tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73821078218821662562024-03-13T08:35:59.792-04:00The Yorkshire Endeavor...Building our first new home outside Dayton Ohio.Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-17745460448972361412012-07-12T23:13:00.000-04:002012-07-12T23:13:15.602-04:00+35 days, 30 Day Inspection tomorrowI know I have been seriously missing from Blog land since closing, but it has been a hectic month. We have a baby on the way in 1 month, so getting settled in as soon as possible was very important.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, We have our 30 day (35 actually) inspection tomorrow. There have been a few growing pains in the first month, but nothing crazy. There was the early on dishwasher pump issue. Then a week after that I found a bolt from the garage door had dropped out and nearly hit my car. Turns out they install the doors and THEN the drywall so the drywall guys move the doors and hope they hit the studs again after they put the drywall in. They had 2 bolts actually into wood of the 8 holding up the 2 doors... Door installers came out and fixed/adjusted everything, but the moral is add this to the list of things to check. Door guy had a 2" nail that he poked into the drywall. More than 1/4" and it wasn't hitting wood...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally last week the AC froze up twice. HVAC crew came out and we have a leak in the evaporator coil (outside part). They recharged it and said it may be up to 2 weeks to get the part. Then PM tells me we were the first of 4 in the neighborhood, so apparently there is a defect from the factory... He made them come out today (4 days later) and recharge the entire neighborhood just in case. Ours was already down almost a pound of coolant (of 7), so the leak is definitely small but active. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the projects front -- I have the media room installation done, and just in time for the olympics into football season :-) Projector mounting was a bit tricky around the HVAC soffits, but with a little improvisation there is now a 110" screen in a 20x12' room, and it has no windows, so the projector is perfect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After our meeting with the PM tomorrow I will get a update out with all the little things I had him take care of.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-79786851052305813462012-06-22T00:14:00.001-04:002012-06-22T00:14:58.275-04:00Office Plans change, Security and TechnologyUnpacking has been going pretty smooth and I'm even getting a chance to work on some of my pet projects for the new house. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First priority was getting the alarm going. Rather and a guardian system I installed my own (Visonic Abbra system) with monitoring via NextAlarm. I have a grandfathered in price plan at $10/month, so it doesn't take many months of saving $30 off the guardian rate to offset the equipment purchase -- plus I got exactly the system I wanted. Normal door sensors, 2 motion sensors, 2 smoke detectors tied to the alarm and 2 water sensors in the utility room tied to the alarm. Any drain or sump pit issues and I will know ASAP.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My secondary and ongoing project has been the tech nerve center in the basement. There are a few different things going on there that might not be evident from the photo. First, the board on the wall is where all lines coming in are terminated. Time Warner's modem is mounted there, All of the DirecTV cables and power injectors, etc, and the alarm system. Then the rack has 1) Network switches (ebay purchases 2) Firewall to protect home network from outside network 3) Network Storage hard drives, and 4) AV equipment for the media room.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My goal for the media room is to have almost no visible equipment. TV will be a rear projector on the wall, Speakers are small, and all will be wall mounted. Remote control will have a small relay into the equipment in the rack (DirecTV receiver, audio receiver, etc). The TV mounted on the wall in the equipment room is a mirror of what will be on the projector (testing purposes) and also serves as a monitor for the firewall. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, I think I have given up the idea of putting my office in the basement unfinished space. The 1st floor study/living room is the same size, already finished, and a much better use of space. We really need that 200 sq ft of storage in the basement if I ever want to have the garage 100% reclaimed. All the upstairs needs is a set of french doors (to keep kids out) and it will be good to go. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ZHOAh0h4Y/T-Ps_x-9HBI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/UuFQhfTntTk/s1600/photo%2B1-706558.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756705329202928658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_ZHOAh0h4Y/T-Ps_x-9HBI/AAAAAAAAI2Q/UuFQhfTntTk/s400/photo%2B1-706558.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front door wireless sensor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cf1OikC-MY/T-PtAiEM0ZI/AAAAAAAAI2c/R-hWg8dVDFE/s1600/photo%2B2-709592.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756705342109831570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cf1OikC-MY/T-PtAiEM0ZI/AAAAAAAAI2c/R-hWg8dVDFE/s320/photo%2B2-709592.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First floor Keypad, wireless arm/disarm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTopBsLMFpw/T-PtAy81jgI/AAAAAAAAI2o/jEgZ0K2s0iw/s1600/photo%2B3-710834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756705346642349570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTopBsLMFpw/T-PtAy81jgI/AAAAAAAAI2o/jEgZ0K2s0iw/s320/photo%2B3-710834.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taweS4bi4eU/T-PtBJW-PgI/AAAAAAAAI20/3tqFcTtvK6k/s1600/photo%2B4-712318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756705352657550850" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taweS4bi4eU/T-PtBJW-PgI/AAAAAAAAI20/3tqFcTtvK6k/s640/photo%2B4-712318.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nerve center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-4372997157550442062012-06-17T23:43:00.001-04:002012-06-17T23:43:18.226-04:00+9 Days - Breath Caught, and 1st PM Service call.Success in a move is measured by how long it takes before your garage is usable. I can officially and publicly state that on day 9 (6 since moving in) I was able to park both cars inside for the first time. I consider this a success.<br />
<br />
Info on our first service call/issue at the bottom.<br />
<br />
The move has been hectic and exhausting, but we are officially in and most of the main stuff is done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Ceiling fans were installed by me last Sunday. By the 4th one I was getting a lot faster and got on a roll. Only problem was all 4 fans were different, so each had a slightly different steps. I will try to post photos tomorrow.</li>
<li>HDTV hung over the fireplace. This was an ordeal, and thankfully no kids were a round because the profanity was flying fast and loud. First issue -- we had a level that gave different readings when flipped over. So basically our level wasn't level and it threw everything off. Took 45 minutes to figure that one out. Next issue, the TV screw holes were not level (old level or new level) so we had to redrill a hole wider on the bracket to give us some wiggle room. Eventually it worked out.</li>
<li>HDTV on wall of master BR went in, much easier. <a href="http://www.monoprice.com/">www.monoprice.com</a> for all your mount needs. Seriously, $12 vs $88 at Best Buy.</li>
<li>Garage door openers installed (not by me). Very glad we went with belt drives.</li>
<li>Installed a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049U3XE2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mikepistphot-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0049U3XE2">"Honeywell RWD41 Water Defense Water Sensing Alarm"</a> around the washing machine. Our house has a 1st floor laundry with my media room (finished) below it in the basement. Any washer leaks would be bad news. We sprung for the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UEX256/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mikepistphot-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UEX256" target="_blank">20 Year Hoses</a> that are not supposed to break (or at least in 5 years like the rubber ones do), but with a 5 year old washer I was still a bit nervous. At the first sign of water underneath the washer the alarm will sound. </li>
<li>Granite half sealed. Sealed the island and the bar top, still need to find time to do the counter slab. It needs to dry 12 hours before you seal and 4 hours after, so it takes some planning. I used the <a href="http://stonecare.com/" target="_blank">SCI</a> cleaner and sealer from home depot but I think I went heavy on the sealer. I used 80% of the bottle on the island/bar and it says you can do 100 sq ft twice with 1 bottle. Oh well, it looks good :-)</li>
<li>Landscaper "buried" the time-warner coax for us under the sod. Had to chase away the TW contractors that showed up with a pick ax and wanted to hack up my new sod. I will need to be careful when installing my sprinkler system.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My alarm install is on tap for tomorrow night. I have had everything setup for a week, but haven't had a chance to do the activation. I ended up going with the Abbra wireless system with monitoring from NextAlarm.com</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ordered another wifi access point last week and will be installing it tomorrow. This house is solid and wireless throughput drops from 30M in the basement to 28M in the kitchen, to 5M upstairs. I'm going to add a 2nd access point on the 2nd floor connected with cat5 to the basement. Should provide coverage to the whole house and some of the outside space. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Long story warning:</div>
<div>
--------------------------</div>
<div>
Ok.. So we had our fist service issue last week. The dishwasher has been an issue since closing. Our inspector didn't like they way they shimmed it in, so we had them fix it pre-closing. Then day 2 we tried to run dishes and couldn't get it to power on. Apparently there is a switch on the counter that provides power to the unit. I found this out after checking the circuit, testing the disposal (same feed) and then calling the PM. I have never seen this before, but having kids I love it. Master shutoff capability.... </div>
<div>
Then we ran it twice and noticed it wasn't cleaning. Did some more digging and realized it wasn't getting any water, but ran the whole cycle w/o water. Called PM. He said call GE but he will have the plumbers check supply line real quick in the morning. Plumber comes, water line fine, says he sees no signs of water inside the unit. So we call GE and they say they will be there in 3 days (they don't work over the weekend)... Then I call the PM back. Basically I said "it's your call, but you might want to take a look at this DW today at some point..." If it's GE's problem then they will fix it, but if I had to wait 3 more days (10 post closing) to get it fixed and it ended up being an installation (read Ryan homes) problem then I was going to be pissed off. Somebody stopped by, found a wiring issue with the pump, and it was working fine within 10 minutes. Either 1) it was installed wrong, and ran dry at least 3 times (ouch...), or 2) it worked when installed but something happened, the wiring came lose on the pump, and the guy who stopped by fixed it for GE ahead of time... Both are plausible, but I'm betting on #1. In the end it was fixed, builder response was prompt (after I leaned on them a bit and wasn't willing to just accept it was a GE problem). MORAL of the long story: TEST EVERYTHING before closing and verify. I heard the dishwasher run, but never verified water running, and it bit me in the butt sort of.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-8787814661010923052012-06-15T16:06:00.000-04:002012-06-15T16:13:10.920-04:00Day 90 (but 7 days late posting) Pre-Move photos... Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry for the week delay, but our old internet service shut off a day early, and then the whirlwind of moving took every free second of the next 6 days. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are now officially in, semi-settled, and officially out of the old house. NVRM ended up finally giving our re-approval 14 hours before closing. I asked what the issue was and they said there was none, it wasn't even close to not being approved -- so apparently that is just how their underwriters operate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will post more this weekend. Until then here is a ton of photos from the night before closing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEX1YGBXRf4/T9uUI0YDFeI/AAAAAAAAIyU/xmfY0UuLadA/s1600/20120607-MJP_2714enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEX1YGBXRf4/T9uUI0YDFeI/AAAAAAAAIyU/xmfY0UuLadA/s640/20120607-MJP_2714enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl38sj0EjyM/T9uPnNR6uYI/AAAAAAAAIqw/LBQb2yn_iCQ/s1600/20120607-MJP_2580enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl38sj0EjyM/T9uPnNR6uYI/AAAAAAAAIqw/LBQb2yn_iCQ/s640/20120607-MJP_2580enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_PCL_pioVA/T9uPt7gQ0DI/AAAAAAAAIq4/XGtczwgbYK4/s1600/20120607-MJP_2583enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_PCL_pioVA/T9uPt7gQ0DI/AAAAAAAAIq4/XGtczwgbYK4/s640/20120607-MJP_2583enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCFIJTvYG9s/T9uPyqNqOUI/AAAAAAAAIrE/ymwe0DIbWRU/s1600/20120607-MJP_2586enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCFIJTvYG9s/T9uPyqNqOUI/AAAAAAAAIrE/ymwe0DIbWRU/s640/20120607-MJP_2586enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vE7wsZlKdEk/T9uP3unDloI/AAAAAAAAIrM/q3siP12shXk/s1600/20120607-MJP_2589enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vE7wsZlKdEk/T9uP3unDloI/AAAAAAAAIrM/q3siP12shXk/s640/20120607-MJP_2589enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBh8R6Zv4M8/T9uQBR-l8_I/AAAAAAAAIrg/6qCX8bXnJ7s/s1600/20120607-MJP_2595enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBh8R6Zv4M8/T9uQBR-l8_I/AAAAAAAAIrg/6qCX8bXnJ7s/s640/20120607-MJP_2595enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_4-bgRraXo/T9uQIJSP6wI/AAAAAAAAIro/hSEwxgzbnic/s1600/20120607-MJP_2598enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_4-bgRraXo/T9uQIJSP6wI/AAAAAAAAIro/hSEwxgzbnic/s640/20120607-MJP_2598enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gZsUle0HKk/T9uQNLsH5bI/AAAAAAAAIr0/-NjLAmD44e0/s1600/20120607-MJP_2601enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gZsUle0HKk/T9uQNLsH5bI/AAAAAAAAIr0/-NjLAmD44e0/s640/20120607-MJP_2601enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvGL1IOgcU0/T9uQTDx6WhI/AAAAAAAAIsA/owUJG3YwLE8/s1600/20120607-MJP_2604enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvGL1IOgcU0/T9uQTDx6WhI/AAAAAAAAIsA/owUJG3YwLE8/s640/20120607-MJP_2604enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfrdLPFsm1k/T9uQZflRhjI/AAAAAAAAIsI/mACHXER3lZU/s1600/20120607-MJP_2607enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfrdLPFsm1k/T9uQZflRhjI/AAAAAAAAIsI/mACHXER3lZU/s640/20120607-MJP_2607enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cnEHWgyV_o/T9uQezozZWI/AAAAAAAAIsU/hOZe6WXqfPQ/s1600/20120607-MJP_2610enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cnEHWgyV_o/T9uQezozZWI/AAAAAAAAIsU/hOZe6WXqfPQ/s640/20120607-MJP_2610enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9LRU0n8IJM/T9uQk7OmvoI/AAAAAAAAIsk/K404KwaND9g/s1600/20120607-MJP_2613enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9LRU0n8IJM/T9uQk7OmvoI/AAAAAAAAIsk/K404KwaND9g/s640/20120607-MJP_2613enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7s8NhLJEPc/T9uQr-38r-I/AAAAAAAAIss/T3e_8Drho20/s1600/20120607-MJP_2616enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7s8NhLJEPc/T9uQr-38r-I/AAAAAAAAIss/T3e_8Drho20/s640/20120607-MJP_2616enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3jILR5Eh2I/T9uQymIvaLI/AAAAAAAAIs4/x1b58DEI70E/s1600/20120607-MJP_2619enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3jILR5Eh2I/T9uQymIvaLI/AAAAAAAAIs4/x1b58DEI70E/s640/20120607-MJP_2619enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Eal30ht7c/T9uQ35XmrxI/AAAAAAAAItE/Rm_Zedi3mzM/s1600/20120607-MJP_2622enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Eal30ht7c/T9uQ35XmrxI/AAAAAAAAItE/Rm_Zedi3mzM/s640/20120607-MJP_2622enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLk1tWlV3-o/T9uQ8jnasrI/AAAAAAAAItM/wE7Jk-lt1ww/s1600/20120607-MJP_2625enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLk1tWlV3-o/T9uQ8jnasrI/AAAAAAAAItM/wE7Jk-lt1ww/s640/20120607-MJP_2625enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWxdPmEKvmA/T9uRBBMLvCI/AAAAAAAAItU/2LDIcoQZA1o/s1600/20120607-MJP_2628enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWxdPmEKvmA/T9uRBBMLvCI/AAAAAAAAItU/2LDIcoQZA1o/s640/20120607-MJP_2628enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVDUh3QSpW4/T9uRGDQNieI/AAAAAAAAItg/8_gwU7LJE8w/s1600/20120607-MJP_2631enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVDUh3QSpW4/T9uRGDQNieI/AAAAAAAAItg/8_gwU7LJE8w/s640/20120607-MJP_2631enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msadjJlSLMI/T9uRLt8tBPI/AAAAAAAAIto/1QCEmn86Y2Q/s1600/20120607-MJP_2634enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msadjJlSLMI/T9uRLt8tBPI/AAAAAAAAIto/1QCEmn86Y2Q/s640/20120607-MJP_2634enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTmzw9-Hr_k/T9uRRN4v51I/AAAAAAAAIt0/dXobri5UIaw/s1600/20120607-MJP_2637enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTmzw9-Hr_k/T9uRRN4v51I/AAAAAAAAIt0/dXobri5UIaw/s640/20120607-MJP_2637enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncd8PDF3XvQ/T9uRXfYo-GI/AAAAAAAAIt8/jeaJV5FJ5IY/s1600/20120607-MJP_2640enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncd8PDF3XvQ/T9uRXfYo-GI/AAAAAAAAIt8/jeaJV5FJ5IY/s640/20120607-MJP_2640enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyicTJ68wJc/T9uRb-aWTPI/AAAAAAAAIuI/25C4C6dtnJg/s1600/20120607-MJP_2643enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyicTJ68wJc/T9uRb-aWTPI/AAAAAAAAIuI/25C4C6dtnJg/s640/20120607-MJP_2643enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8yeCNp438/T9uRgaBNpMI/AAAAAAAAIuU/yWLCjGw6Zl0/s1600/20120607-MJP_2646enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8yeCNp438/T9uRgaBNpMI/AAAAAAAAIuU/yWLCjGw6Zl0/s640/20120607-MJP_2646enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05PGcIJs0ho/T9uRk9HIiwI/AAAAAAAAIuc/M8B97kOTsuI/s1600/20120607-MJP_2649enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05PGcIJs0ho/T9uRk9HIiwI/AAAAAAAAIuc/M8B97kOTsuI/s640/20120607-MJP_2649enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYDhIW9l5hg/T9uRrJxWR_I/AAAAAAAAIuo/OaqGLm72WsE/s1600/20120607-MJP_2652enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYDhIW9l5hg/T9uRrJxWR_I/AAAAAAAAIuo/OaqGLm72WsE/s640/20120607-MJP_2652enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLftDzl1bxs/T9uRx172xWI/AAAAAAAAIuw/pKq4sx7GSKE/s1600/20120607-MJP_2655enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLftDzl1bxs/T9uRx172xWI/AAAAAAAAIuw/pKq4sx7GSKE/s640/20120607-MJP_2655enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62W7KJ9y04s/T9uR4nitJzI/AAAAAAAAIu8/UR9gi9_3T1k/s1600/20120607-MJP_2658enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62W7KJ9y04s/T9uR4nitJzI/AAAAAAAAIu8/UR9gi9_3T1k/s640/20120607-MJP_2658enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsKyvAskPk8/T9uR-wgwbwI/AAAAAAAAIvI/aOAOYfLKGuA/s1600/20120607-MJP_2661enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsKyvAskPk8/T9uR-wgwbwI/AAAAAAAAIvI/aOAOYfLKGuA/s640/20120607-MJP_2661enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Go6-qsmu1fc/T9uSETF_0II/AAAAAAAAIvQ/epc9unkdofc/s1600/20120607-MJP_2664enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Go6-qsmu1fc/T9uSETF_0II/AAAAAAAAIvQ/epc9unkdofc/s640/20120607-MJP_2664enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaGt0oVRBgA/T9uSKIdJj8I/AAAAAAAAIvc/c0u17HIaJcA/s1600/20120607-MJP_2667enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaGt0oVRBgA/T9uSKIdJj8I/AAAAAAAAIvc/c0u17HIaJcA/s640/20120607-MJP_2667enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwFjlWw1QcU/T9uSQUEbCyI/AAAAAAAAIvk/luVF3o6kS40/s1600/20120607-MJP_2670enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwFjlWw1QcU/T9uSQUEbCyI/AAAAAAAAIvk/luVF3o6kS40/s640/20120607-MJP_2670enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f88gvO4gzOw/T9uSV-3ezDI/AAAAAAAAIvw/kozLSGX-ilE/s1600/20120607-MJP_2673enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f88gvO4gzOw/T9uSV-3ezDI/AAAAAAAAIvw/kozLSGX-ilE/s640/20120607-MJP_2673enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjqPITzEmww/T9uSbsPOYmI/AAAAAAAAIv4/s6fMtgO_HpI/s1600/20120607-MJP_2676enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjqPITzEmww/T9uSbsPOYmI/AAAAAAAAIv4/s6fMtgO_HpI/s640/20120607-MJP_2676enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEbIBXKOxcE/T9uShVqp4eI/AAAAAAAAIwE/6HabNVHwkpc/s1600/20120607-MJP_2679enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEbIBXKOxcE/T9uShVqp4eI/AAAAAAAAIwE/6HabNVHwkpc/s640/20120607-MJP_2679enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8bYPJ2GpTk/T9uSnLCw-NI/AAAAAAAAIwM/p7I37lTfGeU/s1600/20120607-MJP_2682enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8bYPJ2GpTk/T9uSnLCw-NI/AAAAAAAAIwM/p7I37lTfGeU/s640/20120607-MJP_2682enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5db2qH7xs8/T9uSs_ZK2oI/AAAAAAAAIwY/LviJqm-o8MQ/s1600/20120607-MJP_2685enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5db2qH7xs8/T9uSs_ZK2oI/AAAAAAAAIwY/LviJqm-o8MQ/s640/20120607-MJP_2685enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTcSrG3BH3c/T9uSyyVc2FI/AAAAAAAAIwg/41--zlZuU50/s1600/20120607-MJP_2688enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTcSrG3BH3c/T9uSyyVc2FI/AAAAAAAAIwg/41--zlZuU50/s640/20120607-MJP_2688enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2Sg0Jagek8/T9uS4deNdhI/AAAAAAAAIwo/a4_wr32L984/s1600/20120607-MJP_2691enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2Sg0Jagek8/T9uS4deNdhI/AAAAAAAAIwo/a4_wr32L984/s640/20120607-MJP_2691enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yHJ41Esqeg/T9uTC7QTw0I/AAAAAAAAIw0/fAimHLK7epk/s1600/20120607-MJP_2694enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yHJ41Esqeg/T9uTC7QTw0I/AAAAAAAAIw0/fAimHLK7epk/s640/20120607-MJP_2694enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUDzKdIXetQ/T9uTLTIGQQI/AAAAAAAAIxA/3P08dNoCefA/s1600/20120607-MJP_2697enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUDzKdIXetQ/T9uTLTIGQQI/AAAAAAAAIxA/3P08dNoCefA/s640/20120607-MJP_2697enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCF4h1jhmYE/T9uTaL9GSwI/AAAAAAAAIxU/ojtpFGUt_CY/s1600/20120607-MJP_2701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCF4h1jhmYE/T9uTaL9GSwI/AAAAAAAAIxU/ojtpFGUt_CY/s640/20120607-MJP_2701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkLYQ6_u3kY/T9uTrgi842I/AAAAAAAAIxw/n2OuB0sao4s/s1600/20120607-MJP_2705enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkLYQ6_u3kY/T9uTrgi842I/AAAAAAAAIxw/n2OuB0sao4s/s640/20120607-MJP_2705enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEtIC3JXdCQ/T9uT0u4w2LI/AAAAAAAAIx8/8KyIZrXTj3M/s1600/20120607-MJP_2708enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEtIC3JXdCQ/T9uT0u4w2LI/AAAAAAAAIx8/8KyIZrXTj3M/s640/20120607-MJP_2708enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4LZ7nISjNM/T9uT-LgwO1I/AAAAAAAAIyI/YTq3hWuFe9k/s1600/20120607-MJP_2711enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4LZ7nISjNM/T9uT-LgwO1I/AAAAAAAAIyI/YTq3hWuFe9k/s640/20120607-MJP_2711enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AYKmUjj23A/T9uUR425L5I/AAAAAAAAIyg/Xbz911E8KSo/s1600/20120607-MJP_2717enfuse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AYKmUjj23A/T9uUR425L5I/AAAAAAAAIyg/Xbz911E8KSo/s640/20120607-MJP_2717enfuse4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-56844452055432967792012-06-07T17:01:00.003-04:002012-06-07T17:01:33.737-04:00Day 89 - Final Walkthrough and Landscaping<div class="mobile-photo">
Lots of stuff going on today. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
We started the day with our final walk with the PM. Took about 2 hours, was very informative and complete. He has really done a great job. Left him with a few new things to fix (paint touch up in a few places, etc) but nothing big remains. Inspector showed up and passed the house, so we are officially allowed to live there now (once we own it). Then the fridge installers came and dropped that off. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Right as we were leaving the landscapers were starting to get going. It took them a few hours just to unload all the sod, trees, and plants</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Fast forward about 4 hours, and all the flower beds are in, trees planted, final grading and rock hounding done, and sod was about 40% done. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Plan is to take some photos tonight and hopefully get them posted because the next few days will be crazy.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaH5Fg8RCbc/T9EOOmQl4zI/AAAAAAAAIpM/q_Zux_emVw4/s1600/photo%2B1-730482.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751393843079930674" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaH5Fg8RCbc/T9EOOmQl4zI/AAAAAAAAIpM/q_Zux_emVw4/s640/photo%2B1-730482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMqZyPOaupo/T9EOPILg2oI/AAAAAAAAIpY/EitQC3nMxKw/s1600/photo%2B2-732587.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751393852185434754" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMqZyPOaupo/T9EOPILg2oI/AAAAAAAAIpY/EitQC3nMxKw/s640/photo%2B2-732587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwJNBHqbodg/T9EOPosEsOI/AAAAAAAAIpk/yzuyX3KnfVM/s1600/photo%2B3-734348.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751393860911935714" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwJNBHqbodg/T9EOPosEsOI/AAAAAAAAIpk/yzuyX3KnfVM/s640/photo%2B3-734348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHv4FGG7iJM/T9EOQLzKj8I/AAAAAAAAIpw/_q__VBeR7XU/s1600/photo%2B4-736339.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751393870336921538" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHv4FGG7iJM/T9EOQLzKj8I/AAAAAAAAIpw/_q__VBeR7XU/s640/photo%2B4-736339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6yRK7i2KzA/T9EOQmNSSeI/AAAAAAAAIp8/o_X5eYQraq4/s1600/photo%2B5-737933.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751393877425801698" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6yRK7i2KzA/T9EOQmNSSeI/AAAAAAAAIp8/o_X5eYQraq4/s640/photo%2B5-737933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-63423173026031743642012-06-06T20:38:00.003-04:002012-06-06T20:38:56.056-04:00Day 88 - Final Inspection tomorrow, NVRM Hell today<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoqETuEFKX8/T8_zSuckBUI/AAAAAAAAIo8/cb_Qwc7GHKg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoqETuEFKX8/T8_zSuckBUI/AAAAAAAAIo8/cb_Qwc7GHKg/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final'ish grading. Water shutoff raised up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are 2 final inspections tomorrow. Ours with the PM at 9am, and the county inspection attempt #3 at some point. <br />
<br />
I stopped by today after work and a lot of my list was already done and the few other items were scheduled (exhaust pipe = plumbers, lamp post = electricians, etc). Talked to the PM and he says we are 100% good for the inspection. The tempered glass sticker now has painters tape with an arrow pointing to the glass sticker location. Sort of an idiot light for the inspector. So we should pass tomorrow and they will have to turn around the Certificate of Occupancy pretty quick for Friday's closing.<br />
<br />
Goals for the final inspection are to check all the paint/drywall for any remaining touchups, understand ally the mechanicals, and understand the maintenance/care of some new items like the tile grout and the granite (seal 'em both) and the concrete driveway (probably seal that too before winter)<br />
<br />
Landscaping and Sod is in tomorrow -- tons of photos tomorrow, I promise<br />
<br />
<br />
Onto my NVRM issues -- thankfully I have vented a bit to my wife already, so I won't go into the full story -- but my dissatisfaction grows every day. Current complaints --<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>36 hours until closing and we still don't have official re-approval. Keep in mind the only thing that has changed since initial approval is we SOLD our old house so our debt was decreased by almost 200k. You would think approval in December + less debt (drastically) would = quick approval. </li>
<li>Nobody seems too concerned about #1, except me who has been asking approval status since March 30th (first email to processor). The unnecessary stress this creates is inexcusable.</li>
<li>Our cash needed at closing went up 400% over the weekend. Several emails to NVRM last week asking for final HUD so I can order a cashiers check (bank is out of state...). Last friday I was told "it's definitely less than $500 so don't worry, you can write a personal check" and their guess was around $300 due. Today it ends up being $1200+ with less than 2 days notice. Fees to have a cashier check overnighted? $75. My solution: I am taking it all out in cash from ATM's and paying them in $20's. If I could pay in pennies I would. </li>
<li>They have continued to change their mind about documentation, and truly don't understand simple legal concepts like contract law. Today's argument was about a loan from my parents. When closing on our old house we had to pay some at closing to cover tax liability for the part of the year we lived in the house. NVRM said any money we transferred into checking for this would be an issue with the underwriters (everything is an issue with the underwriters) -- so we borrowed it from my parents for a few weeks and we will pay them back right after closing, simple right? Only a few weeks later NVRM said they needed a gift letter from my parents saying this was not to be repaid, despite telling us to keep it off the books the first time. -- then they decided it wasn't a gift, it was a loan because my mom wrote "short term loan" on her check. This is where contract law comes in. You can write anything you want on a memo line and it has no bearing on the contract (check = simple contract). Just because you write Yankee Stadium on your season ticket check doesn't mean you own the stadium when the cash it. NVRM couldn't understand this. So now it was back to being a "loan". So parents needed to sign a note saying "it's a loan, will be repaid... etc"... Then they decided that wasn't good either, and it needs to be a promissory note, which basically says "this is a loan, will be repaid" but says Promissory Note across the top. So this was another form and signature. Long story, I know, but just one of the many examples of how they screw things up. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Honestly at this point I think I would never build with RH again if forced to use NVRM as the mortgage company. I have no complaints about my sales rep, project manager, or house (yet), but my mortgage experience has been the worst of the 5 of my life. And I say this as somebody with excellent credit, long employment history, and nothing exceptional in our financial history. I can't even imagine what it would be like if god forbid you had missed a payment once in your life on a gas card or something. They would probably require DNA samples.<br />
<br />
OK, I lied. I had to vent a little more, but now I feel better.<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-3109899886744151032012-06-05T20:49:00.002-04:002012-06-05T20:51:40.753-04:00Day 87 Our Inspection (passed) and County Attempt #2 (failed)<br />
Today was a day of inspections. First was the county, and they failed again, this time with 1 item. The inspector can't see the tempered glass sticker on all 3 panes of shower stall glass. PM assures me this will not delay occupancy.<br />
<br />
Then I got there around 3:30 for the appointment with our personal inspector. The final grading was finishing up and looks great. Enough of a grade to avoid any water issues but not enough to be annoying. Plus there is a decent flat space in the back and side yards. Anyway, our inspector lives near by and has looked at the house a good half dozen times so far, so there wasn't much in the way of surprises that have not been previously addressed. Spent 90 minutes with us, and it was well worth the money. <br />
<br />
<br />
Below is the list I sent to our PM. My biggest concern is the dishwasher installation technique and the current height of the lamp post. I am sure all of these items will be addressed before friday. <br />
<br />
No photos for now, but I will have a bunch either on Thursday or Friday.<br />
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Midget Lamp post -- Now that the grading is done it has confirmed </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">what I have suspected since the concrete forms went up -- the walkway </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">lamp is super low. It's maybe 5' above the new ground level. Also </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">tied into this is the switch (assuming it is last to right in foyer) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">does't work, or possibly the light bulbs is out.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Sliding door - Handle needs to be tightened and the slide stop is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">missing so it bangs into the fixed pane if slid too far.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Upstairs bathroom (non-master) faucet needs to be caulked. It </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">wiggles a bit, and a sealing should keep it a bit more in place.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Floor HVAC vents - Didn't get cleaned. Drywall dust, screws, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">sawdust, etc all inside. Checked the morning room and family room </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ones, not sure about front half of house.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Front Deadbolt - not lined up properly. WAY too hard to lock, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">required a lot of pressure on door from inside, or serious pulling </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">from outside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Kitchen Exhaust Pipe - Two segments (to the right of gas line entry) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">came apart. Looks like the duct tape tore, possibly related to the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">kink repair in the other segment the first time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Floor pipe in unfinished room next to roughed bath - Plumber capped </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">it, but there is some sort of foul liquid (hopefully not what it </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">smells like) in there.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Dishwasher installation - This one I noticed right as we were </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">finishing up because the sides appeared to be missing trim (I could </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">see the shims). The granite/cabinet installers didn't put in a screw </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">strip (not sure real term) under the counter where the dishwasher </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">goes, so the DW installer had nothing to screw into except 1" of air </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and then granite. Their solution was to shim both sides and screw </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">through the tub/shim into the cabinet. This is outside the door </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">seal, but my concern is the who did this installation (non-standard) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">could have invalidated the warrantee. GE states that improper </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">installation invalidate any claims, so I need some assurances that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">either GE did the installation,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Missing Fridge - Just so there is no miscommunication, we are still </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">missing the fridge (4EF is the RH Code, 25.3 Cu Ft model). I know </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">this goes in last, but just making sure this will be there.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Water shutoff in yard - These are now obviously below grade.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Water Shutoff access panel in basement - We thought this was to be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">painted wall color</span></blockquote>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-56308623140491182262012-06-04T14:43:00.000-04:002012-06-04T18:49:54.568-04:00Day 86 - Concrete Update and Final InspectionPM called bright and early this morning. He inspected the slab and then spoke to the concrete supervisor. Mr. Concrete (my name for him) says it was a windy day and it dried out the surface quicker which resulted in the cracks.<br />
<br />
I only partially believe Mr. Concrete's explanation -- Weather history for April 10th (<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KMGY/2012/4/10/DailyHistory.html">Here</a>) says winds were 8mph with a max of 18mph out of the north west, which is almost exactly the average for the whole month of April. May was a little less windy, and June was pretty much like April. However -- 3 sides of the garage were already framed when they poured (protected by the wind) with the West facing doors open. This would give their explanation some weight, because the 1/3 closest to the north wall (most protected from wind) has no cracks.<br />
<br />
PM is going to apply something called <a href="http://www.sealmaster.net/pdf/specification/Sealmaster%20spec%20sheets/CrackMaster1190.pdf">Crack Master</a> to seal them off, and I am probably going to end up doing a 2stage epoxy at some point also. I know eventually this will drive me nuts otherwise. I want to have the drywall seams finished and painted in there first though, and maybe give the slab a year to settle before I coat it.<br />
<br />
---
<br />
Final Inspection attempt #1 was today. Noticed around noon that attempt #2 had already been scheduled :-) By 3pm the following note was posted next to the FAIL status "final elect verified - master shower glass by door unable to verify safety/temp/ - wtr. her combustion - need fireplace operating and access to kitchen stove gas connection. "<br />
<br />
Nothing seems too much of a concern on that list. Possibly water heater combustion... Fireplace works (witnessed it on friday), so not worried -- and the stove gas connection is a sore point with the inspectors I think. A house across the street has an issue, so they are probably hyper-sensative to gas leaks.<br />
<br />
Side note about gas appliances. I ordered 2 gas/co2 detectors today. One for the furnace room (Water Heater and Furnace) and one for the kitchen. I know you can smell gas, but it will be good to have an<br />
audible alarm in case there is any leak. My biggest concern is a toddler turning on the stove but not lighting it... resulting in a slow leak in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
<br />
--- UPDATE at 6:30 pm ---<br />
<br />
I talked to our PM and none of the inspection issues are of a concern to him (or me). Seems like stupid stuff, he wouldn't want for them to slide out stove to show gas connection or turn fireplace on. Expected everything to be on and prepped. Seems sort of petty, but I'm sure they will pass tomorrow. Looking down my street there is only 1 house that passed on the first attempt. <br />
<br />
Cracks look a lot better now, but not great. I'm just going to live with it at this point and keep a close eye to make sure it doesn't change over the next year. A little dirt in there and it will look like a normal garage eventually. <br />
<br />
Final Grading tomorrow, Gutter re-route Wednesday. Final cleaning today. Just missing a fridge and some grass. <br />
<br />
Also, I contacted the landscaper today to get a quote for 100% sod. We have about 5700 sq ft that is supposed to be seeded (back yard) and not sodded like the front/side (7000 sq ft). My estimate is it will be somewhere around .35/sq ft minus the value of the seeds and labor RH paid for. Hopefully we can swing it, but too late to include with the mortgage. The more I see my neighbors fully sodded yard the more I wish I had included it from the beginning or added it sooner. Highly recommend 100% sod if possible. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-8550890793820855182012-06-03T13:49:00.001-04:002012-06-03T13:49:40.858-04:00Day 85 - Concrete... It's hard and it cracks...<div class="mobile-photo">
Yesterday (Saturday) was day 85. They say the yorkshire is an 85 day build, and they are pretty darn close. If I didn't could the permit delays early on they would have been done in 85. As of today they have 99% of the house done. I have 1 inside issue still (trim in 1 wall of 1 room) and it needs a deep cleaning still, but even today it is in better shape than most houses you would move into.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Final Inspection is scheduled for tomorrow (monday, day 87). Fridge is still missing. Stove burners are still not calibrated correct/even.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Onto the concrete. They power washed the garage floor on Friday afternoon. So, on Saturday when I stopped by you could see the floors for the first time in months. Previously there was dirt and plaster, and dust all over the place.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Now there are cracks... and a lot of them. The entire basement slab (1500 sq ft...) had zero noticeable cracks. Garage has a few dozen. And some appear to still be below the surface. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
First off -- I KNOW there are 2 rules of concrete -- 1) It's hard, and 2) it will crack... But there are a lot of them on this slab. None are deep, or wide (1/8", maybe 1/4" at most... most are 1/16") but they are long (10' to 10").</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
I went back this morning (Sunday) and in the daylight, without camera flash making it look worse, and the floor dry, it looks better than it did, but I am still not thrilled with this. Properly cured concrete should not spiderweb like this. In the back of my mind I keep remembering how they failed initial inspection on this slab pre-pour and had to get an engineered slab, which makes me nervous also. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
I walked around the street and checked out the other slabs. I think I was lucky on the basement slab (no cracks, where most others have some), and every other garage has some cracks, but not like us. Maybe this is the concrete karma evening out for the extra wide driveway.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Emailing PM about this. Not expecting a resolution before closing, but this will be brought up. And I will continue to bring it up (survey... 30 day, 10 month inspection). </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJrGollixTs/T8ugy_2ySDI/AAAAAAAAIoI/0NLQ6eNJruM/s1600/photo%2B1-735318.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749866147263694898" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJrGollixTs/T8ugy_2ySDI/AAAAAAAAIoI/0NLQ6eNJruM/s640/photo%2B1-735318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb8GoeOnZCU/T8ugzVpc-cI/AAAAAAAAIoU/6Zt94OopJS8/s1600/photo%2B2-736610.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749866153113352642" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb8GoeOnZCU/T8ugzVpc-cI/AAAAAAAAIoU/6Zt94OopJS8/s640/photo%2B2-736610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMRJtwRILUg/T8ugznHNQwI/AAAAAAAAIog/cqEruovIFlk/s1600/photo%2B3-738133.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749866157801554690" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMRJtwRILUg/T8ugznHNQwI/AAAAAAAAIog/cqEruovIFlk/s640/photo%2B3-738133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-77342220784623358292012-05-31T21:45:00.001-04:002012-05-31T21:45:40.850-04:00Day 83 - Black Bean = Brown?<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
Stopped by quickly after work today. House was locked, but the front door is now painted and the trim installed (sort of). The trim is technically nailed up now, but I really hope more work remains on this. Huge gaps, not level, etc. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Concrete molds were off so we could walk around on it a bit (pace off that helipad ;-) but they still need to clean it up, backfill, and make it look good.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Onto the door color... neither my wife or I really remembered picking the siding, shutters, and door colors. After picking the brick I remember chasing a toddler (ours) around the model most of the time until I distracted her with some Dora on Netflix on demand. Fast forward 6 months and all I knew was the selection sheet said Black Bean. To me that meant black or something close. Apparently it's a dark brown. Truly it looks better than black would. It's a perfect match for the shutters and brick, but I wasn't expecting it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some googling on the product number turned up the <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6006-black-bean/" target="_blank">exact Sherwin-Williams paint</a> they use. VERY good to know for touch up purposes. Glad I dug a bit before emailing the PM. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4xcKT8rZIM/T8gcCCfir8I/AAAAAAAAIn4/xlR3YaxRWII/s1600/photo%2B2-739806.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748875745692921794" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4xcKT8rZIM/T8gcCCfir8I/AAAAAAAAIn4/xlR3YaxRWII/s640/photo%2B2-739806.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Door with Trim installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlueDG04qKM/T8gcBpupEFI/AAAAAAAAIns/k2Tkx4-qHMM/s1600/photo%2B1-737931.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5748875739045367890" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlueDG04qKM/T8gcBpupEFI/AAAAAAAAIns/k2Tkx4-qHMM/s640/photo%2B1-737931.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bean?<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
</div>
</div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-37346027431734055502012-05-30T17:00:00.003-04:002012-05-30T17:11:22.060-04:00Day 82 - Punch List, Generous Pour, and PM Hookups<div style="text-align: left;">
Last night I sent our PM a quick punch list of items I had noticed.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most were minor issues, or paint related (underside of 2nd floor foyer window unpainted, etc).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He called me back today and said they are all being taken care of. He is writing up his punch list today and all of my items will be on there. There were a couple of items I wasn't sure on, but he said</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
they would hook me up anyway. He's installing windowsills in the garage, but won't paint them. Cutting down the toilet drain in the roughed-in bathroom and installing a flange (not part of the deal, but easy/cheap for them to do, and probably a PITA for me to do).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly is the driveway... Very happy about this one. The back story is that on the pre-con site plan it had a straight line drive, so basically 30x30. PM caught this, and scribbled the change on our pre-con site plan. That left the garage (3 car, side entry) as 30' wide but tapered down to 20' before it hit the sidewalk, and then the entry part is also 20' wide. Apparently that correction never made it to the actual site plan, so the concrete guys setup the forms with a 30' wide drive the whole way to the street. It looks much better this way, and avoids a hard turn to pull into the 3rd car garage, but that extra concrete costs so extra $$ (~$1k I would guess) so I figured they would catch it eventually.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fast forward to today's phone call. PM said he was upstairs working on the punch list, noticed they had started pouring and instantly saw what was wrong. Ran down and the concrete guys said "it's exactly like on the site plan", which it was. And it was basically too late to change it. I told him obviously we preferred it that way, so there is no issue. He said he figured as much. I believe his quote was "you're out here every day so I knew if it was an issue you would have seen it and said something..." which is a pretty true statement.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The way I see this unexpected bonus is it evens out some other issues I have noticed (like a wall or 2 not being drywalled square) but bit my tongue on. You let some of the small stuff go and you get some good karma coming your way in the form of a few hundred extra square feet of concrete. Another point to bring up with future or early builders is how you interact with your PM. I have admittedly been very hand on during this whole build, but I always have maintained a good relationship with our PM and trusted his judgement on most things. I haven't emailed him daily with issues, but tried to consolidate a list, give him a chance to notice/fix first, and then emailed after a bit. And I really don't expect him to notice everything I will notice. I have 1 house to focus on, so I can get very detailed -- he has probably 4 to 6 at the same time, so his focus is different. My point is that I think maintaining a good attitude and relationship with your PM (and letting some small stuff slide) pays off in the end. I really doubt he would do little things like windowsills and toilet flanges if I was a pain the entire time. Difficult customers get the "what you ordered and nothing more"</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp9pG7nBEcM/T8aIojGT7rI/AAAAAAAAInE/VjyHRyzMpLk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp9pG7nBEcM/T8aIojGT7rI/AAAAAAAAInE/VjyHRyzMpLk/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a sidewalk and gutters now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDDb1EkFKL8/T8aIghydGiI/AAAAAAAAImk/30DTZLLNsYA/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDDb1EkFKL8/T8aIghydGiI/AAAAAAAAImk/30DTZLLNsYA/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got lucky with the extra wide driveway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1Pm8VyENU/T8aIiUY1UXI/AAAAAAAAIms/wPLpzVmzaX0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dU1Pm8VyENU/T8aIiUY1UXI/AAAAAAAAIms/wPLpzVmzaX0/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk stops about 4' short of property line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4huRwaANqVk/T8aIkUlK9uI/AAAAAAAAIm0/QzjsNI5s3ps/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4huRwaANqVk/T8aIkUlK9uI/AAAAAAAAIm0/QzjsNI5s3ps/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mailbox just appeared</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp5IM_gvW_8/T8aImCFkc5I/AAAAAAAAIm8/MGGruZ6csIc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp5IM_gvW_8/T8aImCFkc5I/AAAAAAAAIm8/MGGruZ6csIc/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eDf7QaMPGM/T8aIqSVA4WI/AAAAAAAAInM/aTMfnySKXq4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eDf7QaMPGM/T8aIqSVA4WI/AAAAAAAAInM/aTMfnySKXq4/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMRukJLt7g/T8aIr6yGHsI/AAAAAAAAInU/XL9fHduKzZk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMRukJLt7g/T8aIr6yGHsI/AAAAAAAAInU/XL9fHduKzZk/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutters today too...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tunfol3egAU/T8aItmNA76I/AAAAAAAAInc/nQanYNKkd18/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tunfol3egAU/T8aItmNA76I/AAAAAAAAInc/nQanYNKkd18/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the official closing of our OLD house today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-32283747820185915092012-05-29T21:29:00.000-04:002012-05-29T21:29:07.521-04:00Day 81 - Deck and NVRM Issues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quick update -- Not a lot has changed on the house. The deck is basically done now and looks really good. It will look even better with some stain on it, but that project can wait a few months. No concrete yet, no gutters, but a lot go blue tape all over the walls where all the touch up are. Hopefully this is just the first pass though because they missed a few (and I might have added a few pieces of tape to help out...)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The real drama of the day was that we closed on our old house 36 hours earlier than expected, so there was a bunch of running around </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and as to be predicted NVRM is having issues keeping their head out of their ass as usual (unrelated to old closing). My general dissatisfaction with NVRM continues to decline. After asking them repeatedly for months what we needed from old-house closing they continued to insist nothing. They were proceeding as if it was not going to sell and said there were no issues. I even emailed them this morning with a 10-day out check-in email to make sure we were on track and they said everything is fine. I hadn't heard from them in 8 days so I was getting nervous. Then an hour later they said that everything had changed, they now needed to see the all the closing info from old-house. Seriously??? 110 days into a 120 day process and NOW you figure this out? After I have been asking at least 6 times this exact question. What would happen if I wasn't emailing them to check up like they are a kid? The people I am dealing with are truly nice people, but this stuff isn't rocket science and I feel like I am constantly asking them questions they should be asking me and I am the one making sure THEY do their job and there are no issues delaying closing. It is a very backward relationship. I don't doubt (yet) that we will close on time, but mainly because I am riding their ass for the next 10 days and they will make it work just to get me off their case -- but I would not use NVRM again. On the other hand, I have absolutely NO issues with the builder side of the house. Things are looking great, so I guess I can't bitch too much (but I just did :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel better after a quick blog vent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZF2CSbqHzk/T8V0-mi0JhI/AAAAAAAAImY/vzQ6OiMa7ZA/s1600/MJP_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZF2CSbqHzk/T8V0-mi0JhI/AAAAAAAAImY/vzQ6OiMa7ZA/s640/MJP_2579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM0prpKE8L4/T8V0T3GhHqI/AAAAAAAAIlI/K9CStSNvjxc/s1600/MJP_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM0prpKE8L4/T8V0T3GhHqI/AAAAAAAAIlI/K9CStSNvjxc/s640/MJP_2563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_zvO9Hz5yI/T8V0fAD4YGI/AAAAAAAAIlY/qO-Hr-FnqGQ/s1600/MJP_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_zvO9Hz5yI/T8V0fAD4YGI/AAAAAAAAIlY/qO-Hr-FnqGQ/s640/MJP_2568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2qeQGj-86c/T8V0jHxlibI/AAAAAAAAIlg/qqLZdCzVqK4/s1600/MJP_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2qeQGj-86c/T8V0jHxlibI/AAAAAAAAIlg/qqLZdCzVqK4/s640/MJP_2569.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmrcF8pRcg/T8V0p8gMJZI/AAAAAAAAIlo/0ycoOYdgiEU/s1600/MJP_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmrcF8pRcg/T8V0p8gMJZI/AAAAAAAAIlo/0ycoOYdgiEU/s640/MJP_2570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2P-6bm0W0Y/T8V0tGHqNzI/AAAAAAAAIlw/4zHtD4Emw20/s1600/MJP_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2P-6bm0W0Y/T8V0tGHqNzI/AAAAAAAAIlw/4zHtD4Emw20/s640/MJP_2571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_P4xz4FAq_4/T8V00EWRmDI/AAAAAAAAImA/76mGFhiYUb4/s1600/MJP_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_P4xz4FAq_4/T8V00EWRmDI/AAAAAAAAImA/76mGFhiYUb4/s640/MJP_2575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuqlOb9WCQs/T8V029TAy2I/AAAAAAAAImI/I2Bf40ozIwI/s1600/MJP_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuqlOb9WCQs/T8V029TAy2I/AAAAAAAAImI/I2Bf40ozIwI/s640/MJP_2576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGoEKGRPN8c/T8V05-zx1PI/AAAAAAAAImQ/fvKAqXUNB4E/s1600/MJP_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGoEKGRPN8c/T8V05-zx1PI/AAAAAAAAImQ/fvKAqXUNB4E/s640/MJP_2577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-83231752019288896572012-05-27T22:56:00.000-04:002012-05-28T11:04:30.974-04:00Day 79 - Homestretch<div class="mobile-photo">
Our house is officially locked now. I stopped over on Satuday and all the carpet pad was in with the carpet just starting to go down. When we stopped back at 6 it was all in but we were locked out :-( </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Yesterday the sales rep sent us some updated photos of the deck going in. They finally got permit approval to build it. Apparently the post closest to the house had to be dug 9 feet (NINE!!!) deep because the inspector said it had to go into undisturbed soil and it was close to the dig out from the basement. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Still no pour on the driveway or sidewalk, but the forms still look good. They covered my 2" PVC properly with gravel, so it should be good when they pour. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Schedule wise we're still looking good. I think the deck finishing up, concrete, and gutters are the only big things left. I have a list of touch up items they need to address and a bunch of cosmetic, but that can be knocked out in a day or two.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
13 days until closing...</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoxuHxMFkY/T8OQ_Ll3I6I/AAAAAAAAIjo/KRTK3bfoDUw/s1600/IMG_3863-700225.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747596964572636066" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoxuHxMFkY/T8OQ_Ll3I6I/AAAAAAAAIjo/KRTK3bfoDUw/s640/IMG_3863-700225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHK3TYT3I4s/T8OQ_Q58maI/AAAAAAAAIj0/7Z4IMdPKgdw/s1600/IMG_3862-701612.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747596965999057314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHK3TYT3I4s/T8OQ_Q58maI/AAAAAAAAIj0/7Z4IMdPKgdw/s640/IMG_3862-701612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GF0r-PYQPBc/T8ORAiaYjpI/AAAAAAAAIkk/DOqCJAdih0s/s1600/IMG_3864-706670.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747596987878379154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GF0r-PYQPBc/T8ORAiaYjpI/AAAAAAAAIkk/DOqCJAdih0s/s400/IMG_3864-706670.JPG" width="225" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ2laDbfSOg/T8OQ_p0GrjI/AAAAAAAAIkA/gpkkYI6ai9s/s1600/IMG_3861-702802.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5747596972685438514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ2laDbfSOg/T8OQ_p0GrjI/AAAAAAAAIkA/gpkkYI6ai9s/s400/IMG_3861-702802.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-90308609801731575932012-05-23T22:36:00.000-04:002012-05-23T22:36:42.205-04:00Day 75 - Naked Floors, More Dirt, and Buried Pipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our PM called with an update this morning. He says everything is on track to be done 3 days before closing. Concrete is going in tomorrow, carpet on Saturday, first cleaning this weekend also. Next week is all the little touch up stuff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They definitely added a bunch more dirt today. The slope to the front yard is not too extreme, so no worries. They also uncovered the hardwood floors, so we got our first look at how they really will look (but a lot dirtier still).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly... I have been kicking around this self-installed sprinkler idea for a few days. One problem was the hose bib was on the far front of the house away from the garage and there is about to be a sideway in the way. On the way out of the community today I ran into our PM and ran an idea past him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He had no objections so after dinner I went to Lowes and got two 2" PVC 10' pipes and caps for each end. I cut them down to 8' and installed 1 under the front steps and 1 under the sidewalk where it connects to the garage. [See pics below] The eventual idea is to run water lines/hoses (3/4") and/or power through the pipes. At the minimum I will run a low voltage wire for landscaping lights through the steps pipe. Our power outlet is right by the water... Probably an extension cord for Christmas lights too. Tons of uses and 2" should be enough. Hopefully the concrete crew won't tear them out. Maybe I should have written do not remove in spanish also, now that I think of it... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ4mC5fQy0Y/T72ZT2k9ugI/AAAAAAAAIf8/p6kOGtwOuQ4/s1600/MJP_2382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ4mC5fQy0Y/T72ZT2k9ugI/AAAAAAAAIf8/p6kOGtwOuQ4/s640/MJP_2382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MWpO0NML6E/T72Zaf5yw8I/AAAAAAAAIgE/GX5XMDe-iOA/s1600/MJP_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MWpO0NML6E/T72Zaf5yw8I/AAAAAAAAIgE/GX5XMDe-iOA/s640/MJP_2383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLBOLQrmeM0/T72ZdoY_YSI/AAAAAAAAIgM/U5v7v5PItZo/s1600/MJP_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLBOLQrmeM0/T72ZdoY_YSI/AAAAAAAAIgM/U5v7v5PItZo/s640/MJP_2384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQZTpXcUvXU/T72ZglwnvEI/AAAAAAAAIgU/akgKQco9Vbs/s1600/MJP_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQZTpXcUvXU/T72ZglwnvEI/AAAAAAAAIgU/akgKQco9Vbs/s640/MJP_2387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy5NTU8Aauo/T72ZluxMDyI/AAAAAAAAIgk/EqNEabqfVEA/s1600/MJP_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy5NTU8Aauo/T72ZluxMDyI/AAAAAAAAIgk/EqNEabqfVEA/s640/MJP_2389.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mcgtyVTxPI/T72Zo3t1ZTI/AAAAAAAAIgs/AfykCrgkfTg/s1600/MJP_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mcgtyVTxPI/T72Zo3t1ZTI/AAAAAAAAIgs/AfykCrgkfTg/s640/MJP_2392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Naqz7evD3Hg/T72ZxcZjEFI/AAAAAAAAIg8/KEW5iicaYfk/s1600/MJP_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Naqz7evD3Hg/T72ZxcZjEFI/AAAAAAAAIg8/KEW5iicaYfk/s640/MJP_2397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28tr-8Huv-s/T72cnNc4reI/AAAAAAAAIhY/fzMi2Z2J2-g/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28tr-8Huv-s/T72cnNc4reI/AAAAAAAAIhY/fzMi2Z2J2-g/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNNEsCLeU7c/T72cpNiRdNI/AAAAAAAAIhg/17ge3dfDW28/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNNEsCLeU7c/T72cpNiRdNI/AAAAAAAAIhg/17ge3dfDW28/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzfKR6J4dlY/T72cqleyl_I/AAAAAAAAIho/5KPbJEgyznY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzfKR6J4dlY/T72cqleyl_I/AAAAAAAAIho/5KPbJEgyznY/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QD5pGNk9x0/T72cskDBdiI/AAAAAAAAIhw/FNTB18H9dLQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QD5pGNk9x0/T72cskDBdiI/AAAAAAAAIhw/FNTB18H9dLQ/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-20409061159559254822012-05-22T22:01:00.000-04:002012-05-22T22:01:03.562-04:00Day 74 - Granite In, No Concrete Yet.<div class="mobile-photo">
I stopped over hoping to see some concrete progress, instead I found an exterior trim painter and an empty house. Seizing the opportunity I did a good 45 minute walk through. Checked lights, baseboards, overall trim, etc. No major issues. 1 wall of trim is pretty bad but I think they are already on top of that one. Somebody marked a big X on it and popped the caulk. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
The granite is in and I love how it looks with the floors and cabinets. It's hard to take a good photo because it reflects everything, but the last photo shows off the subtle specks in the stone and actually has a bit of clean floor.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
I tested out the Mwave vent, and it is actually venting outside, despite my skepticism. All is good with that. I just noticed the fridge is missing (kinda important) but I'm sure it will be there soon. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Deck footers inspection failed. Seems to be the MO for this inspector. He always finds something, which I like as a buyer. 1 of the footer holes was too close to the foundation so it was actually in "filled" dirt, not naturally compacted dirt. Not sure the fix, but they need to get another inspection to pass.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
17 days to go and it's all starting to come together.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm7WqDp0qMk/T7w_GnBN_BI/AAAAAAAAIes/WfdAwn7v-xY/s1600/photo%2B1-786472.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745536607403768850" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm7WqDp0qMk/T7w_GnBN_BI/AAAAAAAAIes/WfdAwn7v-xY/s640/photo%2B1-786472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kH9f0S_OViI/T7w_KIigaVI/AAAAAAAAIe0/9T0HMWjSSoI/s1600/photo%2B2-700301.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745536667941366098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kH9f0S_OViI/T7w_KIigaVI/AAAAAAAAIe0/9T0HMWjSSoI/s640/photo%2B2-700301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSQzlDQGq_Y/T7w_Kvj8LKI/AAAAAAAAIfA/XxjAVw4lNfM/s1600/photo%2B3-701728.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745536678416362658" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSQzlDQGq_Y/T7w_Kvj8LKI/AAAAAAAAIfA/XxjAVw4lNfM/s640/photo%2B3-701728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6sSkv2oV5I/T7w_LGpV1SI/AAAAAAAAIfM/Al3aK-MqLP0/s1600/photo%2B4-704548.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745536684613031202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s6sSkv2oV5I/T7w_LGpV1SI/AAAAAAAAIfM/Al3aK-MqLP0/s640/photo%2B4-704548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxR36EXH7I0/T7w_LudJjOI/AAAAAAAAIfY/nMXvgfX920U/s1600/photo%2B5-706272.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745536695299312866" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxR36EXH7I0/T7w_LudJjOI/AAAAAAAAIfY/nMXvgfX920U/s640/photo%2B5-706272.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-33100572247165647112012-05-21T19:48:00.002-04:002012-05-21T19:48:37.097-04:00Day 73 - Pour me another...<div class="mobile-photo">
18 days until closing. We're now the the stage where it looks like not much is going on, which tends to make me nervous. We did a decent amount of furniture shopping this weekend, and all of the installations /deliveries are set to start the day after closing. And we only have 6 days overlap from closing on new house to vacating old house -- all that combines to make me really screwed if closing slips at all. BUT there have been no indications that will happen. Just my nervousness.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
Since my last update they appliances are installed. I am not 100% sure they did the microwave exterior vent correct. I plan to test this one night this week and see if it is really venting. Friday night the vent was drywalled over (DRYWALL CREW MISTAKE...) , and by Saturday afternoon the microwave was installed. I think it is expecting too much for the appliance subcontractor to have known there was a vent. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
On the plus side though the concrete looks to be going in this week. I don't want to jinx it, but the driveway width looks a little generous by my eye. I will elaborate once they pour and can't undo it. Second thing was that I'm surprised at the walkway height from the front steps in relation to the current grade. I guess I expected there to be 2 steps off the landing, but they are setting up for 1. Just means they will have to bring in a bunch more dirt to backfill that front yard. I prefer a decent grade away from the house when possible (drainage paranoia) so this works well for me. </div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
By my tracking we still need:</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Concrete drive / sidewalks</li>
<li>Granite Install</li>
<li>Carpet Install</li>
<li>Gutters Install</li>
<li>Deck Install</li>
<li>Some final plumbing stuff remains</li>
<li>Hookup appliances (possibly already done...)</li>
<li>Tons of touch up work. Drywall, paint, etc</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="mobile-photo">
Lastly, I have been doing a lot of research on in ground sprinklers and the insane prices contractors charge for installation. I will do a separate post on this tonight, but I'm pretty sure I can install independent in ground systems that feed off my hose bibs (with an electronic timer and all) for less than $400 and maybe 10 hours of labor (x2 for the standard DIY under-estimation, so 20 hours). Much better than the $4k to $6k that a professional will charge. Will theirs be better, absolutely... $5500 better though?</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp-R9H7QxAU/T7rQVAvXgRI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/F29I9YmJztg/s1600/photo%2B1-791257.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745133334058991890" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp-R9H7QxAU/T7rQVAvXgRI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/F29I9YmJztg/s640/photo%2B1-791257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKlWjdL3yig/T7rQVua59TI/AAAAAAAAIdc/-6a0Luzmy7o/s1600/photo%2B2-794227.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745133346321200434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKlWjdL3yig/T7rQVua59TI/AAAAAAAAIdc/-6a0Luzmy7o/s640/photo%2B2-794227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ajM5e4VWOI/T7rQV1VyIqI/AAAAAAAAIdo/InGJ-Ez47-k/s1600/photo%2B3-795477.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745133348178764450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ajM5e4VWOI/T7rQV1VyIqI/AAAAAAAAIdo/InGJ-Ez47-k/s640/photo%2B3-795477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LInVzkyjeI/T7rQWT9k_lI/AAAAAAAAId0/L5Q-j1pEKuc/s1600/photo%2B4-796956.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745133356398739026" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LInVzkyjeI/T7rQWT9k_lI/AAAAAAAAId0/L5Q-j1pEKuc/s640/photo%2B4-796956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dUo8rjcZAc/T7rQWvo87cI/AAAAAAAAIeA/QrCPJXsWSfc/s1600/photo%2B5-798676.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5745133363828420034" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dUo8rjcZAc/T7rQWvo87cI/AAAAAAAAIeA/QrCPJXsWSfc/s640/photo%2B5-798676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-5181086490560350012012-05-17T20:56:00.001-04:002012-05-17T20:56:13.858-04:00Day 69 - Shutters and Sidewalks Oh My...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tons of photos for this one. Our old house officially passed inspection with no issued (who knew...) so we're in the clear to close 1 week before our new house is done, but we have 2 weeks possession post closing. So that means I will have 6 days to move. Any slip to our closing date and things fall apart very quickly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway. Shutters are on (brown) and look great with the brick. Lots of credit to my wife for the shutters/door/siding selections. I love they way they are coming out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Staining is done now, painters were finishing up. Drywall repair done. They were grading the lot, tearing out the temp driveway, and scraping for the sidewalks today. Looks like concrete could be going in soon :-) I need to email my PM this weekend and stress how much I expect the sod to be in before closing. I can count 4 houses around me that are done with no sod. Two were done before they could install the sod because of the cold, but the other 2 have closed in the last 6 weeks, which is inexcusable in my book. I will either have sod or a FIRM installation date before closing. And no surveys returned until everything is done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Few pics of the back garage side for a fellow blogger below, and a shot of the neighbor's hole in the ground through a dirty window also.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click on one of the photos for a larger slideshow...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzUt2z68Vek/T7WVgBML22I/AAAAAAAAIZo/Q4KgE4ujE6U/s1600/MJP_2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzUt2z68Vek/T7WVgBML22I/AAAAAAAAIZo/Q4KgE4ujE6U/s640/MJP_2345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR3OmBXbgC4/T7WYRY2_96I/AAAAAAAAIcg/2yz7YG_Jzjw/s1600/MJP_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR3OmBXbgC4/T7WYRY2_96I/AAAAAAAAIcg/2yz7YG_Jzjw/s640/MJP_2372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08WIQSW85cI/T7WVqjZ9DmI/AAAAAAAAIZw/16Sm9lDSLQ4/s1600/MJP_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08WIQSW85cI/T7WVqjZ9DmI/AAAAAAAAIZw/16Sm9lDSLQ4/s320/MJP_2348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pVGtqaQUHc/T7WV41UzjrI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/jq-IXOhhcoI/s1600/MJP_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pVGtqaQUHc/T7WV41UzjrI/AAAAAAAAIZ4/jq-IXOhhcoI/s320/MJP_2349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM98UqdZX2Y/T7WWDdq0teI/AAAAAAAAIaA/d2o37uJ9wjA/s1600/MJP_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gM98UqdZX2Y/T7WWDdq0teI/AAAAAAAAIaA/d2o37uJ9wjA/s320/MJP_2350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9iWs2UEU5I8/T7WWI-QjPBI/AAAAAAAAIaI/cpopiOsq0ho/s1600/MJP_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9iWs2UEU5I8/T7WWI-QjPBI/AAAAAAAAIaI/cpopiOsq0ho/s320/MJP_2351.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LYKyYuNKrk/T7WWN-c5WDI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/bTqvKv7GaWM/s1600/MJP_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LYKyYuNKrk/T7WWN-c5WDI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/bTqvKv7GaWM/s320/MJP_2352.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRheEvrXag4/T7WWTO5lrzI/AAAAAAAAIaY/34h8o3KuuK4/s1600/MJP_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRheEvrXag4/T7WWTO5lrzI/AAAAAAAAIaY/34h8o3KuuK4/s320/MJP_2353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uux6Lns_K6s/T7WWeMd4TWI/AAAAAAAAIag/kUabcsODh6E/s1600/MJP_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uux6Lns_K6s/T7WWeMd4TWI/AAAAAAAAIag/kUabcsODh6E/s320/MJP_2354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25uNS0f-WGM/T7WWkJ4HiWI/AAAAAAAAIao/7C8ojVrqCJc/s1600/MJP_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25uNS0f-WGM/T7WWkJ4HiWI/AAAAAAAAIao/7C8ojVrqCJc/s320/MJP_2355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELLjKhcjd1g/T7WWpe7ww8I/AAAAAAAAIaw/M5mj31DamYk/s1600/MJP_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELLjKhcjd1g/T7WWpe7ww8I/AAAAAAAAIaw/M5mj31DamYk/s320/MJP_2356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brFEX6oNQ4g/T7WWxaiAUkI/AAAAAAAAIa4/fBwaMt4Wj7M/s1600/MJP_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brFEX6oNQ4g/T7WWxaiAUkI/AAAAAAAAIa4/fBwaMt4Wj7M/s320/MJP_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyuSnlMd3n4/T7WW6b6l0EI/AAAAAAAAIbA/5qMLBpEdXuA/s1600/MJP_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyuSnlMd3n4/T7WW6b6l0EI/AAAAAAAAIbA/5qMLBpEdXuA/s320/MJP_2358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8HXctJVKpY/T7WXABVMlOI/AAAAAAAAIbI/iPjb2t7baO8/s1600/MJP_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8HXctJVKpY/T7WXABVMlOI/AAAAAAAAIbI/iPjb2t7baO8/s320/MJP_2359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx8gJmvtVDE/T7WXHanFAEI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/H2zktym2gHc/s1600/MJP_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx8gJmvtVDE/T7WXHanFAEI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/H2zktym2gHc/s320/MJP_2360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQrCqOyKjig/T7WXNI5xUOI/AAAAAAAAIbY/dUEYaqo_1aA/s1600/MJP_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQrCqOyKjig/T7WXNI5xUOI/AAAAAAAAIbY/dUEYaqo_1aA/s320/MJP_2361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_q12RpcqRc/T7WXSxDynxI/AAAAAAAAIbg/PYEgJjFzt4U/s1600/MJP_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_q12RpcqRc/T7WXSxDynxI/AAAAAAAAIbg/PYEgJjFzt4U/s320/MJP_2362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwj0H0ZkK4M/T7WXbEw-ZeI/AAAAAAAAIbo/VKi6nHjF2qI/s1600/MJP_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwj0H0ZkK4M/T7WXbEw-ZeI/AAAAAAAAIbo/VKi6nHjF2qI/s320/MJP_2363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJw34z-uwrU/T7WXlYKqW3I/AAAAAAAAIbw/SyTaDq7Vx-k/s1600/MJP_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJw34z-uwrU/T7WXlYKqW3I/AAAAAAAAIbw/SyTaDq7Vx-k/s320/MJP_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DhpCzUNnq8/T7WXrrvy6FI/AAAAAAAAIb4/UlvBeYdU0JU/s1600/MJP_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DhpCzUNnq8/T7WXrrvy6FI/AAAAAAAAIb4/UlvBeYdU0JU/s320/MJP_2365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGJCtMn-Da0/T7WXxYAkp_I/AAAAAAAAIcA/JLN2P9YoPGY/s1600/MJP_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGJCtMn-Da0/T7WXxYAkp_I/AAAAAAAAIcA/JLN2P9YoPGY/s640/MJP_2366.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYyajHTK0tE/T7WX1lKBMzI/AAAAAAAAIcI/KBm0FGG4Zd8/s1600/MJP_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYyajHTK0tE/T7WX1lKBMzI/AAAAAAAAIcI/KBm0FGG4Zd8/s320/MJP_2367.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XU6yoqWF2XU/T7WX-UQ_RmI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/WwmGYmLZWTk/s1600/MJP_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XU6yoqWF2XU/T7WX-UQ_RmI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/WwmGYmLZWTk/s320/MJP_2368.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-76891566340451227012012-05-16T15:53:00.002-04:002012-05-16T15:53:56.702-04:00Day 68 - Siding and ProgressI stopped by late last night and again today. My main reason was to measure the garage door for the installers (5 panels = 8' FYI) and measure the windows so I can order blinds for the 2 bedrooms. The other bedrooms will have to wait a bit, but the master and our daughters room need blinds ASAP.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There seemed to be a slight variation in some of the window sizes (+/- 1/4 inch usually) but all were very close. Also, the family room windows are huge (75") which we didn't realize when we first built. Very cool and lets in tons of light.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of light -- I think all the electric is done. One of the garage coach lights is out (bulb? wiring?) but everything else seems to be done. Very cool to see it lit up last night.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Painters were finishing up some stuff today, doors, etc. and staining the rails. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And lastly we now have siding. The color is beige, but it doesn't look yellow like the photos show it. The first photo (front view) is probably the closest color. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shutters should be up tonight, maybe the front door trim soon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpPYtzOAfyI/T7QD4_10z_I/AAAAAAAAIY8/yG_6agCwGTE/s1600/photo%2B5-739524.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743219702548975602" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpPYtzOAfyI/T7QD4_10z_I/AAAAAAAAIY8/yG_6agCwGTE/s640/photo%2B5-739524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siding Done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT1RrWX9hhI/T7QD3Wq0YdI/AAAAAAAAIYM/7QpVwEdmcJc/s1600/photo%2B1-732802.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743219674317087186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT1RrWX9hhI/T7QD3Wq0YdI/AAAAAAAAIYM/7QpVwEdmcJc/s640/photo%2B1-732802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stain on Rails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrlak_udUU/T7QD3hOL0wI/AAAAAAAAIYY/id8tQDUTw5g/s1600/photo%2B2-734482.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743219677149778690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTrlak_udUU/T7QD3hOL0wI/AAAAAAAAIYY/id8tQDUTw5g/s640/photo%2B2-734482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqIZvkCTAo/T7QD4JLD9hI/AAAAAAAAIYk/MNJCDjFr-H4/s1600/photo%2B3-736164.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743219687874098706" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqIZvkCTAo/T7QD4JLD9hI/AAAAAAAAIYk/MNJCDjFr-H4/s640/photo%2B3-736164.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Floor 1/2 Bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wv6cUkvt_wI/T7QD4TwjlGI/AAAAAAAAIYw/cMFryqMp2P4/s1600/photo%2B4-737599.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5743219690715714658" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wv6cUkvt_wI/T7QD4TwjlGI/AAAAAAAAIYw/cMFryqMp2P4/s640/photo%2B4-737599.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back view of Siding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
</div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-48353807951379115172012-05-12T19:56:00.000-04:002012-05-12T19:56:54.937-04:00Day 64 - Cabinets and Stuff<div class="mobile-photo">
Stopped by today (shocker, I know...) with my parents who are visiting for the weekend to show off the house. It had only been 2 days but a lot of stuff is coming together.</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Guardian terminated all their lines. Not sure if they messed up in the basement or not. I need to open their panel to confirm. I had requested, twice in writing, that they leave all the cables at their full length (roughly 6') and it looks like they cut them all to size to fit in their box. If this is the case then they are going to be making me a bunch of 6' jumper cables</li>
<li>Fireplace granite installed, mantle trim installed (Tropical Brown granite, looks great)</li>
<li>Counters are in, and look great. Funny enough they are almost the exact same ones as in our current house. At least our taste is consistent. There is a ding over the refridgerator but not bad and probably not noticeable even. I will mention it to the PM at some point, but I might let this one slide.</li>
<li>AC unit is on, but not hooked up. </li>
<li>Most of the doors are in (not basement) Basebord trim is coming along. Bathroom mirrors are in, countertops are in but 1 needs to be replaced (warped) and the somebody already caught it and marked it (guessing it was our PM)</li>
<li>Lastly, no siding yet, but they were hooking up their scaffolding today and I would guess knocking it out tomorrow (mothers day??!?) or monday. </li>
</ul>
<div>
We got to meet 2 of our neighbors also. <a href="http://ravennaspeed.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thomas</a> stopped by and introduced himself briefly. They are 2 months behind us and breaking ground next week. I look forward to raiding his and his neighbors construction dumpsters for 2x4's (Sgt. Rich style) for summer shelf projects.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also met the kids of our across the street neighbor and they were extremely polite. Always a good sign.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things are really starting to move fast now, just like everybody predicted.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="mobile-photo">
<br /></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAbMZjQmHk/T67tGb8K7vI/AAAAAAAAIVw/SFS9mcMeuJY/s1600/photo%2B1-724884.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741787269779091186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAbMZjQmHk/T67tGb8K7vI/AAAAAAAAIVw/SFS9mcMeuJY/s640/photo%2B1-724884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu8pdqsg-8g/T67tGjCQvOI/AAAAAAAAIV8/D6uqk8NC2eQ/s1600/photo%2B2-726419.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741787271683685602" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu8pdqsg-8g/T67tGjCQvOI/AAAAAAAAIV8/D6uqk8NC2eQ/s640/photo%2B2-726419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbWAI73wCU/T67tHesA45I/AAAAAAAAIWI/IJ02CKEqBbg/s1600/photo%2B3-728909.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741787287696499602" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbWAI73wCU/T67tHesA45I/AAAAAAAAIWI/IJ02CKEqBbg/s640/photo%2B3-728909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fr-2aqIdAu0/T67tH7XTUsI/AAAAAAAAIWU/M8QZjB9qxTU/s1600/photo%2B4-730670.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741787295394255554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fr-2aqIdAu0/T67tH7XTUsI/AAAAAAAAIWU/M8QZjB9qxTU/s640/photo%2B4-730670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-6735764680174872602012-05-10T21:39:00.001-04:002012-05-10T21:39:47.585-04:00Day 62 - Interior coming together<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few things got done today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The brick got acid washed and looks a lot better. All the stuck on dust is gone. Photo below does't do it justice.</li>
<li>Banisters installed, most of the doors installed</li>
<li>HWFloors are done :-)</li>
<li>Tile is done in the master bath. Sinks/Counters are in both upstairs baths.</li>
<li>And lastly, I did another DirecTV look angle test with my phone. Now that the trees have grown in we still have a clear shot from behind the garage. I had hoped to put it on the other side of the house next to the AC unit, but I think the trees will block from that side. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow is supposed to be the plank siding (finally... a week late), cabinets and rest of interior trim, and possibly the deck. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiGnBijgyEY/T6xmiWOq3jI/AAAAAAAAIUc/nMPDJMxUUY0/s1600/photo%2B4-703814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741076365259234866" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiGnBijgyEY/T6xmiWOq3jI/AAAAAAAAIUc/nMPDJMxUUY0/s640/photo%2B4-703814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSlFEYMksM/T6xmhYIaS4I/AAAAAAAAIUE/D7YI00V2x6o/s1600/photo%2B2-700296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741076348589984642" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSlFEYMksM/T6xmhYIaS4I/AAAAAAAAIUE/D7YI00V2x6o/s640/photo%2B2-700296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjlOT8KQ6Fs/T6xmgz3IfwI/AAAAAAAAIT4/3ao3cvbo8Rg/s1600/photo%2B1-797968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741076338853838594" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjlOT8KQ6Fs/T6xmgz3IfwI/AAAAAAAAIT4/3ao3cvbo8Rg/s640/photo%2B1-797968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CapB7lEpXfA/T6xmh3OM5NI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/IroHuQZaQnE/s1600/photo%2B3-702053.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741076356935771346" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CapB7lEpXfA/T6xmh3OM5NI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/IroHuQZaQnE/s400/photo%2B3-702053.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsyAqOx1fRI/T6xmkOsc9lI/AAAAAAAAIUo/6ND2YWBzgyA/s1600/photo%2B5-706248.PNG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5741076397596407378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsyAqOx1fRI/T6xmkOsc9lI/AAAAAAAAIUo/6ND2YWBzgyA/s400/photo%2B5-706248.PNG" width="267" /></a>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-33578368432374965102012-05-09T17:11:00.002-04:002012-05-09T17:11:34.804-04:00Day 61 - Rate Lock, PMI Drop and Floor Time<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Today is officially 30 days out, and we locked in our interest rate at 4% with a 1.375% credit towards closing. I think the $0 (Nothing towards closing, no cost to get rate) rate was 3.75% but cash towards closing today has a lot more value to me. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here was how I justified going with a higher rate. The monthly payment difference between the 2 rates ends up being about $35/month, so I am paying more to get that 1.375% off my closing costs -- but it will take 10.25 years of $35/month to reach the break even point, and if you factor in the future value of that money with 10 years of compounding interest that stretches it out to 12 years. So if we stay in this house (actually this mortgage...) for more than 12 years then we would have been better off with the lower rate, but up until that point we are winning. Plus my stress level of bringing less to closing is priceless. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Second great thing today -- NVRM loan officer changed our prepaid PMI policy to a different vendor based on our credit scores and we saved almost $1200 on this charge. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Honestly, this is the first time I felt NVRM rewarded us for having good credit -- through the rest of the process I was starting to feel like they were suspicious of everything we provided and were convinced we were a credit risk, despite not being one at all. The level of documentation they require is borderline insulting, but maybe every mortgage company is like this now. It has been almost 5 years since I have been through the process, but I remember it being a breeze the first 2 times. Credit Check, 2 paystubs, a W2 or so, and you were good to go. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3rd Thing -- and I didn't even think about this one, but when you close (varies from state to state and county to county) in Montgomery County ohio the seller (NVR) owes the buyer (Me) a prorated amount of real estate taxes. My rough calculation is $8.44 / day since January 1st until closing. I knew I owed this to the buyer of my new home, but never thought of the reverse. Loan officer brought it up, and says it might chop as much as another $1200 off the amount due at closing. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Montgomery county uses the SHORT method of proration, which can be confusing (<a href="http://www.daytonmortgagebankers.com/consumers/taxproration.html">http://www.daytonmortgagebankers.com/consumers/taxproration.html</a> for more info)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lastly, I stopped over hoping to see some siding but there still is no siding -- but the hard wood floors are going in, Thankfully I still like the color we picked 5 months ago.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT2ZqiSm408/T6rWgvMmNyI/AAAAAAAAIS4/IR6a5-ll2bg/s1600/photo%2B1-797605.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740636532950578978" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MT2ZqiSm408/T6rWgvMmNyI/AAAAAAAAIS4/IR6a5-ll2bg/s640/photo%2B1-797605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJxjxwAqlX8/T6rWhNvzQZI/AAAAAAAAITE/8r6LRg_uInA/s1600/photo%2B2-700153.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740636541151297938" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJxjxwAqlX8/T6rWhNvzQZI/AAAAAAAAITE/8r6LRg_uInA/s640/photo%2B2-700153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzEqJZ4d5Pg/T6rWhs15xUI/AAAAAAAAITQ/VzyOZ-WdQ0Y/s1600/photo%2B3-702423.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740636549498389826" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzEqJZ4d5Pg/T6rWhs15xUI/AAAAAAAAITQ/VzyOZ-WdQ0Y/s640/photo%2B3-702423.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ChI4efiaxg/T6rWiM7jmrI/AAAAAAAAITc/8PkdBSq2DlY/s1600/photo%2B4-704246.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740636558112037554" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ChI4efiaxg/T6rWiM7jmrI/AAAAAAAAITc/8PkdBSq2DlY/s640/photo%2B4-704246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-30756963034995933692012-05-08T19:41:00.000-04:002012-05-08T19:41:06.011-04:00Day 60 - Primed and Ready to GoWe stopped by today to check if the siding was delivered like it was supposed to be (it wasn't) but the drywall appears to be done and a fresh coat of primer was in. Looked good. Still light in a few places, but it could almost past as the finished coat... almost.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also had a garage full of Kitchen cabinets and interior doors, but I resisted peaking. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnmzss6jNUU/T6mtrQVH2-I/AAAAAAAAIRs/o142TRmKsG4/s1600/photo%2B1-708344.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740310158689950690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnmzss6jNUU/T6mtrQVH2-I/AAAAAAAAIRs/o142TRmKsG4/s640/photo%2B1-708344.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master BR with Tray Celing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Epl6q0W12F4/T6mtr1p5-TI/AAAAAAAAIR4/3ZrM2wxLkRI/s1600/photo%2B2-710495.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740310168709232946" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Epl6q0W12F4/T6mtr1p5-TI/AAAAAAAAIR4/3ZrM2wxLkRI/s640/photo%2B2-710495.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstairs Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="mobile-photo">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QZwB05TsMA/T6mtshyL6MI/AAAAAAAAISQ/oAPwL6ZWnUc/s1600/photo%2B4-713852.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740310180555122882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QZwB05TsMA/T6mtshyL6MI/AAAAAAAAISQ/oAPwL6ZWnUc/s640/photo%2B4-713852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOnTi7FO_lA/T6mts7jv9tI/AAAAAAAAISc/t713m94BxDU/s1600/photo%2B5-715377.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740310187473893074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOnTi7FO_lA/T6mts7jv9tI/AAAAAAAAISc/t713m94BxDU/s640/photo%2B5-715377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen & Morning Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-23764548580861800582012-05-02T20:39:00.000-04:002012-05-02T20:39:20.057-04:00Day 54 - Salsa Music and Drywall Mud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Drove over after work and immediately heard blasting salsa music from inside. That can only mean that work was underway. Based on the amazing job and stellar pace of the other latino crews I knew they would be pretty far along (seriously, framers kicked butt, electricians, took a week). In the 48 hours since I had been there all of the drywall was installed and todays team was finishing up the first coat of drywall tape and mud. I stayed out of their way but checked out all the rooms and it looks great. The crew chief chatted me up for a bit but I didn't want to slow the pace so I got out of there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm relieved that the family room doesn't feel too small without the 4' extension. This was a tough call, but with the extra window it feels very open. Some rooms feel smaller now (Study, Dining room) but I love the openness of the back half of the house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brick is all done, siding this week. Susposedly the drywall is done by Saturday and ready to paint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
NVR setup our closing time and confirmed our date today, so we're good to go for June 8th. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tons of photos below. Click on one to start a slideshow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmkQzacqxY/T6HOm8rSxPI/AAAAAAAAIMg/cT0RBwRkYgE/s1600/MJP_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmkQzacqxY/T6HOm8rSxPI/AAAAAAAAIMg/cT0RBwRkYgE/s640/MJP_2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OHobjxYI14/T6HPIzQwFyI/AAAAAAAAIMo/mPNc997VWmY/s1600/MJP_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OHobjxYI14/T6HPIzQwFyI/AAAAAAAAIMo/mPNc997VWmY/s640/MJP_2156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plvlUOy-bu8/T6HPMAP6l0I/AAAAAAAAIMw/mCzdN1J3Bb0/s1600/MJP_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plvlUOy-bu8/T6HPMAP6l0I/AAAAAAAAIMw/mCzdN1J3Bb0/s400/MJP_2157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVW3B1nDf8Y/T6HPOYnVODI/AAAAAAAAIM4/ArQGB2o66mM/s1600/MJP_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVW3B1nDf8Y/T6HPOYnVODI/AAAAAAAAIM4/ArQGB2o66mM/s320/MJP_2159.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YnBBH_sF14/T6HPQTI1AuI/AAAAAAAAINA/Ddc4oYkBCCw/s1600/MJP_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YnBBH_sF14/T6HPQTI1AuI/AAAAAAAAINA/Ddc4oYkBCCw/s320/MJP_2160.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTtbny_OyIE/T6HPS6OGzrI/AAAAAAAAINI/1fPAPlfKbB0/s1600/MJP_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTtbny_OyIE/T6HPS6OGzrI/AAAAAAAAINI/1fPAPlfKbB0/s320/MJP_2161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu7TUcfYus8/T6HPVYafCPI/AAAAAAAAINQ/LzWLnc7i5sU/s1600/MJP_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vu7TUcfYus8/T6HPVYafCPI/AAAAAAAAINQ/LzWLnc7i5sU/s320/MJP_2164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sqdU-ujYcA/T6HPX9QEznI/AAAAAAAAINY/Tltk7hcAoIk/s1600/MJP_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9sqdU-ujYcA/T6HPX9QEznI/AAAAAAAAINY/Tltk7hcAoIk/s320/MJP_2167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom #4 (smallest)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVlk3UrTZhU/T6HPZ8J4v3I/AAAAAAAAINg/MbBkA4tfJoQ/s1600/MJP_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVlk3UrTZhU/T6HPZ8J4v3I/AAAAAAAAINg/MbBkA4tfJoQ/s320/MJP_2168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master BR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbfWBCzxkU/T6HPcqtNmeI/AAAAAAAAINo/n313wOmUOKQ/s1600/MJP_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbfWBCzxkU/T6HPcqtNmeI/AAAAAAAAINo/n313wOmUOKQ/s320/MJP_2172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AjQWvmheVA/T6HPewhEYAI/AAAAAAAAINw/R8pODCABpAs/s1600/MJP_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3AjQWvmheVA/T6HPewhEYAI/AAAAAAAAINw/R8pODCABpAs/s320/MJP_2173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5LKcm_T24/T6HPhzICEkI/AAAAAAAAIN4/iT29CZc3NAE/s1600/MJP_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6u5LKcm_T24/T6HPhzICEkI/AAAAAAAAIN4/iT29CZc3NAE/s320/MJP_2175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom #3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1dgolKt-eg/T6HPk6UGW1I/AAAAAAAAIOA/6TSkMYjZC_8/s1600/MJP_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1dgolKt-eg/T6HPk6UGW1I/AAAAAAAAIOA/6TSkMYjZC_8/s320/MJP_2176.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0LDaEiKlAQ/T6HPrC_n9aI/AAAAAAAAIOI/0YzG1ZuDmRg/s1600/MJP_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0LDaEiKlAQ/T6HPrC_n9aI/AAAAAAAAIOI/0YzG1ZuDmRg/s320/MJP_2178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basement towards eventual Bar area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1EGHwzF9wg/T6HPw3lKgWI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/WA0o3FxomFA/s1600/MJP_2180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1EGHwzF9wg/T6HPw3lKgWI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/WA0o3FxomFA/s320/MJP_2180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool table area?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ24BpFVX7I/T6HP0snu51I/AAAAAAAAIOY/x5-xUyV2ZXs/s1600/MJP_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ24BpFVX7I/T6HP0snu51I/AAAAAAAAIOY/x5-xUyV2ZXs/s320/MJP_2182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Media Room :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QOhFuNtQb0/T6HP4BpiAPI/AAAAAAAAIOg/AKU4xKUeAEw/s1600/MJP_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QOhFuNtQb0/T6HP4BpiAPI/AAAAAAAAIOg/AKU4xKUeAEw/s320/MJP_2186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eventual office, and only basement window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B04CTVVTP38/T6HP84Bwc3I/AAAAAAAAIOo/IJ_x_KuOD5U/s1600/MJP_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B04CTVVTP38/T6HP84Bwc3I/AAAAAAAAIOo/IJ_x_KuOD5U/s320/MJP_2192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen towards FR and Morning Rm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r51zaTEe2VE/T6HQBU7_eTI/AAAAAAAAIOw/z1FRGQ0BZFs/s1600/MJP_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r51zaTEe2VE/T6HQBU7_eTI/AAAAAAAAIOw/z1FRGQ0BZFs/s320/MJP_2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garage...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-64348783474972061782012-04-30T20:50:00.002-04:002012-04-30T20:50:30.547-04:00Day 52 -- Finally I can breathe a bit.Huge day all around on the house front.<br />
<br />
First off -- Pre-daywall inspection was today. Pretty uneventful. 45 minute walk through with PM. Most of it was stuff I had seen before in my "self inspections", but it was good to have a chance to ask the PM questions. I had noticed the PM had the gasoline moved in the unfinished part of the basement, and I thanked him for that. He knows I plan to finish that room, and it makes the ceiling a lot easier without a big pipe running down the center.<br />
<br />
Closing date is now set for June 8th, and PM says this is a firm date. So that was good news.<br />
<br />
Second, the offer came in on our current house, which is a huge load off my shoulders now. We convinced them to close by the end of May (they are paying cash!!! WTF?) since there is no bank evolvement on their end, and give us until June 15th to move out. They came back and accepted our counter offer. Very glad to have this wrapping up. Hopefully there won't be any inspection issues. <br />
<br />
Lastly is the 60/30 day NVRM lock. I talked to the loan officer today, and after tracking rates for the last 2 weeks I think I am going to wait until 30 days out to lock (May 9th). There difference between 60 and 30 days @4% is about $1000 more cash from NVR towards closing, and even if that goes down in the next 10 days I doubt it will go down THAT much. even 3 weeks ago when rates sucked it was still $200 better than the 60 day is now. It is a gamble, but low risk in my book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ5rJmF8pDc/T58yGE3xJNI/AAAAAAAAILI/SiLPLM9nK3g/s1600/MJP_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ5rJmF8pDc/T58yGE3xJNI/AAAAAAAAILI/SiLPLM9nK3g/s640/MJP_2141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drywall has arrived</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOeOCrbiHpA/T58yLGftQJI/AAAAAAAAILQ/q9x9EApaMYc/s1600/MJP_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOeOCrbiHpA/T58yLGftQJI/AAAAAAAAILQ/q9x9EApaMYc/s400/MJP_2142.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why they put weep holes in brick walls. If water gets behind it flows to the bottom (Note, silver will be covered with brick eventually also, they ran out the other day)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1SK6LZKqkk/T58yQJig9qI/AAAAAAAAILY/Pm2e18pCqis/s1600/MJP_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1SK6LZKqkk/T58yQJig9qI/AAAAAAAAILY/Pm2e18pCqis/s640/MJP_2143.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43uv7oaMvo0/T58yT7xBecI/AAAAAAAAILg/mbFGUKFM0o8/s1600/MJP_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43uv7oaMvo0/T58yT7xBecI/AAAAAAAAILg/mbFGUKFM0o8/s640/MJP_2154.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I shuck a pull string from the guardian box through the King Stud and above the FP. This will help me pull my HDMI with all that insulation in there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7FgTymR1bM/T58yAgTOgtI/AAAAAAAAILA/j6wZuynrA3U/s1600/MJP_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7FgTymR1bM/T58yAgTOgtI/AAAAAAAAILA/j6wZuynrA3U/s640/MJP_2140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ranch popped up across the street over the last 3 days, Not sure why Roto Rooter was there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382107821882166256.post-79570816544002809092012-04-27T20:03:00.001-04:002012-04-27T20:03:24.592-04:00Day 49 - 2nd Day of Bricks, Insulation, and Inspections Passed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally some big progress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Electrical inspection passed today</li>
<li>Frame and heat inspection passed</li>
<li>Today was the 2nd day of bricking, and the front is done, windowless side is almost done, and garage remains (as of 5pm, but these guys work late)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Once the inspections were over the insulation guys came in a did all of the upstairs, most of the first floor, and probably will finish the basement too. Fast workers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pre-drywall inspection is Monday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news we supposedly have an offer on our current house, but it hasn't actually materialized yet. Their realtor said it was coming as any time now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STHWbnFFdy4/T5sn5XBwnhI/AAAAAAAAIJI/ckPTR5GUTcY/s1600/MJP_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STHWbnFFdy4/T5sn5XBwnhI/AAAAAAAAIJI/ckPTR5GUTcY/s640/MJP_2131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrE3XwwnUR0/T5sn_LvggTI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/1ScIA-chqWA/s1600/MJP_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrE3XwwnUR0/T5sn_LvggTI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/1ScIA-chqWA/s640/MJP_2132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTH5IgbCpwA/T5soEsPvizI/AAAAAAAAIJY/FSnQXRhrozg/s1600/MJP_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTH5IgbCpwA/T5soEsPvizI/AAAAAAAAIJY/FSnQXRhrozg/s640/MJP_2133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYZKDXn6sk4/T5soKkb88QI/AAAAAAAAIJg/sjUynU7N_WI/s1600/MJP_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYZKDXn6sk4/T5soKkb88QI/AAAAAAAAIJg/sjUynU7N_WI/s640/MJP_2134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPVUmuGB8XA/T5soQOyEfII/AAAAAAAAIJo/-3989LhXbcs/s1600/MJP_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPVUmuGB8XA/T5soQOyEfII/AAAAAAAAIJo/-3989LhXbcs/s640/MJP_2135.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeIeL5X15cY/T5soe4aN3_I/AAAAAAAAIKA/4ISFEiQY0hg/s1600/MJP_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeIeL5X15cY/T5soe4aN3_I/AAAAAAAAIKA/4ISFEiQY0hg/s640/MJP_2138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GY5YabGm2mg/T5soizBY9uI/AAAAAAAAIKI/4rhsq3q8HEU/s1600/MJP_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GY5YabGm2mg/T5soizBY9uI/AAAAAAAAIKI/4rhsq3q8HEU/s640/MJP_2139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Mike Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485904538702519808noreply@blogger.com4