Appliances, check! And more of an update

We got ourselves a fridge and a stove, the last appliances that we need!  They just need some cleaning - I can't wait to get them inside (Sunday)!  I had to buy a hand truck to haul them, which will also be handy for big boxes and stuff when we move!  

Fridge

Fridge

Hand Truck

Stove

I've been trying to figure out what all we need to get done.  There's an old security system transformer in Max's room that needs to be removed, that looks similar to the one below but is more yellow.  That needs to be removed and the outlet needs to be replaced.

 

We still need to remove the old shower heads and put on the new ones.  

 

I bought new cabinet drawer slides for the ones that are broken in the kitchen and bathrooms, so those need to be installed.  

 

We need to take down the mirrors in the master bath that are in the way of painting and are broken.  I need to figure out what I want to do with the wall above the garden tub. 

 

I ordered a new light fixture for the laundry room, since the one in there is broken.

New light fixture

We still need the outside light fixtures replaced, and I ordered two door knobs for the closets that have broken ones.  Little by little I'll replace them all to match. 

Eventually I want to rip out the carpet in our master bath and put in new flooring.  Then we're going to need an outdoor shed, which I would love to have with a spiral staircase up to my work area! 

Working at the House Today

The cabinet drawer slides that need to be replaced

 Today we went to the house (Me, hubby, Max, and my mom) with the intention of putting up the new outside lights and shower heads, but without a ladder or a proper wrench, we had to switch gears.  We focused on removing the tile in the kitchen and the master bathroom instead, and I removed the broken cabinet drawer slides.  We got it all done and even had time to talk about decorating ideas for different areas of the house.  I still have some stuff to figure out!

Our drywall guy will help with the two things we couldn't do today. 

Almost done! Stay on Target!

 Our drywall guy got the water lines hooked up.  Now he's working on connecting the electrical wires under the house, fixing the chimney flashing, and hooking up the septic.  He's also going to make sure the siding looks good.  He should be done by Sunday.  

We are still waiting to hear from the tree guy about the last of the trees he has to trim.  He's trying to get permission from the neighbors up the road.  Hopefully he will be able to finish this week. 

We have some outdoor light fixtures to install and we have to make sure the HVAC is done and the underbelly holes are patched up.  Then we should be ready for the movers to come inspect everything!

Trees, trees, and...wait there's more! TREES!

 The water line has been installed and hooked up!  Can't tell you how good it feels to have the one thing I thought would take FOREVER done first!  

Now we are dealing with the annoying task of clearing more trees and branches for the electric poles.  Yes, we thought we got them all...apparently not!  Our new tree guy is out there now meeting with the electric company to make sure they are all taken care of this time.  We don't want anymore guesswork.  We want this done and over with!

I called a new septic company this morning to see if they could help us, and they said they could probably get out there to look at our place tomorrow, if not today.  I got an email from the first company I've been playing phone tag with this morning, but their quote was for the WHOLE septic install, so I told them we just need the tie-in price.  Waiting to hear back...if that ever happens.  If either company wants more than $400, our drywall guy said he would do it for us because it shouldn't cost more than that.  We're also at the tail-end of our budget so we can't be agreeing to pay much more.

Then I talked to the movers who have to come and inspect our house, but only after EVERYTHING is hooked up - water, septic, electric meter base, etc.  So we have to hook up everything first.  Almost done!

On a happier note, I took some time yesterday afternoon to go and help a neighbor up the street with some log cutting.  I got myself a new mini chainsaw and tried it out on the logs she has in her yard that she needs cut and moved so she can put up a fence.  She is such a sweet lady!  We're really blessed to be moving to a neighborhood with so many nice people!  I can't wait to meet in person the lady who has kids around Max's age!

Now I have something I can use for firewood at our place!

Water line ditch digging

 Yesterday was a big day!  We rented the ditch digger for the water lines and our contractor got it dug for us.  We also assembled our mail box and our new shower heads, but I will have to bring my tools next time so I can use a wrench to remove the old ones.  

I got our address recognized by the 911 Admin office, so now I have to ask the post office where to put the mail box (I think I already know).  

We also met with our HVAC guy to finalize some details about how to finish up his work.  

I've been playing phone tag with the plumbing/septic company so I'm reaching out to a different company to see if they can do it faster.

Electric Meter Base!

Electric Meter Base

 I got home about 45 minutes ago after spending literally ALL day driving around!

Max and I took my sister to an appointment in the morning and I was called by 3 different people on the way there:  the septic company, who still needs to call me back; the electrician, saying he was starting on the meter base; and the insurance company, to tell me they were reinstating our policy for the new house.  Then we came back down to town to get food, gas, and drop her off at home.  On the way out of her neighborhood, I got a call from the electrician who let me know that he was finished with the meter base.  I drove out there and paid him for the work, let the movers know it was set up and ready to be inspected, and then Max and I finished eating the food I hadn't eaten yet.  Then we drove down the road to check on the HVAC neighbor, who said he still had a little work to do and we could pay him on Saturday when we come back to do the water lines.  Speaking of the water lines, I'll be buying the supplies tomorrow night.  I've got some more stuff to bring out to the house too!

Getting closer!

 Proof the water meter is in place!

Max and I went out to the house and got there before the chimney guys.  They did a thorough job cleaning it and checking over every part of the chimney and fireplace.  Everything looks good except the flashing and tape that was used.  They are going to email me a quote for that this week so we can get it fixed.  I plan to use our fireplace a lot and I like that this company checks them yearly.  Gotta make it safe!  

Then we had lunch at the house and waited for the electrician to arrive.  We decided to cancel the order for the meter base that was placed before so that he could bring the right stuff we'd need.  He called me later in the day with a quote and told me he'd be there Tuesday morning to get it built!  So then I can tell the electric company to come out and get our poles up.  

I called the septic company to see when they'd be out our way, but couldn't reach them.

Also need to meet with our drywall guy to figure out the water line and get that hooked up. 

Getting closer!

Big Day Tomorrow!

On Sunday, I received word that the lady we were hoping to buy an Expedition from was unable to find another car to suit her needs, so we set up a time to look at another one that I found on Facebook Marketplace.  Turns out it was just a few minutes away, and had 181,000 miles on it, which is 118K less than the other lady's.  The transmission was just newly replaced and it had been really well maintained.  Thankfully, it was only $500 more than we were planning to spend so it still fit in our budget!  We drove it home and got everything squared away on Monday so I had a vehicle to drive to Max's appointment on Wednesday and for our big day at the house tomorrow!  

 Introducing Beast!  He's got 4WD, back seats that fold with a button press, even a sun roof!  Just a few minor things to address (a broken actuator in the back, which I am going to fix myself), a non-working cigarette lighter in the front (but there's one that works in the 2nd row), and a CD stuck in the CD player.  But he drives great and makes me feel like the queen of the road!  I also ordered new key FOBs for him and our Escape, Belle, since her's is breaking and he doesn't have one.  (See what I did with the names there?  :D)

I also heard from our drywall guy last night about the electric meter base.  It's due to arrive tomorrow!  I've got an electrician lined up to come out and see what all we need to do to hook it up...if not tomorrow then Monday.  
Speaking of tomorrow, we have our chimney inspection in the morning and I'm also planning to help our drywall guy work out the water line hook up details and we're also having our new washer and dryer delivered!  I found a nice set with a removable agitator (which I really need and haven't seen many used ones with it, so I had to pounce on them) for big bulky items like our comforter.  Our HVAC and dryer vent is all hooked up so I gotta pay for that while I'm there.  It's so nice having neighbors who can help!

I've also gotten a few things for the house, like our mailbox, post, and address numbers, outdoor water hoses, and a new outlet for the dryer!  Next on my list is the whitewash paint for the cabinets!

Siding, skirting, and stairs, oh my!

Replacing the rotten board

Scabbing the floor joists

 The rotten wood under our back door has been replaced, the siding has been put back on, and the skirting has been installed. The stairs were put in place too.  Now that the water line and meter tap are in place, we can get them hooked up!  We've ordered the electric meter base too so we're expecting that to be here Friday.  Friday is going to be a busy day with the chimney inspection, the washer and dryer delivery, and figuring out some other details.   Then we'll have to get the septic hooked up this month!  We are also still trying to find a new vehicle!

The front side of the house

The back of the house

The front of the house with stairs

Good News and Bad News

 The Bad News:

Our skirting guy found an 8-10 foot section that has rotten/near rotting wood under where the skirting is supposed to go.  We all agree it needs to be fixed.  That would involve taking off the siding and whatever else is needed to get to the damaged areas, as well as it being a few weeks before he can get to it due to other jobs.  But I asked him to check all around the house in case there are other sections that need fixing and to give us an estimate.  So I guess the skirting will be put on hold until that's taken care of.

The Good News:

I got a call from the water company today that they have installed the water line extension down our road (I didn't even see any evidence of this the last time I was there!) and that all that's left is to flush the pipes.  I think they said the water meter was also in place?  Shouldn't be too much longer before we can hook everything up!  That's much faster than I was expecting (answer to prayers!).  Maybe November is still doable for moving in! 

Still waiting on word about the electric meter base. 

I got in touch with the skirting company about the broken rail pieces.  We're going to see if we can make them work by cutting off the broken ends.  If they aren't enough, I'll ask the company for replacements.

We are planning to go look at a new vehicle this Saturday.

Skirting, AC, and Septic, oh my!

Split railing

Max and I drove out to the lot yesterday to be there for the skirting delivery, but we ended up missing him by a few minutes because he was only able to give us a 20 minute heads up and we were 45 minutes away when he called (he was also a little earlier than his 11am time).  I checked over the packages to make sure everything looked good and noticed that some of the rails were broken/split.  I had to call him back to file a claim, and I hope they'll be replaced.  

 

Skirting packages

The damaged rails

Our new thermostat

Broken rails

The septic tank filled in

Behind the house

Skirting so far

Our HVAC guy told us we needed a new thermostat because the batteries in the old one were corroded and he's had good success with the Honeywell he installed.  He's also going to change out the 4-prong outlets for the dryer and stove/oven for us.  I'm expecting the new one to come in the mail.  I also ordered the mailbox, and all the knobs, outlet covers, and light switch plates we'll need!  YAY! 

Our skirting guy had to do a little improvising but he managed to get a good chunk of the skirting up today before it rained!  I think it looks really good! 

Our drywall guy also called and told me he'd have the price for the electric meter base by the end of tomorrow so once we get that sorted we'll be able to install it and have them hook up our electric!  He's also going to be able to finish up the drywall inside now that he's free again.

I wish water wouldn't take so long.  They're going to be the ones we wait on in order to move in.

We had our totaled van towed today and have a vehicle lined up to look at this Saturday.  Pray it works out!  We really need it!

Exterior hole fixed

Before

After

Now that the exterior hole is fixed, the siding can be put on!

I also got some shots of the gravel they put down for the driveway.  Since there's not much room on the front of the house, we're just going to have the driveway be on the side.

Proof that all the cabinet doors are done!

Now I need to go there and work on the cabinets themselves and remove the tile!

What a day!

 I got up at 8am and got myself breakfast and ready to head out to the lot/house.  I wanted to get there around 11am to unload some stuff from our van for the house, but ended up getting rear-ended on the way.  We lost the bumper and a side panel.  Sigh.  The van will probably be totaled - guess we will be getting a 4WD vehicle to replace it. 

When I finally got to the house and called the transport company to see when their ETA was, they told me there was some kind of delay and they had to push it back to Monday.  So okay, fine.  I let our skirting installer know and he came over to collect the deposit and he also helped me get the stuff from the van into the house.  I got in touch with our drywall guy to see when he'd be patching the hole in the outside wall so the siding can go back up and he said he'd do it this afternoon after work.  I headed home after that and finished stripping the last cabinet door.  Then I got a text from our HVAC guy saying they'd have it all set up Monday, they just had to get some copper insulation and install the 14" flexible duct.  But they put the condenser unit in place out back.

 

HVAC Installation

 Heard from our HVAC neighbor who is getting to work on hooking up our AC and dryer vent.  He recommended 14" vent pipes for better air flow since he's seen a lot of double wides struggle with 12" (which we currently have). 

I'll be going out to the lot tomorrow for the skirting delivery.  Can't wait!  Busy day!

Skirting Delivery Scheduled

 I just got word today that the skirting has shipped and will arrive Friday between 11am and 4pm.  Can't wait!

Vintage front door!

 I went out today and picked up this vintage solid wood door from a salvage store and I'm super excited!  It's going to look so good when I'm done with it.  I also got some barnwood for the temporary front stairs.

Progress is good

I feel like I've talked to everyone today!  But I'm staying on top of things, and progress is good. We've got the septic system installed in the ground and we'll be getting it hooked up in about a month.  

Our 1,000 gallon tank

Looking out toward the top of the drain field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We've decided we want the EverRock skirting (block was too expensive and metal doesn't suit our aesthetic).  I've found a company that will install it once we order it.  The nice thing is we can order automatic vents that will close at 40 degrees and open at 70 degrees. 

Another house with EverRock skirting

White EverRock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our drywall guy is going to work on the electric meter base as well as finishing up on the inside.  He was sick for a few days but seems to be on the mend now.  Once the base is built, and now that the trees along the road are cleared, they'll be able to string the electric wires and get us hooked up.  

Our HVAC guy is going to take a look at what we need to hook up our AC this weekend.

I think we'll have my dad build our front porch (and our back deck, but front one first).  We are getting short on funds so we're having to focus on what's necessary to move in. 

I've been working on the cabinet doors and have gotten 4 done this past week.  4 more to go!  Then I'll be able to start working on the outside of the cabinets (at the house).

 

EDIT:  I ordered the skirting tonight!

Installing the Septic

 Our septic system is being installed today and should be done Monday. 

I also let our drywall guy know that there is a hole in the outside wall that needs repair, and that we want to put the electric meter base on the house.  He's going to hook up our water and electric too.

Then today I got another cabinet door stripped of paint, leaving 7 left to do.

Slowly but Surely

 After a short intermission, we're starting to pick up steam again.  On Tuesday, I went in to the electric office and paid for the poles/wires to be installed.  

Today, I got a message that we're ready to start installing the septic system.  

I've also been looking for an electrician/plumber who can help us get the meter base built/installed and connect wires/pipes under the house.

I'm hoping we can move in Oct/Nov, when our current lease is up.