A tale of two dormers

Progress continues in fits and spurts, and the siding is finally *done!

The storm clouds in the background add a dramatic flair.

*Except for some trim pieces that go on last and therefore don't count, except to the county inspectors who wouldn't issue a certificate of occupancy for the cabin until the vent cover was put on.  Those guys are very thorough, and that's a good thing, just a bit frustrating.

The siding team got started week before last and had 2 sides completely done in 2 days. They were going so fast we expected they'd be done in just a few more days and we'd be able to share some pictures.  Ha, ha...no.  Days went by with no progress at all, and I think they were deliberately leaving the front of the house unfinished just to mess with me!  Why else do just one dormer and leave the other?!!

Before and after in one picture

I really can't complain, I know those guys are working hard (and we're well into 50+ days of 90+ degree weather).  They work multiple projects at a time and we've had afternoon storms that delay them, too.  They have been working long days and weekends to get caught up.  I'm just impatient for it to be done, but I'd rather them take the time to get it right than rush through it.

One of the delays was because they were waiting on a delivery of hardie board for the porch and carport ceiling, which arrived late Thursday afternoon (at the same time Lulu Belle made her entrance). Last Friday and Saturday the ceiling started going up.  At first it looked pretty much like what we were expecting - a plain ceiling.

Ceilings are hard to photograph (obviously). 

But then it turned into something even better, and it was worth the wait.  We had no idea they were going to do this pattern on the ceiling.  I especially love the little frames for the ceiling fans.  I love these little details that give the house some extra charm.

Yep, hard to get a good picture of a ceiling.

The east side of the house was the first one they finished.

Back side of the house.  

West side of the house and carport

In the house, the drywall is done and sanded and the walls have been primed. The interior doors, trim and baseboards were delivered this week.  We made a last minute decision to change the trim downstairs, to something a little more old-fashioned.  We kept the upstairs trim as originally ordered, to keep the budget down and because we won't see it as often (sorry kids!)

Installation of the doors, trim and baseboards has gone quickly.  The upstairs is done, and downstairs is about 60% complete. 

Upstairs den and bedroom.

Hopefully next week brings painting and lots more.  We think we're about a month away from finishing (fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc) so there should be something new for us to discover just about every day.  Stay tuned!