I'm a FAN of our first purchase

So we are walking through Menards just before closing looking at lights and fans.  We found this badboy on clearance for $99.  They didn't have anymore so we got the floor model for $85!
I'm pretty pumped, this "propeller" style fan is too cool.  The plan right now is to install in Family Room.

The size of your DECK does matter!

So we sprung for the 12x10 deck because I had no idea when I would be able to get back there and knock it out.  I think my wife's words when doing selections was "honey, I know you can do it....but I don't want to wait that long".  haha.  The issue now was WHERE to put the steps going down?  The deck would stop AT the back edge of the Morning Room (10').  Due to elevation, straight out wouldn't work.  Not enough room down the back of the house, we would end up with the last three steps sticking out the side. 
So what does my PM suggest?  Well he is bumping the 10' side OUT 4' (past the Morning Room) and running the stairs down the back of the Morning Room and it doesn't cost me a dime!  So I will be getting a 14x12 deck (instead of 12x10).  Did I say I like my PM?
Driveway.  I was hoping for a side "hook up" deal with the concrete guy to widen my driveway for a three car wide driveway.  But again, due to elevation it would not be feasible and would look like shit.  BUT, I can get the drive way widened to 20' (versus the 16' that's standard).  For a VERY REASONABLE price (side job here!), they will bump the drive way out approx. 2ft on both sides giving me the 20' wide driveway.  It's not the three car wide I wanted, but it will give me more room for multiple cars when parked, and room for the Harley, and more room for the boy to play.  So it's a no brainer.
If the weather holds out they will pour it today!  My PM is putting down a PVC pipe under the driveway so I can run a "invisible" dog fence after move in.
That's all I got for now,
carry on

Let there be LIGHT!

So Shell and I made an unplanned stop at the house last night.  First thing I saw was a light ON inside the house!  This was the first time we could walk through without a flashlight in hand! 

Shot of the front door with living room on left.

We don't remember seeing the top of stairs split before.  This is a picture I plan to send to PM this morning.

With nothing (but dirt) covering the floor, we can start seeing "the whole picture".  The garage, office, and half crapper is on the left (you can see half crapper sink).  Morning room on right.  Just out of view is stairs going up.  I'm a big fan of the centrally located stairs.

Shell's dining room with the upgraded Hardwood floor.  AND that ghastly, ugly chandelier.  That will be replaced.  Anyone that wants to go to Restoration Hardware and buy me the Machinist Pendant lights on sale for $140 is welcome too!

I'm like a needy girlfriend!

I am a worrier and when I see stuff, I need to be reassured that it's all good to go.
We have walked through the house a few times and had a number of questions we wanted our PM to acknowledge.  So we met with him this morning (at our request).  Paul's a great guy and had no problem meeting with us.  And really, with only like two weeks to go, this would be the last chance to meet during daylight hours to yap about the house and it's progress.
Our questions/issues today were:
1.  ummmm, you still hooking me up with that extra outlet in garage?  Answer-Yes
2.  There is a spot of drywall in the MB that seems "rough".  Answer-Will be taken care of "WBTCO"
3.  Recessed can light in Kitchen has a trim piece offset from ceiling that shows the cut out in drywall.  Answer-WBTCO
4.  Cabinet/drawer adjustments.  Answer - WBTCO
5.  Island trim missing.  Answer - ordered
6.  MB baseboard trim pulling away from wall, needs secured because gap is too large for caulk.  Answer - WBTCO
7.  There is a blue wire coming out of the front door jam.  One may think (and my PM did as well) that this would be for Home Security contacts.  Well we didn't get any package, so what is it?  Turns out it's the door bell wire that the door installer thought was for security.  So PM will pop trim, pull the wire out, patch the hole, and run to door bell button.  This is the perfect reason to bring anything up to your PM.  Ya never know, you just might save him a headache down the road.
8.  I have a spot on the railing that needs filling, sanding, and stained BEFORE they get poly'd.  Answer - WBTCO
9.  There is a low spot in the sub floor in the Family room.  This was from somebody getting too aggressive when sanding seams.  My question was, "will this be noticeable under the carpet?  Note: it's in a "high traffic" area.  Answer - I don't want to find out, so it will be filled with floor leveling filler before carpet.

We also discussed where the deck stairs will go.  I may get a "bonus" here.  Looks like the best way is to bump out a "landing" and run the stairs down next to the front or side of deck.  That's our preference and will be happy if it works out this way.
I also have a call into the concrete guy.  I may be able to work a side deal for a wider driveway.  Fingers crossed.
Which brings up the driveway.  We have conditioned ourselves to believe it will be spring before we get one.  But with the warmer weather so far and forecasted, it seems we will be getting a drive way poured this week!
According to PM Paul, we are getting appliances and carpet this week as well!

Our brick was finished yesterday.  We are very happy with our choice, even if we couldn't remember what it was until it was on the house! haha.

This was taken Friday.  There is a team of brick layers under that tarp.

Went back Monday and we got the whole front bricked

Another angle

A closer look.  

I am so Stoned....hahahahaha

My pretty half stopped by today and got some shots of my kick ass fireplace.

yup, it rocks!  or maybe, just maybe...it stones.

another Rock'n shot

Pretty sure somebody, some time, in some state of inebriation will bust their face on this.  But what a story it will be!  hahaha

Getting Stoned on hump day

Looks like my fireplace is getting it's stone work tomorrow.  Sooooo looking forward to that.

Cabinets, Counters, and Crappers

So we swung by the house today.  The plumbers were busy installing the fixtures in all the crappers.  The kitchen cabinets are in, hardwood and vinyl floors are down, trims installed, interior doors are up, and the walls painted "Whole Wheat".  We are officially locked out, buy my PM is pretty cool and has worked a way out for me to get in when I come by.

Cabinets with counters!  

my attempt to show a good shot of the cabinets with the counters.

and another shot of the cabinets with the wood floor.

My boy wanted to be in the shot, so I told him to stand in the corner.  This is what I got.  Silly kid.  Anyway, this was a good shot of the walls with the "Whole Wheat" color.