This is an update on the construction of the house. We are currently in the phase of construction where numerous projects are going on in parallel, on the home stretch toward a mid-November completion date.

The kitchen cabinets are now in. Countertops are expected next week. Here are some pictures of the cabinets at various stages of installation.

The soaking tub has been installed in the master bathroom.

All bamboo and ceramic tile flooring is installed.  (Most of the bamboo has been covered with the cardboard from the kitchen cabinet boxes for protection.)

Interior doors and trim are installed and the windows are stained to match the trim.

Construction of the handrail on the stairs has been finished.

In addition, all light fixtures are now installed in the house, except for the fixture over the bathtub which was on back-order. There has also been progress on the exterior, both for the back screened porch and the front porch, and the installation of gutters. Most of our visits during the past week have been after dark (since the sun sets before 6:00 PM this time of year), so a separate post will be forthcoming over the weekend to document the work on the exterior once we actually get to see it!

Upcoming events of note:

• Monday, October 26 - installation of geothermal heat pump
• Wednesday, October 28 - countertops

Finally, you may have noticed the new link on the menu: Solar. We have received approval from the developer to install solar panels, and today we received approval from Wisconsin's Focus on Energy for a rebate on solar panel installation. We have contracted with H&H Solar Energy Services and we are targeting an installation in mid-December.