Our Megan Lane neighbors visit - 29 May 2009

The Electrician visits; special windows in - 27 May 2009

My builder, Joe, will be away this Thursday through the weekend so we met today. He had his electrician, dave come over and we marked out where electric outlets, phone jacks, computer and tv wiring outlets will be. The special order windows were installed last Sunday. Memorial Day Monday and this morning brought heavy rains so the driveway was a bit muddy. Roofing shingles have been delivered and will start to be installed tomorrow. The kitchen cabinet plan is being finalized - we have to fax them to Ellen in California. This weekend will be good weather so more progress will be made.

Plumber begins his work. AC complete - 21 May 2009

A cool respite before we get a soaking this weekend from a tropical system. Too early for us to start worrying about hurricanes! Our builder ordered the shingles. The FloorWorks owner showed up to make measurements, etc to prepare his bid for flooring. We are having reclaimed hearts-of-pine wood floors for the living, study, dining, and hallways. Ellen and I last weekend made some final choices for other flooring. Slate in the kitchen, laundry, main bathroom and second bathroom. tumbled stone in the entry and powder room.  Cork is the choice for bedrooms and closets. The special order windows have arrived but need to be installed.

Ellen goes to Washington State and California for a fortnight so she will have to rely on email and phone to keep up-to-date. Kitchen pillars are constructed. Cabinet folks come tomorrow to make measurements.

TGIF2 Windows, fireplace, and A/C - 15 May 2009

Here are some more photos some more photos from the great room.

TGIF Windows, fireplace, and A/C - 15 May 2009

My digital camera must have run out of battery life on Thursday so I came back on Friday. The windows (except for the special order dormers) are in place. So are a set of "construction-use" doors - the real ones will come later. The fire place is set and the roof complete except for shingles. Joe asked me to have the bank come and inspect so we can receive more construction loan funds and pay folks.  Our bank construction loan manager was able to get the inspector out today. He reported we are at 47% completion - that's good because the expenses keep coming!

I am uploading views from the main bedroom and the second bedroom. A second post will show more photos from today.

Southern Living Floor Plan - Tideland Haven SL-1375

Here is a floor plan so that folks can orient themselves inside the house. On our lot the Screen Porch and Dining Room are facing South. The Library/Study and Second Bedroom face North.

The Master Bedroom and Master Bathroom face East. The Living Room and Entry face West. 

How to find 199 Branch Drive

Here are some Google Earth shots showing where we are in relation to our city of Slidell.

The elevation on the lot is at ~ 15.5 feet. It is in Flood Zone C (that's good).

Roof totally covered, Porches as well - 07 May 2009

Wow, now it is really looking like a house with the roof covered and the porches covered as well! Inside more carpentry is occurring. Our consulting architect is quite pleased with how strong the house is being built. I can't believe how much lumber is being used. The guys are starting the process of sealing the window and door openings. Energy-Star rated windows and temporary construction doors have been delivered and will be installed soon. The next phase will be when the plumber, electrician, and A/C guys go to work. The power company, CLECO, has connected power to the site -this makes my builder happy. I am posting shots from the inside. We have been very lucky with missing rain.