Part 9: The Squirrels

There are at least two rambunctious Grey Squirrels living in the big leaf maple tree right behind my house.  They're busy running up and down the tree and back and forth across the deck.  They have big, fluffy, busy, twitchy tails and seem quite curious about our activities.  After 6 years of enjoying the property to themselves, they're probably a bit surprised to find us moving in.

I think the original builder had my cats in mind when he built the window sills at 7" deep.  Pretty perfect for a feline rump to perch and watch the squirrel show.

Click here for Part 10:  The Permits

Part 8: The Guest Bath

Update:  I found this vanity for the guest bath.  Love it.

While waiting for the structural engineering,  I'm made some choices for the Guest bath and laundry room.  The flooring for both spaces will be Carrera marble 2" hex, a timeless classic in keeping with the style of the home that I won't get tired of and want to rip out 5 years from now.  Plus, both marble and grout can be polished down to "fresh" layers in the the future, if necessary.  I'm keeping the major investment components of the design pretty simple and classic (with the exception of the glass tile mural for the master bath which is a fun splash out).

This photo is not of my guest bath, but shows a Carrera hex floor;

Classic Carrera hex tile flooring.

The guest bath tub/shower surround will be good ol' reliable 3x6 white subway tile and I'm thinking about something silvery and interesting for an accent tile, like this;

Not so classic "Splendor" 1" x 4" glass accent tile in Silver by EliteTile.

Keeping it simple and going with satin nickel plumbing fixtures in all baths;

Pfister "Catalina" faucet in satin nickel.

Click here for Part 9:  The Squirrels

Part 7: The Delays - Hurry up and wait:

 The Slow motion structural engineering;

"The good news is that business is good.  The bad news is that business is good."

We were on hold for a bit because it was Christmas, then because the structural engineer was so busy with the booming real estate market here in Portland.  We finally got the engineering calculations done that are necessary for A) removing the structural post in the middle of the front entryway and B) adding the large windows to the corner of the kitchen nook and the smaller windows on the opposite wall above the new fireplace.

So, we're good to go, right?  Not so fast.  Turns out that the city of Portland takes these things very seriously and is not willing to issue permits will-nilly to any (properly educated, licensed and experienced) structural engineer who does the math.  The city has asked for additional drawings which they will carefully peruse before issuing a permit.  I'm very happy they're so dedicated to keeping the residential building stock standing upright, and very annoyed by the slow motion process.  So, additional work is required before we can remove the post and add the windows.

This will delay the floor patching and refinishing that we have scheduled - and the appliance delivery that was to quickly follow the floors.  But this is not at all unusual for remodeling projects.  Delays happen, challenges pop-up.  We'll just keeping working at the things that can get done.  My project manager, Guy, is pushing on the structural front and also helping to organize other work that we can get done while that's slowly inching forward.

I hope the next post will be much more exciting than this one...

Click here for Part 8: The Guest Bath