Day 56, 57: Brick Almost Done & Mini Flooring Crisis

Day 56 (Wednesday, 12 June 2013):

Mini flooring crisis:
I didn't get my post done on this day due to a mini flooring crisis.  Up until yesterday we though that they were going to begin installing our flooring this Saturday...so basically in 2 days.  I got an email from our Rite Rug rep late in the afternoon yesterday telling me our flooring was back ordered until Late July...basically after we are supposed to close.  As you can imagine we were less than happy about this news.  We had already picked hardwoods, one other time due to mix ups and this would be the third time.  Issue 1.) It was only 2 days away from when they were to install our flooring meaning any delay could push our closing date out past the Point of No Return and probably a larger issue 2.) We made all of our selections off of this flooring and have purchased furniture to match it.  So not very happy at this point!

The sales rep indicated in the email that Armstrong was willing to offer 2 of their other lines at the same cost and provided we links.  Well I wasn't about to select flooring from a website.  So we went into Rite Rug and found the samples.  The Good News we found one that was really close and was actually a higher end flooring.  It had a 50 year warranty instead of a 20 year and it was much more rustic and had less of a sheen.  Our vision for our first floor was a 100 year old home that we renovated.  We wanted the floors to look like they were original to a century old colonial home and then from the base boards up, it was crisp and clean (tall white baseboards, double crown moldings, etc.).  So this flooring still kept us in the color family and the concept we were trying to achieve.  As it turns out, it was a substantially more expensive flooring.

Despite the fact that we were able to find a replacement, I was a bit heated that we made flooring selections in January, then again in February and here we were in June, 2 days before installing and my spouse and I were being thrown into panic mode.  In the end we are nice and reasonable people but thought there should be some level of consideration made.  I asked them if they would put a 2' wood border around our family room.  We didn't have it in our original budget to do wood throughout our entire main level so we were doing carpet in the family room and study.  I actually prefer carpet in the family room but this way, we will have the illusion that there is hardwoods throughout and a large area rug in the family room.  It wasn't a large concession in material costs but will take maybe a couple extra hours of labor.  It was a fair request and they agree to do it.  So crisis averted and flooring should begin this Saturday on schedule.

What we ended up with: Armstrong American Scrape 3/4" Oak Brown Bear.

Also, while we were at Rite Rug...as it turns out, they are getting OUT of the Area Rug business.  They were blowing out their rugs for just above cost.  We purchased two rugs while we were there.  Pictures below.  When I say they were ridiculously cheap....I mean OMG cheap compared to sticker price.

Brick 99% Complete:
The masons finished everything except the window ledges and fireplace box on the back of the house.  We had a really bad storm come through last night, so they did not come out today.  It only rained for a couple hours this morning and has been sunny ever since.  I've noticed these guys don't watch weather and keep their crew on stand by.  Time is money and they just burn it.  I just don't understand how they survive with this type of business model.

Day 57 (Thursday, 13 June 2013):

Our paint showed up but no painters.  They will probably be out tomorrow.  They have to finish tomorrow in order for flooring to begin the day after.

I had paid Home Depot to measure for blinds.  The blind guy came out and did the measurements today.  I should have a quote by tomorrow.  Easy and painless.

Also, we had our first broken window (one of the really tall ones in the dining room. Of all windows to break, that is one of the most expensive...ouch!).  PM already ordered a replacement and it isn't letting water in, so I'm not too worried about it.

Enough rambling here are some pictures.



Butterscotch Glaze Cabinets, Santa Cecilia Granite,
American Scrape Brown Bear Hardwoods

You can barely see the line where the hardwoods will
go to create a border around this room.
To the right of the line will be carpet.

You can barely see a Black Line indicating where the wood border will be.

You should be able to see the line going up the left side here

 

8x11 Rug for Formal Dining Room

5x8 Rug for Formal Living Room

Paint...Yeah! but no Painters. This is all Pavilion Beige, no Primer.
The bucket says for New Construction and says that you either use a specific
Primer or do 2 coats. I'm thinking this is only 1 Coat.  I wonder if they think that
by the time they do all the touch ups, they will have added two coats?

 

At least I know it is the correct paint...