Thursday, September 9, 2010

We Moved In!!

Well, it's been quite a while since the last post, but I'm happy to report that after about two years of planning and designing and approximately 9 months of construction, we finally moved into our new house!  The last two or three weeks have been an absolute whirlwind as the builders tried to finish up everything on the interior and get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), plus the move itself threw our lives into absolute chaos.  There was no driveway or sidewalk and there's definitely some exterior work to be finished, but we're all moved in (though far from being settled) and it feels absolutely amazing!

1004 Hillside Drive! (Click image for more photos.)

I'll keep this post short as the details aren't terribly exciting.  The most interesting parts of the the last few weeks were seeing the plumbers and electricians finish up the last of their work and to witness the final inspection for the CO.  The inspector seemed genuinely impressed with the house and the quality of the workmanship (one might even say he raved about it). After getting the mailbox up, everything seems official.

The inspector likes what he sees (Click image for more photos.)

I'll spare you the details of the move.  Suffice it to say moving is never fun.  On the other hand, given that we were moving into a house that we planned and watched being built from day one made the whole process a bit easier, even enjoyable at times.  The driveway and sidewalk were installed after moving in.  This made things like bringing in groceries a bit of a challenge. Now it will just take time to get everything in its place and settled.

Putting in the driveway (Click image for more photos.)

Since the house is essentially finished, this blog will begin winding down.  However, there are still some items that I think are necessary to "complete" the story so I'll continue to post updates as things unfold.  For example, the solar panels have yet to be installed (quite a story there).  How will the house perform from an energy standpoint?  Will the masonry heater work as well as well as we've been imagining?  Will we discover any problems or things we wish we would have done differently?  In addition, I have yet to post anything about Virginia's surprise party and I know you can't wait for that :)

Slowly getting settled (Click image for more photos.)

8 comments:

Kevin said...

Wow, congratulations. The place looks *amazing* now that it's got your furniture in it. I can't wait to see it!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely magnificent !!!Every room looks great.Love the guitars,piano and fireplace.Be seeing them soon. It's been quite a time and I am sure are relieved it's done (pretty much).
Congrats can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

Love Mom & Dad

Anonymous said...

The house looks very nice David. You can be quite proud of your project. I'm interested in what your final Energy Star rating will be (post solar). Robin & Terry did a fine job for you.

Stan @ ENERGY AUDITORS

David and Virginia Jackson said...

Kevin: We're looking forward to your visit. By then, we should be pretty well settled (I hope).

Mom and Dad: If you come at Thanksgiving, you'll be our first overnight guests! Looking forward to it.

Stan: I too am interested to see how the house measures up when it's done. Don't know if you heard, there's been a delay in the solar panel installation. Was supposed to begin July 15 but is now scheduled for Nov. 15. Sigh...

HJ said...

The house looks soooo amazing. I can't wait to stay over. Miss you guys!

Anonymous said...

Belated congrats on moving in! Looks awesome!

John L Rice

HopsPop said...

We'll be there soon! :D
Congratulations, several months too late. Hoping you are settling in during the snow and cold. How are the energy features you installed performing in the winter?
Talk to you all soon we hope
Kevin, Mary, and Amanda

David and Virginia Jackson said...

Hey Kevin - we're definitely getting settled and the house is performing quite well. I have quite a few new things that I am planning on blogging about but I haven't been able to find the time with the holidays approaching. Hopefully I'll find the time soon. We'll talk soon!

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