This blog has become a bit like one of those cooking or motorcycle building shows where they are working against a deadline and just make it at the end of the show.  There will be lots and lots to do in the house over the next 6 days, 6 weeks and 6 months, but I am cautiously optimistic we will be able to get our occupancy permit next week.  I certainly hope so as we are moving in one week from today.

After almost 4 months, the stucco guys are nearing the end. This shows the parging on the shop/garage foundation that they did on Sunday.  Now that it is on, I can proceed with the rockwall building, backfilling and final grading.  Final grade shall likely be about 6″ below the stucco.  Also need to put the trim on the windows, but I expect that will be an early fall job.

Finally got around to completing the stairs to the top floor on the weekend. These are not the final stairs but I hope they shall be sufficient for the occupancy permit.  I made need to put proper handrails on rather than the 2x4s.  Was able to use up some left-over material.  Also built a railing around the stair opening on the upper floor.

We are happy with the maple flooring. Needs a good dusting and wet mopping.  Floor is various widths (3″ to 7″) with most of the pieces 7 to 9 feet long, rather than the usual 3 feet.  There are also a few pieces with some wild grain.

Kitchen appliances are now in, except for the slide-in range. The countertop installation was not good (they are coming back on Wednesday to address several issues) and it is not level beside the range opening.  All plumbing now done.

Stucco guys come back tomorrow ( they say) to finish the parging and floating of the foam insulation on the house.  Have been waiting for this day for almost 4 months.  Once completed, we can get the propane tanks installed (for the fireplace and BBQ), run the downspouts, and start on the finish grade around the house.  Electrician is back tomorrow to finish off all that is left, except for what cannot yet be done because I have not yet built the upper cabinets or the sunporch (valence lights, kitchen exhaust fan, porch lights).  Soapstone guy should be back on Wednesday to put on the “enhancer”.  Shower door guys are coming on Wednesday to measure.  John the building inspector comes on Wednesday  and hopefully approves everything but the mechanical (HVAC) which awaits final installation on Thursday.  Major jobs over the next week will be attending to whatever the inspector wants, finishing up the packing, and staying sane.  An end-of-the-day glass of Nikka 17 year old Taketsuru malt whiskey helps with the latter.

Heatwave coming with low 30’s mid-week and high 30’s by the weekend.  So far, the house has been really temperate.  Hope all is well in your world.