Granite, concrete, septic, and deck (Week 20)

I skipped writing an update last week because there wasn't much that I could show. This week however several big steps were completed. Early this week the granite counter tops were installed in the kitchen and master bath. They decided to cut the kitchen island out of a solid slab which weighted approximately 800lbs and took 7 guys to lift in place. Last week Tim started building the back deck, which he worked on today as well with the installation of the support posts and hand rail. All he has left to do on the deck is to install the pilasters below the handrail. Yesterday the excavators started digging the septic system. By lunch today they had the tank and all the fill lines in place and ready to start covering them back up, however the local city inspector took the day off and told them they couldn't do anything else until he looks at it on Monday. Jose has been working since last weekend painting the bonus room and repainting many of the rooms upstairs. I scheduled Bellsouth and Dish Network to install telephone and TV service today. By noon I had a little TV in my media closet playing satellite TV/radio while I wired the alarm system. Yesterday Katie and I received the master bedroom light we ordered. We found a really nice light we liked at the Pottery Barn however after scouring the internet we found the identical light for sale on Overstock.com for over $100 less than the Pottery Barn price. I stayed up last night putting it together and this morning the electrician installed it in our bedroom. The other big milestone was the pouring concrete in the garage and front porch. The concrete in the garage was 4-6in thick and they did a good job finishing the concrete and providing a gentle slope. The HVAC has been up and running the last two weeks which makes it nice to come in and work on the house in comfort.
Next Monday the plumbers are scheduled to come in and complete the finish plumbing including installation of the water heater, toilets, and faucets. Tim ordered all of the supplies for the staircase and they should be ready to be installed next week as well. Tim had previously stopped installation of our wood floors because of a concern with how the ends of the boards fit together. Turns out the manufacturer was out of our floors so they shipped wood to the factory in Alabama to be milled and finished. The new floors should arrive on Tuesday and Tim is guessing he will have them installed by Thursday. Today was an exciting day with all the work that was going on. Tim has discussed possibly being done in about two more weeks which has Katie and I really excited to consider starting to move in. It is close!