Almost a kitchen

At long last the kitchen counter has been installed! Once the plumbing is hooked up for the sink and the dishwasher, we should have a real live kitchen ready to go!

H2O At Last!

At long last, we have running water in the house! Of course, nothing is ever straightforward and simple when it comes to water. When the water was first connected and turned on, water started spraying from 3 different pipes in the mechanical room. Thank goodness the plumber was able to come out right away and fix things. All of the leaks were resolved, and the water could be turned on.

So, it is now official - WE HAVE WATER!! Unfortunately, the water sill contains a lot of silt so it looks more grey than clear, but it is a start. Also, we still haven't been able to turn the Hot water on, so we can use the toilets and wash our hands but that's about it for now.

I am so looking forward to my first shower....

Here is proof that there is actually water in the house!

One step closer

Good news! Our new well driller has arrived and has started drilling. In only 2 days they are down 85 feet. No water yet, but it has been all clay for the first 80 feet, then they hit sand lands... not a rock to be found!

We're keeping our fingers crossed that water is found soon, and we can then trench it to the house and hook it up.

The other outstanding task is the kitchen. We've started hanging the cupboards....it has been a real learning experience.

Stay tuned...hopefully more good news soon!

Just as we were leaving the property this past weekend, we caught a glimpse of something up high in the tree. Take a look at what we saw....

Almost....

The house is done!....well ALMOST!

The kitchen still needs to be assembled, and the kitchen plumbing needs to be installed. Other than that there is just one tiny little outstanding item - WATER!

Yes, still there is no water to the house. Without water, we are unable to obtain our occupancy permit. We have decided to drill a new well, and we have a new well driller tentatively scheduled for mid-June. I am crossing my fingers, my toes, and anything I can that it is a smooth process that finds us some good quality water at a depth without methane, sulfur or any other issues.

The bathrooms are complete now - the taps are installed, and the low-flow, dual flush toilets have been installed as well. You can't use them yet though...these are waiting for the water too.

The septic tank is now installed, so once we have water, we're all set to go.

Everything but the kitchen sink...

Okay, well maybe not everything besides the kitchen sink is done, but things are coming along slowly but surely. The big outstanding issues are: the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the well. (unfortunately these are the pieces that it is impossible to live without!)

The tiling is complete in the upstairs bathroom. We just need the toilet to be hooked up, the vanity / sink to be installed, and the rain shower and taps for the tub. Thanks to our friend Donna for helping to clean and prepare all of the tiles!

Here is a picture of the vanity for the upstairs bathroom, waiting for the sink and tap to be installed. The vanity is actually an antique from China, circa 1900.

The juliet balconies have been installed - can you imagine standing here and calling for Romeo?

Here is a view of the juliet balcony from the outside.

This beautiful railing at the top of the stairs was designed by C. and created by Tom Mourgas (The Iron Man - http://www.wroughtironman.com/index.html).

Another exciting design feature is the octagonal hallway that joins all of the bedrooms and the upstairs bathroom. It is hard to capture in a photograph, but you can see the skylight and a peek into two of the bedrooms.

Bamboo Floors Complete

The bamboo floors have now been installed on the second floor.

The painting of the drywall walls is complete, and now the doors and trim are being stained. This is after one coat, one more to go!

Here is a picture of the bathroom - prepped and ready for tiling!

The Chimney is In

The Fireplace chimney has now been installed (through the roof), and the skirt roof is complete.

The drywall is ready to be painted, and the cement floors have been stained.

This coming week: Painting and tiling begins!