September: Final Inspection, Moving Day

Inspection passed with flying colors - time to move in!

A few pieces of furniture turn the space into a home.

Erik is getting hungry. Love the new kitchen!

Meal's ready to eat!

Harry and Jason take a break on the deck.

Matt plays us a tune.

The final inspection went smoothly on the morning of Wednesday, September 14, just short of two years after we received the building permit. Woo hoo! We started moving things in that very same day. Most of the moving was done on Thursday.

It's amazing how a few sticks of furniture can transform a construction site into a home. We are so grateful to Matt, Jason and Erik for helping us move, and to Erik for all he has done/is doing to make our dreams come true. At day's end, we prepared a meal and had a wonderful evening. Certainly, a milestone to remember in our lives!

For a full album of move-in day photos, click here.

August: A Whirl of Activity

The ceiling fan fits in perfectly with the timbers.

The stairtower landing revealed itself - uncovered after months of being protected by cardboard.

The woodstove and its tall stovepipe were added to the main space,
which is still serving as an interior work area.

Miho finished tiling the master bath and fabricating
the granite counter; Erik built the vanity and the mirrored
medicine cabinet; Simmonds Glass made the glass shower doors;
Morris Plumbing installed the plumbing fixtures.

Appliances were installed in the kitchen and all the plumbing was connected.

The heat was on in August to finish up many details in many directions and to prepare for final inspection in early September.

Installed were the woodstove and chimney, ceiling fan, remaining electrical fixtures and plumbing fixtures. The stairtower landing was revealed as its protective covering was removed. After Erik completed two bathroom vanities, the mirrored medicine cabinet and the loft bedroom closet, he started in on the office, where he created a desktop, countertops, cabinets, shelves and drawers.

July: Front Porch and Backfill

Beau treads lightly on the cedar flooring.

Erik checks to make sure all the screws are lined up perfectly.


Finished railings match the deck and balcony.

The south yard is beautifully graded (and the drywall heap is gone)
thanks to John Cadden and his backhoe.

On the north side, Erik and Scott built steps up the steep grade.
Large rocks will hold the grass in place on the slope.

As Miho continued working on the soapstone counter, bathroom countertops and tile, Erik and Scott finished the front porch. The decking was milled from one of our cedar trees, and there was just enough left after doing the deck and balcony to finish the job.

While the field was dry, it was time to bring in the backhoe to clean up, backfill around the foundation and grade the site around the house.

July: Slice of Life

An eagle perches on our fence post to see...

...what furry creatures might be fleeing the tractor as neighbor farmer Bob harvests our hay.

A slice of life on Orcas Island.