There were two pick-up trucks and three work trucks on our little street.
Dave and I planned a thank-you lunch for everyone. It's always nice to serve hungry men! We had homemade BBQ pork sandwiches, sweet potato salad, chips, and homemade sweet bread (pistachio, pineapple, & coconut).
Chow Line
(L to R: Brett, Jim, Ray)
Chowing Down
(Facing--L to R: Ritch, Andy, Brad)
(Backs--L to R: Lonnie, Stacy)
The following photos tell the story of a very busy group of guys. I have captured for posterity, some--and certainly not all, of the tasks going on for the day. Each group was like a well-oiled machine set to perfect timing.
Heating and Air
Brett Installing the HVAC Grates
Brett & Brad Ponder Where to Cut Vent Hole in Cabinets
Heat Pump Condenser Being Installed
Jim and Ray worked under the house with the condenser and hot water heater most of the day. (If it stops raining long enough to have dry clay around the house instead of pottery mud, I'll take some photos of the equipment in the crawl space.)
Plumbing
Stacy installed the bathroom sink faucets and kitchen faucets...
While Lonnie set about installing the toilets. However, Lonnie, I am sorry that I captured a blurry photo of your efforts.
There was a little miscommunication about the toilets we ordered. I confused the issue on what we wanted by trying to clarify our "wants." We had always ordered dual-flush, hi-rise toilets. But, when I explained our desired height in a hi-rise, I stated we would prefer the measurement from floor to top of bowl to be closer to 15-in. rather than the 18-in. maximum height these toilets can measure. So, the toilets that were purchased ended up being standard-height toilets, which were noted as 15-in. by the manufacturer. However, that 15-in. actually measured 14-in., which is too low. Our options were not ironed out until the toilets were actually installed. After talking with LaVonne at Tomorrow's Homes to get the details of this hiccup, they have arranged to removed the toilets that are already intalled and replace them with the hi-rise toilets (although the replacement toilets could be as high as 17-in., I'm hopeful they will actually measure closer to 16- or 16.5-in.). As typical with Tomorrow's Homes, they want us to be happy with every aspect of our home. So, there was no hesitation in making this change. Kudos to a company that seeks happy customers!
And then there is Pam's Mad Scientist Kitchen Sink. Stacy must have been pulling out his hair installing those taps and doo-dads.
Here's the low-down on all those implements (L to R): Soap dispenser, faucet with nozzle that pulls down and becomes a sprayer, filtered drinking water faucet, and instant hot water faucet (water comes out at 200 degrees in less than 3 seconds). I am hoping this instant hot water feature turns out to be as useful a feature as it's cracked up to be.
Under Sink Madness
The garbage disposal is septic-tank friendly. It has a container filled with a solution that enhances the bacterial break down of the septic tank contents. Each time you use the disposal, it squirts the liquid into the drain and washes into the septic tank. You can buy refill containers. One refill should last about 6 months.
Electrical
Over Bar Light Installed
Kitchen Ceiling Lights
Dave and I supplied these lights for the ceiling (there are two of them). This one is near the pantry and back door into the garage. The bulbs are circular fluorescent bulbs.
Flood Lights on Master Bedroom Corner
Tub Surround
The tub surround didn't quite fit. A few places were not aligned correctly and there were some unlevel portions. Brad, like I, was not pleased with this fit, so out it comes and it will be repaired in a few days.
Doggie Doors
Through all of the installation commotion today, Dave and Brad had their own project. It seems that the doggie door interior plate we gave the framers didn't take into consideration some minor measurements for this 'n that. So, Brad, with his trusty reciprocating saw set about trimming the hole. Then there was the "minor" issue of trying to line up the long screws from the inside to the outside frames. It was a nightmare. Brad has the patience of a saint. If Dave had done these by himself, I'm sure the plastic doors would have been stomped to pieces. I'd say they worked on those dingy doors for 3-4 hours. But, they are really nice. We owe you one Brad; and, we'll make it worth your while--we promise.
Whallah! Don't these doors look GREAT?
Door from Porch to Outside
Door from Porch to Dining Room
Door from Dining Room to Porch
When we left for the day (nearly 6 PM), we were exhausted. We stayed until the crews had finished up. We will be back on Friday when the flooring installation will begin. According to Brad, that could take up to three days.
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