anarchists at wildbranch!

Got a call from the builder yesterday to tie up some lose ends on a couple of things and he informed me that some of the plumbing boxes had been ripped open and the parts strewn about on the floor.  Bandits?  Anarchists?  Kids already bored with Summer?  No.  Not vandals--at least not of the human variety.  Probably a raccoon who also gnawed on the blue board in the bathroom.  Is this a threat, a not-so-subtle message to get out of the neighborhood?  Gee, I haven't even moved in yet.  I hadn't considered raccoon which can be very pesky!  I was more worried about coyote, deer and rabbits eating any plants I might want to set out.


 I asked Bill the builder if there was anything we could do and he said once the garage door was on, that would help.   Sure hope the critters that live there will learn to live in peace with me.  Otherwise, I'm investing in a live trap!  See the evidence below.

doors and windows

I met with the electrician and the cabinet finishing guys today and was surprised to see that the windows and doors had been installed.  Yippee.  I could even camp out in my own house now if I wanted.  Things are really moving now.  I'm being asked to make all kinds of decisions that I am too mystified to make.  I need to know what stackable washer/dryer I'm getting so the electrician can wire at the correct height--add a trip to Sears to look at appliances to the growing list along with selecting paint colors, flooring, and bathroom and lightening fixtures.

 I feel design-challenged.    I think most people find this stage the fun stage, but I'm daunted and it doesn't feel fun!  And sure wish my designer pal Jean hadn't moved away or that my interior designer sister-in-law, Carolyn, would make a speedy trip to Kentucky to help me.  The kitchen cabinets will be white--who knew there were so many shades of white.   In the next day or two I have to go select flooring.  I know I'm going to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices.  I've narrowed it by going with laminate, but still need to choose a color and also tile.   Any advice from you who have done this before?

It's a good thing the builder constructed the porch for a swing.  I'm going to need it!  The photo below shows the rafters studded out with additional support!  Should I be insulted or go on a diet instead?  Don't answer that haha.

progress!


Met with the "finish" guy yesterday and selected my kitchen cabinet design.  While I was there the heating and air conditioning guy was scoping out where to put the duct work.  Things are happening!  The bathtub and shower were in the house, as well as the exterior doors--yes I think I can call it a house now.  The decking was laid on the front porch and had a conversation with Bill the builder about constructing an extra support beam on the porch for a swing!  On Friday I'll do a walk-through with the electrician to talk about where to put light fixtures.  I of course want a firm completed date, but of course can't really get that with all the variables that the builders face.  I did get from Bob (the builder, not the husband) that we are about 1/3 completed.  This is good news!