Snow delay

The framing is almost finished for the front porch; we've selected the decking color; you can see some of the exterior color options at the corner of the garage.

Connect the blue wire to the white wire, but don't touch the yellow wire, right?
Siding is on awaiting the paint.

We expected delays from rain, but not snow so early in the year. The mountains were hit hard last week with the blast of cold weather that hit all of the Pacific NW. We estimate about 8 inches of snow fell at the property; the roads were snow packed and dangerous until after Thanksgiving. The temps dipped into the teens and with EXPOSED PIPES for the plumbing and the sprinkler system we had visions of burst pipes and water spraying the inside of the house. Bob set up some space heaters in the basement and we managed to keep the temperature a few degrees warmer than outside. We think we dodged a bullet. The heating system should be operable in a few days and we won't have that worry again.

I've included some photos of the wiring maze that is blooming inside the house and the dusting of snow from a couple of weeks ago. I don't think it is visible, but the siding is on....lap siding on the bottom levels and shingle siding on the top. It is primed and ready for exterior paint. That may have to wait until the snows thaw.

All Talk, No Photos

This week I will update you with words only, no photos to share. It has been raining a LOT, and on the recent sunny day that we were there with our friend Kate, from Austin, it was too dark/too late to get a good shot.

Things are moving along, however. As Bob says, the inside is a maze of wires and pipes. The electricians have been working for more than 2 weeks to "rough" in the spots for electrical outlets and lights, as well as oven, vent fans, garbage disposals, etc. The heating specialists have pipes running around to connect the radiant floor heating on the two bottom floors with the radiator system on the top floor. The plumbers have their rough in work complete, and the preliminary connections for faucets, tub, shower, toilets are in place.

Because we live in the county at such a remote site, county code requires installation of a fire sprinkler system. Those pipes are also being run throughout the ceilings of each room. Certainly it is a system we hope we never have to "test" after the initial install tests are performed!

Bob has been very busy at the site daily: he installed a central vacuum and low voltage wiring for stereo speakers, cable, internet. His next project will be staining the wooden inside trim of the windows.

Our general contractor, Steve, says the next phase will be insulation installation, then the drywall. After that, interior painting (at least the kitchen ASAP to prep for cabinet installation). The tile setter has been on site, and orders have been placed for tile in the showers, entry way, master bath, guest bath.

We are still focused on March as a move in date, and realizing that is just around the corner!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!