Thursday, 15 September 2005
2nd Year Housiversary
Today is the 2nd anniversary of closing on the house. I present a photo montage of the entire process, beginning to end ... nothing to something.
In the beginning ... there were trees. And basically, there still are around 3 sides of the house providing a great deal of privacy even during the winter months when there are no leaves on the trees.
Uh oh, a maze of concrete. At this point you say to yourself, "There is no way in hell this is going to be enough space!"
BEHOLD! THE FOUNDATION! Also take notice of the jut out on the right-hand side of the house. That is where the Bilco doors to the basement will eventually go. If you're building a house and someone tries to tell you that you don't need Bilco doors to get bulky items in and out of your basement, promptly hit them. Couches and pool tables do not bend!
"Hehehehe ... wood."
"You said wood."
Even if it didn't make it much further, at least you could lay down some plywood and pitch a tent 
But, walls are much better. The wall/box on the left is where the fireplace exhaust is located.
All in all they were all just nails in the wall.
The true geek now starts to develop Half-Life 2 or Quake levels incorporating the current state of the house noting that the open windows provide a convenient location from which to snipe spawn of hell enemies.
It is now looking like a really, really large and expensive doll house ...
... with windows!
TIP: Photograph every single wall while the plumbing and wires are exposed. Down the road when you want to know where certain pipes run or where the cabling is installed, you can go back and pinpoint exactly those things.
Two words: whirlpool tub.
Sheetrock goes up and all of sudden the place is habitable ... and dusty as hell.
Gratuitous "buttshot". Oh, and there's siding too.
Hardwood ... lots and lots of hardwood ... and kitchen cabinets.
Two tier crown molding with dental molding insert. 'Nuff said.
Basement under the breakfast nook. This will eventually be closed off and made into a wine cellar. It will have a few chairs, a wine barrel with melted candle, and cheese.
You can't say that the tile guy isn't resourceful.
Beautiful ... hardwood ... so ... dusty ... can't ... speak.
Kitchen island with bar sink. If you're going to add a bar sink to your island, also add the garbage disposal.
Whirlpool tub accent tile. Surprisingly enough, Target had a few bathroom rugs which had the colors of the tile. SCORE!
Oak staircase. Had to request everything be oak on the stairway ... posts, risers, treads ... EVERYTHING!
Is this the basement or some sick NASA experimentation room?
The taped sign on the mantle reads, "STAIN THIS AND DIE!"
Three words: Stainless steel appliances.
2nd floor laundry (pre washer and dryer arrival). No more trekking up and down stairs with loads of laundry.
Walk-in closet with closet savers. Notice the closet saver shoe racks. Sadly, two racks doesn't come close to providing adequate shoe storage.
Don't tread on me (for at least a week or so).
Basking in the evening sun.
Pre-grass, weeds, flowers, etc... but it's a start.
Alcohol table at the housewarming party. Wish you were there.
'Twas the night before sometime in January, and all through the house ...
Off to bed.
