Quartz island install

The island counter top was the last quartz piece to be installed.  Not only is it the biggest slab possible for our supplier to deliver (at 118 inches), it also features a mitred joint on the side facing the front entry.  The second piece of quartz covers the side of the island and is another nice design element.  The island counter also features a nice square edge sink, a faucet by grohe, and two integrated soap dispensers to help eliminate clutter from the work surface.

The sink is installed and the tap is fitted to ensure it is in the correct location.   The accessory soap dispensers are being prepped for drilling through the quartz.

The island countertop is ready for the second piece to be trimmed at the shop and delivered

Tile progress part 6 - grouting

With all of the tiling complete except for the basement bathroom (tile for walls was back ordered and recently arrived and will be installed soon), the grouting could be completed.  Silicon of corners exposed to water is the final step

Master bedroom closet components

With the hardwood floor complete and the upper level largely clear of dust and debris, it was an ideal opportunity to get the master closet components installed.  Some of the wardrobe units have doors, and others are left open.  

Master tub

A freestanding tub model by aquabrass was selected for the master bath along with a matching floor mount faucet. Moving the tub from the back of the truck to the second level proved to be exceptionally difficult since it weighed more than 300 pounds.  Four people definitely struggled to get it upstairs.  Due to the difficulty in moving the tub and its expense we may not use this stylish unit again.  With the tub and tub filler connected the master bathroom plumbing fixture install is nearly complete.

Metal interior railing install

With final adjustments made last week the railing material was sent to be sandblasted and powder coated.  The powder coating in white is an extremely durable and low maintanence baked on finish.  With the metal material delivered on site, the careful installation could take place.  The metal mesh infill is a substitute for glass as it is 52% transparent but won't be covered in fingerprints or dust and require cleaning.

the first pieces to be installed are the easiest

The metal mesh panel has been comprehensively powder coated

the tall panels protect both the lower landing and main floor stairwell opening

the basement bar also receives a panel

view from the top

Fridge install

Install of the fridge was predictably a tricky process, and best left to someone with experience.  In this case we used the miele factory install crew to do the fridge, panels, handles, water connection, and final adjustments.

fridge is ready for install

doors are unpacked and and arranged 

doors and handles are on

powered up and ready to go

Appliance install underway

With significant progress made finishing the first house, we were able to arrange delivery and begin installation of the appliances.  The wall ovens were carefully fitted  in place and now we can get the fridge, dishwasher, cooktop and range hood installed.

Oven and speed oven are installed, all that remains is the electrical connection to be done at the  electrical final stage

Hardwood install part 3

A few additional details are worth noting in regard to the hardwood floor install. Rather than use typical metal hot air registers we were able to get them custom made using the actual matching wood.   All of the nosing are also made in site to match and ensure seemless transitions between surfaces. 

Tile progress part 5

With counters installed the kitchen backsplash can go on. An interesting Italian geometric tile is featured in this kitchen.  Only a small amount of tile work remains to finish this house. 

Quartz countertop install

The quartz installation is now well underway and the sinks, all undermount, can be installed as well.  An off white quartz was selected to complement and contrast the walnut cabinetry.  

Counter top in bar has been installed

A typical bathroom vanity counter top and sink. Our supplier has a nice square undercount sink that looks great

Tile fireplace

Pat has now applied the tile to the fireplace.  Next is sealing and grouting of the stone.  The soft stone involved in this install gave Pat an opportunity to use his wet saw.  Despite his complaints on the nature of the stone involved, the look is good.

Hardwood install part 2

The hardwood install is now nearing completion on the upper floor.  A wide plank european oak was selected with a rubbed oak finish.  The matte shade and rustic, textured look of the material is a nice contrast to the walnut cabinetry and modern tiles.  It should also take wear and tear much better than a high gloss smooth finish product.

the final look of the hardwood floor

nosing is added to complete the top of the stair

Managing seven trades on the same day

With the homes approaching completion, managing of trades has become more complex.  Ideally, one trade would occupy the house in isolation from any other, allowing them complete access to all of the power supply and space, and provide the opportunity to control dust, noise and cleanliness without having to interact or coordinate with anyone else.

Of course, since this is the construction industry, at least one trade will not show up on time and another may show up unexpectedly or even early.  This results in congestion and overlap, but is usually manageable.  Today (Oct. 9) we may have reached a new all-time high for trades on site at seven.  Fortunately we can spread them among interior and exterior work and the two distinct projects.  On site today were;
1. tile setter - started and finished applying sandstone tile to the fireplace
2. hardwood floor installer - completed hardwood on upper level of the 3012 unit
3. paint sprayers - full crew has arrived and is spraying in 3010
4. exterior metal cladders - the crew installing the AL13 architectural panels has arrived and begun prep work
5. electrician - head electrician arrived to supply a pot light sample and coordinate future work
6. aluminum railing install - crew arrived and installed our powder coated railing on the back deck of both houses
7. quartz countertop installer - most of the quartz slabs arrived and were installed along with the sinks in the 3012 unit

While the trades many not be pleased with this high level of site activity, it definitely makes the contractor happy!

Tile progress part 3

The tile setter has now prepped the basement shower with the waterproofing material and installed the stone shower base.  

Hardwood install

The hardwood floor install began with some difficult landing edge pieces.  Install will continue for the next four days. 

Tile progress part 2

Tile installation is continuing and now on the main level at both front and rear foyer.  We are using a natural stone at the rear and the subfloor material is a cement board rather than a ditra matting due to the small size of the stone.  Fireplaces and basement shower is next to be installed.  

Staining the stairs

For the stair stain we were able to find a nice custom blend to approximate the shade of the cabinetry in the house.  With the stairs prepped, we were ready to finally begin staining the wood material.  This proved to be a considerable effort due to the large amount of exposed surface area of the exposed structure of the entire stair assembly.  Once fully stained with two coats, we will apply one to two coats of sealer material that is suitable for walking on.

Ready for  the second coat of stain

Uppermost flight has a second coat on, this is the final tint

Prepping the stairs for stain

We have moved our stairs along into the finishing stage by first prepping the complete assembly for stain. To do this we hand to cut over 100 plugs to fill the holes left from the lag bolts used to fasten the treads and landings together.  This was a huge amount of work and led to an additional sand and vacuum process.  We also filled many of the holes and imperfections with a stainable wood filler. With the prep done we are ready to apply two coats of stain.

 In this instance we are boring the holes deeper to allow use of larger plugs.  The plugs are considerably larger than normal so we are using a 3/4 inch hole saw to cut them.  They fit nicely in the hole and are glued into place using regular wood glue

Plugs are setting up and ready to be cut off

Plug is cut off and can now be sanded flush with the tread

Poured sidewalk

With cold weather approaching quickly we now are in more of a hurry to complete exterior work.  Our concrete crew lead by Harold was back to pour the front walks.