You go away for the weekend to find the backsplash has arrived!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
End of 19th Week On-Site
This week our countertops were installed which means that the plumber could come back. Our shower stall also showed up as well as more electrical fixtures. As we approach the end, there is a lot of finishing off work being done in terms of the exterior siding, painting and more trim (always more trim). We are so close. I only get to write one more "end of" posts and then we are into the next stage - substantial completion and moving in!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Budget Blinds it is!
I have another “selection” story for you if you are interested:
About a month ago, we went to Blinds to Go (B2G) to get an idea of the cost for cellular shades. We weren't really going to look elsewhere until I met Trish at the Ottawa Homebuilders Association Green Seminar. Trish, from Budget Blinds, came by last week and did a must appreciated free in-house consultation.
Between the two suppliers there is a price difference. After going back to B2G for a second look, the main difference evident to us is that fact that B2G doesn’t offer the cordless option (good for staircases and kid safety). Also, Budget Blinds offers the in-house consultation and then there is the warranty. At Budget Blinds you get a “no questions asked” 5 year warranty where they will replace your shades for any reason where B2G doesn’t have such a policy and has lots of rules built into its Lifetime Warranty policy. Based on what we could find online, if you compare the companies on a social/environmental scale, B2G manufactures their products in Montreal (and both don't seem to know the source of the materials). On the other hand, Budget Blinds is an individually held franchise. At first this, and the fact that B2G mentions their old blind recycling program initiative in Boston on their website, was all that we had to go on in terms of making a decision between the two companies.
Based on the above, we didn’t think we had enough info to justify the slightly higher cost for Budget Blinds so I put it to Trish to explain more. She came back with the enviro policy for Budget Blinds. Here goes:
All of the components of their cellular shades products are 100% recyclable, including the fabric, aluminum rails and plastic components. The plastic components contain up to 50% pre-consumer recycled material. Also, corrugated cardboard is used to package all products and is 100% recyclable. The cardboard itself contains 35-40% recycled content. The angle board used to reinforce the cardboard is 100% recyclable and contains 80% post-consumer recycled material and 20% pre-consumer recycled material. Poly tubes, EPS pads, parts tub and bubble wrap used in packaging are also 100% recyclable. Finally, custom box cutting machines are used to cut each box to the exact size of the shade. This process eliminates wasted cardboard, packing materials and shipping energy.
In addition, the Budget Blinds manufacturing facility as a whole has taken some major steps towards efficient use of raw materials such as a water recovery and recycling plan that recovers somewhere in the area of 80% of the water used in production. The other thing about Budget Blinds is that the installer is part of the team (no contract installers).
After Trish provided this information to us, we knew that Budget Blinds was the way to go. It is amazing how asking the right questions can sway you in a decision.
About a month ago, we went to Blinds to Go (B2G) to get an idea of the cost for cellular shades. We weren't really going to look elsewhere until I met Trish at the Ottawa Homebuilders Association Green Seminar. Trish, from Budget Blinds, came by last week and did a must appreciated free in-house consultation.
Between the two suppliers there is a price difference. After going back to B2G for a second look, the main difference evident to us is that fact that B2G doesn’t offer the cordless option (good for staircases and kid safety). Also, Budget Blinds offers the in-house consultation and then there is the warranty. At Budget Blinds you get a “no questions asked” 5 year warranty where they will replace your shades for any reason where B2G doesn’t have such a policy and has lots of rules built into its Lifetime Warranty policy. Based on what we could find online, if you compare the companies on a social/environmental scale, B2G manufactures their products in Montreal (and both don't seem to know the source of the materials). On the other hand, Budget Blinds is an individually held franchise. At first this, and the fact that B2G mentions their old blind recycling program initiative in Boston on their website, was all that we had to go on in terms of making a decision between the two companies.
Based on the above, we didn’t think we had enough info to justify the slightly higher cost for Budget Blinds so I put it to Trish to explain more. She came back with the enviro policy for Budget Blinds. Here goes:
All of the components of their cellular shades products are 100% recyclable, including the fabric, aluminum rails and plastic components. The plastic components contain up to 50% pre-consumer recycled material. Also, corrugated cardboard is used to package all products and is 100% recyclable. The cardboard itself contains 35-40% recycled content. The angle board used to reinforce the cardboard is 100% recyclable and contains 80% post-consumer recycled material and 20% pre-consumer recycled material. Poly tubes, EPS pads, parts tub and bubble wrap used in packaging are also 100% recyclable. Finally, custom box cutting machines are used to cut each box to the exact size of the shade. This process eliminates wasted cardboard, packing materials and shipping energy.
In addition, the Budget Blinds manufacturing facility as a whole has taken some major steps towards efficient use of raw materials such as a water recovery and recycling plan that recovers somewhere in the area of 80% of the water used in production. The other thing about Budget Blinds is that the installer is part of the team (no contract installers).
After Trish provided this information to us, we knew that Budget Blinds was the way to go. It is amazing how asking the right questions can sway you in a decision.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cellular Shades
With so many windows, we want to do the window coverings thing right. Also, with the double hung windows we want to have top-down/bottoms-up blinds (like the photo) so that we don’t lose the full function of our awesome windows. We might be high up above the street but there is also the issue of having some privacy. In the end though, you can’t forget the view of the park!
The cellular blinds not only look good but they have an energy efficiency function too. Here is the spiel:
Cellular Shades block the sun’s heat, preventing solar heat gain in the summer, and reducing heat loss in the winter by creating an insulating buffer between your house and the outdoors. This insulating effect (R2 – R5) reduces energy consumption and lowers energy bills. By blocking out the sun’s UV rays, Cellular Shades also prevent damage to furniture, flooring, and belongings thereby protecting the durability of your house and reduce prematurely sending damaged products to a landfill. The shades are also designed, engineered and tested to ensure a long life, reducing landfill waste from short lived products.
The cellular blinds not only look good but they have an energy efficiency function too. Here is the spiel:
Cellular Shades block the sun’s heat, preventing solar heat gain in the summer, and reducing heat loss in the winter by creating an insulating buffer between your house and the outdoors. This insulating effect (R2 – R5) reduces energy consumption and lowers energy bills. By blocking out the sun’s UV rays, Cellular Shades also prevent damage to furniture, flooring, and belongings thereby protecting the durability of your house and reduce prematurely sending damaged products to a landfill. The shades are also designed, engineered and tested to ensure a long life, reducing landfill waste from short lived products.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to our Dads. We also wanted to do a quick shout out to the friends and family members that became new Dads this month. You rock (see - gravel still on the brain)!
Endless Gravel
Rob and I spent our weekend transferring a load of gravel from the back of a trailer to our little backyard. We didn't want to get to in-depth into landscaping this year but we did want to do something about the mud patch in our yard. Grass apparently won't grow in our clay backyards and gravel sets the stage for a deck later on. We broke our backs breaking up the soil and then spent the afternoon transferring shovel load after shovel load to make a nice little mound in our backyard. When the guys are done the siding we will be able to move it around more to level out the backyard. We might have waterproofed the basement from the outside but we do have to be conscientious of the fact that our house is on a slope and water will want to run into our back wall. Grading will therefore be an issue later on. We had the option of using a "gravel sling" but even with a small load there is a minimum charge so doing the labour ourselves was a better plan. I hurt everywhere but it was worth it!
End of 18th Week On-Site
The "shakes" by Nailite are now up. Soon enough all of the exterior siding will be done.
The other blog posts show all of the work that has been done this week - painting, more trim, electrical fixtures, siding, etc, etc. The big news is that we now have a date for the substantial completion walk-through (which means that we get the keys to the house back from Amsted). This date works with when we booked a moving van so we are still on track!!!
Painting and Lights
The painters are working their way through the house. The photos don't really do the paint colour justice but I wanted to post them anyway. I also wanted to show some of the lights that have been installed. The drum light installed in the octagon is one of the two from Habitat for Humanity. The fan is the master bedroom is from Marchand. The room looks awesome with the exposed collar ties (to be painted soon).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
And the Comparison Photos Start
Notice anything special about this light that has returned to the house? Which way does an acorn exist in nature? It is an original 1920s light with a cast iron base and an acorn glass cover. It is amazing to see it back up.A Tour of Rain Barrels
With the hope of saving someone else the time of driving around (and because I took the photos anyway), here are some of the rain barrel options in Ottawa: Photo #1 Canadian Tire at about $80; Photo #2 Home Depot at $75; Photo #3 Rona at $114; Photo #4 Rona at $199 (square wood one but check out the cheaper narrow one).
The one I like is from Arbour (see the previous post comment). It is $89. For more information visit: http://www.arbourshop.com/category.php/Arbour_Rain_Barrel
The one from Arbour is actually an old barrel and is made in Canada. The other option which is also a recycled barrel is put together in someone's garage in Bells Corner. It is $75 cash if you pick it up. Here goes: http://www.buildabarrel.com/how-do-i-get-one/ Bell's Corner might be the winner in the end.
Sourcing Rain Barrels?
The eavestroughs are going in soon so we thought that we might source rain barrels now so that we can work them into the installation. We need at least two to go on the corners of the north facing side of our house. If anyone has advice for us on size? configuration? platforms? good stores?..... please let us know.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Painting with Ice Cream
The master bedroom is being painted as we speak. We finally get to see the paint colour we picked on the walls. Since the whole house is being painted the same colour, we went with something easy (but not too easy). The colour is wheeling neutral.
The painter told me that the Benjamin Moore paint that we are using is not "low VOC" paint but "zero VOC" paint. He also said that it smells like ice cream..... mmm..... ice cream.
The painter told me that the Benjamin Moore paint that we are using is not "low VOC" paint but "zero VOC" paint. He also said that it smells like ice cream..... mmm..... ice cream.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Solar Hot Water Program in Ottawa
I finally remembered to contact Sustainable Ottawa today to have our names removed from their Solar Hot Water program registration list. We had signed up with them with the hopes of installing solar panels to meet our hot water needs but with the geothermal system it is already covered. If we add solar panels in the future, it would be for energy generation, not solar hot water.
I do want to take this opportunity to promote their program again. Essentially, this organization provides an additional grant to support home owners install solar hot water systems. For more information visit: http://www.sustainableottawa.ca/page.php?67
I do want to take this opportunity to promote their program again. Essentially, this organization provides an additional grant to support home owners install solar hot water systems. For more information visit: http://www.sustainableottawa.ca/page.php?67
Sunday, June 14, 2009
End of 17th Week On-Site
I am curious about how the Nailite "Shakes" are going to look when they are installed next week on the top 3rd of the exterior. Instead of just putting them on the sides of the two dormers we made the call to also put them at the east and west upper facades. We decided not to go with true cedar shakes so hopefully this product will achieve the same look.
Obviously this was another busy week - more kitchen, more tiling, more finishing trim and the siding. The painters have also been busy priming everything (the inside trim on the windows is now done). I can't wait to see how our wall colour is going to look this week. They are also going to stain the exterior door. The second photo is of our fibreglass door which is getting a walnut stain. I loved the old wood door but this is about the look as well as energy efficiency.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friends with Vision are Awesome
My friends got possession of a house yesterday. The place is awesome as long as you have some vision. It comes with a mix of 1950s and 1980s decor (check out the lights) and a blue bathroom with blue carpet flooring. All things manageable. The house even comes with lawn ornaments in the backyard and two garages and a shed. My mom is convinced that the lawn ornaments are worth something - any suggestions?
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bathroom Tile is In!
The glass tile was more yellow than green at the store (at least I thought) but the shower still looks awesome! Apparently the shower glass goes in early next week.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Toronto Star Does Geothermal Part 2
Feeling the heat beneath your feet; Geothermal pipes loop down into the Earth and transfer heat in winter, cool in summer
"Semi-retired advertising executive Jeff Layton - clad in jeans and sporting dirt under his nails - tromps around in serious work boots as he shows the holes that pockmark the front yard of his 6,000-square-foot Rosedale mansion.
"I've been waiting 25 years to do something like this," he says with glee, as he peers 120 metres down into the chasms that would accommodate geothermal pipes to heat and cool his house, and eventually provide him with "free" geothermal energy.
That was the scene last year, when work was underway on the geothermal system that now heats his home.
An eccentric inventor who holds patents on a variety of prototype creations, Layton has spent much of his spare time over the past two decades boning up on green technologies, especially geothermal. Though not exactly new - the Romans used it to heat their bathhouse water and some North American native tribes set up camp near geothermal vents in the Earth - the modern world has only come lately to see its benefits.
Translated from Latin, geo means earth and thermo means warmth or heat. Geothermal refers to energy that's generated by drilling below the frost line, about 1.2 metres down, looping pipes filled with water and biodegradable antifreeze to take advantage of the Earth's natural heat - a constant 15-18C - at that depth. Where space permits, hoses are laid in a horizontal bed at this 1.2-metre depth, but in urban settings they get dropped into holes at least 61 metres deep.
At Layton's home, these water-filled hoses draw heat from the ground and into a heat pump in the house, which transforms it into warm air. The heat is also transferred to radiant heating in floors and integrated into the cast iron radiators.
In summer, the system works in reverse, carrying cold water to a water- cooled blower that provides air conditioning without a compressor. Layton is also redirecting the extracted heat to his outdoor swimming pool.
The hoses of the system are welded together, so there's no possibility of liquid escaping, and the systems are guaranteed for 50 years.
Given the newness of geothermal technology to a market more accustomed to traditional energy sources, installation isn't exactly cheap - since Layton's project broke ground in late 2007, he has spent upwards of $100,000. But that included extras such as passive solar panels on a south-facing four-storey glass wall overlooking the ravine, rain catchment technologies, a green roof over the garage, and a re-naturalized backyard newly planted with indigenous species.
Now that the system is fully installed, the house would likely outpace any Gold-certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) construction, although given the cost and construction mess, it might have been easier and cheaper just to tear down and start new.
Layton, though, is insistent about the value of his project.
"Walls that are three courses of brick, original plaster, beautiful wood details - these are things that should be saved. I like to look at it as new technology invigorating the bloodstream to allow the house to soldier on for another 100 years."
He's pleased with the cost savings he can see. His gas bill in February, the coldest month this winter, showed a 30 per cent drop. A gas furnace provides extra heat for the cast-iron radiators, if needed, and also back-up heat for the outdoor pool and hot tub.
While geothermal hasn't dropped enough in price to make it accessible in all circumstances, it's not always necessary to have pockets as deep as Layton's.
When Joe De Sommer and Erica Cerny bought their modest bungalow with its leaky roof and broken-down furnace in Toronto's east end, they expected to be adding a second storey and replacing the furnace.
Though geothermal wasn't "uppermost" in his mind, De Sommer had researched energy alternatives and was impressed by its simplicity.
"Using energy that's already there - below the Earth's surface - that causes zero emissions seems pretty much a no-brainer - the system is equivalent to taking 4.5 cars off the road and I like that a lot."
There was a strong financial argument for the couple as well - they needed a new furnace anyway (about $10,000) and government rebates would give back about $7,000 to $8,000. The rest of the $27,000 cost De Sommer figures will be returned in about five to seven years through reduced energy costs.
Installation, though, was a challenge. De Sommer attributes it partly to inexperience: his own as a diehard DIYer insulating the vents; and the installers, who'd only put in four of the systems before. There were also some unanticipated delays. The geothermal unit wasn't available right away, and the first hole driller broke down and when the machinery was finally in place, they realized the sandy soil would need gel for greater support. In addition, the electrical wiring had to be upgraded to 200 amps and the panel moved to the front of the house, all at the same time a second storey was being added.
To save money and satisfy his love of fixing, De Sommer - a lawyer by day - opted to finish the interior, from installing drywall to tiling floors and hanging doors.
His advice for other wannabe DIY-ers is to "research thoroughly, and contract an experienced company.
So much time was wasted in tinkering by people who really weren't sure what they were doing. It only began to work properly when the technician from Next Energy (the company that supplies the systems) came out and set it himself."
In spite of the frustrations, De Sommer says he would definitely do it again - geothermal provides even heat because there are no on-and-off cycles and there's no noisy air conditioning unit concealed in the front bushes.
Eventually, they hope to be "off the grid" by adding solar roof panels to generate electricity for the whole house, which, with the second-storey addition, is 2,500 square feet."
"Semi-retired advertising executive Jeff Layton - clad in jeans and sporting dirt under his nails - tromps around in serious work boots as he shows the holes that pockmark the front yard of his 6,000-square-foot Rosedale mansion.
"I've been waiting 25 years to do something like this," he says with glee, as he peers 120 metres down into the chasms that would accommodate geothermal pipes to heat and cool his house, and eventually provide him with "free" geothermal energy.
That was the scene last year, when work was underway on the geothermal system that now heats his home.
An eccentric inventor who holds patents on a variety of prototype creations, Layton has spent much of his spare time over the past two decades boning up on green technologies, especially geothermal. Though not exactly new - the Romans used it to heat their bathhouse water and some North American native tribes set up camp near geothermal vents in the Earth - the modern world has only come lately to see its benefits.
Translated from Latin, geo means earth and thermo means warmth or heat. Geothermal refers to energy that's generated by drilling below the frost line, about 1.2 metres down, looping pipes filled with water and biodegradable antifreeze to take advantage of the Earth's natural heat - a constant 15-18C - at that depth. Where space permits, hoses are laid in a horizontal bed at this 1.2-metre depth, but in urban settings they get dropped into holes at least 61 metres deep.
At Layton's home, these water-filled hoses draw heat from the ground and into a heat pump in the house, which transforms it into warm air. The heat is also transferred to radiant heating in floors and integrated into the cast iron radiators.
In summer, the system works in reverse, carrying cold water to a water- cooled blower that provides air conditioning without a compressor. Layton is also redirecting the extracted heat to his outdoor swimming pool.
The hoses of the system are welded together, so there's no possibility of liquid escaping, and the systems are guaranteed for 50 years.
Given the newness of geothermal technology to a market more accustomed to traditional energy sources, installation isn't exactly cheap - since Layton's project broke ground in late 2007, he has spent upwards of $100,000. But that included extras such as passive solar panels on a south-facing four-storey glass wall overlooking the ravine, rain catchment technologies, a green roof over the garage, and a re-naturalized backyard newly planted with indigenous species.
Now that the system is fully installed, the house would likely outpace any Gold-certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) construction, although given the cost and construction mess, it might have been easier and cheaper just to tear down and start new.
Layton, though, is insistent about the value of his project.
"Walls that are three courses of brick, original plaster, beautiful wood details - these are things that should be saved. I like to look at it as new technology invigorating the bloodstream to allow the house to soldier on for another 100 years."
He's pleased with the cost savings he can see. His gas bill in February, the coldest month this winter, showed a 30 per cent drop. A gas furnace provides extra heat for the cast-iron radiators, if needed, and also back-up heat for the outdoor pool and hot tub.
While geothermal hasn't dropped enough in price to make it accessible in all circumstances, it's not always necessary to have pockets as deep as Layton's.
When Joe De Sommer and Erica Cerny bought their modest bungalow with its leaky roof and broken-down furnace in Toronto's east end, they expected to be adding a second storey and replacing the furnace.
Though geothermal wasn't "uppermost" in his mind, De Sommer had researched energy alternatives and was impressed by its simplicity.
"Using energy that's already there - below the Earth's surface - that causes zero emissions seems pretty much a no-brainer - the system is equivalent to taking 4.5 cars off the road and I like that a lot."
There was a strong financial argument for the couple as well - they needed a new furnace anyway (about $10,000) and government rebates would give back about $7,000 to $8,000. The rest of the $27,000 cost De Sommer figures will be returned in about five to seven years through reduced energy costs.
Installation, though, was a challenge. De Sommer attributes it partly to inexperience: his own as a diehard DIYer insulating the vents; and the installers, who'd only put in four of the systems before. There were also some unanticipated delays. The geothermal unit wasn't available right away, and the first hole driller broke down and when the machinery was finally in place, they realized the sandy soil would need gel for greater support. In addition, the electrical wiring had to be upgraded to 200 amps and the panel moved to the front of the house, all at the same time a second storey was being added.
To save money and satisfy his love of fixing, De Sommer - a lawyer by day - opted to finish the interior, from installing drywall to tiling floors and hanging doors.
His advice for other wannabe DIY-ers is to "research thoroughly, and contract an experienced company.
So much time was wasted in tinkering by people who really weren't sure what they were doing. It only began to work properly when the technician from Next Energy (the company that supplies the systems) came out and set it himself."
In spite of the frustrations, De Sommer says he would definitely do it again - geothermal provides even heat because there are no on-and-off cycles and there's no noisy air conditioning unit concealed in the front bushes.
Eventually, they hope to be "off the grid" by adding solar roof panels to generate electricity for the whole house, which, with the second-storey addition, is 2,500 square feet."
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tile Sourcing
The glass tile was being installed yesterday in the shower and it looks amazing. I am happy with how the tile looks but I have to say that this is one area we don't necessarily get green points. We tried to talk about the issue of sourcing when we were picking tiles back in December/January but I don't know how much we really followed through. If I have it right, the floor tiles in the downstairs bathroom are from Italy and the shower tiles were made in China. The installer said that he only knew of one company in BC that actually manufactured glass tile. I should really see if that statement can be backed up with a little google searching (a job for later).
In January, I did ask the tile supplier to give us some sourcing information. He provided me with website addresses for the manufacturers [www.castelvetro.it (porcelain) restauri porpora/ indaco www.ermes-ceramiche.it (porcelain) feng shui mu www.malbros.com (slate) natural product #24 africain #63 Khasa] but since I never checked the sites this is where we might not have followed through. The supplier did provide his own company information on the fact that the settling product used was "LEED Friendly."
When we talk about green, a lot of people mention the use recycled glass tile or bamboo as things that come to their minds first when thinking about the subject. We made a conscious decision not to use bamboo (for another blog entry) but I wouldn't give us a A+ on the tile front. It does look awesome though.....
In January, I did ask the tile supplier to give us some sourcing information. He provided me with website addresses for the manufacturers [www.castelvetro.it (porcelain) restauri porpora/ indaco www.ermes-ceramiche.it (porcelain) feng shui mu www.malbros.com (slate) natural product #24 africain #63 Khasa] but since I never checked the sites this is where we might not have followed through. The supplier did provide his own company information on the fact that the settling product used was "LEED Friendly."
When we talk about green, a lot of people mention the use recycled glass tile or bamboo as things that come to their minds first when thinking about the subject. We made a conscious decision not to use bamboo (for another blog entry) but I wouldn't give us a A+ on the tile front. It does look awesome though.....
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
CTV News
Apparently the house is going to be talked about on CTV News at noon on Wednesday, June 10th. We are PVRing it because of the timing and the fact that I am heading off to the Canadian Green Building Council National Summit in Montreal today for work. I am curious about what is going to be said......
Siding Delivery
The siding is now on site but not without a funny stress point. The little sample palette of the siding colours had the "cedar" (and I mean orange) sample with the label "granite" and the "granite" sample (think grey-blue) was with the label "cedar." The right materials were on site (i.e., granite colour) but there was some speculation that we might have actually wanted an orange house!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
End of 16th Week On-Site
Well, tiles, a banister, half of a kitchen (base cabinet in 'Down Pipe'), a stone post, some appliances, an uncovered/prepped upstairs floor, newly capped sills in the hallway, a restored interior side door and lots and lots of trim - not bad for a week.
Rob and I had fun on Saturday. I did some work (work work) sitting in the dining room in my make-shift office waiting for the appliances. Meanwhile, Rob tackled the lawn full of weeds. We also provided a number of tours to our supportive neighbours and friends.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Clean out your basement
The City of Ottawa is promoting a "Hidden Treasures" event as part of their larger waste diversion strategy.
Spring Give Away Weekend takes place at the end of Environment Week – Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2009 .
For more information, visit:
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/recycling_garbage/giveaway/index_en.html
Spring Give Away Weekend takes place at the end of Environment Week – Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2009 .
For more information, visit:
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/recycling_garbage/giveaway/index_en.html
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Timing Update
Today and Friday = Kitchen install
Saturday = appliances
Monday = Start painting and start siding
Wow!
Saturday = appliances
Monday = Start painting and start siding
Wow!
Native Plant Species Sale
I connected with a friend that I knew in early undergrad. She lives around the corner from me now and just did a green renovation on an old house. Here is some information on a plant sale that she emailed me:
"Good morning my fellow yard enthusiasts, This spring we spent hours and hours researching and trying to find native plants for our garden. We eventually stumbled upon the "Fletcher Wildlife Garden", which has been an amazing resource, and it turns out they are having a Native Plant Sale this weekend. So, I just thought I'd pass along the information in case anyone is in the market for native perennials and shrubs :)
Saturday, 6 June 2009
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Prince of Wales Drive, just south of the Arboretum traffic circle" http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher/WhatsUp/plant-sale_e.php
P.S. Rob and I are staying far away from gardening for at least a year...... I have loved this process but I am exhausted.
"Good morning my fellow yard enthusiasts, This spring we spent hours and hours researching and trying to find native plants for our garden. We eventually stumbled upon the "Fletcher Wildlife Garden", which has been an amazing resource, and it turns out they are having a Native Plant Sale this weekend. So, I just thought I'd pass along the information in case anyone is in the market for native perennials and shrubs :)
Saturday, 6 June 2009
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Prince of Wales Drive, just south of the Arboretum traffic circle" http://www.ofnc.ca/fletcher/WhatsUp/plant-sale_e.php
P.S. Rob and I are staying far away from gardening for at least a year...... I have loved this process but I am exhausted.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bannister Day (Busy House)
The banister was also installed today - like I said - a busy house. When I was there this morning, there were about six Amsted people working upstairs plus the tilers downstairs and then banister people on their way. They are really busy working hard for our early July completion date.
Tile Day
The tiler came today. We now have tile in our front entry (second photo - think slate but not slate) and side door entry. They also started our downstairs bathroom (first photo). You might not see it in the photo but the bathroom tile reminds me of Georgian Bay red rocks from a camping trip in high school in Temagami Provincial Park.
Today was a lesson in keeping with your promise to not get between your general contractor and the subcontractors. According to one of the subcontractors today, Rob and I had gone back to the tile supplier and changed our design recently. We were close to having the floor tile run up the wall. Instead of getting in the middle of it we stuck with the plan - try to only talk to Amsted about what we want. This way they maintain responsibility and there aren't any subcontractors saying "the client told me......" All is good.
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