Building the Deck

Construction on the deck has begun! I cannot wait to grill and have a glass of wine out here, once it is complete. We have a fantastic view of the city and West hills, plus plenty of privacy in the summer with the tree cover.  We ended up going with wood vs a composite material. We are still trying to choose a deck rail - thinking metal or cable.  Looking great so far!

Siding Installation

Siding installation has begun. The house is really starting to take shape. I love watching everything happen so quickly!  Mikey and his crew have been working their tails off.

Siding Progress 6/24/14

Our Front Porch 6/24/14

Siding Progress 6/26/14

6/26/14

6/26/14

Spring Blooms

We arrived at the house this Saturday to find all of our trees in full bloom! I snapped a few pictures of our apple, dogwood and lilac trees. They are just gorgeous. 

This apple tree has undergone quite the transformation - just  a few weeks ago it was weighted down with dead branches and looking extremely unhealthy. Dom had a Tree Specialist out to trim it up and bring it back to life.  You would not believe how many limbs were taken down from this tree.  It still looks so full and much more healthy!  Now it is a happy little tree!

Apple Blossoms

Purple Lilacs

Our Huge Dogwood

Tearing Up Concrete

Not only did they take out our oil tank this weekend, Mike and Owen also ripped up the concrete slab of our single car garage.  They needed to take it out in order to eventually pour a new slab for a two car garage and mud room.  

Garage Slab is gone

Sergio spent a good chunk of Saturday taking out part of the front porch to make room for our mudroom.  He used a saw to cut away a portion of the porch floor (so much dust!) and then went to work with a good old fashioned sledge hammer.  

The construction of the front porch was pretty interesting.  We were surprised to see a that there was nothing but empty space below the porch.  Mike explained that the person that built the porch put plywood down, poured the concrete, and that was it.  They just let the wood rot underneath the porch.  

Dust from sawing through the concrete

Front Porch is removed to make room for mud room / garage entry.