Month Four

I hate to tell you, but I think I am officially reaching that place in our renovation where I am just burnt out.  Over the last few weeks, we have definitely hit some road blocks and the process is not progressing as much as we had hoped it would.  I keep telling myself, "It will all be done at some point, right?"  We are officially four months in and I have to be honest, most days it feels that we will never finish.

Within the last month, the following has happened:

• All electrical, plumbing, and AC installed
• Windows installed
• House wrapped in Tyvec in preparation for insulation and new siding
• Inspections, inspections, inspections
• Purchase of master bath tub and faucets

While all of this is productive and absolutely necessary, the frustration has come from our inspections.  Inspections happen on a weekly basis for things such as electrical, plumbing, AC, etc.  Every time there is an inspection scheduled, the city sends out a different guy.  Because of this, there has been a lot of inconsistency.  The main issue we have been dealing with is that inspections we have already passed are now being 'questioned' by other inspectors.  Needless to say, this has significantly slowed down the process.  The contractor and workers are having to go back and 'fix' certain things, only to have to wait for yet another inspection.  Our initial end date was the first of April; I don't even want to think about what that date is now.

Luckily, we are in no rush for the house to be finished.  Caleb and I have been happily living in our little house for two and half years, so having to wait a little bit longer really isn't a big deal.  Even with all the frustration of living through a renovation, I still get giddy with the excitement that we are making this home exactly what we want it to be.  All good things take time, right?

Back - Dining Room

Back Exterior

Standing in the dining room.  Wall will be opened to the kitchen.

Windows in dining room.

Standing in dining room.

Master Bedroom

Sitting nook in master.

Master Bathroom

The wall in master bathroom where double vanities and tub will be.

Shower

Master Closet

Toilet Room

Mudroom/Laundry

Garage

Pedestal tub for master bathroom.

Front Exterior

Front Exterior

Garage

Out With the Old and In With the New

Happy New Year!!!  I'm having a hard time believing that it is 2016.  Where did this past year go?  It seems that the older I get, the faster time passes.  As much as I want time to slow down for everything else in life, I have to admit that I want to press the fast forward button on this renovation.  Progress is being made every day and for that I'm incredibly thankful, but I'm so ready for all of the ideas and dreams to manifest into reality.

Over the last month, a significant amount of work has been completed.

Our entire back yard had to be dug up for a new septic system.

Came home to a nice little surprise.

Standing in the mud room/hallway and looking into the master suite.

Garage

I sweep/vacuum daily.  This was a good day - the smallest amount of dirt I've had to sweep up so far.

Dining room

I do believe it is all starting to come together and we couldn't be more pleased with the progress.  Our general contractor is a delight to work with and the workers are so friendly and diligent.  I am actually loving the whole process!  We have been out of town for two weeks and the crew has been working during our time away.  I am anxious to get back home so we can see the interior walls and other updates.  Over the next two weeks, we will be deciding on exterior siding color, interior paint colors, bathroom fixtures, lighting, and such.  We have already placed a few orders and I am happily creating a nice little storage pile of all our goodies.

Before I go, I wanted to share my goals and dreams for the upcoming year.  There are two words that I keep coming back to and I am choosing to make them my focus words for 2016 - rest and discovery.  I tend to always say 'yes' and consequentially find myself over-committed.  I am going to work on being intentional with my time, while also learning to say 'no.'  With that being said, through my brief moments of rest and reflection over the last few months, I have discovered that my interests and desires are changing.  This house renovation has sparked creativity within me that I didn't even know existed.  Caleb and I have been discussing and dreaming of possible future endeavors and I am excited, anxious, nervous, unsure, and hopeful (all at the same time) about where my/our ideas may lead.  I'm hoping that you will get to see some of these creative bits play-out through this blog.

As we say hello to 2016, I pray many blessings to all of you in the upcoming year and hope that you find beauty and joy in discovering who you are, and resting in the assurance that you are right where you should be.  It's going to be a good, good year.