As luck would have it...

It's true.  A squirrel got inside 1318 and really went to town - perhaps even with some buddies.  It's going to set things back, unfortunately.  As a result, the VIP Event has to be rescheduled.  The new date will be announced soon.

Devo

Cracking the whip really gets contractors jumping.  The outside of the addition is painted.  The reconstructed parts of the original house are in the process of being painted.  I think they are on their second coat as I type.  The painters are fast and good!  The trim inside is finally finished.  The fence is almost done. 

The thing is that I don't like being the bad guy, but when folks don't do what they are supposed to, it's an unfortunate necessity that someone (me) steps up to get things organized and completed.  It's really pretty simple - either you want the work or you don't.  I actually had to ask one of the subs if he wanted the work or not.  He said "yes" and looked a little sheepish after that.  It's amazing that some people even own businesses these days when they don't take responsibility for their own mistakes and lack of planning. 

I'm ready to be done with rehabbing and move on to the events!

This kind of stuff only happens to me....

And other rehabbers.

Who knew my fence guys would take 2 weeks off for hunting?  Fence still isn't finished.  I had to crack the whip on them and they are apparently going to fix the parts that aren't quite up to snuff.  Well, that and the parts that aren't even done yet. 

The inside trim is going up.  Or does it go "on"?  (When in doubt, change the sentence... ) The inside trim is being worked on.  Has been worked on.  Oh, I give up.  You get the idea.... it's not done yet.

The heaters work.  That's a plus.  We've had well below freezing temps already, so had to call the HVAC guy to come check the mini-splits out since I couldn't get them to do anything except blink festive red and green lights at me and blow cold air.  I called him at 2p on Thursday and he was there by 2:40p.  He didn't want the pipes to freeze, either.  That's been the highlight of my week.... one responsive contractor.

Not too much more needs to be done before 1318 is completed, but I'm still waiting on external painting for the addition, the fence, cabinets and countertops, plumbing finishwork, gutters... and I'm sure there's more.  Oh, like the repair of the HVAC unit that the painter guys ran into with their lift.  And the window that needs to be replaced because the carpenters broke one (not another one - the original one they broke). 

In other, more positive news, I have an emailed commitment from an artist for the VIP Event on January 29, 2010.  Great work and very relevant to the neighborhood.  Working on contract details now.  Also, working on finalizing logo and website details.  Have lots of great contacts for the VIP Event.  Very exciting time here in Old North!

Fence me in, already!

The fence will be finished by the end of this week, so I'll put locks on all the gates and the brick thieves can find somewhere else to make a quick buck.  I figure we had almost 100 bricks stolen just a few days ago.  The dog didn't quite scare them off and the cops were busy elsewhere.  Two interesting points to note are that the man walked as if he were drunk and the 2nd person was either an early teenage male whose voice hadn't changed yet or a woman.  The 2nd person was a very quick worker, I must say.  So if any neighbors see a dark colored (black or dark blue) 4-door Ford Explorer-type SUV puttering around the area, keep an eye on it...

At any rate, the fence is going up nicely.  We debated between one 16-ft gate or two 8-ft gates.  We opted for 2 8-ft gates, for ease in maneuvering in and out of the parking area.  

Am going shopping with the PM tonight.  Have to return a few things and get more.  And, it is also significant to note that we have lights!  The electricians now just have to install the outside sconces.  Which means I need to buy them tonight...

VIP Event: RESCHEDULED

Update your calendars!  The VIP Event has been rescheduled to Friday, January 29, 2010. 

Finish Work

We are finishing work, but we are not finished working.  Turns out that the outlets for the washer and dryer were not run, so that will be done in the next week.  The yard was graded yesterday and the gravel was "poured" for the parking pad and the walkways.  Looks pretty good!  Photos to come, as it is rainy here and the lighting would be bad.  Actually, it's because the weeds need to be mowed.  I don't want the weeds captured in photos.  If it would stop raining, the neighbor kid will get out and mow for me.  I'm going to get some grass seed and hay to spread out, hopefully this weekend.  Just think - real grass!  What a treat in this neck of the woods!

Wednesday, the Project Manager will be at 1318 working hard.  He's going to install the kitchen cabinets and then the plumber will do the "finish" work.  The painter is ready to go, whenever we are ready for him.  Gutters are coming soon, too.  And the fence.... ah, the ever-elusive fence.  Slowly, but surely, we will get this project up and running!

Progress

The painter should be in over the next week.  The kitchen cabinets are done and will be installed soon.  I'm in the process of lining up the artist for the VIP Sneak Peek Event.  The gravel walks will be done next week, along with filling the cistern and grading the property.  Fence after that.  And, discovered that either the drywall is hiding the outlet for the washer/dryer or the electrician didn't run it.  Stay tuned...