Since my last post, we've installed all the final plumbing fixtures, all the final electrical devices (switches and outlets) and fixtures (lights, chandaliers, etc.) and the HVAC units and ductwork in the crawlspace. That required 3 "Final" inspections, one each for the electrical, plumbing, and Mecanical, which have all passed. All-in-all, it was about 3 weeks worth of very busy work, with lots of people in the house at the same time. To me, that was very nerve wracking and required alot of management and oversight, just to make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to, things weren't getting hung upside down or inside out, and that the cracked toilets actually got sent back and replaced with new ones w/o cracks. Alot of shopping was involved, buying everything. One trip to Lowes Home center drew a reaction from a manager when he saw my shopping cart stacked full of about 40 doorknobs, latches, and locks - he walked by and said "Now THAT'S what I'm Talkin' About". They know me on a first name basis now. There are a ton of little things you don't ever think of - like door bumps (that keep your doors and doorknobs from hitting the walls behind them) - "Yes sir, I'll take 24 of those and about 18 of these "hinge bumps - oh and I'll also need about 235 light bulbs too please". - You think I'm kidding???
We had some challenges with the Master Bath "ClawFoot" Tub and fixtures. Had to go all over the country to find all the pieces/parts to get that thing setup right. Took many return-trips by the plumber and lots of cussing. You'd think they'd be easy. Here are some bad pictures of the Master Bath starting to come together. Also had to tear out not one, but TWO vanity sinks/counter-tops from bathrooms that just didn't work. A bit of a design problem and probably some communication breakdown at the start of that order, but in the end, Kudos to FIRST-CHOICE Custom Cabinets of Raleigh for being customer-focused and making it right - replacing the tops free of charge after some rather difficult conversations. Everything doesn't always end up how you think it will, no matter how hard you try. Other than that, things seem to come together pretty well. The next big step is to get the power turned on in the house. I learned there were two paths to accomplishing that: (1) Pay what equates to nothing more than another TAX to have "contingency power" turned on, or just go straight for a final inspection and "Certificate of Occupancy", after which the house is deemed habitable by the city/county inspections and the power can be turned on. Being the "prudent" financial conservative that I am, we're going straight to C.O. upon advice of my electrician. Why bother with contingency. All I'm waiting on for that is the shower enclosure and final soil termite treatment - both of which should happen tomorrow. So hopefully, we'll have power next week.
That's important to be able to do the two last major things: - finish the Hardwood floors and install carpeting. Both of those jobs require Heat and/or A/C running to condition the environment to the right temperature and humidity levels for the hardwoods to be final-sanded, stained, and finished, and for the carpet to be properly stretched when installed. After that - we clean everything up, hang the last few shutters, add a little more sod/grass/landscape on the corner where the dumpster is, pave the bottom of the driveway and - done.
Here's a few closing outside pics taken by my friend Lee - the up-and-coming professional Photographer. I'll provide some interior shots in the next blog entry, after the power/lighting is on. Thanks for following along!
