On the outside

So exteriors have been moving along. But we did have another small delay, this time due to an unfortunate batch of faulty material (no stress at all). We're expecting a new delivery this week and in the meantime they've been working with the product we have. Here's a couple exterior views, one from the back and one from the side of the house giving an idea of the 3 different materials we're using (metal siding, cement board and wood siding). Hope to have a front photo soon since that's the last elevetion they'll complete.

Yay for walls

Drywall has begun. We finally have walls! It's so great to see it really start to look like home (was starting to give up hope for a while there-been one looong process)
Here's a couple photos of the interior.

This one is looking towards our kitchen to the right and dining room to the back with all the windows.

And here's the same view of the great room towards the front of the house from the previous post (with drywall) Getting there!!

Progress Report

So here's the latest developments...
Exterior finishes have been a slow start but we seem to finally be moving. Here's the look of the metal siding we're doing in the back of the house.

A view from our bedroom balcony.

What are you doing on the roof mommy??

And insulation is almost done-roofs are done in spray foam insulation as you can see in the ceiling in the photo below. Drywall should be starting soon. This is the view from the great room towards the front of the house. Take a good look folks cause this is the messiest you'll ever see my home! Will try to update soon.

A lesson on Nichiha fiber cement board

Everyone has been asking what the exterior finishes will be and whenever we say “cement board” we continue to see the question mark on people’s faces. The photo attached shows what it looks like (we're finally starting the exterior finishes...slowly) But here’s a quick explanation. The Nichiha product we’ve chosen to use is basically large panels which are made up of cement, water and fly ash (which acts as the binding product).  

What is Fly Ash? Here’s the description from the product information “Fly ash is a recycled post-consumer waste by-product produced from coal burning power plants. The ash is collected as it “flies” out of the smoke stack and is then typically sent to a landfill. However, environmentalists and engineers urge the reuse of fly ash. Nichiha understands the benefits of fly ash reuse and after years of product development research, the company now incorporates fly ash into the composition of its fiber cement siding products. Through this process, Nichiha is able to divert more than 66,000 tons of ash per year from being dumped in landfills.”

So not only does it look good, it’s sustainable too. 

Can’t wait to see what it’s finally gonna look like once it’s complete.  

As for progress, we've been waiting to start the exterior because of problems with our product orders (needless to say we're a little unimpressed with one of our suppliers right now). All the rough ins are complete, stair frames are in and the next inspection is due to take place this week so we can start insulation. Baby steps. Hope to have some better pics of the exterior soon.

Wrap it up

We apologize that it's taken so long to post an update. Especially to our loyal followers (or should I say follower-Terry :).  Not sure if you've noticed but we've been a little busy. Still busy picking out finishes (nothing says love like fighting over faucets). Thanks to Rona for their kick-ass sale on bamboo flooring we're the proud owners of a lot of bamboo (thank goodness it's so renewable).  Rough-ins are almost complete for the mechanical and plumbing. As you can see by the pics the exterior wrap is just about done. Huge peace of mind to get the house sealed although ironic now that we get it sealed, the never ending rain has come to a stop. And little Zara is now losing her patience saying "mommy, this house is taking too long".  Next steps to take place, exterior finishes, electrical and insulation. Will try to post soon.

What the ....?

Roof is finally up and windows are almost done. Questioning from the neighbours and the confused stares have begun. Best question of the week...."when is the roof going up?"

Room with a view

Windows are almost all in and we can really start to get a feel for the living space. Here's an idea of the  back view from our great room/kitchen/dining.

Starting to feel like home?

Framing is moving along and almost done. Just waiting on the roof to be completed. Now if only the rain would let up (like seriously, stop it) Can't wait to see it closed in, fingers crossed by next week. Currently spending all of our time shopping for the finishes. Went shopping for bathroom fixtures on the weekend and somehow ended up buying a table instead (way to keep things on track!) So much to do and so little time!

And up go the walls

We're so proud of the skilled craftsman she's becoming....

Framing is going well, first level is almost complete. No thanks to the rainiest August on record (thanks a bunch mother nature) They're set to start framing the second level this week. It's quite exciting seeing the house take shape.

A solid base

Foundation is almost done. After some setbacks due to the heaviest rain of the year (we weren't quite ready for the swimming pool just yet), we're hoping for better weather this week to keep on track. Backfill should happen in the next couple days and then we'll be set to start framing. 

Digging a hole

Now that's what you call cheap labour (it only took her 2 days!)...excavation went smoothly and is complete. The foundation work will start in the next couple days. Soon we'll have a basement.

And we're off!

Look at us closing a city road...we apologize to the residents of Queensdale. Digging started today (finally). They're hooking up to the services so the road had to be cut. Should start breaking ground on our lot shortly. Thank you Luciano!

How do we make this reality?....

Stay tuned....

It's a go....

After months of planning and drawing (and perhaps some differences of opinion here and there) plans are done and City approved!

We have a lot

October 2009- the lot is ours. Ready or not Blossom Park, here we come...Time to come up with a "plan".