Roughed In

In the last two weeks the framers have been working feverishly to complete the skeleton of the house.  With that work, they've produced several mounds of scrap wood.  I asked them to pile it up in the front yard rather than fill the trash bin, so I could burn it instead of paying to haul it all away.

When the wind died down Brenda and I loaded our garden hose into the Jeep and headed down to the lake to get rid of the mound.  It started small enough but quickly got out of hand.  (That's me crouched down behind a scrap piece of plywood so I could remain close enough to manage the pace with which the fire spread.)

After an hour or two the flames died down somewhat and I was able to shovel the partially burned pieces back onto the pile and accomplish what I set out to do - burn the rubbish.  The house was never in jeopardy and even the extra lumber was all kept from being burned.  I just kept everything wetted down and tried to keep myself cooled too.

In only one month we've moved from a concrete slab to a fully framed house with windows installed and the entry door laying in the garage.  Things are moving very quickly around here.  In less than a week we should be "dried in" so that interior finish work can commence.

Each of the roof gables has an associated arched feature.  Many of them have arched windows centered on the wall under the gable.  Others have arched doors or ceilings and some have more than one arch.

At the front porch the entry door (its frame is still laying in the garage) as well as the ceilings, both outside and inside the door, will be arched.

Entry door frame, cut glass panels to be added

Arched ceiling in foyer, looking toward front door

The ceiling in the master bath as well as the picture window by the tub continue the arched lines.

Playroom over the garage

All of the windows in the bonus rooms upstairs will have arched windows allowing for a view of the lake from every direction.

On the south side of the lot we were able to save a large pecan tree by positioning the house carefully.  This side of the house will have a gable window from the playroom upstairs, an exit door from the garage, and a large picture window over the master bathtub.

This (right) view shows the house with the windows installed.

This week we have been meeting with various subcontractors to finalize directions for their work.  On Monday the plumber and his sons installed the vent lines for the drains and installed valves for the shower and laundry room appliances.  The cabinet maker measured the house for his work in the kitchen and bathrooms.  

On Tuesday we met in the cabinet contractor's showroom in Waxahachie to select wood species and various details.  Afterwards, we purchased all the major appliances for the kitchen and utility rooms.  Those will be delivered later, as they won't be needed for several more weeks.

Then Wednesday morning we met with the electricians as they began installing switches, ceiling and wall lighting, and electrical outlets.  I felt the pressure to make quick decisions as we walked through the house describing how doors would open, selecting the location for switches, and immediately having those electrical boxes nailed into place.  Occasionally, we'd change a configuration or two but for the most part I think it all went very well.  By lunchtime we were meeting with the interior designer who is helping us select colors for everything from exterior stone, brick, and trim paint color to the placement of framed mirrors over vanities.  We will continue again tomorrow morning at the brickyard in Ennis to finalize even more choices.

I know it may not be for everyone, but so far we are having a good time making the decisions that will make this house our home.