiKTNPPI/AAAAAAAAAno/_utf6sshuNs/s640/blogger-image-2034630722.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-8159508642546095502015-01-19T19:16:00.001-06:002015-01-19T22:50:31.123-06:00Surround sound installed<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Got done with installing front in wall and rear in ceiling speakers. The price wanted from Ryan was insane, so we just paid to have the wires run and then do the rest myself. I'm slow and meticulous, so it took me awhile, but it saved about $1000 in inflated no name speaker prices and labor that the Ryan subcontractor wanted to charge. Not going to lie, there is some pucker factor with cutting into your new walls and ceiling like this. I used high rated Polk Audio speakers and a Yamaha receiver bought from Amazon at a really great price. To the right on the floor is the subwoofer. Had no idea it was going to be quite that big. Lol. So other than making sure you triple check your work to make sure your speakers fit between the studs and referring to the predrywall pictures really made it easy. All I have left in this room is curtains and some pictures. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a2QUvLIywFo/VL2sSea5y2I/AAAAAAAAAmE/12RLTO9GFBw/s640/blogger-image-633517349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a2QUvLIywFo/VL2sSea5y2I/AAAAAAAAAmE/12RLTO9GFBw/s640/blogger-image-633517349.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wv5GikqLb_4/VL2sYEci7lI/AAAAAAAAAnE/4gnHhOab5eo/s640/blogger-image-1959803775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wv5GikqLb_4/VL2sYEci7lI/AAAAAAAAAnE/4gnHhOab5eo/s640/blogger-image-1959803775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jeq80XsrnI/VL2sUlCJViI/AAAAAAAAAmc/mGviPf-nbGc/s640/blogger-image--305992775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jeq80XsrnI/VL2sUlCJViI/AAAAAAAAAmc/mGviPf-nbGc/s640/blogger-image--305992775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hUWx9u_OX7E/VL2sVd6TcII/AAAAAAAAAmk/GmLCEarBfXc/s640/blogger-image-475725779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hUWx9u_OX7E/VL2sVd6TcII/AAAAAAAAAmk/GmLCEarBfXc/s640/blogger-image-475725779.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zdnKJKFrt8o/VL2sUMmrZJI/AAAAAAAAAmU/krnsgXpNx0M/s640/blogger-image--1092680172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zdnKJKFrt8o/VL2sUMmrZJI/AAAAAAAAAmU/krnsgXpNx0M/s640/blogger-image--1092680172.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dXj9jpXBBZY/VL2sWBbA5sI/AAAAAAAAAms/R6zlCxC7DZg/s640/blogger-image-1151497270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dXj9jpXBBZY/VL2sWBbA5sI/AAAAAAAAAms/R6zlCxC7DZg/s640/blogger-image-1151497270.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zeKqpqm-Uc/VL2sTEthz8I/AAAAAAAAAmM/PM6vWwc2R2g/s640/blogger-image--742198716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zeKqpqm-Uc/VL2sTEthz8I/AAAAAAAAAmM/PM6vWwc2R2g/s640/blogger-image--742198716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VheLGmj49lU/VL2sWmeqLsI/AAAAAAAAAm0/hh7Xj4C4TxU/s640/blogger-image-48938809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VheLGmj49lU/VL2sWmeqLsI/AAAAAAAAAm0/hh7Xj4C4TxU/s640/blogger-image-48938809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Why predrywall pics are great<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MW6BCHKEXZ8/VL2sXXlGi8I/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZAURejGCpZg/s640/blogger-image--724102478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MW6BCHKEXZ8/VL2sXXlGi8I/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZAURejGCpZg/s640/blogger-image--724102478.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-22794131321416233262015-01-15T14:52:00.001-06:002015-01-15T15:00:21.794-06:005 weeks post closing5 weeks in already. Just seems crazy. So here's a quick rundown of how things are going. <div><br></div><div>We still absolutely love our house. But as with anything, nothing is ever perfect. Instead of gushing about the things we love, I think most people want to also hear the negatives or cons so that if you are currently building, you know what to look for. Or if you already built, you know you aren't alone. Ha. </div><div><br></div><div>This really is a large house, and it has taken me awhile to really look over every inch and just notice all the details and workmanship. I still feel the weak spot is the drywall work. I expected some nail pops, and we already got them. But there were some gouges in walls and a corner bead in the dining room is starting to look bad. We're calm people and know this is basically cosmetic. We also are getting some settlement cracks where wall corners meet the ceiling in a few spots. We will be meticulous and thorough when then come in for the 10 Month. There won't be one blemish or issue we don't mark. </div><div><br></div><div>Our windows feel a bit "leaky" when it's very windy out. The window rep came out, put some foam pieces in and we'll see if it made it better. </div><div><br></div><div>The paint quality just plain sucks. Glad we already started painting ourselves. I know we'll have to repaint areas after the 10 month, but I'm ok with it. </div><div><br></div><div>The front bedroom our daughter is in is about 4 degrees cooler at night than the other rooms. We had the hvac contractor out once to balance the system, we will be calling again. </div><div><br></div><div>The floors all generally squeak, but I'll give it time to settle and dry out and will get any lingering issues resolved during the 10 month. </div><div><br></div><div>Now the big question most people have, "any regrets or wish you picked different upgrades or options?". I can say with 100% certainty and happiness, NO. We really believed we nailed the perfect options for us. </div><div><br></div><div>We are so happy we kept all cabinet colors, tile choices, carpeting and flooring uniform through the house. We feel it makes everything feel cohesive. We personally don't like every bathroom having different tile and the kitchen cabinets to be different colors from the bathrooms. But that's just us. We very much went into this house with a clear design vision and it's all coming together. </div><div><br></div><div>We're glad we sprung for the stone fireplace. In our subdivision they have now increased it an extra $1000. Glad we dodged that bullet. </div><div><br></div><div>Couldn't live without the 3 car garage, and it's well on its way to being an organized tool and work area I've always needed. </div><div><br></div><div>We are so happy we did the kitchen and bath granite with an outside company, and did the backsplash after close. Ryan was simply overpriced and their options slim. </div><div><br></div><div>We are probably 75% done with unpacking and decorating. All furniture is bought and in place. Some drapes still need to be hung, need to finish painting upstairs, but no rush. My surround sound that I'll be installing should come this week. Just have to install the under cabinet lights in the kitchen. From there we're basically done other than hanging pictures and smaller decorating. </div><div><br></div><div>All in all, I couldn't have done this without my amazing wife, and I'm actually shocked we're so settled after only 5 weeks. </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-61491750293543611792015-01-11T20:46:00.001-06:002015-01-11T20:46:37.978-06:00534 Crystals later...Well finally got our dining room chandelier up. Hanging 534 crystals is just as tedious as it sounds. Ha. Shockingly I didn't drop one. Not the best after pictures because it was dark out and taken with a cellphone. <div><br></div><div>Before</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7CjXVoTp7Vw/VLM1gvIlFWI/AAAAAAAAAlU/miuoRQxsN_g/s640/blogger-image-1646551479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7CjXVoTp7Vw/VLM1gvIlFWI/AAAAAAAAAlU/miuoRQxsN_g/s640/blogger-image-1646551479.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-347Bnnk6i1s/VLM1iarafNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/0DcII3lnAcQ/s640/blogger-image-929259848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-347Bnnk6i1s/VLM1iarafNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/0DcII3lnAcQ/s640/blogger-image-929259848.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0TQtNwhKzIE/VLM1hdu0dDI/AAAAAAAAAlc/8CvWnAAXrzo/s640/blogger-image--1085680488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0TQtNwhKzIE/VLM1hdu0dDI/AAAAAAAAAlc/8CvWnAAXrzo/s640/blogger-image--1085680488.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AHQo9-uDPMQ/VLM1jHJg19I/AAAAAAAAAls/_8CjefDA9fw/s640/blogger-image-1000442034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AHQo9-uDPMQ/VLM1jHJg19I/AAAAAAAAAls/_8CjefDA9fw/s640/blogger-image-1000442034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ePYu6AuNdJ8/VLM1f3znHOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/rlMoYE5grjI/s640/blogger-image--488736920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ePYu6AuNdJ8/VLM1f3znHOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/rlMoYE5grjI/s640/blogger-image--488736920.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUlF4EaUFfc/VLM1fLQm5uI/AAAAAAAAAlE/9OJBZ3yG2eg/s640/blogger-image--1264664662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUlF4EaUFfc/VLM1fLQm5uI/AAAAAAAAAlE/9OJBZ3yG2eg/s640/blogger-image--1264664662.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-38017686519269168182014-12-31T08:16:00.001-06:002014-12-31T08:21:16.379-06:00Kitchen RevealBefore with laminate countertops<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JFsbbid-Yb0/VKQFA0-88GI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Q1-J6PJN204/s640/blogger-image--2101661095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JFsbbid-Yb0/VKQFA0-88GI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Q1-J6PJN204/s640/blogger-image--2101661095.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T3T-udKOHok/VKQFDqEVd2I/AAAAAAAAAjg/XAVJmcrKJnY/s640/blogger-image-1053046419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T3T-udKOHok/VKQFDqEVd2I/AAAAAAAAAjg/XAVJmcrKJnY/s640/blogger-image-1053046419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YSNyRatkxYI/VKQFEXzeBsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/EsOOQ3adrrk/s640/blogger-image--89782397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YSNyRatkxYI/VKQFEXzeBsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/EsOOQ3adrrk/s640/blogger-image--89782397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lighting is always tricky with a cellphone so the colors aren't 100% representative. The granite is Azul Platino which is grey/black/white. Dark gray subway glass backsplash. The countertops and backsplash coordinate far better in person than the pictures show. Pottery Barn Vintage Glass pendants. Knobs and handles from Target of all places! Paint is Sherwin Williams Alpaca. I think that covers it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qMws_zuHcAI/VKQFAO4SgpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/2rzQiSxZgaw/s640/blogger-image-1090782319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qMws_zuHcAI/VKQFAO4SgpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/2rzQiSxZgaw/s640/blogger-image-1090782319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N-6AdZerxAY/VKQFFNFa6rI/AAAAAAAAAjw/LZbARngBqBc/s640/blogger-image-2062987284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N-6AdZerxAY/VKQFFNFa6rI/AAAAAAAAAjw/LZbARngBqBc/s640/blogger-image-2062987284.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MmRKdPDrLfE/VKQFH_dQN9I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bB32-8OP7pA/s640/blogger-image-998669014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MmRKdPDrLfE/VKQFH_dQN9I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bB32-8OP7pA/s640/blogger-image-998669014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9NY48vMH1Ws/VKQFF1qjTrI/AAAAAAAAAj4/buZiorgdik4/s640/blogger-image--1212483508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9NY48vMH1Ws/VKQFF1qjTrI/AAAAAAAAAj4/buZiorgdik4/s640/blogger-image--1212483508.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qkipoUTvWAg/VKQFBS0f31I/AAAAAAAAAjY/xKOfqAXhuuk/s640/blogger-image--961207855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qkipoUTvWAg/VKQFBS0f31I/AAAAAAAAAjY/xKOfqAXhuuk/s640/blogger-image--961207855.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n53CnlPxZko/VKQFGYmapXI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3nDebHxd8is/s640/blogger-image-1876103136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n53CnlPxZko/VKQFGYmapXI/AAAAAAAAAkA/3nDebHxd8is/s640/blogger-image-1876103136.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rPVRWle2o0Q/VKQFHJdyL2I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ywY1RUOmtJ0/s640/blogger-image--141616731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rPVRWle2o0Q/VKQFHJdyL2I/AAAAAAAAAkI/ywY1RUOmtJ0/s640/blogger-image--141616731.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bo82zE-gQxI/VKQFI12DLHI/AAAAAAAAAkY/616IWQ0mi6o/s640/blogger-image-202999796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bo82zE-gQxI/VKQFI12DLHI/AAAAAAAAAkY/616IWQ0mi6o/s640/blogger-image-202999796.jpg"></a></div>Here it is in natural light. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Do8TOWhG_3o/VKQGWwa8r0I/AAAAAAAAAks/GYh0ZcPUdLk/s640/blogger-image--455571011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Do8TOWhG_3o/VKQGWwa8r0I/AAAAAAAAAks/GYh0ZcPUdLk/s640/blogger-image--455571011.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RF7ABsgnrfQ/VKQGWMWxmCI/AAAAAAAAAkk/nMAwVKNOpB0/s640/blogger-image--1972559926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RF7ABsgnrfQ/VKQGWMWxmCI/AAAAAAAAAkk/nMAwVKNOpB0/s640/blogger-image--1972559926.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-83799075225856314172014-12-29T14:05:00.001-06:002014-12-29T14:05:28.924-06:00I was going to do a kitchen reveal BUT...Hi all! <div><br></div><div>It's been awhile. We have been slowly getting the house together. It's FINALLY starting to feel like our house. Love it! </div><div><br></div><div>So I wanted to do a big kitchen reveal for you all. We installed the glass tile backsplash, installed knobs and pulls, and had the kitchen granite installed. This morning Jim decided to hang the pendant lights. First one went up so beautifully. I was so excited cause they really tie the kitchen together. Jim removes the cap for the second pendant and....</div><div><br></div><div>THERE ARE NO ELECTRICAL WIRES! </div><div><br></div><div>What?!? </div><div><br></div><div>WHERE ARE MY WIRES? </div><div><br></div><div>So I called (can I say now I love living here cause I can look out my window to see where he is. LOL!) the PM. He said he is going to send the electrician over tomorrow to see what happened. I truly hope they don't have to cut into the ceiling. </div><div><br></div><div>The reveal will be tomorrow! I promise!</div><div><br></div><div>How are all of your homes coming along?!? </div><div><br></div><div> </div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-6807813102259808552014-12-15T11:35:00.001-06:002014-12-15T11:36:17.277-06:00We are still here!We closed exactly a week ago. It's been super hectic. Here's a run down:<div><br></div><div>-painted the entire first floor.</div><div>- removed laminate countertops from kitchen & bathrooms to have the granite installed.</div><div>- started on the glass subway tile backsplash.</div><div>-this particular minute we are installing knobs on the cabinets. If you aren't handy I recommend you pay Ryan to do it or find a local handyman to. The cabinets are super hard to open. It's insane. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's a tease of our custom tables. They were delivered Saturday and we are just in love. We got them from Rustic Elements Furniture in Joliet, IL. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E33guRsLDWs/VI8b1uhCQdI/AAAAAAAAAM0/7P9EwHUR25s/s640/blogger-image-1925935059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E33guRsLDWs/VI8b1uhCQdI/AAAAAAAAAM0/7P9EwHUR25s/s640/blogger-image-1925935059.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Morning room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OFfWofBnHZ8/VI8b2PZeJUI/AAAAAAAAAM8/KSldbY3lkDA/s640/blogger-image-1161095623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OFfWofBnHZ8/VI8b2PZeJUI/AAAAAAAAAM8/KSldbY3lkDA/s640/blogger-image-1161095623.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6pEjO9gVkoU/VI8b07awvyI/AAAAAAAAAMs/5s8Mv2loND0/s640/blogger-image-899582140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6pEjO9gVkoU/VI8b07awvyI/AAAAAAAAAMs/5s8Mv2loND0/s640/blogger-image-899582140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love this round pedestal in the Dining Room. I promise to take better pics soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you can't find a table call Scott. They deliver to the U.S. and he can make anything your little heart desires! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So far we have only one problem with the house. We have an insane squeak/grinding noise when you step in the family room. It's horrific and sounds like nails on a chalkboard. I'm trying to deal with it until the 30 day but I don't know how long I can do it! Haha. Other than that the work is solid. I don't have any complaints. Once we finish all of our personalization I will need a vacation though... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I promise to post more pics within the week!!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-62864570027526314122014-12-10T11:38:00.001-06:002014-12-10T11:38:42.189-06:00Paint/trim color pictures.A fellow blogger asked for pictures of the standard paint. Here they are!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9y8NM5y5uqA/VIiFHsomjGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/E5QZL1OTd_k/s640/blogger-image-1959115701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9y8NM5y5uqA/VIiFHsomjGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/E5QZL1OTd_k/s640/blogger-image-1959115701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xRkJ0rMthsM/VIiFIG19qyI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/eXbmqKaRNDg/s640/blogger-image--1015436015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xRkJ0rMthsM/VIiFIG19qyI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/eXbmqKaRNDg/s640/blogger-image--1015436015.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hope that helps! Back to the move! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-58174459819893094142014-12-09T22:19:00.001-06:002014-12-09T22:19:48.734-06:00Moving kicks your butt!Laying in bed after another very hectic day. No pictures or anything yet. We'd like to not have the house look like a bomb went off in it. Lol. <div><br></div><div>Few updates:</div><div>-Cabinets are fixed. Fingers crossed that when granite slab gets here all is well. </div><div>-Window well fixed. These 2 poor guys were out in 36 degree wet weather hand digging all around the egress well of the basement. They get props for busting their butts. </div><div>-Shower is fixed, zero leaks. </div><div><br></div><div>-Got our Fridge and washer/dryer delivered. The Fridge is a beast and barely fit in through the house!</div><div>-Painting has begun. We're using a guy Bridget's family has used for 15 years. Old school simple guy that does great work. I almost feel bad with how little he charges for the quality of work done. </div><div><br></div><div>Ok, that's a quick nutshell recap. Time for bed!</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-37370658293583906722014-12-08T14:00:00.001-06:002014-12-08T14:00:27.564-06:00Closed!!!!30 minutes to sign papers then got this! Moving as we speak. Not to the house yet. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jaDHscopwmQ/VIYDWcQWEkI/AAAAAAAAAio/zBgIdJAs9ss/s640/blogger-image--2002026075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jaDHscopwmQ/VIYDWcQWEkI/AAAAAAAAAio/zBgIdJAs9ss/s640/blogger-image--2002026075.jpg"></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-11202242989186123342014-12-08T12:31:00.001-06:002014-12-08T12:31:02.266-06:00Closed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vYQjcjy6SjA/VIXuZIa0PuI/AAAAAAAAAL0/2h00KHfpSPs/s640/blogger-image-171371261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vYQjcjy6SjA/VIXuZIa0PuI/AAAAAAAAAL0/2h00KHfpSPs/s640/blogger-image-171371261.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are homeowners! We will update later. Time to move...</div>bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159261429235343079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892485843869611332.post-86534202923836907842014-12-05T14:40:00.001-06:002014-12-05T14:40:34.707-06:00Some shoutouts to NVR and our PMHave to give kudos to NVR. I really expected this to be the worst part of the process from others blogs. I was prepared to use anyone but NVR. But in actuality, this was super smooth. I know this all has to do with the luck of the draw with who you get, but our Loan Officers were excellent. They kept great contact, I felt like they worked in my best interest and were very transparent. No hidden costs and beat the other mortgage company I was comparing. Never any pressure and zero lost paperwork. <div><br></div><div>When it comes to mortgages, I really believe you need to keep yourself in the driver's seat. If they need paperwork, get it to them without delay. Have your records in order and know your finances. I loved the fact that almost everything I needed to do could be either emailed or scanned. No need for faxing, mailing or going into the office. So they get a "10". </div><div><br></div><div>I do have to say our PM did a great job overall. In particular these last several days. The guy was literally on his hands and knees doing touch ups and trying to make things right. He got crews on scene right away to correct issues and certainly stayed late last night. </div><div><br></div><div>So the 2 standouts from our experience was NVR and the PM. </div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05831166002259688240noreply@blogger.com0