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This part of the GarageDominium build is very different than the first 11 months or so.  It’s all about the finishing details.  At times progress was huge with foundation poured, walls erected, sheet rock installed, etc. Other times progress was seemingly nonexistent with lulls between major work.  Now lots of smaller things are happening almost every day.  Turnkey Builders has committed to turning the house over to us by February 2, so the whirlwind push is on.  Moments of blinding fury that quickly fizzle out.

The re-do list is shorter.  Light fixtures are in the correct locations, wall patches are complete, and electrical issues are resolved among other necessary fixes.  There is still a lot to do, but contractors are making progress most days.

Appliances arrived on January 2.  The refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and cooktop are all in place.  Due the need for some cabinetry rework, they did not install the vent hood until January 16.  The HVAC contractor has installed the condenser and A/C controls.  U.W is very pleased with the look of the appliances.  Let’s hope they work as good as they look.

At this point cabinetry is the biggest frustration.  We like the final product, but delivery has been slow.  They had to rebuild several cabinets.  Cabinet work slows up other crafts like finish painting.  We are still lacking some upper cabinets, a built-in dresser in the master closet, and many of the door fronts and shelves.   He is promising to be complete within a week, but I’m skeptical.

The garage door saga continues.  The garage doors were installed November 12, but several of the metal panels had damage.  We received new panels on January 17.  Some new panels are damaged.  They fixed the two smaller doors, but we still need panels for the 12 ft. wide door.  On the bright side, the contractor installed the door openers.  They work great! They are Liftmaster 8500W jackshaft style openers.  The openers are mounted on the wall instead of the ceiling maximizing available ceiling height.

Closets are nearly complete.  You wouldn’t think closets require much thought.  But on the contrary.  Closet efficiency is tough.  We want them to be functional with sturdy shelves, and they must look good.  This is particularly the case in the large master closet that is really an extension of the master bath.  We found some nice-looking sturdy closet shelving supports and metal clothes rods.  It turned out impressive.

It is also exciting to see the low voltage work progress.  Dominion has completed most of the trim out.  They installed the data and TV outlets and tested all the low voltage wiring for the sound system and security system.  They installed speakers on the patio and in the great room ceiling.  The media closet has labeled wiring and panel box covers.  They will soon be ready to install the electronics.

Since the electrical work is complete, I thought it would be a good idea to check all the outlets and switches. I also decided to relabel the electrical panels.  We have 2 main panels with 220 volt breakers and a sub-panel that has most of the 110 volt breakers. The electrician’s labeling was less than legible, and some designations didn’t make sense to me. 

So, I enlisted the help of U.W. and we started flipping breakers.  As U.W. switched breakers on and off, I went around with a tester to check each outlet and switch.  After a few hours we had it done.  It is much easier to do this now instead of waiting until there is furniture in the way.  Afterwards I made up a spreadsheet to list everything that is on each circuit.  Then I put new printed labels on the panels.  It was tedious, but I think it will be worthwhile.

The exterior is taking shape as well.  The rain gutters are in place.  They poured the remaining concrete pads.  Masons are also working on retaining walls.  As you may recall, we had to do a lot at the front of the house.  This left large cuts of stone and earth exposed.  Now they are covering and reinforcing those cuts with stacked stone walls.  All of the retaining wall stone is stone that they excavated on our property.  It is turning out great and matches our exterior stonework really well.  Fencing is also underway.  We are installing a 4 ft pipe and ranch wire fence around the perimeter of the backyard.

Lots of progress, but lots remains.  Sometimes you just need to sit, relax, make a taco on your electric griddle, and contemplate.