Day 37: Flooring choice

On Saturday we went to the Giovanti offices in Ankeny to choose the flooring in our main level. We originally chose the standard laminate flooring but decided to upgrade to the flooring shown in the second photo, with the arrow pointing to the sample we chose. Also shown are our cabinet choice (dark brown or, to use the correct name, 'expresso') and a sample of our countertop (sitting on the cabinet sample). The first photo shows a Bud Lite can hidden in our wall, and the third photo is looking into our garage.

Day 36: Short update

I was at the house twice today but somehow didn't take a photo. I'm off my game! The electrician was pulling wires all over the interior, and had many connected already to the outlet and switch boxes throughout the house. He also reminded me, thankfully, that we hadn't discussed running wire for surround sound speakers in the living room - that'll be done on the next work day, which is either tomorrow (Saturday) or Monday. Also, Natalie and I decided to upgrade our main level from standard laminate flooring to a more durable, quality surface, so tomorrow we meet with the builders to pick that out.

Day 35: Windows, early electric

Today's work included a 9 a.m. plumbing inspection that I assume the home passed, window installation and early work on electric boxes and lighting. Photos, from top to bottom: 1) A look at the front of our home, sans garage - note the windows!; 2) Another look at the front; 3) View from the back of the home - our sliding glass door was also installed today; 4) Can lights, water lines and drain pipes within floor joists; 5) A switch box and outlet in the kids' bathroom upstairs; 6) The kitchen window; 7) A look inside our office, where there will be a built-in corner shelf, which you can see is framed out about halfway up the wall; 8) Close-up view of the same corner

Day 35: Uh oh --- broken glass!

Two of the windows installed today have broken panes in them. Bummer, but I know they'll get replaced.

Day 34 (afternoon): We've got water

Wednesday afternoon the plumbers had run water throughout the house in preparation for a Thursday morning inspection. Met the guys from TR Plumbing out of Des Moines, who seemed like really good guys. And not that I know anything about plumbing, but things sure looked good to me. This photo is from the upstairs laundry room.

Day 34: Windows have been delivered

I stopped by this morning to see that windows have been delivered. That's about all, although the plumbers looked to be working hard inside, running hot/cold water lines to the kitchen and bathrooms. Also, here's another photo of our entrance before the door is installed soon.

Day 33: Electric walk-through

I had the electric walk-through this morning with our builder. I must admit I was a little nervous making some of those decisions - albeit small - without Natalie, who couldn't sneak away from work. I know I've said this before, but things are really coming together, with some duct work and plumbing installed, as well as the fireplace and furnace. Starting at the top photo: 1) Upstairs, looking down the hallway from Avery's room toward our main entrance at some of the ventilation pipes, etc.; 2-4) Three pics from upstairs, looking at our two-story entrance; 5) The living room, where the fireplace was put in place today; 6) The downstairs bathroom; 7) The area where our sink and kitchen window will be; 8) Upstairs, the master bathroom where our double vanity will be; 9) The kids' upstairs bath; 10) The laundry room upstairs.