The Thomas House

Well, due to a couple things out of our control, we have decided to delay move-in day a couple days.  However, that is in just five days!  Woohoo!  We will be moving in on Monday, as they will be finishing up a few things late this week/weekend.  Apparently, they are going to do have to assemble and install the built-ins after we move in, but that is okay.

Jenny and I are VERY ready to be in the house.  It has been a fun process, but it is starting to wear on us slightly.  However, we will be in the house in days now.  We may even sleep there one night this weekend, just to do so.

We will get some updated pictures before and after we have moved in.  Look for those in the next few days.

Here’s a few new pictures of the outside of the house.  As you can see, the brick is done (with the exception of the stairs and the chimney).  Also, 95% of the exterior painting is completed as well.  Cabinets started going in today, and also about 50% of the hardwoods have been laid (they still have to be sanded and stained).  The cabinets look awesome!  In addition, I would say 90%+ of the tile work is done with only a little bit of the master tub lacking.

I have to say I am really excited about the tile for the baths.  The floors in each bathroom are done except for the grouting.  They have started on the master bath.  I am REALLY excited about it.  I will post pictures of it this week when they get a little farther along.  The brick for the house should be done by the end of the week as well.  We are really pleased with the brick work and the look.  Terry with Jenkins Brick brought the CEO of Jenkins Brick out to see the house a few weeks ago!  He was really impressed and so was I.  More photos to come this week!

It has been a while.  Just because I have not fulfilled my duty of keeping this updated does not mean work has stopped.  Craig and I have been crazy busy trying to pick out flooring, decking, and other odds and ends.  And somehow the vision of this house is supposed to come together.  I am just hoping the picture in my head matches the actual house.   So far it does.  The brick layers have been working for several weeks.  They just started the front porch today and after that it will be done.  I have to say they have done an incredible job.  We make sure and thank them and all the other workers each day for their hard work.  Each one is  so appreciative and tells they are just happy to be working. 

I have uploaded more pictures to our gallery.  Hope you enjoy. 

Fireplace brickwork

Foyer

Kitchen and Breakfast area

Seems like there is a lot going on with the house.  Craig and I have decided and ordered the appliances.  We are happy with what we picked out.  Not to mention the great deals we received.  We have enjoyed working with SJ at Friedman’s in Knoxville. 

The electricians are finishing up as well.  About a week ago we had to meet them over there and tell them where we wanted each plug and each light.  That was a little overwelming.  HVAC is done and the plumbers are about done as well.  The brick was delivered last week and they have started that process today.  They said it could take 4-6 weeks or a little longer. 

I will try to get more pictures loaded when I can.

New pictures are in our photo gallery.

We were happy to see the actual roof go on Saturday!  The guys worked hard and they have a little bit left on the back.  Windows have also started to go in.  Once this happens we are in the dry and the electical and plumbing can start.  We still have our eyes set for June 30 to finish but I am not going to hold my breath.  I know things can take a little longer and we will be patient.  I just want things to be done right.  We spent the weekend looking at fireplace inserts and also looking at a front door we had seen.  I am glad Craig was there to talk to the fireplace people because it was over my head.  I just kept Ellie out of trouble as she roamed the patio furniture.

Here are a few pictures.

It appears that the framing on the first floor may actually be complete.  The framers have moved very quickly, and it is fun to see the daily progress.  We were able to go out a couple times today and take a look.  Jenny says we are going to leave the maze of 2×4s to add to the challenge.  Who needs drywall?  She says that is what we call “art.”  And I have to agree that it is better than most of the “art” that our tax dollars go for to put in front of public buildings.  Anyways, without further adieu, here are a few pictures, including our project manager, Eliana, at the end.

Great Room Wall

First Floor Framing

Front of House

Project Manager, Eliana

Just a quick update.  The framing has commenced.  The entire basement has been framed, floor joist put on, and the subfloor is on.  Additionally, part of the first floor walls have been framed including the back wall in the Great Room, which is two stories of windows.  It is looking pretty good, and it was the first time I have really gotten excited because I can actually see and walk through some of the rooms on the first floor.  Hopefully todays snow will not keep them from working.  Progress…Finally!

Here’s a few pictures of part of the basement framing and the subfloor.  Maybe we can get an updated picture up later.

The rain did not stop the plumbers today.  Despite the snow, sleet, rain from the weekend they were able to get more work done today and pass inspections.  Aaron had told us the plumbing would be done a couple of weeks ago but he decided to bring in a new plumber.  Apparantly the other guy did not perform up to his standards and Aaron has a new guy to do our house.  I appreciate that.  Here are some pictures from what they have done.  Now that this is done they can pour the basement floor.  And yes, that does mean more concrete…weather permitting!  Oh please cooperate!

This is a picture of the safe room.  Since a small porch is above it we decided to use this empty space a shelter in case of storms or any other reason.