It Has Been A Long Time

Today is Sunday, August 30. The last posting was almost three weeks ago. We had out-of-town guests which occupied us for a couple of weeks. During most of that time, not a lot happened on the project, but some significant accomplishments were achieved. Before our guests arrived, we "tested" the hot tub several times and found it agreeable. During that week (August 10-14), Mike and Nate started installing the Sapele "styles" and "rails" on the sunroom walls. Before the end of the week, Mike said that they had used all the lumber that Bob (cabinetry) had delivered. He informed Bob we needed more. This was surprising to me since Bob had led us to believe that we had received all the lumber.

Chris (electrician) also showed up briefly during the week to finish the wiring for the deck step lights so that Mike and Nate could finish the tub decking.

Mike and Nate also continued installing the appliances in the bar during the week.

Left to Right: Two Drawer Refrigerator; Ice Maker; Sink; Trash Can; Dishwasher

Much to my surprise, Mike announced that we purchased the "wrong" ice maker. The one we bought uses gravity to drain as opposed to one with a pump. The plumber did not install the necessary plumbing to accommodate a gravity draining ice maker. I found this amazing because we order exactly what Bob (cabinetry) advised. I clearly remember Bob telling us that the best route was to go with a gravity draining ice maker as opposed to one that pumped out. This was based upon his experience of pump failures and subsequent flooding damage. In fact, originally, we had specified a Kitchen Aid ice maker but, because Kitchen Aid no longer offered a gravity drain machine, switched to the U-Line brand. At the time, he suggested I ensure that the plumbing was such that it would be for a gravity system. I remember talking with the plumbers that very day to ensure they understood we were going to use a gravity draining ice maker. Despite their assurances, this is not what they set up. Now it is too late. Anyway, we ordered a replacement ice maker (with pump). It has been delivered to Bob and will be delivered to the sunroom on Tuesday, September 1.

Our new sunroom furniture arrived on Friday, August 14, the day before our Texas guests arrived. It looks good.

Also on August 14, our new potential landscaper (John) showed up with Joe (construction) to review the work to be done. We had a nice visit and John said he would be putting together an estimate for us.

Our guests arrived on August 15 and departed on August 22. Between those dates, the hot tub was put to the test. Everyone enjoyed it.

On Monday, August 17, the fireplace installer arrived to complete the installation. The replacement remote control and wall control unit had been delivered. While he was completing that, Mike installed the new stained glass panel above the south door of the sunroom.

With our daughter in town, T took the opportunity to get her opinion on the appropriate cabinet "pulls". The correct answer was the same as the one T had selected several months ago. We asked Bob to order the appropriate number.

After all our guests departed, we "burned in" the fireplace...very smoky! And T put her new candles on the mantel.

When we finally took off the protective plastic wrap around the mantel, we noticed that there was some grouting that needed to be finished. Not only around the mantel itself, but also around the hearth. We pointed this out to Mike and he said he would get with Jaime. This past week, Mike said he had talked with Jaime but we don't know when he will show up to finish the grouting. We also talked with Mike about having Jaime change the color of the grout on the sunroom exterior limestone window sills. Jaime had used a red colored grout. Perhaps in expectation of us painting the sills. T has decided that she does not want the sills painted and therefore the grout needs to be something that will blend in with the natural limestone color.

On Tuesday, August 18, more Sapele wood showed up and was stacked in the garage. On August 20, someone from the roofing company showed up to finally install the missing flashing on the sunroom bay. If I understood Mike, there would be sealant on the seems of these horizontal flashings. It does not appear to be sealed. I asked Mike to inspect the work and ensure he is OK with the quality. At least we no longer have bare wood exposed anywhere to the outside elements!

On Friday, August 21, someone did come out to take measurements for the quartz bar counter top. It was interesting. They did not actually take any measurements, but instead, put "dot" stickers all over the wood cabinets and then took a photo. The guy said he would take it back, feed it into the computer and the computer would determine all the dimensions.

This past week, Mike and Nate returned on Wednesday and, between then and early Friday morning, completed installation of all the interior paneling "styles" and "rails".

Mike said the plan was for Bob's finisher to come out and stain and seal the "styles" and "rails" before installation of the plywood "fields" and moldings, which will already be finished. Mike said he has informed Bob that we are ready for the finisher, but did not get a commitment on when they would be here.

I was surprised with the amount of surplus Sapele still in the garage, since Mike said he was essentially finished with the "styles" and "rails". Mike was surprised as well and, unless we wanted to try to use it to make furniture, he hoped Bob would be able to take them back the surplus. This is expensive stuff.

Bob sent a note saying the counter top will be delivered on Tuesday, September 1. Great news (hope it fits)! In response, I asked Bob about the delivery of the cabinet "pulls" and about all the excess Sapele lumber still in the garage. Bob responded that the cabinet "pulls" had already been delivered and that "yes" he would take back any excess Sapele lumber. He just wanted to ensure Mike had enough. Friday morning, Mike and searched for the "pulls" to no avail. I sent Bob a note to that effect. Soon thereafter, we got a note from Bob saying that he found the "pulls" in their shop. Whew!

On Thursday, August 27, I called John (landscaping) to get an update. It has been almost two weeks since he was here with Joe. John apologized and said he would try to have something for us by Friday. We heard nothing on Friday.