Renovation Reality: Nearing the Finish Line

It seems like time is slowing down, or maybe it's just progress slowing as we approach the finish line.

We painted in anticipation of the doors and windows being installed, but then we didn't have doors and windows until last Wednesday.

The felt paper went up on the house in anticipation of stone siding, since the windows hadn't come on time, but the rain held up that work plan.

But, at least the floor was put in this past week. And it is glorious with the paint and the new doors and windows.

Now that the floors are down, I had to finish the wood that was hidden under the ugly brass threshold piece to complete the transition between rooms (because we are not putting in T-molds). I had to sand and fill a huge crack and nail holes with wood filler, but the stain is taking nicely, although a horizontal pattern has begun to appear. I guess it'll just add character to our beautiful old oak floor.

The other threshold looks more finished, though the difference between the two woods (maple and oak) is pretty distinct.

The first of our lights went up in the dining room last week, and it is perfect. For us, for the room, the house, for our style. I am so happy with it, I can't wait to see the rest of them installed.

And we expect to get our cabinets in next Tuesday.

Or Wednesday.

Or Thursday.

DH blames me because the samples of our floor color and preferred cabinet stain color didn't arrive at the cabinet maker's on Thursday last week when the Post Office said it would. Didn't anticipate that at all. It arrived Friday.

The only big decision left to make is the ceiling fan for the back deck. We finally found one that could work, but we need to be sure it is the right length.

We ordered lights for the posts out back, and one of them arrived on Friday.

Our island light arrived on Friday too. I sent an email on Friday morning asking where it was, because my order status said they were delivered. Turns out it broke in transit and was returned, and a replacement light was shipped out. The replacement arrived about an hour after I sent the email inquiry. I think I got the new light before I got their response.

We may have a kitchen without counter tops for about 10 days. If the cabinets are installed this Thursday, and they're measured on Friday, it'll be a week to two weeks before the granite can be cut and installed. Ah, the hurry up and wait theme again.

And then there's the stone siding, stone steps, and window box. If only the weather would cooperate. They wanted to start work on the steps and siding on Friday, and it poured rain, so they went home. It feels like those dreams when you're trying to run as fast as you can, but you're bogged down, and are moving in slow motion.