This blog is a way for us to keep track of everything that we talk about, suggest or do at your home over the life of our working relationship. It is updated, usually, on a daily basis during the project. Here we will record daily activity on the job, list recommendations on products and materials and add articles that pertain to your home.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Schedule as of 5/9/13
- Beams installed by 5/14. A sample of staining will be done for Monday meeting for color and finish approval.
- Beams finished by 5/17
- Stucco completed by 5/23
- Nook ceiling insulation and patch completed.
- Waiting on delivery date for laundry cabinets.
- Vanity tops will be installed 5/9
- Monday meeting we will need a location for the kitchen faucet,
- Kitchen backsplash will be installed 5/11 - 5/12
- Door delivery date 5/17
- Doyle to sand and finish 5 rooms on second floor on 5/17/13
- Master bed room to be completed by 5/15/13. Master bath needs closet door, counter tops and trim.
- GH tv. Left message with Peter Millington
- GH kitchen lighting complete. John coming this week to install 4 wall sconces.
- GH kitchen ceiling complete.
- GH storm door removed
- pool up and running by 5/15
- GH Painting to be done 5/10
- GH Final plumbing inspection 5/10
- GH Final electrical inspection 5/10
- GH Finish inspection 5/13
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Meeting Notes 4/15/13
PJM, PBS, JBC, BMN, LLW, KO,
Lighting: All fixtures are available at Granite City Electric. Big Mike will coordinate for delivery or pick up when needed.
We will supply estimate for stone floor restoration in the Hallway and Back entry.
We will supply Change order for the new Water closet at back entry/ Living room area.
We will supply an estimate for baseboard lighting at 2nd floor hallway. Propose LED tape behind molding.
We will firm up the numbers on chimney restoration. Mason meeting tomorrow.
Pool equipment will be installed on Wednesday 4/17.
Will provide landscape estimate based on meeting. Confirmed the design based on JB's design. Determined that we will leave the gate in its existing spot. Will include in removing asphalt off back corner of chauffeurs room.
Lighting: All fixtures are available at Granite City Electric. Big Mike will coordinate for delivery or pick up when needed.
We will supply estimate for stone floor restoration in the Hallway and Back entry.
We will supply Change order for the new Water closet at back entry/ Living room area.
We will supply an estimate for baseboard lighting at 2nd floor hallway. Propose LED tape behind molding.
We will firm up the numbers on chimney restoration. Mason meeting tomorrow.
Pool equipment will be installed on Wednesday 4/17.
Will provide landscape estimate based on meeting. Confirmed the design based on JB's design. Determined that we will leave the gate in its existing spot. Will include in removing asphalt off back corner of chauffeurs room.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Pool Tile
| Approved. Layout will be all CT TH 192 with (1) CT TH 19 DECO every 48" |
Tiling should start Friday 4/5 or Monday 4/8
Monday, April 1, 2013
Pool Finish
Please visit the link attached and choose a tile for the pool. Once you have done this we will be able to finish the pool.
http://www.classicpooltileandstone.com/index.html
http://www.classicpooltileandstone.com/index.html
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Meeting Notes - 3/25/13
PJM, JBC, Plymouth Closets,
Master Closet - Met with Plymouth Custom Closets. They have submitted shop drawings. Once approved it will 3 weeks for delivery and installation.
Island - We confirmed that the kitchen island stain color will be English Chestnut.
Tile - We will add tile in a herringbone pattern to the ceiling in the Guest Bath. We have decided to put a baseboard course in the master bath shower. It will consist of approx. 7 1/2" H x 12" W pieces of same tile as field.
Range Hood - We will fabricate a stainless steel extension for the range hood so that it meets top of cabinets as designed.
Guest House Kitchen Lighting - We will add three recessed lights over sink.
Guest House Microwave - After further reflection we have decided to put the microwave over the refrigerator. The size is correct. If we put it between the cabinets we would have to get a smaller unit. The
Master Closet - Met with Plymouth Custom Closets. They have submitted shop drawings. Once approved it will 3 weeks for delivery and installation.
Island - We confirmed that the kitchen island stain color will be English Chestnut.
Tile - We will add tile in a herringbone pattern to the ceiling in the Guest Bath. We have decided to put a baseboard course in the master bath shower. It will consist of approx. 7 1/2" H x 12" W pieces of same tile as field.
Range Hood - We will fabricate a stainless steel extension for the range hood so that it meets top of cabinets as designed.
Guest House Kitchen Lighting - We will add three recessed lights over sink.
Guest House Microwave - After further reflection we have decided to put the microwave over the refrigerator. The size is correct. If we put it between the cabinets we would have to get a smaller unit. The
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Master Bedroom Closet Shops
Delivery time is 3 weeks after approval. Please let the office know of any changes asap.
| Cabinet Material (Cherry Melamine) |
| Tie Rack (30 Tie Capacity) |
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bath Tile & Jambs
We will use Carrara honed for both Office bath as well as Guest Bath jamb stock. It is in stock in both sizes. Mike has noted.
Counter Top for James' bath and Andrews' bath: Jet mist antique - LL has a remnant tagged at Buonato.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Meeting Notes - 3/18/13
Peter Millington, JB Clancy, Mike Norton (Big), Mike Norton (Little)
Electrical - All outlets will be changed to this style pending approved CO
Electrical - All outlets will be changed to this style pending approved CO
Carpentry -
- Master bath wainscot to be in style of master bedroom. JB to detail.
- Grates will be installed in radiator cabinet behind the tub in the master bathroom. We will block off opening to hide insulation and install grates over it.
- We will install frosted glass films over the transom windows. "Artscape Etched Glass Sidelight Decorative Window Film" available at Home Depot
- Need stopper for guest bath shower door so it doesn't damage wall.
- We will move the sub-zero in the wet bar to the right and adjust framing so that it can be recessed in far enough to accommodate the unit.
- In the guest house we would like to relocate the microwave. This is a topic for discussion for next Monday.
- Appliance delivery and installation is scheduled for tomorrow morning 3/20
Landscaping - We are setting up a meeting with Kevin O'Farrell for next Monday 3/25.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Meeting Notes - 3/14/13
3/14/13 Notes from this evening’s meeting. Present: LL, Anne, and Pete Millington
Guest House:
Bath: talked about cabinetry for washer/dryer, frosted glass for bath window
Great room: Would like chandeliers and sconces on dimmers
Kitchen: Concern about lighting. Thought that the fixtures would be mounted to the inside of beam. Is there a way to conceal electrical boxes?
Entry: Can the old keypad on wall be removed?
Bedroom: Discussed window treatment options
Main House
First Floor:
Powder room: Walls to be wallpapered. Pattern to be determined.
Diningroom: Presented the option of painting the crown moulding a dark brown to blend with the woodwork instead of white trim color. Or, a darker version of the wall color.
Butler’s Pantry: Talked about holding off on doing anything for now with the intention of turning it into a powder room at a later time. Peter: Pete would like to explore the option of putting a sink in for now or what the cost of installing a sink and toilet now would be.
First Floor Hall: walls and ceilings already specified as Edgecomb Gray. Changed Formal Entry Ceiling to Edgecomb Gray as well to blend with rest of hall. LL notified painter 3/13/13 of change.
Second Floor:
Guest Wing: Painting looks great
Guest Bath: Loves tile
**Boys Baths: Pete and Anne to decide if they want to add colored glass subway accent tile on top of existing subway wall tile. White pencil tile is specified and is in garage.
Master Bath: Would like to add a corner seat in the shower in left rear corner as you walk in. Does heated towel rack need to be moved for this purpose? Would like simple seat like the one installed in 1057 shower.
Third Floor:
Rec. Room: Would like to explore sanding and refinishing the painted wood floor. Can we give it a try? If not possible, then we talked about installing laminate plank over it or last option, carpet. Anne would really like a wood floor up there. She would prefer not to go carpet. We also talked about new ceiling lighting and wall sconces leading up to third floor.
General:
LL gave Anne some options for mirrors for the baths.
Guest House:
Bath: talked about cabinetry for washer/dryer, frosted glass for bath window
Great room: Would like chandeliers and sconces on dimmers
Kitchen: Concern about lighting. Thought that the fixtures would be mounted to the inside of beam. Is there a way to conceal electrical boxes?
Entry: Can the old keypad on wall be removed?
Bedroom: Discussed window treatment options
Main House
First Floor:
Powder room: Walls to be wallpapered. Pattern to be determined.
Diningroom: Presented the option of painting the crown moulding a dark brown to blend with the woodwork instead of white trim color. Or, a darker version of the wall color.
Butler’s Pantry: Talked about holding off on doing anything for now with the intention of turning it into a powder room at a later time. Peter: Pete would like to explore the option of putting a sink in for now or what the cost of installing a sink and toilet now would be.
First Floor Hall: walls and ceilings already specified as Edgecomb Gray. Changed Formal Entry Ceiling to Edgecomb Gray as well to blend with rest of hall. LL notified painter 3/13/13 of change.
Second Floor:
Guest Wing: Painting looks great
Guest Bath: Loves tile
**Boys Baths: Pete and Anne to decide if they want to add colored glass subway accent tile on top of existing subway wall tile. White pencil tile is specified and is in garage.
Master Bath: Would like to add a corner seat in the shower in left rear corner as you walk in. Does heated towel rack need to be moved for this purpose? Would like simple seat like the one installed in 1057 shower.
Third Floor:
Rec. Room: Would like to explore sanding and refinishing the painted wood floor. Can we give it a try? If not possible, then we talked about installing laminate plank over it or last option, carpet. Anne would really like a wood floor up there. She would prefer not to go carpet. We also talked about new ceiling lighting and wall sconces leading up to third floor.
General:
LL gave Anne some options for mirrors for the baths.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Meeting Notes - 2/28/13
Anne and Laura Lee met this morning and (hopefully) ironed out all remaining details for the guest house. Here are the notes:
Guest House Bathroom:
- Frost existing glass on exterior shower window
- Paint false wall (removable panel) white to match rest of of the walls
- LL to order all hardware including TP holder, towel bars and knobs
- LL to order mirror - to be installed on false wall
- Lower cabinet to be built to left of washer dryer with counter top with two doors on front for laundry product storage. Upper cabinet to continue above washer/dryer full depth for additional storage. All painted white.
Guest House Kitchen
- LL to order hardware to match existing.
- Cabinet around fridge?
- Lighting fixtures are on order to be in next week
Guest House Loft
- To be painted same as great room
- Re-install found decorative shutters - need new hardware
- Clean out
Guest House Great room
- Wall sconces should be in mid-March (delayed)
Guest House Entry
- Install wood shelf across top of closet as well as hanger bar - no closet system at this time
Guest House Bedroom
- Install wood shelf across top of closet as well as hanger bar - no closet system at this time
- LL to price out window treatment options
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Notes 2/27/13
Tile - Met with JB on site today to go over tile layouts etc. We clarified all areas of kitchen and master bath. All of the tile is readily available from the Midwest and will be ordered tomorrow.
Breakfast Nook - With all of the rain we found a leak in the breakfast nook. On further investigation we believe it was an issue with the scupper not being sealed. This has been remedied and we will monitor it for the next few weeks to make sure that it is not recurring and that here are no other issues.
We have opened up the Sheetrock in that area to assist in drying it out and will patch next week.
Gutters & Downspouts - I had our copper company by the site today to discuss the gutter issues. We would like to get the downspouts re-installed as soon as possible to alleviate the water infiltration in the basement. We could do this in either copper or aluminum. The benefits to copper are that it is inexpensive and not attractive to thieves. The cons are that it is easily dentable and over a period of time (10 - 20 years) the aluminum will corrode because of dissimilar metals. The aluminum will come approximately the color that the copper will patina to. We will get a sample.
Basement Water Issue - There are areas of water in the basement as the pics below show. We believe these are the same issues we had early on and are due to the lack of downspouts and caps on chimneys. When the downspouts are re-installed and caps installed we will monitor to confirm our theory.
Thermostats - We have confirmed that the majority of the wiring for the thermostats is 3-wire which is what is needed for the Honeywell Wifi thermostats. The 2-3 places that we have 2-wire are on the first floor and therefore accessible by drilling up from the basement.
Breakfast Nook - With all of the rain we found a leak in the breakfast nook. On further investigation we believe it was an issue with the scupper not being sealed. This has been remedied and we will monitor it for the next few weeks to make sure that it is not recurring and that here are no other issues.
We have opened up the Sheetrock in that area to assist in drying it out and will patch next week.
Gutters & Downspouts - I had our copper company by the site today to discuss the gutter issues. We would like to get the downspouts re-installed as soon as possible to alleviate the water infiltration in the basement. We could do this in either copper or aluminum. The benefits to copper are that it is inexpensive and not attractive to thieves. The cons are that it is easily dentable and over a period of time (10 - 20 years) the aluminum will corrode because of dissimilar metals. The aluminum will come approximately the color that the copper will patina to. We will get a sample.
Basement Water Issue - There are areas of water in the basement as the pics below show. We believe these are the same issues we had early on and are due to the lack of downspouts and caps on chimneys. When the downspouts are re-installed and caps installed we will monitor to confirm our theory.
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| In safe room under patio. |
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| In safe room under covered patio |
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| Water at squash court. Appears to be seeping in from standing water on the exterior. |
| Appears to be coming down chimney. |
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Status Update 2/26/13
Tile - Starting today in baths that are ready. Waiting on Tile confirmation for Kitchen and master bath from JB. Mudroom tile has been ordered and should be in this week. Jambs at Offiec shower to be Carrera. All thresholds to be Carrera.
HVAC - Radiant heat in the kitchen and the mudroom should be installed by end of day today and pressure tested. Low profile radiators
HVAC - Radiant heat in the kitchen and the mudroom should be installed by end of day today and pressure tested. Low profile radiators
Bath Hardware - Laura Lee and JB will be putting together a list of hardware for the baths.
Flooring - Hardwood flooring will be starting in the kitchen on Thursday or Friday. There will be no medallion at this point.
Stucco - We will be meeting with our stucco company to look at reproducing the textured walls in the kitchen and touching up the other areas in the house next Tuesday.
Shower Glass - Has been installed in the Guest House.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Project Notes 2/8/13
IS THERE SOMEONE TO PLOW? STORM COMING. There is salt and shovels on site.
HVAC - PM has approved change order for the radiator upgrade in the guest bath and office bath.
AV - PM decided not to go with speakers in the master bedroom, master bath or office. We will not be putting speakers in the breakfast nook but the wires will be buried in the ceiling and Folsom and Big Mike will note where they are located for future access.
Alarm - Has been installed and inspected. Electrical inspector requested some additional basement work for safety. Folsom will tighten up some hanging lights and wires.
Guest Bath - The expansion of the guest bath is complete with the exception of the soffiting of the ceiling over the tub.
Plaster - Plaster is moving along nicely with minor extras to date.
Carpentry - PM would like to replace the exterior door to the mudroom. JB will give selection of style.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Meeting Notes - 2/4/13
PM, PS, MN
HVAC - PM requested that Barry come to 1057 to check out duct work and system for cleaning etc. That will happen 2/5.
PM also requested pricing for the smaller wall hung radiators to be installed in the guest bath and the office bath.
AV - PM requested a meeting with Folsom to go over speaker and stereo locations. PS will set up.
Plaster - We are currently well into the plaster portion of the project. There are some fussy extras but it is mainly on course. The 3rd floor is completed and read or paint.
Alarm - The alarm installation has started and should be done by 2/7
Plumbing - The faucet for the master bathroom tub will be on site 2/5. The plumbers can then install and the floors can be closed up.
Tile - JB will be supplying all master bath tile materials 2/6. Tile installer will have all tile materials and specs 2/6. Bathrooms should be ready for tile installation by early next week.
Guest Bath - Guest Bath has been demoed to the new dimensions. Tub will be delivered on 2/7.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Blueboard and Skim Coat Plaster
All necessary inspections have been completed. We will commence with rock and plaster asap. We will start in the bathrooms and jump directly on kitchen once the security issue has been rectified.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring has been contracted and will start as soon as plaster is completed in each area with appropriate drying time. We will focus on the kitchen first. Once plaster is completed Barry will install the radiant subfloor and hardwood will follow directly behind him. Sanding and 2 coats of finish will follow the flooring installation. The final coat of finish will be at end of this phase of work after cabinets and appliances and painting is completed.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Meeting Notes - 1/14/13
PM, PS, MN, MN2, JBC,
Doors - Met with Doug Handfield of LePage Windows and doors and finalized the Kitchen door with JB. It was signed and ordered today.
Insulation - Insulation installation started today. Will be ready for sheet rock next week.
Security - Pete is making a decision on security. He is aware of schedule. Needs to clarify number of smokes needed. Big Mike will confirm with fire department.
Speakers - We confirmed that we will put 2 speakers front to back in the kitchen toward the range. 4 speakers in the sitting room. The subwoofer will be installed into the cabinetry under the tv. Pete to supply dimensions of speakers and sub woofer. The dining room speakers will be run from there own amp. The wiring location is TBD.
Heat - We will remove one radiator from the staircase where it can be seen from the kitchen. We can relocate this to the hall where the cracked radiators are located. The other hall radiator can be replaced by the one that was removed from the mudroom. The mudroom should be sufficiently heated by the radiant heat so no wall mounted radiator will be re-installed.
Doors - Met with Doug Handfield of LePage Windows and doors and finalized the Kitchen door with JB. It was signed and ordered today.
Insulation - Insulation installation started today. Will be ready for sheet rock next week.
Security - Pete is making a decision on security. He is aware of schedule. Needs to clarify number of smokes needed. Big Mike will confirm with fire department.
Speakers - We confirmed that we will put 2 speakers front to back in the kitchen toward the range. 4 speakers in the sitting room. The subwoofer will be installed into the cabinetry under the tv. Pete to supply dimensions of speakers and sub woofer. The dining room speakers will be run from there own amp. The wiring location is TBD.
Heat - We will remove one radiator from the staircase where it can be seen from the kitchen. We can relocate this to the hall where the cracked radiators are located. The other hall radiator can be replaced by the one that was removed from the mudroom. The mudroom should be sufficiently heated by the radiant heat so no wall mounted radiator will be re-installed.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Heating issue
After receiving heat finally, yesterday, we were able to get some heat flowing to some radiators. So far we have found 3 cracked radiators. One in the master bath and two in the halls. The one in the master we can do without since we have another large unit and radiant heat. The two in the halls need to be swapped out. Barry suggests not using new radiators but making up the heat with high output baseboard elements producing high BTU's. Barry would build these himself and they would cost 60-70% less than the cost of new radiators.
The other issue involved with this is that there is asbestos wrapping both of these radiators. We have contacted the abatement company and will have it removed.
Barry is putting together the costs to replace the heat.
The other issue involved with this is that there is asbestos wrapping both of these radiators. We have contacted the abatement company and will have it removed.
Barry is putting together the costs to replace the heat.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Appliance final list - Confirmed and ordered 1/10/13
| Double wall oven: Wolf DO30F/S 30”w stainless electric |
Refrigerator: Subzero BI30U/OLH 30”w built-in bottom mount,panel ready,interior icemaker,left hinged
Refrigerator: Subzero BI30U/ORH same as above but with right hinge
Side x side install kit: 7004810($769) includes dual wide grille and toe kick,center trip strip,heater and hardware
|
| Refrigerator drawers: Subzero 700BR 27”w all refrigerator drawers,panel ready |
| Dishwasher: Miele G5175SCVI with the addition of China setting,hard water softening system, more flip down tynes on bottom rack and 2db quieter. These are the 2 base models, 2 or 3 models are available at higher prices |
Microwave Option 1:
Changed to Sharp unit
|
| Range top: Wolf SRT486G 48”w 6 burners with griddle,”natural” gas,comes with island trim(can choose black, red or stainless knobs) |
| Warming drawer: Wolf WWD30 30”wide, requires integrated drawer front(808152) for ($67) to accept custom wood panel |
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