Homebuilding Progress - More Details

The wood floor finishing is taking longer than planned because of high humidity, typical for this time of year. So our construction schedule has slid some critical days. We’re still planning on moving in before the end of the month. The last-minute “to do” list is getting whittled down and details are getting accomplished. And it is all looking gorgeous. The bath hardware is now in place, along with the master bath mirror and shower door. Door hardware is 95% installed. Closets are done. With the exception of wire shelving in my studio closet, all of the closets have been outfitted with solid shelving.

Decorative wood corbels are now gracing the front porch columns and corbels will soon be added to the roof eaves. The old-fashioned shutters are now in place, including hardware for closing them and holding them open. These types of touches give the exterior a historical craftsman flair.

exterior shutter detail

To have a little rustic flavor in the kitchen, we chose simple squares of tumbled stone tiles for the kitchen backsplash. Paired with a complimentary pencil railing, the beauty of the tiles comes from natural color variations and imperfections. A matte sealer will help us keep them clean. We were really excited to see how it tied in the whole look of the kitchen. One backsplash wall is done and another one is waiting for completion next week.

stone tile sample

stone tile backsplash design and granite countertop

I don’t know if I have mentioned it before or not, but we had the standard floor plan significantly changed in the great room. Instead of a cathedral ceiling, we asked Builder Mike to put in a raised trey ceiling. A convenient walk-in storage room is located above this room now, instead of a great expanse of waste air space. Later on (after painting touchups), I will show the overall view of the trey ceiling. But here is a taste of the how the trey is decorated with bead board, beams, and a jazzy ceiling fan. The great room really has a cozy feel to it.

great room trey ceiling detail and ceiling fan

And if Brenda, my blog buddy, ever comes to visit us, the screened-in back porch is where we will be headed to visit and enjoy some liquid refreshments. (She has been totally loving this porch, LOL.) Except for a little cleanup of the walls, decking, and door, it’s all ready for many lounging days ahead. With the porch located right off of the kitchen, sweet hubby is anxious to put a gas grill out there right after we move in. And sometime this summer, we hope to also add some relaxation chairs and a little dining set.

screened-in back porch

Foundation plantings are now in and the flowerbeds are defined with shredded mulch. After the gas line to the house is installed this next week, then the yard will get a final grading and sod will be laid. We’re crossing our fingers that a LOT the remaining detail work and touch-up painting will get accomplished by next weekend!