The punch list...begins

You know it by the trade name "punch list", or just by your own experience of getting to the end of a project or renovation, where the big things are done but there are those little details or minor omissions that need correction.   We met today with Matt and Ed to go over the punch list.  At the same time, Gino was starting on sanding the floors in preparation for natural staining and several coats of clear coat on the hickory floors, so the house is his for just over a week.  Other developments:
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Starting construction of the second set of basement doors.  Evolving the design to a steel frame instead of the hardwood frame.  Had a local welding shop produce the two door with hinges welded on.  The outside will look very similar to the first set of doors, but I think it will be more rigid and definitely a time saver for me, while still fitting within the budget.
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 In  addition to the door frames, I asked the welding company to make door handle brackets for both sets of doors.  A pair of these with 1 inch wood dowel between them, will be set on each door.
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Fridge in place.  Width fit was perfect but now realize we need some trim panel over it.

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Stove in place, hood install in progress.  Notice how Matt pre-stained the floors under the appliances before the main floor sanding & staining that began today.  Toekicks will be installed after the floor finish is complete.

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Powder room vanity.  Jenny chose the walnut slab from Vienna Hardwoods.  I cut to size and finished it.  This will get us thru the final inspection, we have some cool ideas for some stonework and wall colors after that!

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Stairs down to the basement. Continuing the nautical look with the sconces...

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Utility area detail.  Blue tank is the water pressure vessel fed by the well head pump.  The yellow lines are the propane going to the on-demand water heater on the right, and also the stove above.  No more water company bills, but now need to ensure electric power for the well head pump or have a standby source in the event of temporary power loss.

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Lamps installed by back basement doors.
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A different view of the screened porch.  Exterior lamps in place, additional trim boards to be added, screen panels between the columns, and screened doors.  Now our minds turn to what will be in front of, and behind the porch...

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View of the house from across the swale.

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We are blessed with many Dogwood trees around property (see the white flowers), some in better health then others, after having grown in the shadow of pines.  We will try to save the healthiest but many will probably go in the land clearing. 

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Another Dogwood flower view.

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Hey, we're on the map!  "7817" Our neighbor built this new mailbox post on the left since the original was full and today I set our box in place down there on the end (thanks Dean!)...

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On the way home past the local dairy, I noticed the Holstein dairy cows seemed to be in heaven with the lush spring grass and warm sunny day temps....so I snapped a quick pic.  The Virginia countryside is in prime spring, everything is blooming, cool & lush ready for hot & humid...we're ready for it!