Note: Since completion of the house I have also decided to allow guest bloggers to post articles related to remodeling. This continues the education process.
TIMELINE
Architect Selection - December 2002 through January 2003
Getting a Permit - January 2003 through November 2004
Construction - November 2004 through September 2006
Post Construction - October 2006 through ???
Koi Pond Gets One Last Update Before Landscaping Contest
In preparation, Cor van Diepen of Paradise Landscaping, came over with his assistant Cesar (see April 16 blog post) for one last touch up before the judges come over this weekend. They spent time on details like making sure no rubber trim was showing and that every rock was in its place. There were a few bubbles showing at the waterfall that he called 'foam' and said we would lose some points if that was there when they came by. I'm going to see if I can find something to get rid of it tonight.
Cor thinks we have a really good shot at first place! I'll let you know next week. Maybe I'll get to stick a sign in my front yard. :)
A Magazine Called
Koi Pond Cleaning
While Cesar scrubbed the rocks, Cor cleaned out the biotic filters. The picture below shows the lava rocks that sit in a bag at the top of the waterfall. There is bacteria living in those rocks so they get a superficial cleaning.
You are probably wondering what happened to the four fish. Well, after about 30 minutes of no water, the pond was refilled and the fish swam out of their holes. Amazing!
Landscaping is Blooming Well This Spring
Concord grapes are starting to appear.
The artichoke plant is growing FAST!
One of my plans was to have wisteria grow up the columns around the house and frame out the different entry ways. I may be a few years off from that but they are growing quite nicely and the purple flowers are strikingly beautiful. I'm going to have to get a small trellis built between the columns as the wisteria will be tall enough to grab on soon.
Neighborhood Church Annual Yule Parlor Parade Homes Tour
Dining Room Table Being Built
The table is modeled after a table in the Robinson House, another Greene and Greene design. With both leaves in, it can comfortably seat 14, without the leaves it can easily seat 8. It weighs in at about 150 lbs for the base and 150 lbs for the top. The extensions are wood sliding on wood, there are no metal sliders. Also notice that your knees won't hit anywhere around the table.
The Mailbox Post and Mailbox Get Installed
Sanded and Stained Front Door and Garage
Adding a Barbecue Island
The block was built just off the house. We tied it in using the stone veneer to make it look like one wall.
The structure was framed out with aluminum studs. The dark green posts are steel.
The gas line was run in from under the house.
Golden Buckskin flagstone was used on the top to match the patio and the face is stone. It looks like the barbecue island was here all along.
Garage Floor Upgraded with RaceDeck
The pieces snap together like a puzzle making it real fast and easy to complete. The hardest part was emptying and refilling my garage. The installation below took all of 2 hours.
Next Page
Be sure to browse the 2,000 picture Photo Gallery for more step-by-step construction details.