tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79625442879511908532024-03-13T07:09:13.565-04:00designhouselovedesigning & building a house & a whole lot moreWhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-7049682918810856052012-08-14T08:00:00.000-04:002012-08-14T08:00:02.538-04:00bedroom #2 mood boardi am really thrilled about bedroom 2. this is the smaller bedroom on the front of the house, it has had a few morphs pertaining to the interior structure but for the most part it has always been the clearest design in my mind. i really wanted this room to be a kids room but still appeal to the grown ups. if we use this house as a vacation rental as we are planning to i think it will be a great place for the kids!<br />
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durango is in the west, and often the interior design of the area includes some western flair, including bear and elk motifs. this doesn't really appeal to me but i wanted to pay tribute to a slightly woodsy- cabin feel but in a more sleek, contemporary way. i was also inspired by the colors of scandinavian interior design- blue grays and whites dominate with pops of fun color. you will see a lot more of this influence throughout the house as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this photo from house beautiful was the basis of<br />
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the dominant material for this room is the white washed blue stain pine that we are using for the north and south walls and the entire ceiling. blue stain pine is actually a product of bettle kill infested pine trees, the beetles carry this fungus infecting pine and other evergreen trees creating a blue grey discoloration. it is actually looked at as a defect in the wood however, when harvested the fungus is harmless and is cheaper than normal pine. i liked the idea that by utilizing blue stain pine we were playing a small part in fighting the beetle kill that is happening all of the pine forests of the rocky mountains, devestating entire forests, plus i love the blue-grey color it has rather than a really yellow-y pine look.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFf70BfPRC0/UCmONubxOoI/AAAAAAAACgw/j_MnZv0LQIU/s1600/blue+stain+pine.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFf70BfPRC0/UCmONubxOoI/AAAAAAAACgw/j_MnZv0LQIU/s1600/blue+stain+pine.jpeg" /></a></div>
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i white washed this pine using minwax's pickling/whitewashing stain. ( fun fact: you pickle oak and whitewash pine) i simply brushed the whitewash onto the tongue and groove boards and then wiped it off leaving a translucent white- grey finish. </div>
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the boys put up the pine at the beginning of july and i couldn't be more thrilled with the results. as for the rest of the room all of the trim is being painted behr ultra pure white in a semi-gloss finish and the walls are behr's sterling in a beautiful eggshell finish! i think the paint color really helps the pine to stand out.</div>
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you will also notice the awesome structure of the bathroom transposed in this room, i think it adds a lot of charm and interest to this bedroom to be able to see the structure that is happening on the other side of the wall. plus the tongue and groove truly accents this shape. this is also the only room with a true closet but it is a large closet that i plan to put hanging and shelves into soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our simple window trim</td></tr>
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for the furniture i purchased two twin antique spindle beds from habitat for humanity similar to the mood board photo above that i am going to paint black. i also purchased <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/stripe-duvet-cover-sham-b704/?pkey=cprint-patterned-duvet-covers" target="_blank">twin comforters</a> and shams ($59.00) from west elm in a grey and white stripe. i am longing for west elms <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/parsons-desk-with-drawers-f099/?pkey=coffice-desk-chairs" target="_blank">parsons desk</a> in white ($349.00) to fit between the twin beds with a bright yellow gourd lamp from robert abbey to add some fun color!</div>
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i also love the playful <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/papier-mache-animal-sculpture-impala-c977/?pkey=cwall-art-decor" target="_blank">papier mache taxidermy</a> ( $69.99 - $199.99) to give a little nod to that cabin feel. the galvanized metal <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40103727/" target="_blank">shelf</a> from ikea ($14.99) will look great with some colored baskets and maybe a few little accent pieces and i purchased two small scaled upholstered swivel chairs from craigslist that i am planning on slip covering and one will live in this room</div>
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i think having a cute industrial looking reading lamp next to each bed will also be very functional and add another pop of black and the yellow chevron pillows found on <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/" target="_blank">joss and main</a> would be a nice touch to reinforce the yellow accent!</div>
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what do you think?! i am really excited and bedroom 2 is quickly becoming my favorite room!</div>
Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-17193938552653450132012-08-13T15:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T15:00:03.718-04:00durango: just a happy little bike town<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">durango is a bike town... there is a long history of cycling and biking that all centers right around this little town in the mountains of colorado. this little post is all part of my "get out here and visit" scheme so i hope it works.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">first things first a little history lesson:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">durango practically invented mountain biking. björn might argue that he and his childhood buddies actually invented mountain biking in the 80's when they would ride their normal bikes on the dirt bike trails behind his house. but really a man named ned overend kind of invented mountain biking, he started in the early 80's. its even rumored that he once owned the house that björn's grandmother now currently owns as a rental property and it is in this garage that he built or modified the first mountain bikes. im not sure about all this but it sounds good and i think he really did live there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">anyway he went on to be in the first mountain biking videos (they were videos back then) and winning many many mountain biking competitions. he was even in the first mountain bike race video which is called "Battle at Durango: The First Ever World Mountain Biking Championships"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So mountain biking is pretty awesome here in Durango, we actually have sent a few people to the Olympics for mountain biking including Todd Wells who is in London now. He placed tenth overall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But what about road biking?! well well well, let me tell you a story about a little bet two brothers made one day back way back when... better yet I'll copy this from the Iron Horse Classic <a href="http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/" target="_blank">website</a>...</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was the brain child of Tom Mayer and his older brother Jim. Jim worked as a brakeman on the D & R G W railroad which had run the steam powered locomotive between Durango and Silverton since the 1880's. Tom was a young bicycle enthusiast who grew up alongside the tracks to Silverton. Tom challenged Jim to a race to Silverton. As the train came by the house, the steam whistle screamed and Tom climbed on his trusty steel framed 10 speed and pedaled up over the rim of the old volcano and descended into the caldera to the mining town of Silverton. The train takes a shorter and easier route, but with limited speed, so it is truly a race between man and machine. When Tom became strong enough to win, the bragging rights were his, and the whole town knew it.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">suiting up for the race.., björn didn't even wear bike shorts, just his<br />camo shorts and a themal shirt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">powdered donuts, the breakfast of champions</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">headed out on the trail on jake the snake, björn's kona crossbike<br />(he didn't even put road tires on...crazy)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aunt kim and friends mike and joe road the quarter horse- 25 miles to purgatory<br />the ski resort up the valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking good but they have only gone about 500 feet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last high five for luck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the two winners (at least in my book) in Silverton</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pretty cool a race between a train and some bikes, and now every year for the last 41 years cyclist have raced the train to Silverton. This year Björn and my Uncle Michael entered the citizens race. Michael is an avid cyclist, he rides to work every day from Longmont. Colorado to Boulder, Colorado, so I would say he is in pretty great shape. Björn on the other hand had only riden his bike one time in 2012 before hopping on the saddle for the Iron Horse. With over 6,600 feet of ascent and a total elevation gain of 2,756 feet its no easy race! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16px;">Both of them finished and I was happy to drink a beer with them in Silverton! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A recap of the 2010 race the 2012 race doesn't seem to be available yet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Durango also boasts numerous bike clubs, and groups throughout town from the kids <a href="http://durangodevo.com/" target="_blank">Durango DEVO</a>, a cycling development program to the church of the high pines, a group that rides every Sunday morning in God's church of nature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">And finally, all of you might be able to see a little bit about Durango next weekend on NBC. Forget the Olympics, NBC is covering the <a href="http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/" target="_blank">US Pro Cycling Challenge</a> and guess where it all starts this year! Here in Durango!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbHG3irw7Zc/UChpIauLD-I/AAAAAAAACeg/_3141wxXs4k/s1600/pro+cycling+challenge+2012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbHG3irw7Zc/UChpIauLD-I/AAAAAAAACeg/_3141wxXs4k/s200/pro+cycling+challenge+2012.jpeg" width="123" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">I have been told that you may be able to see a little piece on Durango on August 19th in the mid- afternoon- more details as I get them!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">The US Pro Cycling Challenge is the premiere US bike race. Riders must endure huge changes in altitude throughout the 7 stage race through the Colorado Rockies. It is one of the most challenging races out there and certainly the most challenging in the US. It has tons of excitement with the leader jersey changing hands daily and many thrills and upsets! The first stage starts out here in Durango, riding through town and up to the mesa which is home to Fort Lewis College, then down and out of town toward Telluride over one of the more challenging mountain passes, Lizard Head Pass.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBmoluUBQXs/UChpQkA_0HI/AAAAAAAACeo/5Ioe9J9Rwbc/s1600/Durango+Cycling+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBmoluUBQXs/UChpQkA_0HI/AAAAAAAACeo/5Ioe9J9Rwbc/s400/Durango+Cycling+Map.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">route map for stage 1<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kaa43wMy948?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is of course a ton of excitement here in Durango this week leading up to this race. There will be many fun events, bike races, concerts and fun! Its pretty cool to be here in Durango during this time, I think Björn and I are just thrilled that our house is in such an awesome little town!</span></span></div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-4031531977140157722012-08-13T08:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T08:00:02.087-04:00blitzkrieg updates: a tale of one city... and two really ticked off homeownersJune 19th<br />
<br />
now that we had a working sewer system in place we could technically use our toilets...albeit third world country style...crouched over a hole in the floor with a bucket of water to "flush" everything away. what we needed was WATER! and if you thought the sewer was a problem wait until you hear about the water! i did a little explaining <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2012/05/utilities-giant-mess.html">here</a> in this post about the city never putting a water main down our street.<br />
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<div>
we have known about this problem since the day we applied for our permit back in October...and since October we have been conversing with the city in order to come up with a solution to our lack of water. what we found ironic was the fact that during our permitting process we paid over 15,000.00 in fees many of which were water plant investment fees and the like and to be told we didn't have water down our street...well lets just say we weren't thrilled.<br />
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here is a little play to give you the gist of what was going on. please excuse my ghetto drawings but they will assist you in understanding.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sn3fHQhIy8/UCgqoAg0wdI/AAAAAAAACWo/5ct-NUuVXOo/s1600/water-+the+set-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sn3fHQhIy8/UCgqoAg0wdI/AAAAAAAACWo/5ct-NUuVXOo/s640/water-+the+set-up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the set for act one- a lonely street with no water main to speak of</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">ACT ONE</span></div>
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US- we have no water but couldn't we drill a well... yeah we must be close to the water table because the river is right there... it probably won't even be that expensive and then free water for life...yay!</div>
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CITY- no you can't drill a well within the city limits</div>
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US- but you didn't provide adequate service for city water </div>
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CITY- yeah but its the rule so anyway.... you'll have to put in a water main down your street</div>
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US- okay how much does that cost</div>
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CITY- umm about $400.00 a foot</div>
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US- wow thats a lot</div>
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CITY- oh but if you have neighbors down the line that tap into it in the future you would get some money back</div>
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US- but we own the next (and only) building lot, but you, the city, own further up and we know you want to put in bathrooms so maybe some day you will reimburse us some of the money</div>
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CITY- uhhhh yeah no we wouldn't do that only private citizens, we are the government we would never do that</div>
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US- so great well we can get over this...so where would we have to tap into, it looks like there is a short little stub out water line going into our street</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENBvdXQNMeM/UCgrQqvX_iI/AAAAAAAACWw/2ueQvyB8JX8/s1600/Water-+maybe+a+water+main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENBvdXQNMeM/UCgrQqvX_iI/AAAAAAAACWw/2ueQvyB8JX8/s640/Water-+maybe+a+water+main.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we hold out hope that there is a water main stub out in our street...but the city remains unsure</td></tr>
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CITY- we don't really know, we don't actually know what is going on under our own municipal streets</div>
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US- great, okay we are going to ignore this problem for a month or two, but in the mean time, City, could you do some research into what is actually happening in our area so that when the time comes we can all make an informed decision.</div>
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CITY- sure</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">two months pass</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">ACT TWO</span></div>
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US- the city still hasn't done any exploratory digging or come up with any answers, and why is it that we are going to have to pay something like $25,000.00 just to connect to city water utilities? maybe we should write a letter to city council expressing our concern. they are after all, the people we as a town have elected to keep the government (the dog) on a leash. certainly they would see that this is unreasonable.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">we write a very passionate yet fact filled letter to the city council members...weeks go by...no response.. we finally call the former mayor (we have a rotating mayorship here in durango) </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvzu7A-YbFA/UCgtD0Hw5II/AAAAAAAACXQ/hVomeDYZz5Y/s1600/city+council+of+durango.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvzu7A-YbFA/UCgtD0Hw5II/AAAAAAAACXQ/hVomeDYZz5Y/s400/city+council+of+durango.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here they are team america...and by that i mean they can't get much done</td></tr>
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CITY COUNCIL- it sounds like it is what it is.... (implied) what do we care, we all have our own homes already and why should be feel sorry for you, you have two of the nicest building lots available in town and the only two on the river.</div>
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US- okay so that didn't work, what are we going to do....i guess we can propose a cost sharing measure to the director of parks and recreation...they want bathrooms at the end of our street, we need water, we could share the cost.</div>
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Director of Parks & Rec- oh that sounds like a great idea guys I will proposed it to Public Works and see if its feasible.</div>
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Director of Parks & Rec to Public Works- i proposed this idea to those folks on third ave. and they declined, i guess they don't want to share the cost of putting a water main down the street.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">weeks go by....</span></div>
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US- huh... we haven't heard anything in weeks lets see whats up....hey city whats up</div>
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CITY- Parks and Rec said you didn't want to share cost, besides its not in our plan or budget anyway, oh and we still don't know what is going on under the road.</div>
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US- great, what are we supposed to do</div>
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CITY- maybe you should hire a private engineering consultant</div>
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US- you want us to spend MORE money...this is already potentially costing us upwards of 30,000.00 just to bring water to our house. water which you will then charge us for. how can you not KNOW what is going on here</div>
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CITY- yeah well...</div>
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US- how about we go through the city easement in front of our mom's house and then in front of our house and the even over to the empty lot. we won't have to dig up as much street which is costly and we can do most of it ourselves.</div>
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CITY- whatever, we don't really care that much, but sounds okay</div>
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US- so where are we supposed to tap into</div>
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CITY- well maybe here, or maybe over here, or possibly even here</div>
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US- will you look into it and find out</div>
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CITY- sure </div>
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US- great</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">weeks go by and no exploration or updates</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">ACT THREE</span></div>
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US- what the HECK is going on</div>
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CITY- oh, oh right we will get right on it</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">the city comes out and digs a small hole in our street where a potential stubbed out water main is located. nothing is found in this location, they do make a bunch of pretty spray paint marks all over the street and yard of björn's mom's house (little red house)</span></div>
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CITY- umm the water line we thought was there, and that is clearly marked on the GIS map, is not there, you will have to go into 32nd street.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mY-bAOozM/UCgrVhd2cWI/AAAAAAAACW4/UssHQibysP8/s1600/Water-+no+water+main+there.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mY-bAOozM/UCgrVhd2cWI/AAAAAAAACW4/UssHQibysP8/s640/Water-+no+water+main+there.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no water line in the location we had hopped. looks like its into 32nd street for us</td></tr>
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US- 32nd street that is like the 5th busiest street in Durango!</div>
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CITY- no its the 3rd, and we call it Malfunction Junction for a reason...good luck!</div>
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US- we can't hire someone to do this they will charge a fortune, we can do it ourselves I know we can!!</div>
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CITY- whatever, just get an excavator permit and a traffic control plan together.</div>
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US- okay</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">we get our excavator permit plus the bond for the city...its doesn't cost much and we already have the excavator from the sewer fiasco..... we also hire Traffic Alert to come up with a Traffic Control plan on the third busiest road in Durango. then we get down to business.....</span></div>
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CITY- we have marked exactly where you need to cut in order to tap into the water main running down 32nd street. everything is all marked and ready to go</div>
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US- great, maybe you aren't so bad after all</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhS8scNag6A/UCgrkwbEqtI/AAAAAAAACXI/JMAEq92I-zI/s1600/water-+the+plan+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhS8scNag6A/UCgrkwbEqtI/AAAAAAAACXI/JMAEq92I-zI/s640/water-+the+plan+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the plan on cutting day- we only have to cut through about 20 feet of road, so not to much in asphalt patching charges and we won't have to close the road for too long!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">FINALE</span></div>
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we begin to cut across the street...</div>
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7am- </div>
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traffic control sets up shop</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXP7aAQEmZc/UCg0FFDIVZI/AAAAAAAACYg/rGmlHAHsFPU/s1600/P1030860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXP7aAQEmZc/UCg0FFDIVZI/AAAAAAAACYg/rGmlHAHsFPU/s400/P1030860.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just some of the cones set up to direct traffic,<br />
along with 4 flaggers and a supervisor = big bucks</td></tr>
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8am- </div>
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we finish the trench in the easement and begin the street cuts</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3vvjPRyi3w/UCgyweWHjxI/AAAAAAAACX4/IEDViuWgXlc/s1600/P1030851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3vvjPRyi3w/UCgyweWHjxI/AAAAAAAACX4/IEDViuWgXlc/s400/P1030851.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">working in the easement</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMK6IvYqi0A/UCgzMw7f6DI/AAAAAAAACYA/G5g7PHg92Uk/s1600/P1030853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMK6IvYqi0A/UCgzMw7f6DI/AAAAAAAACYA/G5g7PHg92Uk/s400/P1030853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jack bear starts making the cuts through the street</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOMLqdbKY0Q/UCgzqBIRV6I/AAAAAAAACYQ/0BnuyOh6b4g/s1600/P1030856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOMLqdbKY0Q/UCgzqBIRV6I/AAAAAAAACYQ/0BnuyOh6b4g/s400/P1030856.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">björn supervises in the street- following the marking the city gave us</td></tr>
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9 am-<br />
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we are ready to begin excavating the street cut, all is going smoothly<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ9QLVdPB_s/UCgzdJD2vbI/AAAAAAAACYI/qgmQaXBV_oc/s1600/P1030854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ9QLVdPB_s/UCgzdJD2vbI/AAAAAAAACYI/qgmQaXBV_oc/s400/P1030854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">matt mans the excavator</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5p-G6omXqV4/UCg0TOzjpOI/AAAAAAAACYo/fuJ7BrMQb8A/s1600/P1030862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5p-G6omXqV4/UCg0TOzjpOI/AAAAAAAACYo/fuJ7BrMQb8A/s400/P1030862.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">starting to tear up the street</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DphWOKNZgVM/UCg0gWrDZ8I/AAAAAAAACYw/WrG25PpJ3NU/s1600/P1030864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DphWOKNZgVM/UCg0gWrDZ8I/AAAAAAAACYw/WrG25PpJ3NU/s400/P1030864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of the excavated material has to be hauled off in a dump truck</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orXoH2054Do/UCg0t3h6IEI/AAAAAAAACZA/WS0EKgcxx1E/s1600/P1030866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orXoH2054Do/UCg0t3h6IEI/AAAAAAAACZA/WS0EKgcxx1E/s400/P1030866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i was a great road crew worker- these shovels and rakes don't stand <br />
on their own you know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
11 am-<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the first dump truck load is gone and we haven't found the water main where it is supposed to be</div>
<div>
the city locator comes out to try to relocate the water main</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Noon-</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the locator informs us that we have to make another cut extending about 12 feet to the left of the original cut location....all they have to say for themselves is ooops<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNL0cawef70/UCg077HJ6DI/AAAAAAAACZI/CJB0G33QW3k/s1600/P1030868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNL0cawef70/UCg077HJ6DI/AAAAAAAACZI/CJB0G33QW3k/s400/P1030868.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more cutting is required</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1:00 pm- </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
we finally find the water main but the pipe looks funny in this location, the city then informs us that this is a connection and therefore we cannot connect to this location- cut 4 more feet to the left</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2:00 pm- </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
more cutting and digging, more hauling away of material, more time for the flaggers, MORE MONEY</div>
<div>
we find the water main again 4 feet to the left of the second cut, again things don't look good</div>
<div>
the city informs us that this looks like a patch in the pipe, and you can't attach to a patch, cut four more feet to the left and down of this third cut</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
this is when björn just about loses it</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSLUS2W5nrM/UCg3iNnaNqI/AAAAAAAACbQ/PjNNcTvPNu4/s1600/the+final+cuts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSLUS2W5nrM/UCg3iNnaNqI/AAAAAAAACbQ/PjNNcTvPNu4/s400/the+final+cuts.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">holy trench batman! orion and matt look on at the madness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT2PHwr4wOM/UCg3gSBgC9I/AAAAAAAACbI/hk92MVGH1tU/s1600/pouring+the+flofill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RT2PHwr4wOM/UCg3gSBgC9I/AAAAAAAACbI/hk92MVGH1tU/s400/pouring+the+flofill.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what are we supposed to do?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the city public works guys can tell he is losing it so they bring in the big guns- the vac truck</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4:00 pm- </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the vac truck arrives and begins pumping out all the road base, rocks and dirt from our fourth asphalt cut</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUFn_2qP4h8/UCg1JgCGm1I/AAAAAAAACZQ/olgx8upb3dU/s1600/P1030870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUFn_2qP4h8/UCg1JgCGm1I/AAAAAAAACZQ/olgx8upb3dU/s400/P1030870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the vac truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
4:30 pm- the water main is once again found and the pipe looks solid, the city guys can make their taps- FINALY</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
we aren't allowed to make the taps but we did hire a professional plumber to make the connections on the taps through the copper pipe and to the easement</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgnFW_Z-6ZI/UCg1XAIqqhI/AAAAAAAACZY/bUp1RKk4lyU/s1600/P1030871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgnFW_Z-6ZI/UCg1XAIqqhI/AAAAAAAACZY/bUp1RKk4lyU/s400/P1030871.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tapping into the water main</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jkLGEonwU/UCg157LGTvI/AAAAAAAACZo/m6YKSfXfbqE/s1600/P1030874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7jkLGEonwU/UCg157LGTvI/AAAAAAAACZo/m6YKSfXfbqE/s400/P1030874.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water tap connection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_33O65VShU/UCg3emZrduI/AAAAAAAACbA/HXlyAdsgoFA/s1600/copper+pipes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_33O65VShU/UCg3emZrduI/AAAAAAAACbA/HXlyAdsgoFA/s400/copper+pipes.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard to see but these are the copper pipes running through our street cut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5:00 pm-</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the taps are done and the copper is run the city guys go home but our day isn't over yet</div>
<div>
we call to order the flofill to fill in the giant hole<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J89sxkeeoT0/UCg2HAi-R2I/AAAAAAAACZw/TyE1K87mz3o/s1600/P1030877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J89sxkeeoT0/UCg2HAi-R2I/AAAAAAAACZw/TyE1K87mz3o/s400/P1030877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we are also responsible for clean up of the street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5:30 pm-</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the flofill arrives and we fill the hole. we opted to use this more expensive material to fill in the trench because it is a lot more stable than just sand and dirt. because the city holds us responsible for the road patch we decided it was worth the additional cost to ensure that the patch would be good<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNYT_uiI7NA/UCg2T7E9HLI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gn8m5JhsjYI/s1600/P1030880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNYT_uiI7NA/UCg2T7E9HLI/AAAAAAAACZ4/gn8m5JhsjYI/s400/P1030880.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the flofill arrives from Sandco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qcAxhdwzg0/UCg2g7tLYhI/AAAAAAAACaA/3KkMDT75uwg/s1600/P1030881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qcAxhdwzg0/UCg2g7tLYhI/AAAAAAAACaA/3KkMDT75uwg/s400/P1030881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmL-6ajPpxs/UCg2uYxAjLI/AAAAAAAACaI/3AIJEdnbYpE/s1600/P1030883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmL-6ajPpxs/UCg2uYxAjLI/AAAAAAAACaI/3AIJEdnbYpE/s400/P1030883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">directing the flofill, björn's shoes were toast after this day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6:30 pm-</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
we call it a day, the traffic control packs up and heads home. we put plates on the still un-paved hole. we will have to asphalt patch this area in two days to allow enough time for the flofill to set up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWH2LcZeRmU/UCg3J-zcM6I/AAAAAAAACaY/G1o0GQAqST8/s1600/P1030888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWH2LcZeRmU/UCg3J-zcM6I/AAAAAAAACaY/G1o0GQAqST8/s400/P1030888.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">covered from head to toe in mud and flofill and sweat but we did it the water lines are in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
all in all we ended up making four cuts in the street, hauling off two dump truck loads of debris, having traffic control for 11 hours including some over time pay, three of our guys working a 11 + hour day, three plumbers that we hired to do the connections in the road and at the curb stops</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
plus is was about 100 + degrees but we GOT IT DONE and while I am estimating the whole day cost us over $10,000.00 with all of the glitches (almost none which were our fault I might add) a contractor would have charged us well over $30,000.00. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was also ironic that the shape that we ended up with was reminicent of a giant question mark, which is very appropriate considering the CITY had no clue what was going on in this lovely little intersection forever known at Malfunction Junction!</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuujrSWUjQ/UCgqkJBjHGI/AAAAAAAACWg/M9RyowsOiA8/s1600/water-+final+results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="329" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuujrSWUjQ/UCgqkJBjHGI/AAAAAAAACWg/M9RyowsOiA8/s640/water-+final+results.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the final results but we have our water lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Epilouge- Two Days Later</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After allowing the flofill to set up, and enduring the sounds of people speeding over the giant metal plates in the street, I swear don't people slow down for those things, we were able to patch the asphalt</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHbA72xB6Ic/UCg3a2Ma5OI/AAAAAAAACaw/LZq-BfbI8uo/s1600/asphalt+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHbA72xB6Ic/UCg3a2Ma5OI/AAAAAAAACaw/LZq-BfbI8uo/s400/asphalt+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can kind of see the asphalt patching going on behind the excavator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
we hired a company to do this, so once again the traffic control people were back for half a day while they patched. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixb9vE1hHOA/UCg3ZCjjSXI/AAAAAAAACao/pPC1jmS5E2k/s1600/asphalt+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixb9vE1hHOA/UCg3ZCjjSXI/AAAAAAAACao/pPC1jmS5E2k/s400/asphalt+.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the asphalt patch is pretty big due to the city's inability to know where their<br />
utilities are...and yes asphalt is charged by the square foot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpTOS9TvA-c/UCg3c2OEpPI/AAAAAAAACa4/mH-EQJTbht0/s1600/asphalt+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpTOS9TvA-c/UCg3c2OEpPI/AAAAAAAACa4/mH-EQJTbht0/s400/asphalt+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me walking the patch, you can kinds of make out the question mark shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
björn and i learned a great lesson working on this project. well maybe we learned a few things, one is that we kind of hate the city government. in the end the public works guys did help us out with the vac truck and staying late and all that, but really all the problems stemmed from the lack of knowledge on the part of the city. had we known where to connect to the water main we could have saved at least $4000.00 im convinced. between the added time for labor, the added material in flofill and asphalt and the added stress...ugh! we don't hate the individual who work for the city they were great and i think they really felt for us, they were also really impressed that we did it, never having done anything like this before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
the second lesson is one we had learned before but this really brought it home. there is no reason to be afraid of anything, especially in construction. its not magic and anyone can figure it out! that whole grab life by the horns saying...well thats what we did.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-57007481406963923452012-08-12T20:55:00.000-04:002012-08-12T20:55:19.041-04:00blitzkrieg updates: im back and we are putting in a man hole<br />
blogging is no easy task, i never thought about how much time goes into creating a blog worth reading and i commend all of those creative and dedicated people out there that do produce amazingly interesting and quality blogs. i on the other hand feel incredibly lazy about blogging but let me explain...<br />
<br />
as you will probably notice the last time i blogged was back at the end of may when i told you about our excavation nightmares. well also around that time the days got really long, with the sun not setting until well after 8:30 pm and what did that mean for björn and i? it meant we were working from 8:00 am til well after 9:00 pm on most nights, and that did not leave me much time, energy or desire to sit down at the computer and produce anything worth reading.<br />
<br />
i am thrilled that so many of you have asked "where's the blog" or "when are you going to give us some updates?" i have also been thrilled to see that i continue to have readers even without any updates! so many people have been interested to see the materials we used or the processes we went through and that makes me really happy.<br />
<br />
its been almost 2.5 months since i last blogged and a lot has happened since then. i am going to attempt to update you all quickly while still giving enough information on the details of our experiences. so we left off with our huge excavation project in order to bring water, electrical and sewer systems to our house. you can read about that <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2012/05/utilities-giant-mess.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
may 30 update</h4>
but it didn't end there, we also had to install our own man hole in order to house the sewer lift station. once again we were faced with a huge problem and a huge potential expense, but as we have learned throughout this project its better to just go for it. nothing is that scary once you set your mind to do something. besides we could never afford to PAY someone to do this work so we kind of didn't have a choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfxd8EOUtiw/UCgWB8h8dvI/AAAAAAAACUI/Y29BaF1HGyM/s1600/P1030805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfxd8EOUtiw/UCgWB8h8dvI/AAAAAAAACUI/Y29BaF1HGyM/s400/P1030805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">matt and the excavator digging around the existing culvert pipe <br />
which housed the existing lift station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX34CigvXTE/UCgWOx95XpI/AAAAAAAACUQ/MW_IoIWQgJU/s1600/P1030810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX34CigvXTE/UCgWOx95XpI/AAAAAAAACUQ/MW_IoIWQgJU/s400/P1030810.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the culvert pipe had to be removed and the lift station taken out in order<br />
to dig a deeper hole for the man hole to sit in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
the concrete man hole was purchased from Grand Junction Pipe here in durango, which they delivered on a huge flat bed truck. we had to rent a skytrak for the day just to lift these puppies off the flat bed and then into the 9' deep hole.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIgEd3Zh1kw/UCgWcDtqF1I/AAAAAAAACUY/X7cNbHoYTTU/s1600/P1030816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIgEd3Zh1kw/UCgWcDtqF1I/AAAAAAAACUY/X7cNbHoYTTU/s400/P1030816.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this bottom portion of the man hole weighed in at over 3,000 lbs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-G9V0efVkg/UCgWpgp07hI/AAAAAAAACUg/w62fXRAbM5M/s1600/P1030817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-G9V0efVkg/UCgWpgp07hI/AAAAAAAACUg/w62fXRAbM5M/s400/P1030817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the three sections of man hole were lined up along our street, including<br />
the top portion with the typical man hole cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfE4xJNnBlk/UCgXQ6YYAOI/AAAAAAAACU4/DmVkk08XgZY/s1600/P1030823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfE4xJNnBlk/UCgXQ6YYAOI/AAAAAAAACU4/DmVkk08XgZY/s400/P1030823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was then time to lift the pieces and place them in the giant hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCg9j1cGLCA/UCgXf3n6_oI/AAAAAAAACVA/zv3kk05mO7w/s1600/P1030825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCg9j1cGLCA/UCgXf3n6_oI/AAAAAAAACVA/zv3kk05mO7w/s400/P1030825.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this bottom section really put the skytrak to the test. the arm of the skytrak<br />
had to be fully extended in order to position the piece while remaining stable<br />
enough to lower it into place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzxi0EJzDGY/UCgXukmg1rI/AAAAAAAACVI/Wd4_fPYL31E/s1600/P1030829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzxi0EJzDGY/UCgXukmg1rI/AAAAAAAACVI/Wd4_fPYL31E/s400/P1030829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">once in place matt adds the sticky rubber seal. the next piece fits directly on<br />
top. the lift station will fit cozily into this hole.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akGEgrLjGc0/UCgX8BY_8NI/AAAAAAAACVQ/Hog7sFWApuA/s1600/P1030830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-akGEgrLjGc0/UCgX8BY_8NI/AAAAAAAACVQ/Hog7sFWApuA/s400/P1030830.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the middle section, much lighter than the bottom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK-qUb8zPKs/UCgYKm-lGKI/AAAAAAAACVY/qE-zEPNxNs0/s1600/P1030832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NK-qUb8zPKs/UCgYKm-lGKI/AAAAAAAACVY/qE-zEPNxNs0/s400/P1030832.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">positioning the piece</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDr8Z0XbIbc/UCgYYMTv2EI/AAAAAAAACVg/BJANRVN41Ao/s1600/P1030835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDr8Z0XbIbc/UCgYYMTv2EI/AAAAAAAACVg/BJANRVN41Ao/s400/P1030835.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finally the top section is put into place. the entire man hole is about 8' deep.</td></tr>
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After getting the sections of pipe in place all we had to do was drop in the existing lift station and hook it up to the new sewer pipes. this involved cutting some holes through the concrete with a hilti drill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuBbo784iNo/UCgYl5g1fUI/AAAAAAAACVo/usrjU3l-dU0/s1600/P1030836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuBbo784iNo/UCgYl5g1fUI/AAAAAAAACVo/usrjU3l-dU0/s400/P1030836.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">matt using the hilti concrete drill to bore a hole for the sewer lines<br />
that have to connect to the lift station</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2S0hV9nAZk/UCgYzT5yh8I/AAAAAAAACVw/dfiyY1L40jw/s1600/P1030840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2S0hV9nAZk/UCgYzT5yh8I/AAAAAAAACVw/dfiyY1L40jw/s400/P1030840.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we also needed a few smaller holes at the top for the power line<br />
and lift station alarm.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRWtgvQNhkw/UCgZBWXuVDI/AAAAAAAACV4/bvJY9sY1Ijw/s1600/P1030843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRWtgvQNhkw/UCgZBWXuVDI/AAAAAAAACV4/bvJY9sY1Ijw/s400/P1030843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
conquering this job was definitely something we never thought we would have to do but we are sure glad it over... just wait until you see what we have to go through for our water hook ups!<br /><br />
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</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-66575327492933267642012-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:002012-05-24T08:00:09.862-04:00utilities= giant mess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUkyiZ19Z9U/T724rn2drfI/AAAAAAAACTY/03lk7Znhwvo/s1600/P1020070.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUkyiZ19Z9U/T724rn2drfI/AAAAAAAACTY/03lk7Znhwvo/s400/P1020070.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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if you recall a few months ago we were having some serious issues with our utility services. the city of durango decided ever so awesomely to neglect putting a water main down our street, even though our building lots have been part of the city since around 1907. they also built the sewer system at a time when there was very little public utility oversight which could explain the resulting sewer main that is about 5 feet higher than the street grade. and if we know anything we know that sh*t goes downhill!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzBa7sM1wVU/T720zsuB6QI/AAAAAAAACRo/rhAgQY1GdH8/s1600/P1030710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzBa7sM1wVU/T720zsuB6QI/AAAAAAAACRo/rhAgQY1GdH8/s400/P1030710.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">digging the trench</td></tr>
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as a result we have been forced into non-standard utility hook-ups and in the building world any time you are doing something that is not standard it usually means more money, more problems.....ain't it the truth. so inorder to actually have water and sewer we had to do it ourselves. björn rented the excavator for two weeks and we have been playing in the dirt and ripping up the entire yard for about 5 days now. it has been a dirty, sweaty, stressful few days but we keep reminding ourselves that we are saving about $18,000.00!!!!! Can you believe it?! In my next life i'm becoming a plumber.....<br />
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here is a little diagram which explains our problem with the utilities....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TaVyJq-b7c/T72ttXd7IJI/AAAAAAAACRc/8qrZ-bHH1Cc/s1600/Utility+Diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TaVyJq-b7c/T72ttXd7IJI/AAAAAAAACRc/8qrZ-bHH1Cc/s640/Utility+Diagram.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EQ_jFUNFoU/T722UFiefUI/AAAAAAAACSI/2IggGOBbEhs/s1600/P1030721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EQ_jFUNFoU/T722UFiefUI/AAAAAAAACSI/2IggGOBbEhs/s400/P1030721.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the trench leading from the <br />
house for the sewer line</td></tr>
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the blue line leading to the large blue circle represents the sewer line. this line comes out of the house below ground and slowly descends downhill to a depth of 9 feet below grade at the blue dot. the sewer line then connects to a lift station which is located underground. this station literally grinds the sewage and pumps it up and across the street to the sewer line (which is built 5 feet too high above the grade of the road)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWdKYDRkhs/T721ScZ0K7I/AAAAAAAACRw/P3lTy7nt9cU/s1600/P1030711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWdKYDRkhs/T721ScZ0K7I/AAAAAAAACRw/P3lTy7nt9cU/s400/P1030711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAvBcs-dDyE/T722CfDkf5I/AAAAAAAACSA/MfPf8oujKbQ/s1600/P1030716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAvBcs-dDyE/T722CfDkf5I/AAAAAAAACSA/MfPf8oujKbQ/s400/P1030716.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bobcat mini excavator is not so mini</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_B8Ve3JJMQ/T724DHeC8ZI/AAAAAAAACTA/6FtGiuesMfU/s1600/P1020078.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_B8Ve3JJMQ/T724DHeC8ZI/AAAAAAAACTA/6FtGiuesMfU/s400/P1020078.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">björn and i laying the sewer pipe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fo1BSMCjxE8/T724Jj2LWhI/AAAAAAAACTQ/dRA4K86UPaQ/s1600/P1020081.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fo1BSMCjxE8/T724Jj2LWhI/AAAAAAAACTQ/dRA4K86UPaQ/s400/P1020081.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me carrying pipe</td></tr>
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we ran two sewer lines, the one coming out of our house and one that runs parallel to the street and continues north for a future house. normally a house in a town simply has to hook into a sewer line from their house to the curb, not over 100 feet as we did.</div>
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the green line coming out of the house near the stair bump-out headed perpendicular to the street and then running parallel to the street is the water line. we ran a second line which i did not depict to the lot to the right of this house for future development. again, the typical home owner hooks into water at the curb in front of their house because the city or developer has stubbed out service lines to each building lot. not in our case, we got to run water lines over 150 feet through our easements and we are still waiting to hear from the city regarding where we will hook into the water main. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGB3EV-0Se4/T7221Cok3TI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ppmeUWsAvWg/s1600/P1030739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGB3EV-0Se4/T7221Cok3TI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ppmeUWsAvWg/s400/P1030739.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water lines</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQXjC3_BGk/T723HxvrqCI/AAAAAAAACSY/zZGp33q9HwA/s1600/P1030740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQXjC3_BGk/T723HxvrqCI/AAAAAAAACSY/zZGp33q9HwA/s400/P1030740.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we added blue "warning tape" over the water lines to warn future<br />
diggers that they are about to have problems!</td></tr>
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the red line which exits the house from the rear of the bump-out represents the electrical line. we chose to bury our electricity, our neighborhood has overhead power lines but we decided that we can't stand that. so the closest power pole is represented by the red circle. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppnMaJvNE6k/T723mLIIRrI/AAAAAAAACSo/h4kxtIe2U9I/s1600/P1030752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppnMaJvNE6k/T723mLIIRrI/AAAAAAAACSo/h4kxtIe2U9I/s400/P1030752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">electrical conduit being run to the junction box</td></tr>
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all of these utilities are occurring in the same trench but at different levels. each utility has specific requirements regarding how deep and also how close to other utilities it can be. the sewer is the deepest from approximately 30 inches to a total depth of 9 feet over the span of 80 feet. this is to ensure that everything flows in the right direction. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtOlJKJzWS8/T724Ag4LO0I/AAAAAAAACS4/uJjLzHMxHTg/s1600/P1030756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtOlJKJzWS8/T724Ag4LO0I/AAAAAAAACS4/uJjLzHMxHTg/s400/P1030756.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">electrical conduit leading back to the house</td></tr>
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the water line is above this at a constant depth of about 40" with about 12" of sand between the sewer and the water. this is to ensure that the water lines don't freeze. and because of the distance that we are traveling to attach to a water main we chose to run 1" service lines rather than the typical 3/4" service lines.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1s1fGOMu_Dg/T723XxwkBjI/AAAAAAAACSg/TPacNj5PDn4/s1600/P1030744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1s1fGOMu_Dg/T723XxwkBjI/AAAAAAAACSg/TPacNj5PDn4/s400/P1030744.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys working hard to cover the water lines</td></tr>
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and finally we filled in the trench with more sand and laid 2.5" conduit which houses the electrical wire. this is anywhere from 18" to 24" below the ground level. our electrician, david, will then run the very expensive wire through this conduit at a later date, and connect everything to power. </div>
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we are hoping to have the trench filled in by the end of the week and get the yard looking back to normal. we can't wait until we can dig holes for trees and plants instead of plastic tubing and sand!</div>
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<br /></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-43489546846944660462012-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:002012-05-17T08:00:09.707-04:00excavating...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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today we had a mini excavator delivered to the house so that björn can begin to dig the utility trenches and we can do all the grading and landscaping that needs to be done. while the guys are inside working on the drywall mud we are outside finally trying to tame the yard! </div>
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believe it or not there are still some roots and stumps around so that is what björn worked on today. including pulling out a HUGE stump next to the box car where our garage will be built soon! you can see the first round of excavation <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/search/label/excavation">here</a>.</div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-47395791025854074862012-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:002012-05-16T06:46:39.257-04:00things are changingits been a while since i posted but while i was away visiting family on the east coast the guys were hard at work putting up drywall. here are some pictures and as you will see spring is in full bloom and everything is looking lush and green which is wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the foyer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">great room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">great room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">foyer / hall / stair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bath 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bedroom 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bedroom 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the back yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more of the back yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view from the master bedroom </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drywall</td></tr>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-73941239362324632872012-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-19T08:00:11.511-04:00happy thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
i thought you might enjoy these glamour shots of our on site canine- finley he loves to pose in front of the barn wood siding! we are busy getting everything cleaned and buttoned up so that we can be ready for our inspections next week.</div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-14827111933607074152012-04-18T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-18T08:00:01.784-04:00progress report: siding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
so here is a quick shot of what the front of the house looks like right now. the hardie board siding looks good right?! but compared to that barn wood siding....well it falls short big time. its kind of a puke-y yellow color so björn and i are eager to get it painted as soon as we can. </div>
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originally we really wanted to paint the south house a lighter blue-grey color. this was our plan all along, my grandfather did an amazing <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2011/10/big-plans-house-reveal.html">rendering</a> of the house based on a color i had picked back in september. however, after seeing how beautiful our barn wood turned out we were feeling like the south portion of the house needed to be able to hold its own without competing with the barn wood and that light blue-grey was just not going to cut it. it seemed kind of weak. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FHdUfnNutc/T45BxqsF6BI/AAAAAAAACNs/1K3HRNSFtzs/s1600/Hargraves+Residence+Crop.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FHdUfnNutc/T45BxqsF6BI/AAAAAAAACNs/1K3HRNSFtzs/s400/Hargraves+Residence+Crop.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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while björn and i were in new zealand two years ago we noticed many of new houses had black or very dark colored siding and we both really loved it. i don't think it ever crossed our minds to paint our own house in such a bold dark color. now before everyone gets a little scared i have rounded up some photos which are good examples of how black or almost black siding can look very elegant. if you will notice all of these homes have beautiful bright white trim which is key to the house not looking darth vader like.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black board and batten siding Battle Associates Architects via Houzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dark dark green siding and beautiful white trim- Birdseye Design via Houzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love this swedish house with charcoal grey siding <br />- Ike Kligerman Barkley via Houzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZTbyc5K_KQ/T445NTm7wCI/AAAAAAAACNM/l4tIoRuO1w4/s1600/Ron+Brenner+Architects-black-siding-white+trim.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZTbyc5K_KQ/T445NTm7wCI/AAAAAAAACNM/l4tIoRuO1w4/s400/Ron+Brenner+Architects-black-siding-white+trim.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Brenner Architects</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Studio Architects</td></tr>
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<br />Are you convinced yet? Björn and I are really loving the richness of the dark colors and the white trim just makes it look so happy! We have narrowed down our choice to a Behr paint color called Evening Hush. I am going to do a little research tomorrow to see who has the best exterior paint and also who has the best price. If all works out we will be painting the house at the end of this week. The weather here is pretty good for painting, warm but a little cloudy. I hope that we can share photos of the finished Hardie Board soon!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfQYghqIL4w/T445JV4GcsI/AAAAAAAACM8/WhWkErHv598/s1600/Evening+Hush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfQYghqIL4w/T445JV4GcsI/AAAAAAAACM8/WhWkErHv598/s320/Evening+Hush.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Hush - Behr<br />(it looks better in real life- it looks a little flat on the computer)</td></tr>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-4605663739586131722012-04-16T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-16T08:00:05.269-04:00products galore: lighting selections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
its pretty exciting that björn and i get to pick out everything for our house. lighting is certainly something that we both are acutely aware of where ever we go and we wanted to make sure that all of our lighting selections were classic. that last thing we want is to look at a fixture 10 years from now and say "that is so 2012" the elements that we looked for when making our lighting choices were elements of classic design, some kind of industrial feel and simple clean lines. i think all of these fixtures have these qualities and will stand the test of time. while we are still tweaking our selections most of these are a go!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_n564o_eFY/T4eowG9_P2I/AAAAAAAACLU/yR8rCC2o6wI/s1600/Julian+Flushmount-+Pottery+Barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_n564o_eFY/T4eowG9_P2I/AAAAAAAACLU/yR8rCC2o6wI/s400/Julian+Flushmount-+Pottery+Barn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/julian-glass-flush-mount-ceiling-fixture/?pkey=cflushmounts">Julian</a> from Pottery Barn</td></tr>
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<br />two of these fixtures will grace the foyer hall. because of our 8'-0" ceiling height we wanted to choose a flush mount fixture to maximize the clearance in that area. i love the Julian because of the beautiful hand-blown seeded glass and the simple diamond pattern in a soft bronze finish.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJk6_JPq3us/T4eozg8IGYI/AAAAAAAACLs/YINH02ysuoo/s1600/Lantern+from+Durango+Light+Art.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJk6_JPq3us/T4eozg8IGYI/AAAAAAAACLs/YINH02ysuoo/s1600/Lantern+from+Durango+Light+Art.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lantern from durango light art</td></tr>
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<br />we like this lantern light for the stairwell, it has classic design. we plan on using led chandelier bulbs which are a little more expensive up front but are said to last 20 years!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbg1cT-_fRY/T4eo63tLOBI/AAAAAAAACME/eos6Zi0sgk0/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-08+at+11.37.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbg1cT-_fRY/T4eo63tLOBI/AAAAAAAACME/eos6Zi0sgk0/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-08+at+11.37.40+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vanity light from durango's light art</td></tr>
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<br />this vanity light will look great flanking the bathroom mirror, the chrome finish will match the bathroom fixtures and the simplicity of design is just perfect!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1ai40kx5Bs/T4eoxhnoNZI/AAAAAAAACLc/ZM50Xe3Xhl4/s1600/chrome+pulley+wall+lamp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1ai40kx5Bs/T4eoxhnoNZI/AAAAAAAACLc/ZM50Xe3Xhl4/s400/chrome+pulley+wall+lamp.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">industrial pulley light from durango's light art or <a href="http://www.decorinteriorsus.com/Vintage-Pulley-Wall-Lamp-p/gh-10599.htm">decor interiors</a></td></tr>
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<br />this very cool pulley light would look excellent in the great room. i thought since it is a wall sconce it would look best positioned over one of the end tables next to the sofa. we love the industrial feel as well as the vintage vibe!<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSFvJo5jiL4/T4eo1nf7VYI/AAAAAAAACL8/olIla0E-Bf4/s1600/Morovian+Star+Light+Greige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSFvJo5jiL4/T4eo1nf7VYI/AAAAAAAACL8/olIla0E-Bf4/s320/Morovian+Star+Light+Greige.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morovian star pendant via <a href="http://www.shopgreige.com/catalog/products/lighting/chandeliers/star-pendant-chandelier">shop greige</a></td></tr>
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<br />two of these pendant will hang from the giant beam in the great room. björn has been enamored with this light since the beginning of the project however it took a while to find the perfect example. this particular fixture we love for many reasons, it is very sleek and clean, with beautiful bronze welded points and clear glass. we also love the 20" diameter size.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHRnOkVmnC0/T4eoyWd7m_I/AAAAAAAACLk/VPBYhQobOYk/s1600/hubbardton+forge+simple+sweep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHRnOkVmnC0/T4eoyWd7m_I/AAAAAAAACLk/VPBYhQobOYk/s1600/hubbardton+forge+simple+sweep.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hubbardtonforge.com/ProductsInfo.cfm?Design=101160">hubbardton forge</a> simple sweep chandelier</td></tr>
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<br />for the dining room we chose this contemporary take on a classic design. with six graceful arms this light will look beautiful over our dining room table. i also love that it is hand forged in vermont one of my favorite places.<br /><br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6agj_iVfYA/T4eou3Xw4lI/AAAAAAAACLM/PmR3alWb1o8/s1600/Calhoun+Glass+Pendant-+Pottery+Barn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6agj_iVfYA/T4eou3Xw4lI/AAAAAAAACLM/PmR3alWb1o8/s320/Calhoun+Glass+Pendant-+Pottery+Barn.png" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/calhoun-glass-pendant/?pkey=cpendants">Calhoun Glass Pendant</a> via Pottery Barn</td></tr>
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this is a potential for the kitchen fixtures over the island. we both like this fixture but aren't completely sold. we are still searching but this is still in the running.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zotVD-wBQIQ/T4uQf7Rxi8I/AAAAAAAACMM/ViP2VX7e7BA/s1600/kable+lighting+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zotVD-wBQIQ/T4uQf7Rxi8I/AAAAAAAACMM/ViP2VX7e7BA/s320/kable+lighting+.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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for our other kitchen lighting we are installing two cable light tracks from tech lighting. it will allow us to focus lighting on different areas of the kitchen and we love how it kind of disappears. we especially like that we can add extra lighting as needed, say if we add a piece of art in the kitchen. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwTYL3Vxo2k/T4uRq5P9YDI/AAAAAAAACMU/D7xxAokYDbs/s1600/giro+cable+light+fixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwTYL3Vxo2k/T4uRq5P9YDI/AAAAAAAACMU/D7xxAokYDbs/s1600/giro+cable+light+fixture.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hello light from <a href="http://techlighting.com/Products/Systems/Kable-Lite">tech lighting</a></td></tr>
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<br />björn and i really love this light because it can swivel 140 degrees and the giro light below can actually swivel 360 degrees. tech lighting also has some fun lights that we could add in the future including this parachute man!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIqMDg4k66c/T4uS4bneEqI/AAAAAAAACMc/Md57OgBe6bU/s1600/giro+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIqMDg4k66c/T4uS4bneEqI/AAAAAAAACMc/Md57OgBe6bU/s1600/giro+head.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giro light from tech lighting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_rc00dKuAI/T4uS47uit0I/AAAAAAAACMk/coCvoBkIK2w/s1600/parachute+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_rc00dKuAI/T4uS47uit0I/AAAAAAAACMk/coCvoBkIK2w/s1600/parachute+man.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parachute man </td></tr>
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<br />there are still a few fixtures to pick out light outdoor lights but i'll leave that for another post! let me know what you think about our choices!<div>
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</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-25948410699289935002012-04-13T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-13T08:00:12.198-04:00happy weekend: spring has sprunghappy friday! spring is here in durango and björn and i are very excited that our siding will be complete very soon. for now here are a few photos of the house from a fresh vantage point!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKZYwh6puv4/T4emQ2J1oMI/AAAAAAAACK8/SEZao--_pCc/s1600/P1260058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKZYwh6puv4/T4emQ2J1oMI/AAAAAAAACK8/SEZao--_pCc/s400/P1260058.JPG" title="barn wood house apricot tree" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DG4uVNe-2sI/T4engWZN9gI/AAAAAAAACLE/ji4q-_IuQpI/s1600/P1260061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DG4uVNe-2sI/T4engWZN9gI/AAAAAAAACLE/ji4q-_IuQpI/s400/P1260061.JPG" title="barn wood apricot tree house" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-5880052881558423942012-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-11T08:00:05.720-04:00progress report: fiber cement siding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">a few days ago i wrote about the second type of <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2012/03/products-galore-siding-purchased-part.html">siding</a> that we are using on our house. our <a href="http://www.artisanluxury.com/">artisan hardie board</a> has been rearing to go and i have been so eager to see it go up and see the contrast with the <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2012/03/are-you-ready-for-this.html">barn wood</a>. the trim around all of the windows, and the edges of the house go up first so that the lapped siding can butt against it. our trim details are very simple, i wanted to frame the house with the wide 5.5" trim all the way around, and we added a second 3.5" piece at the top of the walls on the gable ends and sides. this creates a really awesome shadow line.</span></div>
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the pictures really tell the story so here they are!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-9w6VYPHuY/T4T6NpToQPI/AAAAAAAACJc/FHL0VeAhVNk/s1600/P1030565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-9w6VYPHuY/T4T6NpToQPI/AAAAAAAACJc/FHL0VeAhVNk/s400/P1030565.JPG" title="hardie board artisan trim" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this photo shows the sill that we created using the hardie trim</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P25d2EN1kKY/T4T6vnVVplI/AAAAAAAACJk/l5RAN3rpEwE/s1600/P1030568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P25d2EN1kKY/T4T6vnVVplI/AAAAAAAACJk/l5RAN3rpEwE/s400/P1030568.JPG" title="artisan trim" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the edges of the house are trimmed with 5.5" planks and the bottom<br />trim is made up of a 5.5" piece with a 1.5" sill trim. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gno9KPYDoQ/T4T7dWCHR5I/AAAAAAAACJs/9XveU45bZVM/s1600/P1030570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gno9KPYDoQ/T4T7dWCHR5I/AAAAAAAACJs/9XveU45bZVM/s400/P1030570.JPG" title="artisan hardie board" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys started putting up the siding and i am really loving those shadow lines!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw_Wo6olbjQ/T4T7tQruygI/AAAAAAAACJ0/48GUulMsanA/s1600/P1030571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw_Wo6olbjQ/T4T7tQruygI/AAAAAAAACJ0/48GUulMsanA/s400/P1030571.jpg" title="artisan hardie board close up" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynYWr0YFT-g/T4T8LNFqhVI/AAAAAAAACJ8/HpucUFY_naY/s1600/P1030572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynYWr0YFT-g/T4T8LNFqhVI/AAAAAAAACJ8/HpucUFY_naY/s400/P1030572.jpg" title="hardie board trim" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the great room window wall has a lot of trim<br />which will emphasize all of that beautiful glass!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a cool view of the bottom trim</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a close up of the siding</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkNzVBNFuQs/T4T-WDQcWVI/AAAAAAAACKs/LC56KZeiavQ/s1600/P1030583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkNzVBNFuQs/T4T-WDQcWVI/AAAAAAAACKs/LC56KZeiavQ/s400/P1030583.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as you can see the standing seam roof is finished- more on that soon!</td></tr>
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<br />the hardie board is going up much faster than the barn wood so i should have more photos soon! now i just have to decide the exact color to paint this stuff!<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-47065948901194706842012-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-09T08:00:08.987-04:00bathroom # 1 mood boardit is time to get serious about finishing our house. björn and i are running into the problem of too many choices and too many decisions to make and as a result we have yet to make very many interior finish selections at all. we both have spent hours (maybe days) scouring the internet and houzz.com for everything from lighting ideas, to wall finish options. i have about 2 thousand "inspiration boards" on pinterest, houzz, and my desktop and things are getting a little out of hand. luckily this little blog is actually helping to pin me down to make a few decisions...i think.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NacDNfFLjzY/T4Jt4byWo0I/AAAAAAAACJU/ObDCH2-I1Zs/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NacDNfFLjzY/T4Jt4byWo0I/AAAAAAAACJU/ObDCH2-I1Zs/s320/bathroom.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bathroom layout</td></tr>
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<br />below are a few photos that inspired the design of the first floor bathroom. this bathroom is going to have an enclosed shower / steam shower, a custom designed vanity (design is in the process), and tons of natural light from three windows so i wanted it to feel light and airy and to reflect the contemporary farmhouse feel that we are going for with this house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc1b04F0iF0/T4JfmaMD8-I/AAAAAAAACI0/vm8Z6Kb9Ucw/s1600/glass+tile+shower-+green.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc1b04F0iF0/T4JfmaMD8-I/AAAAAAAACI0/vm8Z6Kb9Ucw/s400/glass+tile+shower-+green.png" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aqua glass tile and a herringbone marble mosaic floor <br />(mueller nicholls cabinets and construction via houzz)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iibg1h8IOiI/T4JfoPLHEEI/AAAAAAAACI8/K0L4s6Equ10/s1600/glass+tile-+white+mosaic-+shower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iibg1h8IOiI/T4JfoPLHEEI/AAAAAAAACI8/K0L4s6Equ10/s400/glass+tile-+white+mosaic-+shower.png" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love the large format glass tiles in a grey-green color<br />(studio m design via houzz)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diprDkgnK98/T4Jfo90XSiI/AAAAAAAACJE/hehqQAvE1l8/s1600/horizontal-paneling-+white-+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diprDkgnK98/T4Jfo90XSiI/AAAAAAAACJE/hehqQAvE1l8/s400/horizontal-paneling-+white-+bath.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white horizontal wood panelling for the walls</td></tr>
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<br />i put together this mood board which summarizes my wishlist for this bathroom. björn and i had already decided to run the hardwood cherry floors into this lower bath. we love the look of the rich cherry with beautiful painted cabinetry and with the radiant underfloor heating it will be toasty warm underfoot even on the coldest days! <div>
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1. herringbone carrera marble from AKDO</div>
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2. glass tile in "whisper" from Dal Tile</div>
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3. sherwin williams 6218 tradewinds- ceiling</div>
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4. sherwin williams 6168 modern white- trim and walls</div>
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5. vanity lighting - from durango light art (manu. unknown)</div>
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6. infinity mirror- room & board</div>
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7. archer self-rimming sink & archer lavatory- kohler</div>
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8. shaker style custom cabinetry</div>
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9. cherry hardwood floor</div>
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10. persuade two-piece elongated toilet- kohler</div>
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11. artwork</div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />i really would love to put horizontal wood panelling painted white on all of the walls, i think it looks clean and contemporary but definitely give some farmhouse charm to a space. it will also make the walls have a ton of character so that i can hang minimal artwork. speaking of artwork i would love to incorporate profile silhouettes of björn and i as children somewhere in the house and i think the bathroom would be a great place! </div>
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my dreams for the steam shower include soft grey-green glass subway tile walls and ceiling, and a beautiful herringbone marble mosaic floor. i love the luxury of the marble paired with the simplicity of the glass tiles. because we have to tile the entire height of the walls and the ceiling due to the steam shower aspect i may need to add an accent stripe of white to break up the grey-green tiles. all of our fixtures for the shower are from kohler in a chrome finish.</div>
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the vanity is being designed by moi and will be built by björn and matt. i am leaning toward a simple shaker style painted the wall color, with a grey concrete or engineered stone top. i will share the design with you as soon as it is more complete. we are using kohler's archer series sink and faucet which i love because it has a very clean look with some traditional styling. and the toilet has actually been decided upon for months. björn fell in love when he saw this toilet and its sleek "spaceship" like design. (his words) i love it because it will be so easy to clean and has a fun dual flush button on the top.</div>
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i would love to paint the ceiling of this space a grey-green color like sherwin williams tradewinds, to compliment the glass subway tile. i hope that this first floor bath will </div>
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</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-22410175605955336442012-04-04T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-04T08:00:07.542-04:00life in durango<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">i thought i would do a little mini-series about durango, you know the place we are building the house!! i figured since sooner or later we will be at least semi-finished, or at least finished enough to have guests, that i should start enticing ya'll to get out here and check out not only our house but this kick-a** town that we get to live in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">if you didn't gather already durango is in the south west corner of the state of colorado. this little map kind of gives you an idea of the location! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and just so you don't think i am the only one who thinks d-town is a cool place look at this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><a href="http://www.mensjournal.com/in-the-april-issue-jake-gyllenhaal">Men's Journal</a></u> names Durango as "Put Your Outdoor Life First" in their April Best Places Issue. Here is what they have to say:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The high-desert city, cleaved by the Animas River and perched 6,500 feet high at the stoop of the San Juans, has just enough oil and gas, ranching, and clean tech to support a handful of coffeehouses doing fair-trade brews, four microbreweries (seriously — it’s the water), and fine community arts and theater programs in an Old West downtown. The presence of four-year Fort Lewis College lends an additional cultural boost, but Durango is also decidedly laid-back, the kind of town where a shopkeeper is likely to lock up early and post a gone skiing sign when fresh powder falls at Purgatory, just 24 miles away."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Just this last October <u><a href="http://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/best-towns/Durango-Colorado.html">Outdoor Magazine</a></u> named Durango as "The Next Big Thing" quoting that its amazing network of trails, Colorado's largest national forest just to the North and the town nestled into some of the most beautiful mountains in the country makes it a place to be.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">a birds eye view of the animas river valley<br />(this is just 4 miles north of our house)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Durango have been on lists for <u><a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/snapshots/PL0822035.html">Money Magazine</a></u> as one of the best places to retire, <u><a href="http://www.backpacker.com/august_09_the_best_cities_to_raise_an_outdoor_kid_the_winning_25/destinations/13125">Backpacker Magazine</a></u> quotes it as being one of the best places to raise an "outdoor" kid, no doubt because of the incredible access to so many outdoor activities its hard to even name them all. From, kayaking, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, you name it Durango has got it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Even <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/relocating/durango-colorado.html">National Geographic Adventure</a> recognizes Durango as an Outdoor Mecca in its Where to Live and Play issue. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So over the next couple of weeks I am going to try to highlight all of the great things about this little Wild West town. The locals probably won't appreciate it, they like to keep people in the dark about their little slice of heaven, but I think there is plenty to share, come visit, just don't move here- we don't want you</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-85906091341117784732012-04-03T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-03T08:00:00.511-04:00another siding change upif you recall from the rendering the stair "bump-out" as we so fondly call it was originally going to be clad in the same antique barn wood as the rest of the north house. however, because of the change in plane björn and i thought it was a perfect opportunity to introduce a different material, one that is often found on the old minin buildings here in the south west.<br />
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rusted metal has been gaining in popularity as a siding option for a while. this product is sometimes called cor-ten or corten steel, which refers to weathering steel, a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting and forms a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to weather for several years. (def. from wikipedia) <br />
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you see it everywhere from new condo complexes, banks, schools, and of course homes. you get rusted metal simply by letting non-galvanized steel face the elements and well...rust. air, and moisture do the trick but a little help comes in the form of some kind of acidic liquid sprayed on the metal. the best part about this material is that the rust is a good thing, in essence the thin rust layer forms a protective coating, and it also looks great with barn wood siding!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">un-rusted steel- i give it a week to start looking a little rusty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a better view of the stair bump out<br />all of the windows are trimmed in barn wood</td></tr>
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<br />here are a few examples of rusted metal in use. i hope to have our metal looking a little rustier soon. i think a nice bath of hydrogen peroxide will work, rusting is after all just iron reacting to oxygen so something like hydrogen peroxide will make the reaction go crazy! <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sdRJ7-JXfI/T3p3NHocfXI/AAAAAAAACH8/9690B2VtILI/s1600/rust+metal+siding+corten+barnwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sdRJ7-JXfI/T3p3NHocfXI/AAAAAAAACH8/9690B2VtILI/s400/rust+metal+siding+corten+barnwood.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love the barn wood garage dor and the surfboard<br />(CCS Architecture via Houzz)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rusted metal looking very clean and contemporary<br />(Laidlaw Schultz Architects via Houzz)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrG4WvPuhnw/T3p3QsEW77I/AAAAAAAACIU/AoTaAkZMBbA/s1600/rusted+metal+raised+planters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrG4WvPuhnw/T3p3QsEW77I/AAAAAAAACIU/AoTaAkZMBbA/s400/rusted+metal+raised+planters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a cool use for rusted metal- raised planters ( Exteriorscapes LLC via Houzz)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkcZ6ulZO8c/T3p3SNVsgUI/AAAAAAAACIc/H3rPZyZOCUI/s1600/rusted+metal+roof+corten+barnwood+western.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkcZ6ulZO8c/T3p3SNVsgUI/AAAAAAAACIc/H3rPZyZOCUI/s400/rusted+metal+roof+corten+barnwood+western.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rusted metal roof looking fabulous with a weathered barn wood house<br />( Timothy F. White via Houzz)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-66457887635656349462012-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:002012-03-30T08:00:01.039-04:00happy friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHA7s5BcDmU/T3U0rCXJmoI/AAAAAAAACHc/GU6LCQaaBpg/s1600/xeriscape+flowerss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHA7s5BcDmU/T3U0rCXJmoI/AAAAAAAACHc/GU6LCQaaBpg/s400/xeriscape+flowerss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drought tolerant flowering plants (via <a href="http://plantselect.wordpress.com/page/2/">plant select</a>)</td></tr>
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now that spring is officially here and the weather in durango has been beautiful for the last week and a half i have begun to start seriously thinking about the landscaping that need to take place. it is going to be a lot of work to get our property looking great but i am looking forward to it!<br />
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of course our <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2011/10/progress-report-retaining-walls.html">rock wall</a> was a huge investment into the hardscape of the yard and will provide a great jumping off point for planting areas, and the creation of outdoor rooms. i thought i would share with you some of the landscape photos i have been pinning on Pinterest! as you will see most of them include pea gravel and planting areas which will use very little water. <br />
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enjoy and happy friday!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gyv4b9Ox1aU/T3Uu_D4MvVI/AAAAAAAACG8/L_em3s3kC34/s1600/pea+gravel+french+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gyv4b9Ox1aU/T3Uu_D4MvVI/AAAAAAAACG8/L_em3s3kC34/s400/pea+gravel+french+patio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i would love to have an alfresco dining area on the side of our house like this</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDoMRZlDZ4c/T3UvDYZjdvI/AAAAAAAACHE/noWsgLQvdWw/s1600/pea+gravel+kitchen+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDoMRZlDZ4c/T3UvDYZjdvI/AAAAAAAACHE/noWsgLQvdWw/s400/pea+gravel+kitchen+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a kitchen garden somewhere is must!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyotQ5FYZhQ/T3UvFv7B67I/AAAAAAAACHM/_UU9C2hUv6U/s1600/pea+gravel+outdoor+room+alfresco+dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyotQ5FYZhQ/T3UvFv7B67I/AAAAAAAACHM/_UU9C2hUv6U/s400/pea+gravel+outdoor+room+alfresco+dining.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this would be a great idea for the area along the river <br />under the river birch trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqpZnJ14VBg/T3UvIvE_VfI/AAAAAAAACHU/an8_gvwEiQA/s1600/southwest+landscape+pea+gravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqpZnJ14VBg/T3UvIvE_VfI/AAAAAAAACHU/an8_gvwEiQA/s400/southwest+landscape+pea+gravel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">low water usage landscaping is a must in durango- considered a desert</td></tr>
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all photos via <a href="http://sunset.com/">sunset.com</a></div>
<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-82427660042635122492012-03-29T11:32:00.000-04:002012-03-29T11:32:07.995-04:00are you ready for this......woo! i am absolutely thrilled to share the first photos of our barn wood siding installed! matt and orion have been working so hard that last few days to get the siding up. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtP5NR5BlTg/T3Pi8X9qqAI/AAAAAAAACFU/QqEj6JkZySQ/s1600/P1030506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtP5NR5BlTg/T3Pi8X9qqAI/AAAAAAAACFU/QqEj6JkZySQ/s400/P1030506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roofing paper and metal flashing at base of north house</td></tr>
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the first step for installing the siding was to wrap the north part of the house in black felt roofing paper. this paper acts as an additional moisture barrier between the siding and the osb sheathing of the house, but more importantly because the barn wood is imperfect the black paper will keep any small holes from being unsightly. there is also a chance the in the future that a knot could pop out of this very old wood as it shifts and shimmies around<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZoD8jpwXvI/T3PjHOUkZyI/AAAAAAAACFc/Ih949YgtymI/s1600/P1030507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oZoD8jpwXvI/T3PjHOUkZyI/AAAAAAAACFc/Ih949YgtymI/s400/P1030507.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the guys did a wonderful job covering the house</td></tr>
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matt and orion also added a metal drip edge along the bottom of the house which will turn a great rusty red color. this helps to direct any water that may get behind the siding away from the foundation. it is funny how terrified of water i have become during this process, water is your worst enemy in construction and we have done everything in our power to make sure water is contained and controlled. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5t1Tgt4thY/T3PjeavmRRI/AAAAAAAACFs/ofNZZzHv0To/s1600/P1030510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5t1Tgt4thY/T3PjeavmRRI/AAAAAAAACFs/ofNZZzHv0To/s400/P1030510.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">putting up the felt paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EhoUX4cOIU/T3Pjr1xEv8I/AAAAAAAACF0/nejTIVIl0Pk/s1600/P1030516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EhoUX4cOIU/T3Pjr1xEv8I/AAAAAAAACF0/nejTIVIl0Pk/s400/P1030516.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">matt hard at work on the roof</td></tr>
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when we started the process of putting on the siding we thought we would execute a reverse board and batten style siding. however, we quickly decided that this would look too chunky and way to textural. the wood itself is so distinctive and beautiful that we felt it best to apply the wood is a very clean lined way. so we decided to apply the wood in a way called board to board. each board has to be put through the table saw to make a straight edge and then is abutted together. this creates a very tight looking siding and utilizes the most material possible. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhFS4iCttkk/T3Pj2iRbNbI/AAAAAAAACF8/leb1M2GbRN8/s1600/P1030519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhFS4iCttkk/T3Pj2iRbNbI/AAAAAAAACF8/leb1M2GbRN8/s400/P1030519.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the siding stating to go up on the south face</td></tr>
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matt and orion have done a beautiful job of putting together the siding. it is certainly an artform, having to match each piece with its neighboring piece. and trying to make it look random without trying to hard that it looks like you were trying!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvuFQJJXIDk/T3PkARqDvOI/AAAAAAAACGE/E9kJmFId9sU/s1600/P1030524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvuFQJJXIDk/T3PkARqDvOI/AAAAAAAACGE/E9kJmFId9sU/s400/P1030524.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boards are fit together as tightly as possible</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdDHRjG_2SE/T3PkNa5wFjI/AAAAAAAACGM/TwJu0GeE3aU/s1600/P1030530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdDHRjG_2SE/T3PkNa5wFjI/AAAAAAAACGM/TwJu0GeE3aU/s400/P1030530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orion at the saw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjAXOjpYGsY/T3PkZ9ADgaI/AAAAAAAACGU/RGg7vVsEkGE/s1600/P1030535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjAXOjpYGsY/T3PkZ9ADgaI/AAAAAAAACGU/RGg7vVsEkGE/s400/P1030535.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a lot more of the siding finished</td></tr>
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björn and i are so incredibly happy with the look of the north house and it feels even better that many people have stopped by to compliment the progress and to comment on how much they love the barn wood. <br />
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-83955427591587410522012-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:002012-03-28T08:00:18.692-04:00products galore: siding purchased part dosyou know how every blogger always has "such and such part deux" well since we are here in southwest colorado i think "part dos" is much more appropriate. we have a large population of americans who speak spanish as well as english. new mexico is just a hop and a skip away and we are so lucky to have probably THE BEST traditional mexican food (outside of mexico) as well as influences from the Navajo and other native american tribes. but i digress , this post is supposed to be about siding!<br />
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you saw our purchase of antique barn wood <a href="http://designhouselove.blogspot.com/2012/03/products-galore-siding-is-purchased.html">here</a>, which we are soooo excited to show you. but what about the rest of the house. originally we had envisioned a vertical wood siding in a reverse board and batten application on the left side of the house, and a horizontal lap siding under the front porch. again, we did a bunch of research into the available products. we seriously considered using cedar siding for its weather resistant properties, however, i wasn't diggin' the idea that this product would still rot over time. björn and i both wanted something that would be a lot less maintenance in the future. after reading a few great articles on <a href="http://www.finehomebuilding.com/">Fine Home Building</a> we decided to check out fiber cement board. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcfAh4M--H8/T3H9eLaTGfI/AAAAAAAACFE/MolCPbX1K2o/s1600/hardie-plank-siding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcfAh4M--H8/T3H9eLaTGfI/AAAAAAAACFE/MolCPbX1K2o/s1600/hardie-plank-siding.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hardie plank siding 5/16" thick</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.jameshardie.com/main.shtml">Hardie Board</a> is a brand which has become synonymous with fiber cement board. But what is it? Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. This is formed into traditional sized siding boards, trim and panels and even to mimic the look of cedar shingles. But unlike a wood product, Hardie board is rot resistant, is non-combustible, resists warping, cracking, hail and can withstand winds up to 150 mile per hour! hardie board is available in some areas pre-painted however, in our area it is really only available in a primed finish, ready to paint any color you want.<br />
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what we really liked about Hardie board is its ease of installation, every piece is super straight and dimensional, unlike "real" wood and also we loved the low maintenance aspect of the product. Because it is rot resistant we won't have to worry so much about water damage, snow or ice sitting against the house and it also does not become a host for wood eating insects! plus our favorite architect, hnj, uses it a lot on his house without eaves, and since we don't have eaves, we thought we should probably take a lesson or two from the master. but that meant changing the look of the left side of the house from a vertical siding to a horizontal lap siding, we decided that we were okay with that, as long as the result was something classic with beautiful lines. <br />
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but....björn and i could not be satisfied with normal hardie plank, no. we had to delve into the unknown. (that seems to be our thing). instead of the traditional hardie plank which has been a staple for James Hardie we decided to purchase their <a href="http://www.artisanluxury.com/">Artisan</a> line of fiber cement board, which of course was not readily available here in colorado. we were told this was a product designed for the east coast market, that just made us want it more! so after a little bit of hassle we were able to place our order for beautiful Artisan plank Hardie board.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ_FSxHILOc/T3H7PWHUR1I/AAAAAAAACEU/5VoFWnJC3_I/s1600/P1030447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ_FSxHILOc/T3H7PWHUR1I/AAAAAAAACEU/5VoFWnJC3_I/s400/P1030447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alpine lumber delivering our artisan hardie board</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can really see how thick this product is</td></tr>
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this product is 5/8" thick compared to 5/16" thickness of normal hardie plank, creating the look of traditional wood siding, with deep shadow lines. kind of hard to explain, but the pictures tell the story! and it sounds like we are going to be one of the only houses in all of colorado to have this product on the exterior of their house which is pretty interesting. we are still planning on white painted under the front porch area and a colored paint on the left side of the house, something to balance the beautiful grey of the north side of the house. can't wait to show you the progress!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2LFMrSToNQ/T3H9DgXIf9I/AAAAAAAACEs/_xGqCUOSWxc/s1600/artisan+siding+taupe+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2LFMrSToNQ/T3H9DgXIf9I/AAAAAAAACEs/_xGqCUOSWxc/s400/artisan+siding+taupe+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artisan hardie board with beautiful deep shadow lines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WidAALNoTls/T3H9Ep4J3tI/AAAAAAAACE0/YebB6iUzNZo/s1600/artisan+traditional+grey+house+window+trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WidAALNoTls/T3H9Ep4J3tI/AAAAAAAACE0/YebB6iUzNZo/s400/artisan+traditional+grey+house+window+trim.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of the details using the artisan product are<br />
reminiscent of traditional wood siding</td></tr>
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for more on hardie board and artisan check out the <a href="http://www.jameshardie.com/main.shtml">site</a>!<br />
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photos via james hardie & moi</div>
<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-46318775399832138132012-03-27T08:00:00.000-04:002012-03-27T08:00:09.676-04:00products galore: siding is purchasedjust to remind you of our original vision of the exterior of the house here is the rendering that my grandfather completed for us back in october.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhO2owrTN7A/TqdBR8-Lf2I/AAAAAAAABBM/Pb9Ss8w-au8/s1600/Hargraves+Residence+Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhO2owrTN7A/TqdBR8-Lf2I/AAAAAAAABBM/Pb9Ss8w-au8/s400/Hargraves+Residence+Crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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as you can see from the rendering the right side of the house is a grey-brown vertical barn wood as is the future garage, the area under the front porch is seen as horizontal white painted siding, and the left "house" is vertical painted wood siding in a reverse board and batten style. we also envisioned white trim board framing the geometry of the house which we really liked.</div>
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well, as usual we started thinking and looking a photos and researching material options. one of the biggest hurdles björn and i have encountered is the insane number of choices for every material and product out there. and the internet doesn't help it just opens up a world of possibilities which when one is trying to make a decision can be a huge hinderance.</div>
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anyway after looking into cedar siding, stained new pine siding options to look like old barn wood, and a "barn wood" product made from old beetle kill or forest fire pine we decided on a few things.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26bGLX33KvA/T3EvA5BgHWI/AAAAAAAACDs/rCpQcRqoj4Y/s1600/P1030472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26bGLX33KvA/T3EvA5BgHWI/AAAAAAAACDs/rCpQcRqoj4Y/s400/P1030472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">montrose, colorado</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">we wanted real barn wood, old, grey, weathered barn wood- period. so that is what we were going to get. all said and done the old barn wood was not cheap but with all of the staining and/or finishing that a new piece of pine would need to simulate old wood the cost was very comparable. we searched reclaimed barn wood online and found a lumber yard in nearby montrose, colorado that had beautiful hardwood boards.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.southernwoodimports.com/">southern wood imports</a> had a wonderful selection of bundled reclaimed hardwood as well as reclaimed pine boards and beautiful reclaimed timbers. we drove the land cruiser (sherman) and the trailer (kiwi) to montrose to pick out our siding. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">björn watching the guys load up our siding</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">björn and i chose to purchase hardwood siding for a number of reasons. hardwoods have a beautiful grey finish when weathered and these woods are a mixture of white oak, chestnut and hickory from barns in tennessee. because these are eastern trees that also means that here in colorado there aren't many (if any) bugs that are adapted to eating these hard woods. most of the wood infesting pests are used to sinking their chompers into soft </span><span style="text-align: left;">delicious</span><span style="text-align: left;"> pine. that was a huge reason NOT to use pine, the other was that over a long period of time pine can weather to a black color out here in the colorado sun.</span></div>
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we chose two beautiful bundles of grey hardwood varying in widths from 4 to 12 inches with the majority of the pieces being around 6-8 inches and about 12 feet long. kiwi, the trailer did an amazing job hauling this wood over three mountain passes! one of which is the infamous million dollar highway from ouray to silverton over red mountain pass. needless to say i was a little nervous that sherman wouldn't make it but it was easy-peasy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">woo hoo all loaded up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdM6Eh-HGUk/T3EwxvPOIBI/AAAAAAAACEM/w_a9TNfXSz4/s1600/million+dollar+highway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdM6Eh-HGUk/T3EwxvPOIBI/AAAAAAAACEM/w_a9TNfXSz4/s320/million+dollar+highway.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i thought i would share a photo of the million dollar highway<br />so that you could get the idea of its scariness! </td></tr>
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<br /><span style="text-align: left;">the wood ended up being $3.80 a square foot and we purchased about 1500 sf for a total of $5,700.00 to cover half of our house. when we start to think about some of less expensive siding options we start to feel a little crazy spending so much to make our house look old, but we really hope that our little project will look amazing and we think that this beautiful material will make that happen!</span><div>
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<br /></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-87446236629868195232012-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:002012-03-26T17:24:08.675-04:00im sorry... and plumbing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">im sorry </td></tr>
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i have been neglectful of this blog and i feel so bad about it. when i last left you björn and i were relaxing on ambergris caye, belize. it was a trip filled with relaxing, book reading and eating some very very good local food. i finished up my scuba certification and completed four dives. i am super stoked to be a certified open water diver and it was very exciting on the reefs off of ambergris caye. we saw a hammerhead shark and plenty of sea turtles and sting rays!<br />
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we have been back for about three weeks now but for about two and a half of those weeks i have been battling bronchitis or some type of coughing sickness. that hasn't kept the project on hold things have picked back up around here and i have a TON to update on over the next few days.<br />
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one of the things we have been working on is plumbing. björn and matt ran all of the water supply lines using aqua pex tubing. this is an amazing advancement in plumbing over the old copper pipes. copper as you may know makes up the pipes which bring hot and cold water to most homes in the us. however, that is all changing very quickly as plumbers begin to use aqua pex- a plastic flexible tubing that is super safe and very easy to use. no more soldering copper pipes together!<br />
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we chose to do a "home run" type installation for the pex supply pipe. this means that each fixture that is being delivered water ( toilet, sink, etc) has a pipe running all the way "home" back to the manifold. and because the tubing is flexible it makes running all of this pipe super easy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAuxPEyJHpk/T2_gkibFEFI/AAAAAAAACCE/Jd0CVNz8Fe0/s1600/P1030236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAuxPEyJHpk/T2_gkibFEFI/AAAAAAAACCE/Jd0CVNz8Fe0/s400/P1030236.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these pipes will carry hot and cold water throughout the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siptPJ8FzmQ/T2_g49ptpyI/AAAAAAAACCM/UTHFz2V8gdc/s1600/P1030287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siptPJ8FzmQ/T2_g49ptpyI/AAAAAAAACCM/UTHFz2V8gdc/s400/P1030287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of the pipes run back to the crawlspace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TABdnR6HNjg/T2_hQF5eR_I/AAAAAAAACCU/HY4ACbHuHEk/s1600/P1030288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TABdnR6HNjg/T2_hQF5eR_I/AAAAAAAACCU/HY4ACbHuHEk/s400/P1030288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">björn organizing the crazy tubing in the crawl space</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNJ8XAx_nrA/T2_iJLV2oNI/AAAAAAAACCk/uOKI322uE7E/s1600/P1030292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNJ8XAx_nrA/T2_iJLV2oNI/AAAAAAAACCk/uOKI322uE7E/s400/P1030292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the tool on the ground is a pex expander tool which is used to <br />
fit the plastic tubing to the manifold</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ud4FMIX8mM/T2_iax3984I/AAAAAAAACCs/ZvPQj6b7kJg/s1600/P1030293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ud4FMIX8mM/T2_iax3984I/AAAAAAAACCs/ZvPQj6b7kJg/s400/P1030293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the tool expands the plastic just long enough to put the tube on a a fitting; <br />
it then contracts back down to create a tight seal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOe_uuLtogQ/T2_ioQVw6cI/AAAAAAAACC0/fKYPGy5dOHo/s1600/P1030294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOe_uuLtogQ/T2_ioQVw6cI/AAAAAAAACC0/fKYPGy5dOHo/s400/P1030294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hot water manifold has all of the hot water supply pipes running back to it;<br />
the manifold will control the delivery of hot water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ-DBaa4QSk/T2_jQ5WiYzI/AAAAAAAACDE/gmzsgaa4U2c/s1600/P1030309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ-DBaa4QSk/T2_jQ5WiYzI/AAAAAAAACDE/gmzsgaa4U2c/s400/P1030309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the finished hot and cold manifolds in the crawlspace</td></tr>
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there is some much to update you on so expect many more posts this week!<br />
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xo,</div>
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whit<br />
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<br /></div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-84257560288617199672012-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-22T08:00:14.379-05:00products galore: hardwood floors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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we are the luckiest people in the world, and maybe the most spoiled people we know. the flooring in our entire house is essentially going to be beautiful solid cherry hardwood. i know, sounds extravagant and expensive. well is wasn't cheap to be sure, but it wasn't really anymore than buying an engineered hardwood from home depot, we got the deal of the century. i just looked at prices for engineered hardwood on home depot, they range from a low of about $3.00 to a high of $8.00. and solid hardwood generally starts around $3.85 for very thin plank stuff and goes up from there. cherry hardwood floors...forget about it, most of the cherry out there is brazilian cherry which doesn't seem very sustainable to us.<br />
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we actually purchased our cherry floors a year before we even had a house design. we had another house designed that we were going to build in a different location, that all fell through but we still had a deposit on about 2000 sf of flooring from <a href="http://www.hullforest.com/index.html">Hull Forest Products</a> in pomfret, CT. so if you are like me you are thinking connecticut is a long way from colorado, and it is, however, we really liked the way that this particular company works. they have been dedicated to using trees from sustainably, and responsibly managed forests. all of their wood is local to the new england area, no brazilian jojoba here, and Hull offers management of private lands to ensure that all the forests are preserved for future generations. plus like i said we got the deal of a lifetime!<br />
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we are getting a wide plank floor for about $4.85 a square foot. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfm3mUJWp4/TzlVicN4CPI/AAAAAAAAB_U/hKsSYXNUM3A/s1600/cherry+hardwood+hull+forest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOfm3mUJWp4/TzlVicN4CPI/AAAAAAAAB_U/hKsSYXNUM3A/s400/cherry+hardwood+hull+forest.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautifully wide plank cherry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMFA2N_dNC8/TzlVi-iKepI/AAAAAAAAB_c/69JJjMwzdHo/s1600/cherry+hardwood+in+bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMFA2N_dNC8/TzlVi-iKepI/AAAAAAAAB_c/69JJjMwzdHo/s400/cherry+hardwood+in+bath.JPG" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we will have wood in our baths as well- with tile in the wet areas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1FL04C2H0/TzlVkjmTqlI/AAAAAAAAB_k/JLWvMpEO6m4/s1600/cherry-floor-knots-+hull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1FL04C2H0/TzlVkjmTqlI/AAAAAAAAB_k/JLWvMpEO6m4/s400/cherry-floor-knots-+hull.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our cherry will have some knots to give it that farmhouse look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3u-6CEVPWE/TzlU6N55-aI/AAAAAAAAB_M/1WslgCIpLeM/s1600/hull+forsest+premium+cherry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3u-6CEVPWE/TzlU6N55-aI/AAAAAAAAB_M/1WslgCIpLeM/s400/hull+forsest+premium+cherry.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a serious glamor shot of our premium cherry hardwood</td></tr>
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Hull Forest Products has many other species of wood and also sells wood timbers, lumber, and wood chips, nothing goes to waste! They are always running specials on certain products so check out their <a href="http://www.hullforest.com/wideplank/sale.html?">sale</a> page!<br />
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photos via hull forest products</div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-27672298875121221172012-02-21T08:00:00.001-05:002012-02-21T08:00:14.790-05:00products galore: epic faucetbjörn and i scored big time a couple of weekends ago. we discovered this great warehouse here in durango that a local contractor has started to sell salvaged building materials. he not only has some very interesting things he has amazing prices as well. well we were poking around looking at a lot of stuff speculating out loud at how useful and cool many of his items are. he has a super cool vintage ice box that was salvaged from an old durango liquor store, lots of old timbers and several interesting sinks and fixtures.<br />
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suddenly both of us zeroed in on a lone faucet sitting on a shelf. immediately i thought to myself, this is way cool. i could just tell from the construction and the material that it was high quality and as soon as i touched it björn said "yes, how much?!" the guy must have also recognized that this was something worth a little bit of money so while most of the other fixtures and items he was selling for $10 or $15 he said that he would take $75.00 for this faucet. a huge price jump from his other merchandise but björn and i knew that it would be worth it so we said we would take it!<br />
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so here it is:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg6xAPQKeFc/Tz6tWcdcwLI/AAAAAAAACBs/uJtZbI3z0Qs/s1600/herbeau+faucet+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg6xAPQKeFc/Tz6tWcdcwLI/AAAAAAAACBs/uJtZbI3z0Qs/s400/herbeau+faucet+close+up.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the porcelain handles work perfectly</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftj0yP7BEIs/Tz6tjmSrErI/AAAAAAAACB0/vJgaMuQjS0E/s1600/herbeau+faucet+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftj0yP7BEIs/Tz6tjmSrErI/AAAAAAAACB0/vJgaMuQjS0E/s400/herbeau+faucet+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">björn and i both recognized this was a high design faucet</td></tr>
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me being very curious went immediately on the internet when we got home and did a quick little search for this french faucet. and to my surprise i found it, the company Herbeau, is still producing this product and had we wanted to buy it for our house we would have to pay : $1,113.00 plus taxes and shipping I would imagine! and we got it for $75.00! i would say thats a pretty good deal, we would NEVER spend that much money on a faucet, we may dream, but that is outrageous. lucky for us someone in Telluride, where this faucet was salvaged from, thought nothing of ripping it out during their renovations. just to prove it to you here is a screen shot from the <a href="http://www.herbeau.com/Products.aspx?Item=4202">Herbeau</a> website:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZg6e5C73Ic/Tz6sMRupnuI/AAAAAAAACBk/orjM3aLnGJ4/s1600/herbeau+faucet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZg6e5C73Ic/Tz6sMRupnuI/AAAAAAAACBk/orjM3aLnGJ4/s400/herbeau+faucet.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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we plan on using this fixture for the island prep sink, i think it will look amazing as you walk into the kitchen and i think it ties into that clean lines farmhouse look we are going for. now we just have to find the rest of the faucets for the house which may be hard now that we have to live up to beauty!</div>
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-38070547264413018112012-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-20T08:00:14.119-05:00vacation time: ambergris caye, belizewe are headed to the beautiful island of <a href="http://ambergriscaye.com/index.php">ambergris caye</a> off the coast of belize today for a much needed vacation to some warm tropical weather. björn and i have been looking forward to this for a few weeks now and in preparation for the trip I have been working on my scuba certification through <a href="http://www.padi.com/scuba/">padi</a>.<br />
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i have a few posts prepared for the next few days so i hope you enjoy! is anyone planning a vacation soon? see you in march!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE9dthRyYh8/TzlXgWzd4II/AAAAAAAAB_s/wzKTi6G-WXc/s1600/ambergris+caye+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE9dthRyYh8/TzlXgWzd4II/AAAAAAAAB_s/wzKTi6G-WXc/s400/ambergris+caye+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i will be spending as much time as possible soaking up the warm sunshine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tRikL4IQWs/TzlXgyTv6OI/AAAAAAAAB_0/bdBy2zlRh_M/s1600/ambergris+caye+dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tRikL4IQWs/TzlXgyTv6OI/AAAAAAAAB_0/bdBy2zlRh_M/s400/ambergris+caye+dock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the water in ambergris caye looks absolutely amazing<br /> and the coral reef starts just 1/2 mile off shore</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vja73171H8/TzlXhqDdxEI/AAAAAAAAB_8/6JgU1BW-uEk/s1600/ambergris+caye+snorkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vja73171H8/TzlXhqDdxEI/AAAAAAAAB_8/6JgU1BW-uEk/s400/ambergris+caye+snorkel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this should be me swimming with the fishes!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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all photos via <a href="http://ambergriscaye.com/index.php">ambergris caye.com</a></div>
<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-43225772798188223662012-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-17T08:00:12.002-05:00progress report: electrical work part 1<br />
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björn and i are doing our own electrical work. to be perfectly honest we really knew nothing about electrical before we started this project but we have been so lucky to have a mentor. <a href="http://morris-electric.durango.co.electrical-contractor.tel/">david morris</a> is a certified electrician and he has been so awesome coaching us through the process of setting up our electrical system. we have been busy running all of the wires to the electrical boxes the last couple of weeks and we are now working on the switches and lighting. i am going to breeze through these topics but just so you know there is a lot of information so i expect this will be part one of a series of electrical posts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtKbTYerONA/Tz3VOsP2HgI/AAAAAAAACAM/Cj3t_10aAqI/s1600/P1010060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtKbTYerONA/Tz3VOsP2HgI/AAAAAAAACAM/Cj3t_10aAqI/s400/P1010060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our friend david morris doing what he does best (telling us what to do)</td></tr>
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there are many codes that govern electrical work, but the basic concepts of electrical are fairly simple. the first rule is the 6/12 rule, this applies to most spaces throughout the house and it states that within any living space you must have at a minimum, an electrical outlet (receptacle) within 6 feet of a break in the wall (ie a doorway) and then no more than 12 feet from the previous outlet. this rule is all based around the standard length of cords provided on "living area devices" (floor and table lamps)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYIOOOWkYcU/Tz3aPV5LK2I/AAAAAAAACBU/d6O6SO4uqsk/s1600/receptacle+layout+6:12+rule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYIOOOWkYcU/Tz3aPV5LK2I/AAAAAAAACBU/d6O6SO4uqsk/s400/receptacle+layout+6:12+rule.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a simplified diagram of the 6/12 rule from <a href="http://www.renovation-headquarters.com/electrical-6-12-code.htm">here</a></td></tr>
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to begin our layout for the electrical i started with our floor plan and created an electrical plan. this is a good way to start because you can get a feel for the layout of each room, and where furniture might be placed. this helps you to layout where you need outlets functionally and then you can apply the 6/12 rule to make sure you are meeting the minimum requirements, you can always have more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01Tl06Lh-3E/Tz3fFP1D95I/AAAAAAAACBc/8tJ5e0qYhpI/s1600/electrical+layout+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="531" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01Tl06Lh-3E/Tz3fFP1D95I/AAAAAAAACBc/8tJ5e0qYhpI/s640/electrical+layout+example.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first floor electrical layout example</td></tr>
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we then took my general layout and applied it to the actual house. because of the SIP walls we decided to move some of the outlets to match up to locations in the SIP walls where there was a pre-drilled electrical chase through the foam. this was to make our life easier when we started running the wires. all of the electrical boxes in general are installed at 16" to the top of the receptacle box, this is a standard height, and is also the height at which the horizontal chases through the SIP panels are drilled for convenience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eFTIzzLZjU/Tz3YsBpKI2I/AAAAAAAACA0/gD357pVThag/s1600/P1030300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eFTIzzLZjU/Tz3YsBpKI2I/AAAAAAAACA0/gD357pVThag/s400/P1030300.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the upstairs back bedroom i placed outlets on either side <br />of a potential bed location</td></tr>
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björn and i went around and placed all of the outlets for the living spaces, this includes the foyer, living room, dining room, and bedrooms. the kitchen and bathrooms have a whole different set of rules that apply. in bathrooms there is only a requirement for one outlet that must be within 3 feet of the sink basin and must also be a GFI outlet. this means ground fault interrupter, the short definition is that a GFI outlet monitors the amount of current flowing from "hot" to "neutral" (electrical terms) and if there is an imbalance it trips the circuit. this is to protect you when you drop your electric razor into the sink filled with water or "accidentally" throw the dryer into the bathtub. the GFI will sense that something is wrong and trip the breaker so no death by electrocution. these are required in all bathrooms, some kitchen outlets and some outside receptacles. <br />
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in the kitchen the outlets are placed above the counter and also must be GFI type outlets. however, instead of the 6/12 rule kitchens have an outlet at every counter top measuring more than 12" and then outlets must be placed every four feet. this is because it is well known that kitchen appliances have teeny tiny cords. there must also be at least one outlet for any island counter, as well as outlets on any walls without cabinetry and these fall under the 6/12 rule. björn and i also placed outlets for the refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposals, and the stove. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSV6NobLedo/Tz3WZ2UrNhI/AAAAAAAACAk/a5eXeDDKvHo/s1600/kitchen+electrical+code+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSV6NobLedo/Tz3WZ2UrNhI/AAAAAAAACAk/a5eXeDDKvHo/s320/kitchen+electrical+code+diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this explains the kitchen layout rules pretty clearly from <a href="http://airlase.com/kitchen-electrical-codes/">here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANP0DVEttc4/Tz3Y4ELmFII/AAAAAAAACA8/fDJAUiquHDU/s1600/P1030345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANP0DVEttc4/Tz3Y4ELmFII/AAAAAAAACA8/fDJAUiquHDU/s400/P1030345.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the refrigerator gets its own dedicated outlet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bj8L9-CDIMI/Tz3Yf5R3hjI/AAAAAAAACAs/FGxhA1y7PGw/s1600/P1030241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bj8L9-CDIMI/Tz3Yf5R3hjI/AAAAAAAACAs/FGxhA1y7PGw/s400/P1030241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the kitchen receptacle boxes</td></tr>
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thats all for now on electrical, while the concepts are not hard to understand there are a lot of rules so feel free to check them out at the <a href="http://www.necplus.org/Pages/Default.aspx?sso=0">National Electric Code </a>website. they have a lot of great information, and i encourage everyone to explore doing their own electrical improvements in the future. its not rocket science, just be careful! i will be back to talk about circuits and how we ran all of the wiring next!<br />
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<br />Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7962544287951190853.post-1562242201221883452012-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:002012-02-15T08:00:01.230-05:00products galore: kitchen countersi have no idea what to do for our kitchen counters. there are so many choices available to consumers that it makes deciding a very difficult process of elimination. i think the most important features of a kitchen counter are, ease of maintenance / cleaning, durability and looks. <br />
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i have been reading about all types of solid surface products, these are typically products that are made up of an acrylic resin. within the group of solid surfacing are many different manufacturers all with slightly different looks, however <a href="http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/corian/pr_corian_colors.html">Corian</a> by Dupont, is probably the most well known. it is non-porous and stain and chemical resistant which makes it a great choice for medical and food-preparation areas. i like the idea of this product being super sanitary and easy to clean, however it is not known to stand up to heat very well because it is essentially plastic. but i like some of the different looks that Corian has so i think solid surface is still in the running.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nziJtP3zd3E/TzlE2SbAQYI/AAAAAAAAB9c/nxxjnvQpPJc/s1600/corian+arrowroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nziJtP3zd3E/TzlE2SbAQYI/AAAAAAAAB9c/nxxjnvQpPJc/s1600/corian+arrowroot.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain Cloud from Corian Private Collection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMeg7hmljQ/TzlE2xfmy4I/AAAAAAAAB9k/DOzURHNtNcc/s1600/corian+raincloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMeg7hmljQ/TzlE2xfmy4I/AAAAAAAAB9k/DOzURHNtNcc/s1600/corian+raincloud.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowroot from Corian Private Collection</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KzOuHonr9U/TzlE3yAMWJI/AAAAAAAAB9s/aS6M3bfyy5E/s1600/private+collection+corian+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KzOuHonr9U/TzlE3yAMWJI/AAAAAAAAB9s/aS6M3bfyy5E/s400/private+collection+corian+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Corian countertop via Houzz</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaAsvXadWI4/TzlE4gKUf8I/AAAAAAAAB90/K9xH1YiYCHs/s1600/thick+white+corian+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BaAsvXadWI4/TzlE4gKUf8I/AAAAAAAAB90/K9xH1YiYCHs/s400/thick+white+corian+island.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how thick you can make Corian<br />
look like on this solid white island via Houzz</td></tr>
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another serious contender is the engineered stone that is available on the market today. people are OBSESSED with granite, you watch any of those HGTV shows and every person says "oooh granite counter tops" as if that instantly makes a space more classy, regardless of the layout or the fact that they are probably looking at THE cheapest granite money can buy, but anyway (yes, I am kind of a granite hater) the types of granite i love are waaaaay out of my price range and come from exotic locations in africa and europe so instead i am seriously considering an engineered stone. these have all of the great qualities of granite- stands up to heat well, easy to clean, beautiful movement but can be made in large slabs at a lower cost than the real stuff. all of these engineered stones are basically the same make up of 93% quartz and 7% resin, and because it doesn't need sealing it is lower maintenance than granite! yay for me!<br />
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don't get me wrong, there are plenty of granites out there that compete or even beat the price of engineered stones, but these are your typical santa cecilia or tropic brown or that gold color that ever new condo in the world seems to have. (ive been drinking the hater-ade i know) products like dupont's <a href="http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/zodiaq/index.html">zodiac</a>, <a href="http://www.silestoneusa.com/">silestone</a> and <a href="http://www.caesarstoneus.com/">caesarstone</a> all have a variety of colors and styles to choose from ranging from almost solid to pieces with tons of movement and color. here are a few i am liking right now:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNjfgqRY4Qs/TzlKnarzhzI/AAAAAAAAB-k/WLUChnVu7CQ/s1600/zodiaq+cloud+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNjfgqRY4Qs/TzlKnarzhzI/AAAAAAAAB-k/WLUChnVu7CQ/s1600/zodiaq+cloud+white.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zodiaq cloud white</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ej48hdFgAD4/TzlKm9oPsOI/AAAAAAAAB-c/IsmcHhbFlF4/s1600/zodiaq+bianco+carrera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ej48hdFgAD4/TzlKm9oPsOI/AAAAAAAAB-c/IsmcHhbFlF4/s400/zodiaq+bianco+carrera.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/zodiaq/zodiaq_colors.html">zodiaq</a> bianco carrara- made to look like carrara marble </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GOj4gkkvfY/TzlKkmMYsdI/AAAAAAAAB-E/yks-j_osOAM/s1600/silestone+bianco+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GOj4gkkvfY/TzlKkmMYsdI/AAAAAAAAB-E/yks-j_osOAM/s400/silestone+bianco+river.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silestone - bianco river</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWEjm8HJnMs/TzlKlf1Fx5I/AAAAAAAAB-M/HZBUl82JVhQ/s1600/silestone+cygnus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWEjm8HJnMs/TzlKlf1Fx5I/AAAAAAAAB-M/HZBUl82JVhQ/s400/silestone+cygnus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love this silestone because it reminds me of concrete- color cygnus</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAoe8nz8IyM/TzlKmP9LYMI/AAAAAAAAB-U/AqLx3w2DQaA/s1600/silestone+lagoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAoe8nz8IyM/TzlKmP9LYMI/AAAAAAAAB-U/AqLx3w2DQaA/s400/silestone+lagoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silestone lagoon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldgTbALQ4ps/TzlLml5QxAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/zcQ-8yYX-eU/s1600/white+zodiaq+counters+via+houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldgTbALQ4ps/TzlLml5QxAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/zcQ-8yYX-eU/s400/white+zodiaq+counters+via+houzz.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white zodiaq counters via houzz</td></tr>
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finally i am looking into concrete counters. this is a real source of anxiety for me, i have heard great things about concrete and terrible things about concrete. on the one hand i know that is stands up to heat, and cleaning really well and i love the industrial look of it, on the other hand i have heard about wine stains, and oil spots that never go away. i just don't know what to think! our neighbor actually makes a living pouring concrete counters so i think i am going to go question him and get the run down. in the mean time i have been eagerly looking at this company <a href="http://www.sonomastone.com/">sonoma cast stone</a> to get ideas as well a pouring over the internet for photos, here are few that show off the style of concrete i like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZE5PZhcAB0/TzlOMYAAtVI/AAAAAAAAB-0/bDajdcRTlAc/s1600/beautiful+bathroom+with+concrete+counters+and+surround+via+houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZE5PZhcAB0/TzlOMYAAtVI/AAAAAAAAB-0/bDajdcRTlAc/s400/beautiful+bathroom+with+concrete+counters+and+surround+via+houzz.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful bath with concrete counters and surround via houzz</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1UFioeLlPE/TzlONLqK0tI/AAAAAAAAB-8/CZq0O23ZHLs/s1600/jenna+lyons+concrete+counters+via+houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1UFioeLlPE/TzlONLqK0tI/AAAAAAAAB-8/CZq0O23ZHLs/s400/jenna+lyons+concrete+counters+via+houzz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a picture everyone has seen of jenna lyon's concrete counters via houzz<br />
(still chic though)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y6sG2Mk934/TzlOOLR0psI/AAAAAAAAB_E/Uh8jYiWvduk/s1600/kitchen+with+grey+concrete+counters+via+houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y6sG2Mk934/TzlOOLR0psI/AAAAAAAAB_E/Uh8jYiWvduk/s400/kitchen+with+grey+concrete+counters+via+houzz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful kitchen with sleek concrete counters via houzz</td></tr>
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</div>Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430685170490069836noreply@blogger.com0