Halfway home!

When most people see drywall up, they think that the house is almost done.  I know from years of experience that we are truly only halfway there.  So much needs to happen after drywall.  And, most of it takes a long time to complete.  We still have the furnace to install, the septic pump and line, painting, trim, hardwood, tile, carpet, kitchen cabinets, plumbing fixtures, etc.

We have finally ordered the kitchen cabinets.  After much debate, we are using a local supplier, as opposed to Lowes.  I like to support the small, local shops when I can.  This guy didn't make it easy.  His customer service left alot to be desired, but when it came down to it, his price was competitive and his cabinets were of better quality.

Shannon will be listed for sale by the first week in January.  I am going to take some time off work to finalize the small details that need done there.  The builder expects to turn over keys by the end of January.  I'm expecting it to happen mid February.

Dave

Foam 'n Fiberglass

We are rapidly approaching the drywall stage of the project.  The foam guys spent all day prepping and installing the 1/2 pound and 2 pound foam.  The budget restricted me from insulating the entire wall with foam.  

My goal has always been to build this house and stay within our modest budget. My original goal was to build the house with insulated concrete forms.  Concrete costs prohibited that.  I then looked into structurally insulated panels.  While much more budget friendly, finding a contractor willing to work with the wall panels was impossible.  I finally settled on standard wall framing, but wanted to use foam for the insulation.

As the budget numbers started coming in, my hopes of using foam were getting bleaker and bleaker.  In a last ditch effort to save the foam, I found an installer that offered a decent price, and agreed to spray a minimal coating (1") to the walls(The Insulation Guys - Bill Heimlein).  Bill also suggested that we switch a couple areas to half pound foam to bring the costs even lower.  

So our final insulation number should come in at, or below our initial budget.  Bill sprayed the first and second floor today, and will finish everything up tomorrow.  I spent the evening putting the fiberglass batts up in the second floor.  I'll try to get back over there some night this week to start the first floor batts.  Drywall is coming fast.  The contractor has placed the order for Wednesday.

Our kitchen needs to be ordered very soon.  I'm getting one last price on monday.  If there is no significant savings, we'll be heading to Lowes Monday or Tuesday.

Our garage is overflowing.  With the flooring, kitchen appliances, lighting, interior doors, washer and dryer out there, not to mention the crap from this house, and Rob's stuff, we absolutely are ready for finishes.

Oh, if I don't get back to the blog before the holidays, I hope everyone has a great holiday.

Dave