Our inspector has a tattoo on his forearm that reads, "Never Again." 3 more inspections and then we will never see "Never Again" never again. The guys have taped and floated the back room and the inspector has signed off!!!
8.21.2009
8.20.2009
Ran out of tile-miscalculation
We have a tile guru at the house right now. He counted the boxes and
said we are off by 40percent in the kitchen!!! The problem is that they
might not be ready till Monday.
8.19.2009
Back Room
After an inspection this morning, the guys were able to put in the insulation and they are starting to close up all the walls with sheet rock in the back room. Need to finalize a few more things and tile will go in tomorrow. The Mister also mapped out his surround sound today and we are off to find glass for two of our windows that got broken back in May.
8.18.2009
Patching Towards the Finish Line
The guys have been patching and prepping the walls for us so that we can paint. When we went in today, we felt so good. The walls are smooth and no longer look like they were the unfortunate result of a frat party. Out kitchen and bathroom got hardy back a few days ago and they are ready for tile! So our home is looking like it's one step closer to the finish line. We got word today from our contractors that the tile will go in tomorrow. We are so excited!!! We will post pictures of the tile as soon as we see it go down. Our cabinets are being made as I type and we are supposed to go finalize their color later on this week. Things are moving according to plan and we couldn't be happier. We are so grateful to all the guys at TBG Construction for being so professional and for making our vision come to life.
8.15.2009
OUR FIGS- LIKE JELLY ON A TREE
It's fig season and we have two of those bad boys. They are so good it is like natures own jam. Everyday i pick them and bring them home. Have you had grilled figs with bacon and goat cheese? My wife's grandmother told us how we can dry them, but we might have to wait. We had an ant problem last week at the apartment and we are worried they'll return
COCINA
The kitchen is starting to look like a kitchen. We can't wait to cook in it. Our fridge in our apartment keeps everythigng at warm 65 degrees. I bought 2 steaks to grill and by the next day they had turned. I can't wait to get out of this place and into our new home. Goodbye helicopters, Goodbye freeway, Goodby black soot. We were thinking about replacing the windows to the right, because they don't open and need weights, but i think we might keep them as is. I like the way they look.
THE LIGHT
There is land on the horizon. The bathroom has real form and it's coming together very well. The hardy back is down, ready for the tile. The electrical, gas and plumbing all got signed off on. The AC is hooked up and so is all the duct work. Our finish date was for the 15th, but we knew it was a bit optimistic. This week there were crews of at least 7 guys going at it. They really got a lot accomplished.
8.05.2009
7.31.2009
7.28.2009
7.25.2009
Framing Thieves
Today we are picking out where our windows should go. The framing is up and we have gone through 3 inspections without any problems. The subfloor is rock solid and leveled so that when we put our hardwood floor it will be flush with the rest of the house.
We camped out at the house last night because all of our stuff is there and if that would get stolen we would be sunk.
Hector, the worker who stays at the house during the week, told me that my neighbor is stealing buckets of water from my front faucet at night. We were going to confront them, but we decided it was a great opportunity to have some fun. We haven't singled out one particular plan, so we are open to suggestions. We did buy a faucet lock. The misses wants to jump out of the bushes with a covered panty hosed face and a camera. I just want to exercise my Texas right and shoot whoever is on my property.
We camped out at the house last night because all of our stuff is there and if that would get stolen we would be sunk.
Hector, the worker who stays at the house during the week, told me that my neighbor is stealing buckets of water from my front faucet at night. We were going to confront them, but we decided it was a great opportunity to have some fun. We haven't singled out one particular plan, so we are open to suggestions. We did buy a faucet lock. The misses wants to jump out of the bushes with a covered panty hosed face and a camera. I just want to exercise my Texas right and shoot whoever is on my property.
INSULATION
We dropped of some stuff at the house. A couple of ceiling fans, the medicine cabinets and speaker wire. And we walked in to see Hector and Leon adding in the insulation to the back room.
7.20.2009
His & Hers
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Fan-Tastic
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Our Medicine Cabinets
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
FOUNDATION POUR
This weekend we woke up extra early to greet the cement truck and watch them pour the cement into the forms. I never knew it was such a precise thing. The pressure has to be at 30psi, it has to be done quick so it cures evenly.
7.11.2009
PROGRESS!!!!!!
We have been very busy.
Making some serious progress. My parents were in town this past week and my dad, the Architectural Engineer was on the job site several times this week. He said that they guys were doing a bang up job, using the highest grade materials and working their ass off. We got to select were the lighting fixtures and recessed lighting go. PLUS where to pre-wire for surround sound. ANY TIPS WELCOME!
Now we need to make a decision about clothing dryers, gas v electric.We know gas is much cheaper to run, but they are all very big in comparison with the smaller 24 inch European ones that only seem to run on electricity. We are thinking of the bosch axxis, because of their size. We need all the space we can get, so we have to weigh both options.
This week we have completed rough plumbing, gas line, and rough electrical, plus we have installed a NORTIZ tankless water heater . This thing is bad ass, it only heats up the water you need. So it saves tons of energy plus it qualifies for the 2009 tax rebate. We can run our kitchen sink, flush a toilet, take a shower, and fill up the bath at the same time without loss of hot water. HIRSCH plumbing has a special on them for $659! It should be between $800-$1000.
Here are some pics of the guys getting ready to pour the footing. Easy as 1/2/3.On the last pic, that thing is solid, you couldn't move it if you tried. and yes my dad tried to move it.
Making some serious progress. My parents were in town this past week and my dad, the Architectural Engineer was on the job site several times this week. He said that they guys were doing a bang up job, using the highest grade materials and working their ass off. We got to select were the lighting fixtures and recessed lighting go. PLUS where to pre-wire for surround sound. ANY TIPS WELCOME!
Now we need to make a decision about clothing dryers, gas v electric.We know gas is much cheaper to run, but they are all very big in comparison with the smaller 24 inch European ones that only seem to run on electricity. We are thinking of the bosch axxis, because of their size. We need all the space we can get, so we have to weigh both options.
This week we have completed rough plumbing, gas line, and rough electrical, plus we have installed a NORTIZ tankless water heater . This thing is bad ass, it only heats up the water you need. So it saves tons of energy plus it qualifies for the 2009 tax rebate. We can run our kitchen sink, flush a toilet, take a shower, and fill up the bath at the same time without loss of hot water. HIRSCH plumbing has a special on them for $659! It should be between $800-$1000.
Here are some pics of the guys getting ready to pour the footing. Easy as 1/2/3.On the last pic, that thing is solid, you couldn't move it if you tried. and yes my dad tried to move it.
Oui, Zee Doors Belong to Us
We searched high and low for a pair of French doors. But these were no ordinary doors Monsieur, these were Craftsman French doors or 9 lites as they are often called that we were after. The difficulty was not in finding the doors, it was in finding that style of doors that measured 24 inches each in width and finding them in our price range.
We had found the perfect pair at a salvage yard a while back but they would not let us put them on hold. The owner said he couldn't hold them but that we should not worry because it wasn't like anyone would buy them by the time we came in the next day. When we went back the next day to get them, we were too late. Yup, he sold them to someone else!
We called a million places and visited tons of salvage yards but at the end it was good ol'faithful Craigslist that pulled through and saved the day. I could hardly believe it. Someone was selling the exact same doors we needed!!! These doors were meant for our house. It was as if someone had taken them out and they finally made their way back home to us. With some divine intervention, a little luck, and a lot of fluke they sold the doors to us and my in laws were kind enough to get them for us as a gift. Thank you, thank you. We will always think of you when see those beautiful French Doors.
pictures coming soon
We had found the perfect pair at a salvage yard a while back but they would not let us put them on hold. The owner said he couldn't hold them but that we should not worry because it wasn't like anyone would buy them by the time we came in the next day. When we went back the next day to get them, we were too late. Yup, he sold them to someone else!
We called a million places and visited tons of salvage yards but at the end it was good ol'faithful Craigslist that pulled through and saved the day. I could hardly believe it. Someone was selling the exact same doors we needed!!! These doors were meant for our house. It was as if someone had taken them out and they finally made their way back home to us. With some divine intervention, a little luck, and a lot of fluke they sold the doors to us and my in laws were kind enough to get them for us as a gift. Thank you, thank you. We will always think of you when see those beautiful French Doors.
pictures coming soon
7.01.2009
Green Light
One of our best friends Shari made some calls and through a friend of hers we found TBG Construction. Her friend Bill has been working with contractors for over 20 years and he gave them an excellent recommendation. He gave Shari his word that these guys were legit. When our friend Shari says that Bill's word is solid, it's solid and we got to witness that.
We set up a meeting and not only did the TBG team, Jesse and Jehovany Barraza show up, but Bill (whom we had never met by the way) also showed up to make sure we were taken care of. What??? Amazing right? He took time off of work and from his day to accompany the guys and introduce himself.
We ran them through all that needed to get done: Repairing the back room, foundation work, shoring up the house, electrical, plumbing, A.C., and remodeling the bathroom and kitchen. It was a long list and we waited nervously to hear back from them. We prayed that they would come within our budget because after meeting them, we couldn't imagine working with anyone else.
When we heard back from them they sent us a very detailed bid outlining all the work that needed to be done and what the work would cost, etc. We couldn't believe it when we got to the bottom line and the price was staring back at us. It fell within our budget and not only are we able to get everything done that we need but, The Mister and I don’t have to do a single thing. They are taking care of everything. How cool is that? I won't have to fear for The Mister's safety anymore.
What really sold us on this particular team was that they understood that we wanted to keep the integrity of the home as much as possible. When we told them that it was ok if they tore through our floors to get our plumbing done, their response was, "Why would you want to tear your original hardwood floors out?" Don't have to tell me twice ladies and gentelmen, I'm Sold!! If you can find me a solution, instead of saying it can't be done, The Mister and I will always go to bat for you.
They were so excited to get to work on an old home and for you cynics that will say that anyone getting paid will act excited, this team is different. They knew more about that house than we did. We didn't fall in love with this bungalow to completely change it. All we wanted to do was enhance it and update it and they got it. They really, really , really got it.
The TBG team readily provided us with references, copies of their insurance, and license information before we could even ask. They even invited us to go and see all of their other sites they are currently working on including a huge school, before we decided to accept their bid. We couldn't believe that they would be working on OUR project. We have never been so thrilled to sign on a dotted line and hand over a check. Watch out, we are officially working with The Big Guns.
We set up a meeting and not only did the TBG team, Jesse and Jehovany Barraza show up, but Bill (whom we had never met by the way) also showed up to make sure we were taken care of. What??? Amazing right? He took time off of work and from his day to accompany the guys and introduce himself.
We ran them through all that needed to get done: Repairing the back room, foundation work, shoring up the house, electrical, plumbing, A.C., and remodeling the bathroom and kitchen. It was a long list and we waited nervously to hear back from them. We prayed that they would come within our budget because after meeting them, we couldn't imagine working with anyone else.
When we heard back from them they sent us a very detailed bid outlining all the work that needed to be done and what the work would cost, etc. We couldn't believe it when we got to the bottom line and the price was staring back at us. It fell within our budget and not only are we able to get everything done that we need but, The Mister and I don’t have to do a single thing. They are taking care of everything. How cool is that? I won't have to fear for The Mister's safety anymore.
What really sold us on this particular team was that they understood that we wanted to keep the integrity of the home as much as possible. When we told them that it was ok if they tore through our floors to get our plumbing done, their response was, "Why would you want to tear your original hardwood floors out?" Don't have to tell me twice ladies and gentelmen, I'm Sold!! If you can find me a solution, instead of saying it can't be done, The Mister and I will always go to bat for you.
They were so excited to get to work on an old home and for you cynics that will say that anyone getting paid will act excited, this team is different. They knew more about that house than we did. We didn't fall in love with this bungalow to completely change it. All we wanted to do was enhance it and update it and they got it. They really, really , really got it.
The TBG team readily provided us with references, copies of their insurance, and license information before we could even ask. They even invited us to go and see all of their other sites they are currently working on including a huge school, before we decided to accept their bid. We couldn't believe that they would be working on OUR project. We have never been so thrilled to sign on a dotted line and hand over a check. Watch out, we are officially working with The Big Guns.
Los Angeles Salvage Yards
We might have one or two we are not ready to share yet... but here are some of our favorites:
Freeway Building Materials Located in Boyle Heights. Alejandro is the owner and he is awesome!! They have amazing doors, and anything else you may be looking for. Give them a call before you head out to see if they have what you are looking for. So much inventory they have two lots. Prices were good.
Santa Fe Wrecking Co. This place has great selection of tubs and sinks. They also sell bath tub hardware and can get you old and new hardware for your tub. We dealt with Jerry and he was instrumental in giving us tips to refinish our tub. Heads up, they are moving locations so call ahead.
Olde Good Things I think they are way overpriced but sometimes you can find a good deal there. They have pretty cool pieces that are for the avid collector. You won't be disappointed but your wallet may be.
Silver Lake Architectural Salvage Bruce is who you will meet. He's not warm and fuzzy, but don't take it the wrong way. What he is, is knowledgeable with a great eye, and always on the hunt. If you do find something you like, get it or it may not be there the next day. They just cleaned up and reorganized the place so everything is easy to find.
We will keep adding to this post when we come across some more we can share with you. Tell them you found them here.
Freeway Building Materials Located in Boyle Heights. Alejandro is the owner and he is awesome!! They have amazing doors, and anything else you may be looking for. Give them a call before you head out to see if they have what you are looking for. So much inventory they have two lots. Prices were good.
Santa Fe Wrecking Co. This place has great selection of tubs and sinks. They also sell bath tub hardware and can get you old and new hardware for your tub. We dealt with Jerry and he was instrumental in giving us tips to refinish our tub. Heads up, they are moving locations so call ahead.
Olde Good Things I think they are way overpriced but sometimes you can find a good deal there. They have pretty cool pieces that are for the avid collector. You won't be disappointed but your wallet may be.
Silver Lake Architectural Salvage Bruce is who you will meet. He's not warm and fuzzy, but don't take it the wrong way. What he is, is knowledgeable with a great eye, and always on the hunt. If you do find something you like, get it or it may not be there the next day. They just cleaned up and reorganized the place so everything is easy to find.
We will keep adding to this post when we come across some more we can share with you. Tell them you found them here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
