The Crescendo

 The orchestra has been playing for the past eight months and now the symphony is building to a crescendo.  The level of activity around the house is increasing every day.

As I returned from flying this week I discovered the electrician had been busy installing electrical outlets and light switches throughout the house.  He had also hung several ceiling fans and most of the out door lights.  I met with him late Monday afternoon and walked through the house explaining where I wanted various dimmer switches or specialty items.  

Wall sconces at the Entry Door

Medium coach lights on Garage

Large coach lights on front

The tile work in each of the bathrooms was completed as far as possible.  They added grout and will eventually seal it all.  After the marble tub surround and vanity tops are installed the remainder of the tile will be placed around the tub.  They will also install the tile backsplash in the kitchen at that time.

Master Shower mosaic 

Shampoo and soap shelves

The retaining wall in back of the house is coming along nicely.  I buried electrical wire in conduit behind the wall to allow for three outlets to be added.  Brenda helped me cut and glue all the PVC conduit together.  I left the provision for future additional needs where the barbecue pit will be built.  The flagstone which will cap the top of the wall was delivered late this afternoon.

Retaining wall under Master Bedroom

South retaining wall near the large pecan tree

We are building a set of concrete steps to lead down from the Lanai to the backyard.  One of the features of Brenda's favorite house here in the neighborhood (not counting our own, of course) is a set of grand steps.  Ours may not be as tall since the house is only four feet above grade, but will be just as grand.  The concrete has been stamped and will be stained to match the other outdoor porch areas and it will have embedded LED pathway lights.

Forms set and ready for concrete

Concrete ready for stamping

Additionally inside the house many of the door handles and stops have been installed.  The plumbers have installed the tankless water heaters and connected water throughout much of the house.  The appliances were delivered today and will be connected by the electrician this week.  Tomorrow the granite countertops may be added and we will make the final selection of tops for the Utility Room and Guest Bathroom vanities.  The flooring is ready to be installed but Marcus postponed it for a short time to allow the other craftsmen to complete their work without scratching the wood.

Finally, one of the many features which we've added to make this house our home includes this special doorbell button.  Who could possibly approach such a doorway without feeling they're about to enter a very happy place?