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We purchased our new home after Christmas 2017 and started an ambitious remodel, completely gutting the basement to add a second master space and create a [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|Data Center]].  We also elected to covert it to 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heating geothermal] heating and air-conditioning and install tankless hot water (to supplement the "free" geothermal hot water).  [[This page|geothermal]] is dedicated to the geothermal installation process and results.
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We purchased our new home after Christmas 2017 (closing was 12/27/2017) and started an ambitious remodel, completely gutting the basement to add a second master space and create a [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|Data Center]].  The basement remodel got it's Final inspection on 04/28/2020 (we moved down from upstairs in November of 2019).  The addition received it's Final inspection for occupancy on 01/26/2023, though we were using it well before that.  We also elected to covert it to 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heating geothermal] heating and air-conditioning and install tankless hot water (to supplement the "free" geothermal hot water).  [[This page|Geothermal]] is dedicated to the geothermal installation process and results.
 
 
 
== Pictures to Process ==
Just uploading these for now, I need to add the background later.
 
<hovergallery>
Image:x.jpg|x
 
</hovergallery>
 
== Driveway ==
The house came with a decent asphalt driveway back in 2017.  We tore it up building the addition and burying the geothermal wells and piping under it, as well as just running construction equipment over it for 3 years.  And, I seriously dislike it.  Concrete is King.  Long live the King.  Anyway, we're preparing to install the new driveway, with a largish parking area, an electric rolling gate with mail drop and package drop and camera/entry keypad and lights.  It should be pretty pimp, though it is going to be terribly expensive...  <br>
 
Update: April 2023, construction actually started, pictures below.  It will be 5" thick with rebar, and the parking pad (4 or so cars) next to the addition, which will have in-slab heating for melting snow that I'll plow here from the courtyard (with sub-surface drainage).  The plan is also to have an electrically-operated car gate in front of the courtyard, so we're adding a truck turnaround and large mail/package delivery and dispensing unit for the letter-carrier and UPS/FedEx.  There will be a video doorbell at the gate so we can let people in, and car detector to open the gate to let folks out, as well as car detectors on either side of the driveway to notify us when someone is coming down the driveway. "All the modern conveniences" as they say.  The honeysuckle on both sides of the drive is being removed, as well as the landscaping between us and the neighbor's driveways, but we will probably put something back at the end.  Also, our southern neighbor has a fence and light post on our property, in the driveway easement, that isn't mentioned in that easement, so we're going to remove that.  Some of that is controversial, so we've retained counsel just in case it gets bothersome.<br/>
 
Here is a picture of the southern property line.  As you can see, we actually own the land under about 1/2 of their driveway.  Their easement on our plot allows them to "access their property, and maintain the current driveway".  It is silent on any other feature, which means we retain all other rights.  Incidentally, we had to point out this nuance at a Village planning meeting on x as they are also making improvements.  They're building a new 3 car garage as well, and a sun room on the opposite end of their house, and had planned a expanded driveway on our property.  We shared our survey to indicate that this was, in fact, our property, and that code does not allow building closer than 5' of the property line.  During their construction, they've placed their potta-potty and ruble pile on our property (in the easement) at the same time as our ruble is on the opposite easement, so I'm sure that our northern neighbor is not enjoying the view these days.<br>
 
The concrete guys cut the water supply to the fountain and the sprinklers, so we need to reconnect this.  We had them bury conduit to house these, and mark them where they exit the new slab.  You can we went with rebar rather than chicken wire, and this is held off the ground with plastic "chairs", and is drilled-through the end boards to keep it centered in the slab.  They're pouring large - about 30' x 30' sections, at a time and then saw-cutting as they move forward.  They also found the incoming fiber for our internet and cut it.  The ISP was out the next day to string a new line overhead, and we'll bury a conduit under the driveway at the low-point trench drain so they can run from the pole, under the drive, and around the house to the ONT.  The fountain circle is now centered on the house, leaving just under 30' clearance on both sides, but is not quite centered on the front door (it's off center) or either garage (our doors are 10', whereas the old garage has 9' doors - which makes our new garage slightly longer as well).<br>
 
=== Finishing ===
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Image:2023_05_23 Driveway Full 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Driveway Full 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking 2.jpg
</hovergallery>
 
=== Easements, Plans, and Survey ===
<hovergallery>
Image:driveway plan.jpg|Survey (STAMPED)
Image:property line south.jpg|Sourthern property line surveyed and staked, you can seen the middle fence post is essentially in-line with the property line, so the fence segment north of this will be removed, along with the lamp post
Image:935 Sandra Dirt Pile.jpg|Their construction debris pile
Image:935 Sandra runoff.jpg|Runoff from their dirt pile
Image:00Driveway-Driveway.jpg|Basic driveway plan
Image:00Driveway-Driveway-2.jpg|Driveway plan
Image:2023_04 driveway plans 1.jpg|highlighting the buried conduit for utilities
Image:925 easement.jpg|Southern Easement
Image:935 easement.jpg|Northern Easement
File:925 easement U_010933_01560.pdf|925 Easement
File:925_Congress_Easment.pdf|925 Easement
File:935 easement U_011136_00951.pdf|935 Easement (Trelawny)
 
</hovergallery>
 
 
=== Courtyard ===
<hovergallery>
Image:2023_04 driveway 1.jpg|Gravel delivery
Image:2023_04 driveway 2.jpg|Cars stacked up in driveway - a real donneybrook
Image:drain repair and tie in.jpg|The fountain needs to drain to the roof drain connection - and they cracked it...
Image:2023_04 Sprinkler 2.jpg|This is where the sprinkler conduit exits the slab
Image:2023_04 Sprinkler 1.jpg|Here you can see the corner of my office window where the connection to the house is
Image:2023_04 driveway 3.jpg|Getting ready for the first pour
Image:2023_04 fountain 1.jpg|Preping for the fountain curb
Image:2023_04 fountain 2.jpg|Forms for the curb around the fountain, note that a conduit for electric (lights and fountain power) and plumbing (hose bib to fill the fountain and to run out front to the sprinklers) have been installed
Image:2023_04 fountain 3.jpg|Poured - note the nice rounded/rolled edges and finish work
Image:2023_04 fountain 4.jpg|Fountain curb curing
Image:2023_04 Fountain Electric 1.jpg|This is where conduit for the electric exits the slab
Image:2023_04 Fountain Electric 2.jpg|Note the grey conduit
Image:2023_04 new garage 1.jpg|Grading in front of the addition
Image:2023_04 new garage 2.jpg|Grading
Image:2023_04 new garage 3.jpg|Adding rebar, will be 5" concrete and we don't want it move or crack
Image:2023_04 new garage 4.jpg|Overview of the nearly-ready to pour "new side"
Image:2023_04 new garage 5.jpg
Image:2023_04 new garage 6.jpg
Image:2023_04 old garage 1.jpg|The 'old' driveway and some parking access as we widen the driveway, although with all the work and traffic it was difficult still
Image:2023_04 parking pad 1.jpg
Image:2023_04 parking pad 2.jpg
Image:2023_04 parking pad 3.jpg
Image:2023_04 truck turnaround 1.jpg|The truck turnaround, and loop around electric pole for parking pad
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 1.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 2.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 3.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 4.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 5.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 1.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 2.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 3.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 6.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 7.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 1.jpg|Cured garage slab on our side
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 2.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 3.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 4.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 5.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Slab 6.jpg
Image:Addition 2023_04 Slab 7.jpg
Image:2023_04 Tear Planting 1.jpg|Framing the 'plantings teardrop'
Image:2023_04 Tear Planting 2.jpg|coinduit for sprinkler piping and wire to both driveway edges
Image:2023_04 Tear Planting 3.jpg
Image:2023_04 Tear Planting 4.jpg|The pour is complete
Image:2023_04 Tear Planting 5.jpg|A deep greenspace/planting bed
Image:2023_04 Our Measurement.jpg|Just under 30' on our side of the pad, garage to fountain curb
Image:2023_04 Parents Measurement.jpg|And Joe and Carolyn get about 1/2" less than us from their garage to fountain curb
Image:2023_04 Addition Sawcut 1.jpg|Sawcutting a diamond pattern into the slab for expansion
Image:2023_04 Addition Sawcut 2.jpg
Image:2023_04 Fiber 1.jpg|The fiber line for our internet was cut during the construction (twice) so we mounted it overhead until the work is done
Image:KHAO gate 24ft width.jpg|And example of a large electric rolling gate, wider than ours, although we expect to have a prettier gate
Image:KHAO gate operator.jpg|Typical gate operator
Image:2023_04_24 Drainage 1.jpg|Drainage needs around parking pad
Image:2023_04_24 Drainage 2.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Drainage 3.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Drainage 4.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Barb Tree 1.jpg|Our neighbor Barb is cleaning up her backyard in preparations to plant some shrubs to restore her privacy, and found a dead tree on the border of our yards
Image:2023_04_24 Barb Tree 2.jpg|The dead tree has been felled
Image:2023_04_24 Barb Treeline 1.jpg|This is the other property line, the monument is under this rock with the leveling stones under it
Image:2023_04_24 Right Gate Prep 1.jpg|The evergreen tree on the right side has been removed to make room for the driveway and gate/fence
Image:2023_04_24 Right Gate Prep 2.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Right Gate Prep 3.jpg|Much roomier
Image:2023_04_24 Melt Pad Openings 1.jpg|Core drilled opening in slab for meltpad tubing and electrical connections
Image:2023_04_24 Melt Pad Openings 2.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Melt Pad Heating Design.jpg|Design of the meltpad heating system/tubing arrangement
Image:2023_05_03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 1.png|Szoke Courtyard pour
Image:2023_05_03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 2.png|Szoke Courtyard pour
Image:2023_05_03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 3.png|Szoke Courtyard pour
Image:2023_05_03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 1.jpg|Snow melt pad heating coils
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 2.jpg|Wiring to the sensor... it won't heat if it isn't covered in snow
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 3.jpg|Tubes come into manifold, which will go to heater and pump
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 3.jpg|Fancy manifold
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 5.jpg|Wiring to various locations around courtyard (lights, gate operator, etc.)
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 6.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 7.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 8.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 9.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Heat Pad Tubing 10.jpg
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Image:2023_05_12 Pillar by parking pad.jpg|Pillars by courtyard, left/parking side.  There will be a maildrop and personnel gate here
Image:2023_05_12 Pillar by old garage.jpg|Pillar on old site, with fiber conduit cross under driveway
Image:2023_05_12 Driveway drain 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_12 Driveway drain 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_12 Driveway drain 3 Fiber.jpg
Image:2023_05_12 fiber conduit.jpg|Fiber under driveway
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Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 6.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 7.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 8.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 9.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 10.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Parking Pour 11.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Pad Drain 1.jpg|Trench drain for getting snow melt away
Image:2023_05_15 Pad Drain 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking Drain 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_23 Parking Drain 2.jpg
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Left Side ===
<hovergallery>
Image:2023_04 Main Drive 1.jpg|preparing to move towards the street
Image:2023_04 Old Driveway Prep 1.jpg|preping the old site of the driveway
Image:2023_04 Old Driveway Prep 2.jpg|and removing the trees that were in the way
Image:2023_04 Old Driveway Prep 3.jpg
Image:Shub Removal.jpg|We will also update the lanscaping/shrubs next to the house, and are pruning everything back aggressively
Image:2023_04 Addition Rebar 6.jpg|Preping rebar for slap to parking pad, teardrop, and exit
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 9.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 10.jpg
Image:2023_04 Addition Pour 11.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 4.jpg|Commerical trench drain/grating
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 6.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 7.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 8.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 9.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 10.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Gate Pour 11.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 1.jpg|This is where our water meter is,and the gas line passes through here as well... they're going to build it up to the right height
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 2.jpg|Gas meter
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 3.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 4.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 5.jpg|Cover reinstalled
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 6.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 7.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 8.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 9.jpg|Framing the sidewalk
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 10.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 11.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 12.jpg
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 13.jpeg|Left side with gravel and rebar, ready for pour
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 14.jpeg|and extra gravel to cover muddy right side
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 15.jpeg|Water meter bod will get a new grating as well
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 16.jpeg|The apron gets to rebar in case the village needs to cut it, but will be 6" thick
Image:2023_04_24 Left Steet Prep 17.jpeg|ready to pour
Image:2023_04_24 Full view left.jpg|Left side to date
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Pour 1.jpg|Pour to the street and sidewalk
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Pour 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Pour 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Cured 1.jpg|Street cured
Image:2023_05_03 Left Street Cured 2.jpg
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Right Side ===
<hovergallery>
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 5.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 6.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 7.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 8.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 9.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Prep 10.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Catch Basin 1.jpg|Catch basin for runoff rebuilt
Image:2023_05_15 Catch Basin 2.jpg|and enlarged to catch extra water
Image:2023_05_15 Catch Basin 4.jpg|And brought up to the level of the trench
Image:2023_05_15 Catch Basin 5.jpg
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Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_05_03 Right Side Pour 6.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 4.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 5.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 6.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Right SIde Pour 7.jpg
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Blemishes ===
<hovergallery>
Image:2023_04_24 Bad Finish 1.jpg|Some of the pours were so big there were blemishes evident in the finish work
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Image:2023_05_12 step repair 1.jpg|Rear step repair
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</hovergallery>
 
 
=== Property Line/Survey Documentation ===
Here is some documentation of the property line from the survey we had done.<br/>
 
On the North side (925) in the back the property line is just outside of the old wire fencing, outside of the white fencing and beyond the new gas installation and well outside of the chain link fencing in the back corner.  There is an old abandoned well or sewer access behind the chainlink fence.<br/>
 
Across the back the property line is just outside of the chainlink fence.  There is a momument at the Trelawny back corner, and on the tennis/dog run corner.<br/>
 
On the Trewlany (915/935) side (South), the property is just inside the split rail fence where the tennis court used to be, but we own the dog run, and the side yard runs just inside the split rail fence.<br/>
 
Across the front, there is a momument just outside the fence on the 925/915 corner, and the property runs just outside the fence to a monument just beyond the garage near the driveway.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:Survey.jpg|Pins associated to images
Image:IMG_8329.jpg|This shows that our side yard cuts across the yellow house's (925) driveway in line with the middle rail in their fence
Image:IMG_8330.jpg|towards white fence
Image:IMG_8331.jpg|from gas pad towards white fence
Image:IMG_8332.jpg|Near pool pump drain
Image:IMG_8333.jpg|Further back outside of fence line
Image:IMG_8334.jpg|Further back outside of fence line
Image:IMG_8335.jpg|Further back outside of fence line
Image:IMG_8336.jpg|Further back outside of fence line, and well outside of chain link
Image:IMG_8337.jpg|Corner
Image:IMG_8338.jpg|Middle of the backyard, outside of fence where old tree fell and took the fence down
Image:IMG_8339.jpg|Backyard nearer tennis court
Image:IMG_8340.jpg|Monument near edge of old tennis court on Trelawny side
Image:IMG_8341.jpg|Momument to Trelawny back corner, stick is behind the tree
Image:IMG_8342.jpg|Along edge of old tennis court/dog run - 2 markers showing we own the dog run
Image:IMG_8343.jpg|Side yard inside fence at 915 garage
Image:IMG_8344.jpg|Side yard inside fence at 915 courtyard
Image:IMG_8345.jpg|Side yard Outside fence at 915 pool
Image:IMG_8346.jpg|Side yard inside fence at 915 cabana
Image:IMG_8347.jpg|From Cabana stick to corner stick
Image:IMG_8348.jpg|Side yard inside fence at gate to Trelawny
Image:IMG_8349.jpg|Corner post outside of fence
Image:IMG_8350.jpg|Rear corner of propery (Southwest/Trelawny/915 end) - just behind the fencing
Image:IMG_8351.jpg|Corner at Trelawny/tennis court/dog run
Image:IMG_8352.jpg|Creepy old well or sewer opening
Image:IMG_8353.jpg|Monument on corner behind yellow Beale mother's home and Trelawny
Image:IMG_8354.jpg|Location of corner, beyond the fence near compost heap
Image:IMG_8355.jpg|Property line at garage corner beyond fence
Image:IMG_8356.jpg|Property line at garage corner beyond fence
Image:IMG_8357.jpg|Line of property at fence rown
Image:IMG_8358.jpg|Looking towards Congress
Image:IMG_8359.jpg|Corner marker
Image:IMG_8360.jpg|Monument
Image:IMG_8361.jpg|Driveway corner looking down property line
Image:IMG_8362.jpg|Concrete marker at Congress corner south (925) side
Image:IMG_8363.jpg|North side of driveway at 935 garage, looking North
Image:IMG_8364.jpg|North side of driveway in bushes 1/2 down
Image:IMG_8365.jpg|North property line next to 925 garage
Image:IMG_8366.jpg|North corner @ 935 and 941
Image:IMG_8367.jpg|North end against 941
Image:IMG_8368.jpg|North end against 941 just before new gas installation
 
 
Image:2023_05_15 Easement ot Property 1.jpg|The driveway rides just outside of the easement
Image:2023_05_15 Easement ot Property 2.jpg|which has a notch
Image:2023_05_15 No Trespass 1.jpg|Here we've had to post no trespass signs because the neighbors kept coming over and bothering our workers
Image:2023_05_15 No Trespass 2.jpg|
Image:2023_05_15 No Trespass 3.jpg|
</hovergallery>
 
=== Mo' Neighbors, Mo' Problems ===
<hovergallery>
Image:2023_04_28 Barb hassling Rod.jpg|The problem with having jealous neighbors that live in cracker boxes... they lash out at your employees, cussing and flipping them off, like our architect getting a earful from the "good Catholic grandmother" next door....
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Roofline 1.jpg|The ridiculously ugly roofline on Sandra's addition
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Roofline 2.jpg|
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Port-o-potty 1.jpg|Sandra's port-o-let is on our property, so we put ours next to it (she didn't want to share...)
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Pole 1.jpg|Sandra needs upgraded electrical service, and we were willing to put in a conduit under our new driveway if she signed a waiver to agree to never dig up my driveway (and no new easement).  She wouldn't, so she gets a new pole (in HER yard)...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Honeysuckle 1.jpg|Barb and Sandra are on the hook for maintaining the easement, but the honeysuckle shows that they have not been doing so
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Honeysuckle 2.jpg|
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Honeysuckle 3.jpg|
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Honeysuckle 4.jpg|
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Fence 1.jpg|Sandra's ugly split-rail fence is on my property (not even in the easement...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Fence 2.jpg|...we've notified her in writing that we will be removing it...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Fence 3.jpg|...she's told us "she doesn't consent"... ah, it's my property, so that's not really an issue...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Debris 1.jpg|And Sandra has extensive construction debris on our property... we've demanded it be removed...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Debris 2.jpg|... and asked for a silt fence... which she hasn't done.... which shows both contempt and malice...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Debris 3.jpg|... so we have exchanged lawyer's names...
Image:2023_05_03 Sandra Debris 4.jpg|
Image:2023_05_15 Split Fence 1.jpg|And here is the begining of the end of the fence at issue
Image:2023_05_15 Split Fence 2.jpg|
Image:2023_05_15 Split Fence 3.jpg|
Image:2023_05_15 Split Fence 4.jpg|
 
Image:2023_05_03 Barb Trees 1.jpg|Meanwhile, Barb has planted trees on my property up against the new driveway... we've told her they must move 5' away...
Image:2023_05_03 Barb Trees 2.jpg|... which she has ignored, so our lawyer will now demand they move onto her property entirely...
Image:2023_05_03 Donna Fence 1.jpg|And finally, Ms. Donna... she didn't get this fence approved by the historical committee nor permitted...
Image:2023_05_03 Donna Fence 2.jpg|...so we'll be asking for it to be removed... and the finished side is required to face the neighbor, but the chicken faces us...
 
 
Image:
</hovergallery>
 
=== Lights ===
Driveway lights are [https://www.aspectled.com/ AspectLED] 3W 12V 2 hole lamps ([https://www.aspectled.com/in-ground-stainless-steel-pathway-light-3w AL-IG-PW-A2S-DW-12VDC-2FT DayWhite 6000K]) with sleeves (Mounting [https://www.aspectled.com/mounting-sleeve-for-pathway-light-al-ig-a21 Sleeve for Pathway Light AL-IG-A21]) powered by 100W supply ([https://www.aspectled.com/100-watt-led-power-supply 100 Watt LED Power Supply AL-PS-W-100-12]).<br>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:driveway lighting conduit.jpg|Schedule 40 pipe conduit to light fitting
Image:driveway lights 1.jpg|AspectLED 12V 3W
Image:driveway lights 2.jpg
Image:driveway lights 3.jpg
Image:driveway lights 4.jpg
Image:driveway lights 5.jpg
Image:driveway lights 6.jpg
Image:driveway lights 7.jpg
Image:driveway lights 8.jpg
Image:driveway lights 9.jpg
</hovergallery>
 
== Basement Remodel ==
We bought this house to get closer to the city, but still have some property and privacy, and to move my in-laws in.  They don't need help <i>now</i>, but they might someday, and my wife wanted to be able to spend some quality time with them as they enjoy their retirement.  We wanted to get them single-floor living, so if they do end up needing surgeries or have any mobility issues it won't be that hard, but we didn't want to give up having our own very nice space either. 
 
This house provided that opportunity, it's large enough, and although it has a sunken family room and a couple steps to get into, is pretty flat with a first floor master, kitchen, laundry, and office for them.  It also sits well up, so the spacious basement is only about 3' under grade, and so we were able to put in lots of windows and build a complete second master bedroom, bath, closet, full office, kitchen, and family room in the basement, in addition to a billiards room (it came with a table) and the [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|data center]]. 
 
It has 3 bedrooms upstairs for guests, and with the geothermal heating and air system we were able to zone it with 7 independent zones of heating an air so everyone can be comfortable (and we have tankless hot water for unlimited showering and laundry).  When done it will really be <i>extremely</i> nice.  One of the nice features of this home is every floor has a long, straight central hallway with stairs at both ends.  This does make it hard to locate people, though, as it's big and they might be using the other stairwell.
 
A nice feature that I worked into the basement remodel is sound throughout.  Our last house had built-in speakers, and I really liked it.  I'd paired those (driven by simple stand-alone amplifiers) to Apple Airport Express units so I could "Airplay" music to them.  Around the time we moved I got interested in the Sonos Connect:Amp product as an integrated amplifier and connected-device in one unit.  I picked up a few for the first floor and really liked those, so I bought a bunch (7) more for the basement and threw them into the [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|data center]], one for each major room (although the master bedroom and closet share a unit/zone).  I wanted to keep the power and data infrastructure in the rack, with UPS (battery backup) and the Tivos, etc. so I mounted local volume controls in each room and ran the main speaker wire back to the [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|data center]]. This is nice because although you can control the overall volume from the Sonos app, and easily group and ungroup the Amps into multiple independent areas and individually or collectively control the volume, sometimes when you're actually in the room it seems too loud.  The Sonos allows a lot of different music sources, Apple Music, Amazon, Plex, your iTunes library, TuneIn, and Line in.  I'm using one Line In from an Airport Express to enable Airplay, which the original Sonos do not support, and I had another big idea.  My older Apple TV (the new ones did away with it) and Tivos all have Digital Audio Output.  I ran Toslink/SPDIF cable from each TV location to the [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|data center]], and picked up some digital-to-analog converters for the [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|data center]] and connected the analog side to the individual Sonos amps, and now I can output my TV sound to the built-in speakers!  Too cool, and great for Superbowl parties and the like.
 
Another idea this enabled is the "TV behind a 2-way mirror" trick!  I built in a TV mount behind my vanity mirror and placed electric, network, and digital audio inside the space, and an IR receiver/retransmitter into the mirror mount so I could turn the TV on and off, and now I can watch TV through the mirror and get the sound on the in-ceiling speakers!<br/><br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:P1040736.jpg|It came with a fountain!
Image:P1040737.jpg|This is what it looked like before we started wrecking it.  Lovely
Image:P1040740.jpg|A light sensor for the outdoor lighting!
Image:IMG_4468.jpg|Existing layout upstairs
Image:IMG_4471.jpg|First Floor
Image:IMG_4588.jpg|Moving in
Image:P1040182.jpg|We gutted the basement and started from scratch
Image:P1040183.jpg|This water heater gets moved, and this back section becomes our master closet
Image:P1040184.jpg|This piping comes into the kitchen island
Image:P1040185.jpg|The existing shower will be replaced, and the geothermal lines will enter here
Image:P1040186.jpg|Shower room
Image:P1040187.jpg|These lights were over the old shower vanity, now this will be an opening into the addition
Image:P1040748.jpg|Vanity lights from another angle
Image:P1040188.jpg|Utility room, our laundry will go next to here
Image:P1040189.jpg|Laundry connections
Image:P1040190.jpg|These windows will get bigger, and another will be added
Image:P1040191.jpg|Master shower drain
Image:P1040192.jpg|Master vanity plumbing
Image:P1040193.jpg|5'x9' master shower with two 8' linear drains
Image:P1040743.jpg|the shower slopes to the linear drain side
Image:P1040194.jpg|Because we have two 4' linear drains in the shower, with 2 rain heads, a handwand, and 6 body sprays we need a larger drain pipe to the sewer
Image:P1040741.jpg|Master Vanity with have a TV behind a 2-way mirror
Image:P1040162.jpg|We moved a post to make the family-to-kitchen opening larger, so we had to pour a new footer
Image:P1040163.jpg|Old post location, and new footer
Image:P1040164.jpg|Reducting to add zone control
Image:P1040165.jpg
Image:P1040166.jpg|Billards storage
Image:P1040167.jpg|Preparing for the data center
Image:P1040168.jpg|Data center will have a raised floor, partly to hide wire chases, partly to protect from water intrusion
Image:P1040169.jpg|Pulling cable to data center (cat 6a)
Image:P1040171.jpg|Split AC unit for data center
Image:P1040172.jpg|Data cabling in hallway
Image:P1040202.jpg|Temporary network
Image:P1040203.jpg
Image:P1040204.jpg
Image:P1040205.jpg|Data Center wall/door - an 8 footer!
Image:P1040755.jpg|Server power
Image:P1040174.jpg|Exercise equipment
Image:P1040175.jpg|Kitchen plumbing
Image:P1040176.jpg|Reframing
Image:P1040180.jpg|That's the office, and that window gets replaced
Image:P1040742.jpg|Looking into the master bathroom
Image:P1040744.jpg|Billards room framed
Image:P1040747.jpg|New window in master bedroom
Image:P1040749.jpg|An angled hall will connect the master closet to the bath, so when one of us gets up we can close the bedroom off and move back and forth without distrubing anyone
Image:P1040177.jpg|This beam needs reinforced as we're pulling a column out
Image:P1040178.jpg|It got full-length 'C' channels on both sides
Image:P1040179.jpg|and the wood suport on this end was reinforced with steel
Image:P1040197.jpg|Before pulling the post (the wall will no longer be under this beam)
Image:P1040198.jpg|The beam on the other end of the master bedroom gets the same treatment
Image:P1040199.jpg|HVAC reducted in closet
Image:P1040181.jpg|My office, these windows get bigger
Image:P1040195.jpg|Voila!
Image:P1040196.jpg|A lot of ductwork
Image:P1040201.jpg|Powder room plumbing
Image:P1040753.jpg|More powder room
Image:P1040732.jpg|Cameras mounted around the house
Image:P1040733.jpg|Including Ring flood light cameras
Image:P1040734.jpg|And Ubiquiti UVC-Pro cameras
Image:P1040735.jpg
Image:P1040762.jpg
Image:P1040763.jpg
Image:IMG_5825.jpg|Basement kitchen island waterproofing
Image:IMG_5879.jpg|Starting basement tile
Image:IMG_4465.jpg|Multi-zone climate controls
Image:
Image:IMG_8517.jpg|Water shutoff under basement steps
Image:
Image:
Image:2023_05_12 Guest Bath Cabinet.jpg|Bath Cabinet
Image:2023_05_12 Guest Bath body wash.jpg|Body Washes installed
Image:
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Master Bedroom ===
Our master bedroom is about 17'x18' with french doors opening to the rear stairway next to the "extra" shower and basement entrance to the addition.  The addtion has a walkout set of french doors that gives us easy access to the hot tub.  We enlarged the window area to three 3'x5' windows for natural light, which open to the side yard at grade behind the addition overlooking the wooded creek, so it's pretty private.  The master has it's own zone of HVAC, a security panel, and connects to a small hallway between the master bath and closet thorugh a pocket door so I can get up and get ready for work without distrubing Elizabeth.  It has 9' ceilings iwth a fan, and the same brushed, exterior-grade Italian marble that the basement has thorughout.  <br/>
 
The electrical outlets above the windows are for HomeKit remote controlled/powered blinds or shades that will open and close automatically based on time of day, day of the week, and weather (or difference between indoor and outdoor temperature and sunniness). <br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_8957.jpg|Grading outside windows
Image:IMG_6490.jpg|Our new motion bed with TemperPedic mattress, the two sides are separate and can lift your legs/head separately for watching TV or if you have the sniffles
Image:IMG_6530.jpg|Bedroom TV
 
Image:IMG_6339.jpg|Master Bedroom
Image:IMG_6101.jpg|Basement master bedroom tile complete, Ikea cabinet paks for closet
Image:IMG_6425.jpg|Master fan and windows, and in-ceiling sound, and note the glass-break sensor near the windows for security
Image:IMG_6429.jpg|Master bedroom window to walkout
Image:IMG_6430.jpg|Master bedroom window to back yard
Image:IMG_6351.jpg|Hallway entrance to master (solid french doors) near addition connection - this will not have a door once it's heated, office is to the right of this picture and the extra shower is directly across from the master next to the stairs
Image:IMG_6432.jpg|3 Views of the connector hallway, from Bedroom (note the thermostat and security panel near doorway)
Image:IMG_6431.jpg|...from Bathroom, closet ahead, bedroom to the right...
Image:IMG_6433.jpg|...and from closet to bathroom, bedroom to the left
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Master Closet ===
The master closet is about 18'x18' with an additional pocket of about 9'x4' where our stacking washer and dryer will go.  It has sound, just like every other room in the basement, and the walls are covered with IKEA storage cabinets with white glass doors with soft-close sliders and automatic lighting that comes on when the door is opened.  This will provide tons of hanging storage as well as a bunch of shelving, and a (not yet pictured/installed) island will house our sundries (socks and undies) and give us a place to lay your wallet and keys down while changing, and it will have a bench on either end to sit on while you put your shoes and socks on.  I really, really like everything to be tidy, and these cabinets are a nice compromise since Elizabeth doesn't ahve to put everything away every single day for it to appear tidy.<br/>
 
The closet, like most of the rooms in the basement has HomeKit WiFi controllable, and dimmable lighting switches in the wall, so that with dimmable LED bulbs mounted I can achieve nearly any lighting level.  My idea is to have a motion sensor in the connector hallway (which has it's own lighting circuit) that will turn on the lights in the master bathroom and closet at a low (15% mabye) level when I get up so I can safely reach them, but dim enough not to disturb anyone until I can get the pocket door closed behind me.  Then I can raise the light level to whatever level I want.  <br/>
 
In the rear wall are shut-off valves for the water going to the pool cabana.  We had them piped to the drain in the utility room while we were building, so we can just open the access panel and drain the cabana each fall directly to the sewer.  Around the corner from the main set of cabinets is a nook for a full size stackable washer/dryer.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6492.jpg|Ikea Cabinets with automatic lighting
Image:IMG_6342.jpg|Master Closet - The main power closet is the back
Image:IMG_6341.jpg|Basement master closet cabinets (IKEA)
Image:IMG_6426.jpg|Closet coffered ceiling with sound (chandlier coming)
Image:IMG_8894.jpeg|Center island with stone countertop, with changing benches
Image:IMG_6207.jpeg|Island with benches for shoes/socks
Image:IMG_5000.jpeg|Center island isntalled
 
Image:IMG_6102.jpg|Basement master bedroom closet tile complete - the grey conduit is power to the island cabinet
Image:IMG_6227.jpg|Master Closet
Image:IMG_6228.jpg|Master Closet, the open space next to the utility closet will be Elizabeth's makeup table with mirror and chair
Image:IMG_6340.jpg|Master Closet - This is a little shallow cubby that we just mounted doors on, probably for shoes and sweaters
Image:IMG_6427.jpg|Island cabinet for scale (not the actual cabinet)
Image:IMG_6428.jpg|Closet trimmed
Image:IMG_6436.jpg|Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...
Image:IMG_6435.jpg|Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...
Image:IMG_6434.jpg|Washer/Dryer hookups...Viola!
Image:IMG_6448.jpg|Shoe bars
Image:IMG_6451.jpg|Double shirt hanging
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Master Bathroom ===
The master bathroom is about 15'x15', with a 9'x5' glass surround shower as the main feature, and a double vanity.  Behind the mirror on my side of the vanity is a TV, with the sound wiring I mentioned above so I can listen to the morning new on the built in speakers from my Tivo or watch AppleTV.  These both have RF remotes, but I have a IR repeater for the TV on/off function.  The toilet is next to the shower, and as I mentioned we installed 2 of the largest tankless water heaters to make sure we can run both sets of rainheads and body-sprays without running out of hot water.  The shower surround is marble countertop material, so it's way thicker than it needs to be, and we decided to cover the entire wall since the glass will give the room a seamless look.<br/>
 
Note that the floor has zero transition, but gently slopes to the back wall where the shower heads are.  The glass surround will have a center door, and you can just see that there is a trench drain about 6" wide with a removable stone inlay, with about 1/4" drain slit all the way around, 4' wide for each shower head.  Similarly the ceiling is gently sloped towards the back wall (since the entire space is enclosed) to keep moisure from forming on the tile overhead and dripping on us.  Instead it will gently flow towards the drains as well.  The glass will be treated with a special anti-spotting coating.  Also note that we have installed "real" grab-bars in the shower and at all the toilets in the basement.  For one, it's nice to have something to grab onto, and for two I hate seeing tile broken by a soap dish that's been pulled away.  And since we installed all 3' doors in the basement, it's technical ADA compliant should it ever need to be.  And it'll be nice the next time one of us wrenches a back.  :-)<br/>
 
The door to the hallway will probably never really get used as the bath also has a door out the back to the pantry, and from there to the kitchen which is what I'm sure we'll use the majority of the time.  Also note the center cabinet that will hide Elizabeth hair dryer, spin toothbrush, and curling iron, etc., with outlets inside.  It cleverly lifts up for access, again to get things tidy.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6790.jpg|Installed grab bars
Image:IMG_0892.jpg|Shower Surround/glass going in
Image:IMG_2488.jpg|Shower Surround/glass going in
Image:IMG_5832.jpg|Shower Surround/glass going in
Image:IMG_5944.jpg|Shower Surround/glass going in
 
Image:IMG_6479.jpg|Master Bathroom Shower (now with extended arms for the Rain heads)
Image:IMG_6480.jpg|Rain heads
Image:IMG_6218.jpg|Master Bathroom Shower
Image:IMG_6370.jpg|Basement master shower fixtures installed
Image:IMG_6176.jpg|Basement Master Shower Ceiling Tile Installed
Image:IMG_6348.jpg|Master Bathroom
 
Image:IMG_6504.jpg|Hidden TV-Still working on placement and shading
Image:IMG_6529.jpg|Hidden TV, final location - allows me to shave and see myself, and I worked out the shading to get best light through the mirror
Image:IMG_6509.jpg|2-Way Mirror for hidden TV
Image:IMG_6512.jpg|Mirrors and faucets
 
Image:IMG_6172.jpg|Basement Master Bath Cabinets
Image:IMG_6175.jpg|Basement Master Bath Cabinets
Image:IMG_6349.jpg|Master Bathroom to hallway and office
Image:IMG_6437.jpg|Cabinet for hair dryer, etc.
Image:IMG_6438.jpg|Center cabinet
Image:IMG_6439.jpg|Master bath vanity sink
Image:IMG_6440.jpg|Exit to pantry, toilet
Image:IMG_6457.jpg|Framing for vanity mirrors
Image:IMG_6470.jpg|Hidden TV behind mirror
Image:IMG_6471.jpg|IR Receiver for TV power and Apple TV
Image:IMG_6472.jpg|Mirror frames
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Kitchen ===
The kitchen gets the same stone Versailles pattern as the rest of the basement.  It's way more kitchen than we really need, but in a million dollar home, you kind of need to do certain finish levels.  The kitchen is about 18'x18' with another 15'x5' or so for our dining room table.  It has a large island in the middle with a overhanging bar area for stools with the sink and diswasher built-in. The opposite wall will have a fancy Wolf gas range, and stainless fridge and microwave with full-height stone backsplash.  The vent required for such a large range was problematic and required additional make-up air provisions I don't even want to think about.  <br/>
 
All of the cabinets are internally lighted with drawer lights that come on when opened, a feature we really liked in our old house's IKEA cabinets.  The upper cabinets have downlighting as well as hidden outlets so that there are no vible openings in the stone.  The same is true on the island were the outlets are mounted on the sides in the cabinets, and all of the drawers are soft-close.  We got all Wolf/Cove/Sub-Zero (it's one company) appliances, except the main fridge.  There's a mini fridge in the bar for pool or TV drinks, and the dishwasher has LED lights inside and WiFi, as well as a light system that shows if the load is done because it's so quiet.  A red dot on the floor means it's running, green means done (see below).<br/>
 
The "Dining Room" is just a little slice of the kitchen and family room stolen for the table, but it's more than we really need, especially with the stools on the edge of the kitchen island.  On the long (rear of house) end of the kitchen/dining space is a wall of cabinets, the uppers of which are non-functional - they hide a HVAC duct and soffit, but the lowers are also lighted and have more adjustable pantry shelving.  There is a door between the kitchen and the coffee bar/pantry that is decorated/hidden as a cabinet door.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_7689.jpeg|Cabinets with handles
Image:IMG_7690.jpeg|Cabinets with IKEA Norffly automatic lighting
Image:IMG_7697.jpg|Hidden door to pantry
Image:IMG_6818.jpeg|Kitchen oven wall with cabinet downlights installed
Image:IMG_7068.jpeg|Stove and Hood installed
Image:IMG_7066.jpeg|Stove installated
Image:IMG_7064.jpeg|Stove and Hood installation
Image:IMG_7063.jpeg|Stove and Hood installation
Image:IMG_6514.jpg|Kitchen Island
Image:IMG_6796.jpg|Dining Table
Image:IMG_6515.jpg|Kitchen Sink
Image:IMG_6513.jpg|Sink/Island
Image:IMG_6804.jpg|Cove dishwasher
Image:IMG_6803.jpg|Red light shows the dishwasher is running (it's very quiet)
Image:IMG_6805.jpeg|Green light shows when it's done
Image:IMG_6169.jpg|Basement Kitchen Cabinets
Image:IMG_6170.jpg|Basement Kitchen Island
Image:IMG_6171.jpg|Basement Kitchen Cabinets
Image:IMG_6100.jpg|Basement kitchen tile complete
Image:IMG_6365.jpg|Basement kitchen stone backsplash installed
Image:IMG_6367.jpg|Basement kitchen countertop installed
Image:IMG_6375.jpg|Basement kitchen island nearing completion
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Pantry ===
The pantry is only about 8'x8', as we don't really cook much we don't need a ton of storage.  But we do need a few staples, and Elizabeth piped water from the bathroom wall to where our countertop will go for her professional Keurig coffee maker.  Each upper cabinet is getting under-cabinet lighting.<br/>
 
The walls get the same subway tile as the powder room, and the one wall will get a kitty-sized door to the utility room where the litty box will be kept.  The outer side of the pantry door (in the kitchen) will get cabinet doors so it blends into the cabinetry in there.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_7172.jpeg|Pantry cabinet downlighting
Image:IMG_7173.jpeg|Pantry cabinet downlighting
Image:IMG_7174.jpeg|Pantry cabinet downlighting
Image:|
Image:IMG_7166.jpeg|Subway tile installed
Image:IMG_7167.jpeg|Subway tile installed
Image:IMG_1973.jpeg|Main pantry counter with pro-level Keurig coffee machine (with direct water hook-up!)
Image:IMG_2593.jpeg|Small cabinets on the opposite wall
Image:IMG_6441.jpg|Door to kitchen, the facing side will be paneled to look like a cabinet so it blends in, water built-in on the left is for coffee maker
Image:IMG_6442.jpg|Recessed pantry shelving will be heavy-duty adjustable so it can handle cans, but be changed as our needs change, and has the same glass IKEA doors as the master
Image:IMG_6473.jpg|Pantry adjustable, heavy duty shelving
 
Image:IMG_7231.jpeg|Kitty door opening trimmed
Image:
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Office ===
The basement office is my room.  It's got the same fan as the master, and 2 big escape-sized windows.  The window well has egress stairs, and with the closets and smoke detector make it a legal bedroom.  I'll make one of the closets <i>standard</i> and the other will have a bunch of extra shelves for my computer stuff.  The two big windows open onto the driveway and fountain, which is nice, and bring in a bunch of light.  Since we didn't want to waste that light we installed 12 light glass french doors onto the hallway.
<br/>
I'll have my wrap-around computer desk setup with dual monitors on my main iMac and antoher workstation for Elizabeth's MacBook or either of our work laptops.  The room is wired with dual 10G copper and dual 10G fiber to the data center.  Also the side wall is wired for a TV, and I plan to put my futon opposite for naps or for catching a game while I work on something.  Also, since my security cameras are available on AppleTV, every one of these TVs duals as a security monitor.
<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6510.jpg|My desktop and cabinets installed
Image:IMG_6505.jpg|Printers and Laptop workstation
Image:IMG_6511.jpg|Bedroom wall mounted TV
 
Image:master_window_brick.jpg|Basement master bedroom window brick trim
Image:IMG_6222.jpg|Office
Image:IMG_6335.jpg|Office
Image:IMG_6336.jpg|Office
Image:IMG_6350.jpg|Basement office doors installed
Image:IMG_6338.jpg|Basement office windows trimmed/framed
Image:IMG_6443.jpg|Egress Well
Image:IMG_6444.jpg|Egress Well, note the steps on far end
Image:IMG_2227.jpg|Computer stuff closet - Heavy duty adjustable shelves
Image:IMG_6474.jpg|Guest Closet - still heavy duty and adjustable, but with a close bar
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Family Room ===
The family room is 25'x20', and has a foyer and bar next to a walkout to the back yard pool area.  We ran electric in the slab to where the couch will sit (it's an electric recliner, and for phone chargers or laptops, etc.), and mounted a TV mount, and added a built-in gas fireplace.
 
The big french doors on our side of the hallway (our master suite with walk-in closet, bath, pantry, kitchen, family room, dining room, bar and walk-out the pool are all on the west side of the house's main hallway so we can close it off) can all be held open with these cool magnetic latches with built-in spring-dampener systems so they gently grab and hold the door if you open it a little too briskly.  Very cool.
<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:59840368937__D8AF948C-3CB8-41D9-893F-F26DC673EFDF 2.JPG|New 7" OLED TV!  Nice... with Sonos Sound Bar and Surrounds
Image:59899308649__B1795B39-7DC2-4371-8D4A-0BAA379F2E7A.JPG|Door hold-open latches
Image:IMG_6796.jpeg|Fireplace install begins
Image:IMG_6813.jpeg|OLED TV on
Image:IMG_6817.jpeg|Framing for Fireplace
Image:IMG_6866.jpeg|Fireplace stone surround installed
Image:IMG_7157.jpeg|New all-glass backdoor with new style trim
 
Image:IMG_5253.jpg|Family room flooring going down
Image:IMG_6528.jpg|Family room flooring going down
 
Image:IMG_6445.jpg|TV mount, current plan is to get an 80" OLED 4k TV
Image:IMG_6446.jpg|Built-in gas fireplace
</hovergallery>
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/pIg3xdw-3iM</embedvideo>
 
=== Basement Bar ===
The bar was a tiny little mini-kitchen (without any cooktop but a fridge) when we bought the place.  It wasn't big enough for our needs, so we repuposed it into a bar with a mini-fridge under counter for pool drinks mostly.  I don't need a bar, but it was there...
 
Much like the kitchen, the backwall is one large piece of stone with no opens for power outlets.  Here the base of the cabinet hides the outlets and the glass-front cabinets are lighted.
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6838.jpeg|Backwall stone and cabinetry
Image:IMG_6839.jpeg|Bar sink and mini-fridge
Image:IMG_6867.jpeg|Bar counter top
Image:|
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Billiards Room ===
The billiards room is 20'x15'.  I didn't need a billiards room, but we got the table "free" when we bought the house, and everybody else wanted to keep it.
<br/>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_9288.jpg|Billiards
 
Image:IMG_6337.jpg|Billiards
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Powder Room ===
The basement powder room is just a small toilet and vanity across from the family room, with a pocket door.  It's next to the "Craft room" which is very small now, and is really just a hallway to the data center.<br/>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_7165.jpeg|Vanity with mirror
Image:IMG_8619.jpeg|Vanity with Faucet
Image:IMG_3955.jpeg|Vanity sink
Image:IMG_7164.jpeg|Herring bone subway tile
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Hallway ===
...it's a hallway...
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6373.jpg|Basement hallway tile nearing completion
Image:IMG_6347.jpg|Hallway
Image:IMG_6351.jpg|Hallway
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Shower ===
The extra shower and bathrooom is a nice feature.  It already existed, so we thought there was no other really good use for the space, so we kept it and just made it a little smaller, giving what used to be the vanity to the hallway to the addition. It's about 8'x8' with a standup shower with subway tile and a glass surround, a toilet and small vanity.
<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6786.jpg|The "Little Shower" Door
Image:IMG_6787.jpg|Glass Shower Surround
Image:IMG_6489.jpg|Shower
Image:IMG_6223.jpg|Shower
Image:IMG_6221.jpg|Shower
Image:IMG_6424.jpg|Shower tile and paint
Image:IMG_6216.jpg|Shower
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Craft Room ===
The craft room really doesn't have much left over after the Data Center and Powder room were broken off, but still has some cabinets and sink.</br>
 
<hovergallery>
Image:|
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IMG_7007.jpeg|Faucet and tile installed
Image:IMG_6868.jpeg|Craftroom cabinets installed
Image:IMG_6508.jpg|Cabinets installed
</hovergallery>
 
=== Basement Data Center ===
See [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|Data Center]]


== Addition ==
== Addition ==
We're building an addition onto the house as well as the remodel (below).  Mostly we wanted some additional garage space, so we're mirroring the existing 3 car with an identical space - with my in-laws there are 4 driving adults in the house, plus lawn care equipment and workshop space.  Because the existing garage has a small piece of house leading out to it, we also chose to miror this space, which will give us some additional living space we didn't really ''need'', but it doesn't hurt to have.  In the basement it will be a storage space with a walk-out to the back yard and steps into the new garage.  On the first floor it will be a workout/exercise room, and an additional guest bedroom/suite (with kitchenette).  There will be storage over the garage as well.
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Image:IMG_5558.jpg|Getting ready, the parking pad will go away, and parking will suck for quite awhile
Image:IMG_5559.jpg|Topsoil stripped
Image:IMG_5561.jpg|This old sewer line will be moved back about 10', into the setback
Image:IMG_5570.jpg|The addition goes here
Image:IMG_5591.jpg|New sewer crock
Image:IMG_5594.jpg|The architect didn't get a real survey, with elevations, so I used my laser level to get a sense for how much the garage had to be raised to be even with the existing garage - 14" in front
Image:IMG_5595.jpg|22" in the back
Image:IMG_5614.jpg|Backfilling the sewer excavation-the foundation will cross over this...
Image:IMG_5615.jpg|Excavating the basement
Image:IMG_5637.jpg|Foundation drainage
Image:IMG_5639.jpg|Connection to the existing basement
Image:IMG_5645.jpg|Garage footer preparation
Image:IMG_5646.jpg|Foundation forms
Image:IMG_5648.jpg|Bridging the sewer excavation
Image:IMG_5652.jpg
Image:IMG_5654.jpg|The excavators nicked the existing driveway drainage... this will be rerouted around the foundation
Image:IMG_5724.jpg|Foundation wall prep
Image:IMG_5732.PNG|footer pour
Image:IMG_5733.jpg
Image:IMG_5743.jpg|Garage fill requirements now clear...
Image:IMG_5744.jpg|A good foundation
Image:IMG_5822.jpg|Annoying but inevitable construction yard damage
Image:IMG_5826.jpg|Using a rock-slinger to fill the foundation
Image:IMG_5829.jpg|Insulating the basement foundation
Image:IMG_5830.jpg|The existing roof drains ran across the new garage, so openings were left in footer wall for this drain pipe to carry this to the adjacent creek
Image:IMG_5831.jpg|Rerouting the driveway drainage and picking up the downspouts
Image:IMG_5832.jpg
Image:IMG_5833.jpg
Image:IMG_5845.JPG|Insulating the garage footers
Image:IMG_5848.jpg|Ready for the basement slab
Image:IMG_5850.jpg
Image:IMG_5851.jpg|This is the sewer drain for the garage, a direct connection.  I'm not happy with this, but it works... strikes me as lazy on the part of my architect
Image:IMG_5852.jpg|Downspout connections
Image:IMG_5853.jpg
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Image:IMG_5856.jpg|Basement slab poured
Image:IMG_5858.jpg|Ready for garage slab
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Image:IMG_7185.jpeg|Preparing the Basement Step forms
Image:IMG_7199.jpeg|Basement walk-out steps
Image:IMG_7187.jpeg|Basement utility room
Image:IMG_7237.jpeg
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=== Addition Workout Room ===
The fitness room has several really nice big windows at the first-floor level, and will be filled with (mostly) exercise equipment we bought from the previous owners - including a Gold's Gym universal machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, and elliptical trainer and some free weights.  We also picked up a rowing maching/recumbant bike trainer.  There will be two TVs on the wall that joins to the existing house, and a couple of fans.  There are outlets in the floor for the machines and will be a yoga mat and ceiling mounted speakers.
[[File:Workout.mov|Workout room video]]
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Image:66138108495_6C653430-4BCF-4E07-AF19-050B2379DE95.jpg
Image:IMG_7562.jpg|Installing ceiling fans
Image:IMG_9041.jpg|Workout room door
Image:IMG_9271.jpg|Workout room door
Image:IMG_9279.jpg|Workout TVs
Image:IMG_9285.jpg|Workout TVs
Image:IMG_9293.jpg|Workout equipment
Image:IMG_9294.jpg|Workout equipment
Image:Workout.mov|Workout room video
Image:IMG_9300.jpg|Workout Smith Machine
Image:IMG_9301.jpg|Workout Smith Machine
Image:IMG_9302.jpg|Workout equipment
Image:IMG_8982.jpg|Mouldings installed
Image:IMG_8520.jpg|Window trim
Image:IMG_8602.jpg
Image:IMG_8674.jpg
Image:IMG_8740.jpg
Image:IMG_6182.jpg|Addition from exercise room to storage over garage
Image:IMG_6183.jpg|Addition workout room
Image:IMG_6184.jpg|Addition workout room
Image:IMG_6096.jpg|Pool end of workout room
Image:IMG_6097.jpg|Pool end of workout room
Image:IMG_7190.jpeg|Insulating the workout room
Image:IMG_7228.jpeg|Drywalling steps up to exercise room from new garage entrance
Image:IMG_7229.jpeg|Drywall in workout room - openings on upper wall are TV power and data, wood in left background is doorway to existing house
Image:IMG_7235.jpeg|Drywall on the window side of workout room
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=== Addition Guest Suite ===
The guest suite is going to be the really nice bedroom on the second floor for our guests, although we already have 3 pretty nice bedrooms up there.  This one will have a double-french-door "Juliet balcony" to the backyard, and walk-in closet and on-suite shower, and work desk, bed with fan and it's own thermostat for comfort, TV and kitchenette and apartment-sized laundry.  The shower is getting the same tile as the rest of the addition, but cut down into miniature sizes.  Looks pretty cool.  It'll have a stone wall and glass surround, and the kitchenette will have stone countertops and blue cabinets, with a full oven, microwave, dishwasher, sink, refrigerator and washer/dryer set inside a cabinet.<br/>
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Image:IMG_0624.jpg|Framing to install kitchette cabinets
Image:IMG_0625.jpg|Temporary kitchen sink for permitting
Image:IMG_0626.jpg|Railing for "Juliet" balcony - fresh air but no exterior space...
Image:IMG_0628.jpg|Toilet almost ready, toilet bar/roll holder
Image:IMG_0630.jpg|Temporary vanity counter - we'll upgrade this later, this is just to get the occupancy permt
Image:IMG_0623.jpg|Fridge installed
Image:IMG_0627.jpg|Cabinets built and ready to go in
Image:IMG_0629.jpg|Shower coming along
Image:IMG_9040.jpg|Door trimmed
Image:IMG_8516.jpg|Bathroom flooring
Image:IMG_8764.jpg|Kitchenette flooring
Image:IMG_7311.jpeg|Bed area in drywall
Image:IMG_7312.jpeg|Desk/TV area
Image:IMG_8865.jpg|Flooring
Image:IMG_8952.jpg|Windows trimmed and baseboard
Image:IMG_8951.jpg
Image:IMG_8953.jpg|Shower pan in progress
Image:IMG_8986.jpg|Shower pan finished
Image:IMG_7222.jpeg|Skylight in kitchenette
Image:IMG_7223.jpeg|Drywall around the dryer vent
Image:IMG_7224.jpeg|Vaulted ceiling over bed area
Image:IMG_7226.jpeg|Drywall walk-in closet
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Closet 1.jpg|Guest Master Closet system by closet maid, 16" with rail
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Closet 2.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Master 1.jpg|Master setup for summer guests
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Master 2.jpg|(still a bit sparse, but ready!)
</hovergallery>
=== Addition Guest Suite Bath ===
Guest Bath.  Note the custom tile floor, body sprays, rain head, glass surround, and bookmatched stone.<br/>
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Image:2023_05_15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 4.jpg
Image:2023 05 12 Guest Bath Cabinet.jpg
Image:2023 05 12 Guest Bath body wash.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Bath 1.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Bath 2.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 1.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 2.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 3.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 4.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 5.jpg
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Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 7.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Shower 1.jpg
Image:guest suite shower surround.jpg|shower surround
Image:guest suite bath cabinet.jpg|Cabinet
Image:guest suite sink 1.jpg|Sink and Mirrors
Image:guest suite sink 2.jpg|Nearly done
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=== Addition Guest Suite Kitchenette ===
The entrance to the new guest suite has it's own kitchenette, which fridge, stove,a nd microwave.<br/>
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Image:IMG_0786.jpg|Refridgerator
Image:IMG_0787.jpg|Cabinets and washer/dryer hookups
Image:IMG_0788.jpg|Stove/microwave side
Image:2023_04 Suite Dishwasher Wall.jpg
Image:2023_04 Suite Dishwasher.jpg|Dishwasher
Image:2023_04 Suite Microwave Wall.jpg
Image:2023_04 Suite Microwave.jpg|Microwave
Image:2023_04 Suite Washer Dryer Cabinet 1.jpg|Washer and Dryer
Image:2023_04 Suite Washer Dryer Cabinet 2.jpg|Washer and Dryer
Image:2023_05_12 kitchenette backsplash.jpg|Backsplash
Image:2023_05_15 Guest backsplash 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Guest backsplash 3.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 1.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 2.jpg
Image:2023_05_15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 3.jpg
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 1.jpg|with Stove and sink, ready for family summer visit!
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 2.jpg|with dishwasher and coffee maker
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 3.jpg|cabinets in and solar power skylight shade with remote!
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 4.jpg|Fridge is in, with glass doors (dry erasable!)
Image:2023_06_01 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 5.jpg|Washer dryer in cabinets (full sized)
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=== Addition Garage ===
The new garage is finally starting to come along, so I'll flesh this out a bit.  Since there's 4 of us, all driving adults, we wanted at least 4 parking spots, and I need a place for my lawn tractor and yard tools and a work bench.  We opted to build a mirror image of the existing garage to keep everything looking symetrical, which also meant building a bit of house since the existing garage connects to the main house with a hallway with some minor rooms.<br/>
The roof is a little unique. It's a pretty standard black shingle on the back, mostly because there will be so much covered by solar panels.  The front is a pretty grey plastic dimensional shingle ([https://www.davinciroofscapes.com/ DaVinci]) that mimics slate, and is supposed to last 50 years.</br>
My workshop will have a work bench and ceiling-mounted sound system and a sink.  You can see I installed a monitor with an Apple TV so I can watch shows or checkthe security cameras, and the door has been matched to the grid-in-glass door on the garage (this replaces the blue steel door in some of the older pictures that we needed for the inspection).<br/>
The garage is getting [https://racedeck.com/ RaceDeck&#8482;] garage tiles (12"x12") in a grey-on-grey checkerboard pattern.  I wanted something to snaz it up a bit, and we'd tried epoxy in a previous house.  That was OK, but was prone to getting really dirty, where these can replaced if a few get bad, and hot tires can pull epoxy off of the floor.  Also these were a little cheaper than paint.  Unfortunately we wanted to do the open "Free Flow" tiles under the cars (for snow and rain to drain and not make the floor slippery) and solid "Coin" tiles everywhere else, but once we got the 1,000 tiles (250 of each style) our tile guy found that the FreeFlow were slightly (~1/8") bigger, and after about 2 rows would no longer interlock!!!  Fortunately RaceDeck&#8482; and our retailer ([https://www.garageflooringllc.com/ideas/ Colorado Garage Flooring]) agreed to cover shipping the uncut coin tiles back and replacing them with Free Flow.<br/>
Some finishing touches.  I installed doorbells on our garage door and back door (in case you get locked out while in the hot tub!).  This will let our guests ring our door only downstairs, and the Szoke's guests to ring the front door (and only ring them!).<br/>
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Image:IMG_0964.jpg|Garage interior and shop door
Image:IMG_0965.jpg|Garage exterior door
Image:IMG_0939.jpg|Garage TV/monitor
Image:66147156974_62AB2C1D-0E8D-47DD-8B17-FD0A779EB7B2.jpg|Shelving
Image:IMG_7652.jpg|Faux copper gutters
Image:IMG_9283.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_9284.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_9286.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_9289.jpg|Downspouts
Image:IMG_9290.jpg|Gutters and downspouts
Image:IMG_9295.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_9296.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_9297.jpg|Gutters
Image:IMG_8992.jpg|Grading for the parking mat
Image:IMG_8993.jpg|Rocks for parking mat
Image:IMG_8994.jpg|Workshop cabinets
Image:IMG_9081.jpg|Workshop countertop
Image:IMG_9133.jpg|Workshop sink
Image:IMG_8958.jpg|Final grading
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Image:IMG_8543.jpg|Workshop
Image:IMG_8544.jpg|Getting ready for storage and workshop racks
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Image:IMG_8316.jpg|Elizabeth and my doorbell - on the new garage
Image:IMG_8320.jpg|Networking in the workshop
Image:misalign.jpg|Cumulative misalignment
Image:IMG_8279.jpg|First few rows setup with Coin tiles in between the doors
Image:IMG_8280.jpg|The door/car parking area is all open/Free Flow tiles
Image:IMG_8284.jpg|Setting up the layout
Image:IMG_8285.jpg|One bay looking good
Image:IMG_8286.jpg|Snazzy car charging area!
Image:IMG_8309.jpg|Tiles ready to go back
Image:IMG_8327.jpg|Reay to install new FreeFlow on Bay 3
Image:IMG_8888-charger.jpg|Porsche charger for Elizabeth's Cayenne
Image:IMG_8889-charger.jpg
Image:IMG_8948.jpg|Final grading behind garage/addition
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Image:IMG_7310.jpeg|Completed garage roof with faux copper windown flashing
Image:IMG_7313.jpeg|Garage roof
Image:IMG_7317.jpeg|Garage/courtyard sound
Image:IMG_7161.jpeg|Garage roof finished
Image:IMG_7160.jpeg|Garage roof finished
Image:IMG_7149.jpeg|Garage roof in progress
Image:IMG_7148.jpeg|Garage roof in progress
Image:IMG_7069.jpeg|Garage roof in progress
Image:IMG_7053.jpeg|Garage roof in progress
Image:IMG_7032.jpeg|Garage roof in progress
Image:IMG 6819.jpeg|Brickwork mid-wall
Image:IMG_6799.jpg|New garage doors, and trim finally painted
Image:IMG_6800.jpg|Brickwork coming along quite nice
Image:IMG_7336.jpeg|In drywall, with split HVAC unit
Image:IMG_7337.jpeg|In drywall
Image:IMG_7338.jpeg|Drywall
Image:IMG_7339.jpeg
Image:IMG_6089.jpg|addition sheathed
Image:IMG_6090.jpg|addition sheathed
Image:IMG_6092.jpg|Congress Ave end of new garage
Image:IMG_6093.jpg|Congress Ave end of new garage
Image:IMG_6094.jpg|Rear of new garage
Image:IMG_6095.jpg|Rear of new garage
Image:IMG_7188.jpeg|Finishing insulation
Image:IMG_7234.jpeg|My workshop
Image:IMG_7221.jpeg|Outside shop on way to basement
Image:IMG_7232.jpeg|From workout room up to bathroom and attic storage
Image:IMG_7233.jpeg|Door to garage from courtyard
Image:garage2_electric_panel.jpg|Sub-panel for snow melt pad
</hovergallery>
=== Addition Basement Storage / Elizabeth's Office ===
We decided to make this an office for Elizabeth late in the process.  It's probably bigger than it needs to be, but it is what it is.<br/>
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Image:IMG_9092.jpg|Stairs to garage
Image:IMG_9093.jpg|Stairs to garage
Image:IMG_9282.jpg|Office desk
Image:IMG_7327.jpeg|Drywalled
Image:IMG_7328.jpeg|Drywalled
Image:IMG_7329.jpeg|Hall to main house basement
Image:IMG_7340.jpeg|Staircase from basement to garage/exercise room
Image:IMG_7319.jpeg|Utility room
Image:IMG_7325.jpeg|Utility room
Image:IMG_7326.jpeg|Utility room
Image:IMG_8566.jpg|Utiliy storage
Image:IMG_6343.jpg|16 Basement Storage
Image:IMG_6098.jpg|New walkout to hot tub
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=== Addition Attic Storage / Au Pair Suite ===
Over the new garage we created a storage area, but it has an attached bath/shower in case we want to make it a bedroom for a caretaker/au-pair (and it's fitted with it's own HVAC zone, CO and smoke detectors).<br/>
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Image:IMG_8983.jpg|Trim at landing/shower
Image:IMG_8984.jpg|Window trim/casing
Image:IMG_8985.jpg|Stair finishing/sanding
Image:IMG_8986.jpg|Shower pan
Image:IMG_8990.jpg|Shower pan
Image:IMG_9042.jpg|Stair finishing/sanding
Image:IMG_9097.jpg|Shower glass/door
Image:IMG_9098.jpg|Shower cubby
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Image:IMG_6185.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6186.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6187.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6190.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6191.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6192.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6193.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_6194.jpg|Addition
Image:IMG_8983.jpg|Trim
Image:IMG_8984.jpg|Trim
Image:IMG_8985.jpg|Steps
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Image:Sorage Tile.jpg|Tiling storage area
Image:IMG_6091.jpg|looking into new basement storage area
Image:IMG_7193.jpeg|Insulating the roof over attic storage-spray foam doesn't require attic venting and makes it really quiet
Image:IMG_7195.jpeg|Close up of spray foam
Image:IMG_7212.jpeg|Drywalling the attic storage
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Image:IMG_8565.jpg|Storage over the garage
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=== HVAC ===
Our new HVAC system has steam humidification and UV lamps for virus destruction.</br>
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Image:IMG_6458.jpg|Exercise room
Image:IMG_6461.jpg|Foyer/Stairs
Image:IMG_6462.jpg|Foyer/Stairs
Image:IMG_6463.jpg|Storage Area
Image:IMG_6464.jpg|Storage Area
Image: UV light1.jpg|Reme UV Lamp for Virus protection
Image: UV light2.jpg
Image:Humidifier Cannister 1.jpg|Replacement steam canister Honeywell HM750ACYL
Image:Humidifier Cannister 2.jpg|Steam cannister
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=== Plumbing ===
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Image:IMG_6459.jpg|Drain from guest suite bath
Image:IMG_6460.jpg|Drain from guest suite bath
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</hovergallery>


== Basement Remodel ==
== Energy and Energy Efficiency ==
=== Geothermal Installation ===
In 2017 there was still a 30% Federal tax credit for residential geothermal installations, and since we bought a big house with HVAC units right at the edge of their life expectancy my (accountant) wife talked me into replacing everything with geo.  Geothermal startup was in March 2019.
 
We opted for the Climate Master Trilogy (Heat/AC/Hot Water) systems, a pair of 4 ton units, and a 3 ton split system for the upstairs - that's because there was no good way to get the geo piping up there, so we installed the heat exchanger/heat pump downstairs and reused the line set for the old AC system to take geo cooled refridgerant upstairs to a more traditional space pack, which has gas back-up heat.
 
We chose Gallagher/Hauser HVAC to do our installation, as the local company with the most experience. Their work has been technically quite good, but their customer service (for us) has been abysmal from start-to-finish, with scope creepy, cost overruns, and schedule delays at every turn so I would not recommend to anyone. For the kind of money we spent with them it's shocking how little regard they gave even the simplest requests.
 
The geothermal installation was really interesting to watch.  First Jackson drilling showed up and installed 8 wells, each 300' deep.  Each well provides 2 tons of heating/cooling capacity, through it's 600' of 1" PVC tubing, and there were two well fields installed in a line below our driveway to provide 8 tons each.  The wells are 20' apart to allow them enough ground to extract heat from.  The tubing was premade with a 'U' shaped connection at the tip.  I think the holes are 3" in diameter, and the tubing is encased in Benseal (a bentonite mixture for casing the well) for heat dispersal.  They liked drilling at our house because the asphalt made the process really clean for them, they could easily rack the tailing from the drill away and they had a nice solid base for thier rig, and since we have mostly shale and sandstone they were going through a 20' section of drilling pipe about every 2 minutes, or a well about every half hour.  They made quite a mess, but the drilling was done in a couple of days.  Or, rather, it would've been if they didn't break the bit on the next to last hole - and they didn't have a spare on this rig.<br/><br/>
 
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KM_ra9MKYw</embedvideo>
 
'''Drilling'''
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Image:IMG_5119.jpg|1" PVC tubing
Image:IMG_5120.jpg
Image:IMG_5146.jpg|Setting up the drilling rig
Image:IMG_5156.jpg|The drilling started around my birthday and made quite a mess... I didn't like that, so Elizabeth got me a cake to ease the blow
Image:IMG_5158.jpg
Image:IMG_5123.jpg|The front wall by shower where the well field will enter the house
Image:IMG_5121.jpg|Tubing will route through here
Image:P1050158.jpg|Drilling
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Image:P1050164.jpg|Sweeping the tailings away
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Image:P1050167.jpg|Tubing installed
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Image:P1050169.jpg|Adjacent wells
Image:P1050170.jpg|Bentonite has been pumped in
Image:P1050171.jpg|The white tube was used to feed bentonite
Image:P1050172.jpg|The last well on this field - this one is next to the gas line (but we didnt' know it)!
Image:P1050173.jpg|They typically use this pan for tailings, but didn't need to here
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Image:P1050176.jpg|U bend at tip of tubing
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Image:P1050178.jpg|610' of tubing per well (in a 'U')
Image:P1050179.jpg|The business end
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Image:P1050192.jpg|Starting the second field
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Image:P1050198.jpg|Benseal Bentonite
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Image:P1050210.jpg|Benseal Bentonite
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These were connected via a trench about 3' deep (pretty close to the frost line here in Cincinnati) manifold system so the could equalize the flow to each well in parallel and bring the cooling fluid (a mixture of glycol) into the house.  The soutern field's last well was drilled without a boot's width of an unknown (and thus not marked by the utiltiy protection folks) of our neighbors gas line - which the ripped out while trenching.  One field runs to the south end of the house into the front utility space and provides 3 tons of cooling for the front of the house through a Trilogy 45 unit service the the front of the basement and first floor, and a 4 ton split unit that feeds cooled fluid to a standand line set to the otherwise conventional HVAC unit for the second floor.  The front Trilogy has cooling dampers and thermostats for the following zones.<br/>
* Basement Office
* First Floor Dining Room<br/>
 
The northern well field comes into the house in the full bath and routes up the wall and into the ceiling to reach the rear utility space where there is a 4 ton Trilogy 45 system for the back of the house - basement and first floor.  In the ceiling is a T for the 3 ton HVAC unit for the addition.  1 Ton of excess capacity was planned.  The rear Trilogy has cooling dampers and thermostats for the following zones.<br/>
* Basement Master Bedroom
* Basement Family Room
* First Floor Master Bedroom
* First Floor Family Room<br/>
 
'''Well Fields'''
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Image:P1050215.jpg|The southern trench
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Image:IMG_5178.jpg|Wells complete and trenching
Image:P1050218.jpg|The northern trench
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Image:IMG_5166.jpg|Connecting the wells into a field
Image:P1050233.jpg
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Image:P1050238.jpg|Pressure testing the tubing
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</hovergallery>
 
 
Each of the 2 Trilogy units gets added efficiency by using some of the excess heat from the heat pump and well system to heat hot water for the house as well. This makes it the most efficient unit you can get in the United States.  We will use this hot water as preheat to a system of tankless (Navien) hot water heaters that can provide endless full-flow hot water, and the electric backup heat in the Trilogy tanks will be deactivated.
 
'''Heat Pump Installation'''
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_5179.jpg|Geo piping brought into the house for HVAC installation
Image:IMG_5177.jpg|4 ton Trilogy 45
Image:IMG_5180.jpg|Trilogy connections for hot water and geo fluid
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</hovergallery>
 
=== Solar Power Arrays ===
We've installed (with [https://www.iconsolar.com/ ICON Solar]) to get about 31.61kW (max continuous) of solar arrays on the south side (back) of the existing garage (the bulk) and west (back) side of the house to generate electric.  Ohio is not a peak power state, so there isn't much need for batteries most of the time, and they're pretty expensive.  We do get a decent tax incentive for installing them.  The system came online on 28 April, 2021.</br>
 
The arrays will start going in right after the roof is replaced.  The system will consist of 125 (was 109) Canadian Solar MaxPower ([https://www.solaris-shop.com/canadian-solar-maxpower-cs6x-325p-325w-poly-solar-panel/ CS6X-325P]) 325W panels.</br>
 
UPDATE: The roof is on, and ICON came in and installed the solar panels over 3 days.  I have to say they look pretty good.  Here are some pictures, and a quick YouTube of the shingles and solar array (the house is still a mess, but it was a nice sunny day, so I figured why not?).  As part of the installation of the new geothermal heat pumps, generator and solar array we determined (with Bryan Bowden, electrical engineer) that we needed to upgrade our service from Duke.  After a couple of fits and starts it was determined that the "code" load would be just under 800A capacity, but since we'd started with a lower number orginally we opted to install 1,000A just to be sure.  As part of that Duke put in a new transformer for us, on a new pole, but they wanted a new vault at the base as well, which was a lot of work.  [[https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-keller-79567228 Keller]] did a great job on the install.<br/>
 
<hovergallery>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_5868.HEIC
Image:IMG_4028.jpg|Solar online and generating
Image:Power Panel.jpg|Power Panel for Solar and Generator
Image:CS6X-325P 46058.1477589342.1280.1280.png|325W Solar Panel
Image:IMG_8198.jpg|New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer
Image:IMG_8199.jpg|New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid
Image:IMG_8200.jpg|Generator auto-transfer switching
Image:IMG_8201.jpg|I think this is the new "CT" cabinet...
Image:IMG_8473.jpg|Coming off of the roof
Image:IMG_8472.jpg|This is the infeed for the solar array...
Image:IMG_8471.jpg|And the shutoff switch where it connects to the grid-side of the generator's auto transfer switch
 
Image:IMG_8008.jpg|Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch
Image:IMG_8009.jpg|Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch
Image:IMG_8010.jpg|Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch
Image:IMG_8013.jpg
Image:IMG_8014.jpg
Image:IMG_8043.jpg|Installing the new vault
Image:IMG_8044.jpg
Image:IMG_8016.jpg|Solar cells over master bathroom
Image:IMG_8017.jpg|Solar cells over upstairs hallway
Image:IMG_8018.jpg|Solar cells on existing garage
Image:IMG_8019.jpg|SSolar cells over kitchen
Image:IMG_8021.jpg|JLG lift to install
Image:IMG_8023.jpg|DaVinci sample
Image:IMG 8024.jpg|Inside of bus cabinet
Image:IMG_8025.jpg
Image:P1070335.jpg
Image:P1070336.jpg
Image:P1070337.jpg
Image:P1070338.jpg
Image:P1070339.jpg
Image:P1070340.jpg
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Image:P1070343.jpg
Image:P1070344.jpg
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</hovergallery>
</hovergallery>


== Geothermal Installation ==
[[File:ICON system Specs.pdf|thumb]]
 
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94S6H759jkY</embedvideo>
 
=== Backup Power Generator ===
We've installed (as of April 23, 2021) a Generac QT150 generator from [https://www.riverside-elec.com/ Riverside Electric] for whole-house electric backup.  It's a natural gas powered 10 cylinder generator.  This unit feeds 450 amps (120VAC) to the house at full load and will burn 2,061 cuft of gas an hour (2 million BTU/HR @ 100%) when running, and is a 150 kW/hr rated generator, [https://www.generac.com/industrial/products/gaseous-generators/standard/commercial-series-150kw-gaseous-generator Generac Commercial Series Model QT150] (Liquid Cooled).  It runs a self-test every Wednesday at noon (same time as the warning sirens to minimize noise complaints).</br>
 
It is installed in the backyard at grade next to, but below the pool equipment and tie into it's existing gas line.  We also were required to upgrade our gas service so that the pool heater and generator could run at the same time (full-load).  The high pressure system needed a foundation, so we had to pour that, and lower the pool heater so the line running to the generator could run above grade.</br>
 
<hovergallery>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_8508.jpg
Image:IMG_8509.jpg
Image:IMG_8954.jpg
Image:IMG_8955.jpg
Image:IMG_8959.jpg|grading around upgraded gas service
Image:IMG_8960.jpg
Image:IMG_8125.jpg|The connection at the street for our gas line had to be upgraded
Image:IMG_8126.jpg
Image:IMG_8294.jpg|The generator needed this flexible hose for vibration
Image:protector-c2-gas-left.png|Generac Protector Series Model RG0060 (Liquid Cooled) whole-home backup/standby generator
Image:IMG_8192.PNG|Delivery Day
Image:back yard right generator delivery.mp4
Image:front door generator delivery.mp4
Image:garage generator delivery.mp4
Image:
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Image:CS6X-325P 46058.1477589342.1280.1280.png|325W Solar Panel
Image:IMG_8198.jpg|New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer
Image:IMG_8199.jpg|New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid
Image:IMG_8200.jpg|Generator auto-transfer switching
Image:IMG_8201.jpg|I think this is the infeed for the solar array...
Image:IMG_8193.jpg
Image:IMG_8195.jpg
Image:High Pressure Gas 1.jpg|High pressure gas foundation
Image:High Pressure Gas 3.jpg|Regulator feeds the house, the pool line bypasses at high pressure
Image:High Pressure Gas 4.jpg|Installed high pressure gas system
Image:High Pressure Gas 5.jpg|Finished high pressure gas
Image:High Pressure Gas 6.jpg|Pool heater getting ready to go back in
Image:High Pressure Gas 2.jpg|Pool heater foundation (lowered)
Image:High Pressure Gas 7.jpg
Image:High Pressure Gas 8.jpg
Image:High Pressure Gas 9.jpg
Image:High Pressure Gas 10.jpg
Image:High Pressure Gas 11.jpg
Image:Gas_job_done.jpg|A job well done
Image:generac-home-backup-generators-qt-series-70kw-80kw-100kw-130kw-150kw_spec-sheet.pdf|We got the 100kW unit
</hovergallery>
== Jake's Room ==
We moved my nephew in to go to college, and so we setup the bonus room over the garage with his own workspace, TV and gaming area, and fridge and microwave.<br/>
<hovergallery>
Image:Jake_1.jpg
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Image:Jake_4.jpg
Image:Jake_5.jpg
Image:Jake_6.jpg
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</hovergallery>
== Data Center ==
See [[Camp_Kiwi_Data_Center|Camp Kiwi Data Center]].
== Other Updates ==
=== "Kittys Room" ===
There as a dog room in the house when we bought.  I don't have a dog.  But, we could use a second powder room for guests on the first floor, and a place to put a cat box.  So, we put in a piece of frosted glass in the "doggie window" (so they could see the front door), installed a fan, toilet, and upgraded the sink.  They'd also installed a Dutch Door so they could keep the dogs in, and the motion sensor in this hall was set to be inactive when Away so the dog's wouldn't trip it (nor their caretakers coming in the side door).</br>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_7169.jpeg|Finished counter
Image:IMG_7170.jpeg|Sink and Mirror
Image:IMG_7171.jpeg|New toilet
Image:IMG_7168.jpeg|Fogged window pane
Image:IMG_5539.jpg|Cabinets going in
Image:IMGA0001.JPG|"Doggie Window" with glass
</hovergallery>
=== Tree Removal ===
We needed a few trees removed.  First, there was a rotting tree leaning dangerously in the backyard, a dead ash in the front yard, and 2 pine trees behind the existing garage that were going to block the solar array.</br>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_7060.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7061.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7062.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7057.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7056.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7052.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7054.jpeg|Pine trees
Image:IMG_7055.jpeg|Disposing of branches
Image:IMG_7058.jpeg|Rotted tree in back yard
Image:IMG_7059.jpeg|Rotted tree in back yard
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</hovergallery>
=== Fire Pit ===
Before the big "COVID-19" panic of 2020, we'd visited some airplane friends in Pennsylvania.  They had one of these [https://breeo.co/ Breeo smokeless firepits], and Elizabeth liked it so well we got one.</br>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_3347.jpeg|New firepit
Image:IMG_15157.jpeg|
Image:IMG_6973.jpeg|
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</hovergallery>
=== Pool Heater Replacement ===
Our old pool heater gave out, so we got a new one.  This one has an optional phone "smart interface".</br>
<hovergallery>
Image:IMG_6215.jpg|New pool heater
</hovergallery>
</hovergallery>


Latest revision as of 18:13, 7 September 2024

We purchased our new home after Christmas 2017 (closing was 12/27/2017) and started an ambitious remodel, completely gutting the basement to add a second master space and create a Data Center. The basement remodel got it's Final inspection on 04/28/2020 (we moved down from upstairs in November of 2019). The addition received it's Final inspection for occupancy on 01/26/2023, though we were using it well before that. We also elected to covert it to 100% geothermal heating and air-conditioning and install tankless hot water (to supplement the "free" geothermal hot water). Geothermal is dedicated to the geothermal installation process and results.


Pictures to Process

Just uploading these for now, I need to add the background later.

  • X.jpg

    x

Driveway

The house came with a decent asphalt driveway back in 2017. We tore it up building the addition and burying the geothermal wells and piping under it, as well as just running construction equipment over it for 3 years. And, I seriously dislike it. Concrete is King. Long live the King. Anyway, we're preparing to install the new driveway, with a largish parking area, an electric rolling gate with mail drop and package drop and camera/entry keypad and lights. It should be pretty pimp, though it is going to be terribly expensive...

Update: April 2023, construction actually started, pictures below. It will be 5" thick with rebar, and the parking pad (4 or so cars) next to the addition, which will have in-slab heating for melting snow that I'll plow here from the courtyard (with sub-surface drainage). The plan is also to have an electrically-operated car gate in front of the courtyard, so we're adding a truck turnaround and large mail/package delivery and dispensing unit for the letter-carrier and UPS/FedEx. There will be a video doorbell at the gate so we can let people in, and car detector to open the gate to let folks out, as well as car detectors on either side of the driveway to notify us when someone is coming down the driveway. "All the modern conveniences" as they say. The honeysuckle on both sides of the drive is being removed, as well as the landscaping between us and the neighbor's driveways, but we will probably put something back at the end. Also, our southern neighbor has a fence and light post on our property, in the driveway easement, that isn't mentioned in that easement, so we're going to remove that. Some of that is controversial, so we've retained counsel just in case it gets bothersome.

Here is a picture of the southern property line. As you can see, we actually own the land under about 1/2 of their driveway. Their easement on our plot allows them to "access their property, and maintain the current driveway". It is silent on any other feature, which means we retain all other rights. Incidentally, we had to point out this nuance at a Village planning meeting on x as they are also making improvements. They're building a new 3 car garage as well, and a sun room on the opposite end of their house, and had planned a expanded driveway on our property. We shared our survey to indicate that this was, in fact, our property, and that code does not allow building closer than 5' of the property line. During their construction, they've placed their potta-potty and ruble pile on our property (in the easement) at the same time as our ruble is on the opposite easement, so I'm sure that our northern neighbor is not enjoying the view these days.

The concrete guys cut the water supply to the fountain and the sprinklers, so we need to reconnect this. We had them bury conduit to house these, and mark them where they exit the new slab. You can we went with rebar rather than chicken wire, and this is held off the ground with plastic "chairs", and is drilled-through the end boards to keep it centered in the slab. They're pouring large - about 30' x 30' sections, at a time and then saw-cutting as they move forward. They also found the incoming fiber for our internet and cut it. The ISP was out the next day to string a new line overhead, and we'll bury a conduit under the driveway at the low-point trench drain so they can run from the pole, under the drive, and around the house to the ONT. The fountain circle is now centered on the house, leaving just under 30' clearance on both sides, but is not quite centered on the front door (it's off center) or either garage (our doors are 10', whereas the old garage has 9' doors - which makes our new garage slightly longer as well).

Finishing

  • 2023 05 23 Driveway Full 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Driveway Full 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking 2.jpg

Easements, Plans, and Survey

  • Survey (STAMPED)

    Survey (STAMPED)

  • Sourthern property line surveyed and staked, you can seen the middle fence post is essentially in-line with the property line, so the fence segment north of this will be removed, along with the lamp post

    Sourthern property line surveyed and staked, you can seen the middle fence post is essentially in-line with the property line, so the fence segment north of this will be removed, along with the lamp post

  • Their construction debris pile

    Their construction debris pile

  • Runoff from their dirt pile

    Runoff from their dirt pile

  • Basic driveway plan

    Basic driveway plan

  • Driveway plan

    Driveway plan

  • highlighting the buried conduit for utilities

    highlighting the buried conduit for utilities

  • Southern Easement

    Southern Easement

  • Northern Easement

    Northern Easement

  • 925 Easement

    925 Easement

  • 925 Easement

    925 Easement

  • 935 Easement (Trelawny)

    935 Easement (Trelawny)


Courtyard

  • Gravel delivery

    Gravel delivery

  • Cars stacked up in driveway - a real donneybrook

    Cars stacked up in driveway - a real donneybrook

  • The fountain needs to drain to the roof drain connection - and they cracked it...

    The fountain needs to drain to the roof drain connection - and they cracked it...

  • This is where the sprinkler conduit exits the slab

    This is where the sprinkler conduit exits the slab

  • Here you can see the corner of my office window where the connection to the house is

    Here you can see the corner of my office window where the connection to the house is

  • Getting ready for the first pour

    Getting ready for the first pour

  • Preping for the fountain curb

    Preping for the fountain curb

  • Forms for the curb around the fountain, note that a conduit for electric (lights and fountain power) and plumbing (hose bib to fill the fountain and to run out front to the sprinklers) have been installed

    Forms for the curb around the fountain, note that a conduit for electric (lights and fountain power) and plumbing (hose bib to fill the fountain and to run out front to the sprinklers) have been installed

  • Poured - note the nice rounded/rolled edges and finish work

    Poured - note the nice rounded/rolled edges and finish work

  • Fountain curb curing

    Fountain curb curing

  • This is where conduit for the electric exits the slab

    This is where conduit for the electric exits the slab

  • Note the grey conduit

    Note the grey conduit

  • Grading in front of the addition

    Grading in front of the addition

  • Grading

    Grading

  • Adding rebar, will be 5" concrete and we don't want it move or crack

    Adding rebar, will be 5" concrete and we don't want it move or crack

  • Overview of the nearly-ready to pour "new side"

    Overview of the nearly-ready to pour "new side"

  • 2023 04 new garage 5.jpg
  • 2023 04 new garage 6.jpg
  • The 'old' driveway and some parking access as we widen the driveway, although with all the work and traffic it was difficult still

    The 'old' driveway and some parking access as we widen the driveway, although with all the work and traffic it was difficult still

  • 2023 04 parking pad 1.jpg
  • 2023 04 parking pad 2.jpg
  • 2023 04 parking pad 3.jpg
  • The truck turnaround, and loop around electric pole for parking pad

    The truck turnaround, and loop around electric pole for parking pad

  • 2023 04 Addition Rebar 1.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Rebar 2.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Rebar 3.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Rebar 4.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Rebar 5.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 1.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 2.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 3.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 4.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 5.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 6.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 7.jpg
  • Cured garage slab on our side

    Cured garage slab on our side

  • 2023 04 Addition Slab 2.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Slab 3.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Slab 4.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Slab 5.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Slab 6.jpg
  • Addition 2023 04 Slab 7.jpg
  • Framing the 'plantings teardrop'

    Framing the 'plantings teardrop'

  • coinduit for sprinkler piping and wire to both driveway edges

    coinduit for sprinkler piping and wire to both driveway edges

  • 2023 04 Tear Planting 3.jpg
  • The pour is complete

    The pour is complete

  • A deep greenspace/planting bed

    A deep greenspace/planting bed

  • Just under 30' on our side of the pad, garage to fountain curb

    Just under 30' on our side of the pad, garage to fountain curb

  • And Joe and Carolyn get about 1/2" less than us from their garage to fountain curb

    And Joe and Carolyn get about 1/2" less than us from their garage to fountain curb

  • Sawcutting a diamond pattern into the slab for expansion

    Sawcutting a diamond pattern into the slab for expansion

  • 2023 04 Addition Sawcut 2.jpg
  • The fiber line for our internet was cut during the construction (twice) so we mounted it overhead until the work is done

    The fiber line for our internet was cut during the construction (twice) so we mounted it overhead until the work is done

  • And example of a large electric rolling gate, wider than ours, although we expect to have a prettier gate

    And example of a large electric rolling gate, wider than ours, although we expect to have a prettier gate

  • Typical gate operator

    Typical gate operator

  • Drainage needs around parking pad

    Drainage needs around parking pad

  • 2023 04 24 Drainage 2.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Drainage 3.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Drainage 4.jpg
  • Our neighbor Barb is cleaning up her backyard in preparations to plant some shrubs to restore her privacy, and found a dead tree on the border of our yards

    Our neighbor Barb is cleaning up her backyard in preparations to plant some shrubs to restore her privacy, and found a dead tree on the border of our yards

  • The dead tree has been felled

    The dead tree has been felled

  • This is the other property line, the monument is under this rock with the leveling stones under it

    This is the other property line, the monument is under this rock with the leveling stones under it

  • The evergreen tree on the right side has been removed to make room for the driveway and gate/fence

    The evergreen tree on the right side has been removed to make room for the driveway and gate/fence

  • 2023 04 24 Right Gate Prep 2.jpg
  • Much roomier

    Much roomier

  • Core drilled opening in slab for meltpad tubing and electrical connections

    Core drilled opening in slab for meltpad tubing and electrical connections

  • 2023 04 24 Melt Pad Openings 2.jpg
  • Design of the meltpad heating system/tubing arrangement

    Design of the meltpad heating system/tubing arrangement

  • Szoke Courtyard pour

    Szoke Courtyard pour

  • Szoke Courtyard pour

    Szoke Courtyard pour

  • Szoke Courtyard pour

    Szoke Courtyard pour

  • 2023 05 03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Szoke Courtyard Pour 5.jpg
  • Snow melt pad heating coils

    Snow melt pad heating coils

  • Wiring to the sensor... it won't heat if it isn't covered in snow

    Wiring to the sensor... it won't heat if it isn't covered in snow

  • Tubes come into manifold, which will go to heater and pump

    Tubes come into manifold, which will go to heater and pump

  • Fancy manifold

    Fancy manifold

  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 4.jpg
  • Wiring to various locations around courtyard (lights, gate operator, etc.)

    Wiring to various locations around courtyard (lights, gate operator, etc.)

  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 6.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 7.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 8.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 9.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Heat Pad Tubing 10.jpg
  • Pillars by courtyard, left/parking side. There will be a maildrop and personnel gate here

    Pillars by courtyard, left/parking side. There will be a maildrop and personnel gate here

  • Pillar on old site, with fiber conduit cross under driveway

    Pillar on old site, with fiber conduit cross under driveway

  • 2023 05 12 Driveway drain 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 12 Driveway drain 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 12 Driveway drain 3 Fiber.jpg
  • Fiber under driveway

    Fiber under driveway

  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 5.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 6.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 7.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 8.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 9.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 10.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Parking Pour 11.jpg
  • Trench drain for getting snow melt away

    Trench drain for getting snow melt away

  • 2023 05 15 Pad Drain 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking Drain 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 23 Parking Drain 2.jpg

Left Side

  • preparing to move towards the street

    preparing to move towards the street

  • preping the old site of the driveway

    preping the old site of the driveway

  • and removing the trees that were in the way

    and removing the trees that were in the way

  • 2023 04 Old Driveway Prep 3.jpg
  • We will also update the lanscaping/shrubs next to the house, and are pruning everything back aggressively

    We will also update the lanscaping/shrubs next to the house, and are pruning everything back aggressively

  • Preping rebar for slap to parking pad, teardrop, and exit

    Preping rebar for slap to parking pad, teardrop, and exit

  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 9.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 10.jpg
  • 2023 04 Addition Pour 11.jpg
  • Commerical trench drain/grating

    Commerical trench drain/grating

  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 5.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 6.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 7.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 8.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 9.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 10.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Gate Pour 11.jpg
  • This is where our water meter is,and the gas line passes through here as well... they're going to build it up to the right height

    This is where our water meter is,and the gas line passes through here as well... they're going to build it up to the right height

  • Gas meter

    Gas meter

  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 3.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 4.jpg
  • Cover reinstalled

    Cover reinstalled

  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 6.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 7.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 8.jpg
  • Framing the sidewalk

    Framing the sidewalk

  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 10.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 11.jpg
  • 2023 04 24 Left Steet Prep 12.jpg
  • Left side with gravel and rebar, ready for pour

    Left side with gravel and rebar, ready for pour

  • and extra gravel to cover muddy right side

    and extra gravel to cover muddy right side

  • Water meter bod will get a new grating as well

    Water meter bod will get a new grating as well

  • The apron gets to rebar in case the village needs to cut it, but will be 6" thick

    The apron gets to rebar in case the village needs to cut it, but will be 6" thick

  • ready to pour

    ready to pour

  • Left side to date

    Left side to date

  • Pour to the street and sidewalk

    Pour to the street and sidewalk

  • 2023 05 03 Left Street Pour 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Left Street Pour 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Left Street Pour 4.jpg
  • Street cured

    Street cured

  • 2023 05 03 Left Street Cured 2.jpg

Right Side

  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 5.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 6.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 7.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 8.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 9.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Prep 10.jpg
  • Catch basin for runoff rebuilt

    Catch basin for runoff rebuilt

  • and enlarged to catch extra water

    and enlarged to catch extra water

  • And brought up to the level of the trench

    And brought up to the level of the trench

  • 2023 05 15 Catch Basin 5.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 5.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Right Side Pour 6.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 4.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 5.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 6.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Right SIde Pour 7.jpg

Blemishes

  • Some of the pours were so big there were blemishes evident in the finish work

    Some of the pours were so big there were blemishes evident in the finish work

  • Rear step repair

    Rear step repair


Property Line/Survey Documentation

Here is some documentation of the property line from the survey we had done.

On the North side (925) in the back the property line is just outside of the old wire fencing, outside of the white fencing and beyond the new gas installation and well outside of the chain link fencing in the back corner. There is an old abandoned well or sewer access behind the chainlink fence.

Across the back the property line is just outside of the chainlink fence. There is a momument at the Trelawny back corner, and on the tennis/dog run corner.

On the Trewlany (915/935) side (South), the property is just inside the split rail fence where the tennis court used to be, but we own the dog run, and the side yard runs just inside the split rail fence.

Across the front, there is a momument just outside the fence on the 925/915 corner, and the property runs just outside the fence to a monument just beyond the garage near the driveway.

  • Pins associated to images

    Pins associated to images

  • This shows that our side yard cuts across the yellow house's (925) driveway in line with the middle rail in their fence

    This shows that our side yard cuts across the yellow house's (925) driveway in line with the middle rail in their fence

  • towards white fence

    towards white fence

  • from gas pad towards white fence

    from gas pad towards white fence

  • Near pool pump drain

    Near pool pump drain

  • Further back outside of fence line

    Further back outside of fence line

  • Further back outside of fence line

    Further back outside of fence line

  • Further back outside of fence line

    Further back outside of fence line

  • Further back outside of fence line, and well outside of chain link

    Further back outside of fence line, and well outside of chain link

  • Corner

    Corner

  • Middle of the backyard, outside of fence where old tree fell and took the fence down

    Middle of the backyard, outside of fence where old tree fell and took the fence down

  • Backyard nearer tennis court

    Backyard nearer tennis court

  • Monument near edge of old tennis court on Trelawny side

    Monument near edge of old tennis court on Trelawny side

  • Momument to Trelawny back corner, stick is behind the tree

    Momument to Trelawny back corner, stick is behind the tree

  • Along edge of old tennis court/dog run - 2 markers showing we own the dog run

    Along edge of old tennis court/dog run - 2 markers showing we own the dog run

  • Side yard inside fence at 915 garage

    Side yard inside fence at 915 garage

  • Side yard inside fence at 915 courtyard

    Side yard inside fence at 915 courtyard

  • Side yard Outside fence at 915 pool

    Side yard Outside fence at 915 pool

  • Side yard inside fence at 915 cabana

    Side yard inside fence at 915 cabana

  • From Cabana stick to corner stick

    From Cabana stick to corner stick

  • Side yard inside fence at gate to Trelawny

    Side yard inside fence at gate to Trelawny

  • Corner post outside of fence

    Corner post outside of fence

  • Rear corner of propery (Southwest/Trelawny/915 end) - just behind the fencing

    Rear corner of propery (Southwest/Trelawny/915 end) - just behind the fencing

  • Corner at Trelawny/tennis court/dog run

    Corner at Trelawny/tennis court/dog run

  • Creepy old well or sewer opening

    Creepy old well or sewer opening

  • Monument on corner behind yellow Beale mother's home and Trelawny

    Monument on corner behind yellow Beale mother's home and Trelawny

  • Location of corner, beyond the fence near compost heap

    Location of corner, beyond the fence near compost heap

  • Property line at garage corner beyond fence

    Property line at garage corner beyond fence

  • Property line at garage corner beyond fence

    Property line at garage corner beyond fence

  • Line of property at fence rown

    Line of property at fence rown

  • Looking towards Congress

    Looking towards Congress

  • Corner marker

    Corner marker

  • Monument

    Monument

  • Driveway corner looking down property line

    Driveway corner looking down property line

  • Concrete marker at Congress corner south (925) side

    Concrete marker at Congress corner south (925) side

  • North side of driveway at 935 garage, looking North

    North side of driveway at 935 garage, looking North

  • North side of driveway in bushes 1/2 down

    North side of driveway in bushes 1/2 down

  • North property line next to 925 garage

    North property line next to 925 garage

  • North corner @ 935 and 941

    North corner @ 935 and 941

  • North end against 941

    North end against 941

  • North end against 941 just before new gas installation

    North end against 941 just before new gas installation

  • The driveway rides just outside of the easement

    The driveway rides just outside of the easement

  • which has a notch

    which has a notch

  • Here we've had to post no trespass signs because the neighbors kept coming over and bothering our workers

    Here we've had to post no trespass signs because the neighbors kept coming over and bothering our workers

  • 2023 05 15 No Trespass 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 No Trespass 3.jpg

Mo' Neighbors, Mo' Problems

  • The problem with having jealous neighbors that live in cracker boxes... they lash out at your employees, cussing and flipping them off, like our architect getting a earful from the "good Catholic grandmother" next door....

    The problem with having jealous neighbors that live in cracker boxes... they lash out at your employees, cussing and flipping them off, like our architect getting a earful from the "good Catholic grandmother" next door....

  • The ridiculously ugly roofline on Sandra's addition

    The ridiculously ugly roofline on Sandra's addition

  • 2023 05 03 Sandra Roofline 2.jpg
  • Sandra's port-o-let is on our property, so we put ours next to it (she didn't want to share...)

    Sandra's port-o-let is on our property, so we put ours next to it (she didn't want to share...)

  • Sandra needs upgraded electrical service, and we were willing to put in a conduit under our new driveway if she signed a waiver to agree to never dig up my driveway (and no new easement). She wouldn't, so she gets a new pole (in HER yard)...

    Sandra needs upgraded electrical service, and we were willing to put in a conduit under our new driveway if she signed a waiver to agree to never dig up my driveway (and no new easement). She wouldn't, so she gets a new pole (in HER yard)...

  • Barb and Sandra are on the hook for maintaining the easement, but the honeysuckle shows that they have not been doing so

    Barb and Sandra are on the hook for maintaining the easement, but the honeysuckle shows that they have not been doing so

  • 2023 05 03 Sandra Honeysuckle 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Sandra Honeysuckle 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 03 Sandra Honeysuckle 4.jpg
  • Sandra's ugly split-rail fence is on my property (not even in the easement...

    Sandra's ugly split-rail fence is on my property (not even in the easement...

  • ...we've notified her in writing that we will be removing it...

    ...we've notified her in writing that we will be removing it...

  • ...she's told us "she doesn't consent"... ah, it's my property, so that's not really an issue...

    ...she's told us "she doesn't consent"... ah, it's my property, so that's not really an issue...

  • And Sandra has extensive construction debris on our property... we've demanded it be removed...

    And Sandra has extensive construction debris on our property... we've demanded it be removed...

  • ... and asked for a silt fence... which she hasn't done.... which shows both contempt and malice...

    ... and asked for a silt fence... which she hasn't done.... which shows both contempt and malice...

  • ... so we have exchanged lawyer's names...

    ... so we have exchanged lawyer's names...

  • 2023 05 03 Sandra Debris 4.jpg
  • And here is the begining of the end of the fence at issue

    And here is the begining of the end of the fence at issue

  • 2023 05 15 Split Fence 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Split Fence 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Split Fence 4.jpg
  • Meanwhile, Barb has planted trees on my property up against the new driveway... we've told her they must move 5' away...

    Meanwhile, Barb has planted trees on my property up against the new driveway... we've told her they must move 5' away...

  • ... which she has ignored, so our lawyer will now demand they move onto her property entirely...

    ... which she has ignored, so our lawyer will now demand they move onto her property entirely...

  • And finally, Ms. Donna... she didn't get this fence approved by the historical committee nor permitted...

    And finally, Ms. Donna... she didn't get this fence approved by the historical committee nor permitted...

  • ...so we'll be asking for it to be removed... and the finished side is required to face the neighbor, but the chicken faces us...

    ...so we'll be asking for it to be removed... and the finished side is required to face the neighbor, but the chicken faces us...

Lights

Driveway lights are AspectLED 3W 12V 2 hole lamps (AL-IG-PW-A2S-DW-12VDC-2FT DayWhite 6000K) with sleeves (Mounting Sleeve for Pathway Light AL-IG-A21) powered by 100W supply (100 Watt LED Power Supply AL-PS-W-100-12).

  • Schedule 40 pipe conduit to light fitting

    Schedule 40 pipe conduit to light fitting

  • AspectLED 12V 3W

    AspectLED 12V 3W

  • Driveway lights 2.jpg
  • Driveway lights 3.jpg
  • Driveway lights 4.jpg
  • Driveway lights 5.jpg
  • Driveway lights 6.jpg
  • Driveway lights 7.jpg
  • Driveway lights 8.jpg
  • Driveway lights 9.jpg

Basement Remodel

We bought this house to get closer to the city, but still have some property and privacy, and to move my in-laws in. They don't need help now, but they might someday, and my wife wanted to be able to spend some quality time with them as they enjoy their retirement. We wanted to get them single-floor living, so if they do end up needing surgeries or have any mobility issues it won't be that hard, but we didn't want to give up having our own very nice space either.

This house provided that opportunity, it's large enough, and although it has a sunken family room and a couple steps to get into, is pretty flat with a first floor master, kitchen, laundry, and office for them. It also sits well up, so the spacious basement is only about 3' under grade, and so we were able to put in lots of windows and build a complete second master bedroom, bath, closet, full office, kitchen, and family room in the basement, in addition to a billiards room (it came with a table) and the data center.

It has 3 bedrooms upstairs for guests, and with the geothermal heating and air system we were able to zone it with 7 independent zones of heating an air so everyone can be comfortable (and we have tankless hot water for unlimited showering and laundry). When done it will really be extremely nice. One of the nice features of this home is every floor has a long, straight central hallway with stairs at both ends. This does make it hard to locate people, though, as it's big and they might be using the other stairwell.

A nice feature that I worked into the basement remodel is sound throughout. Our last house had built-in speakers, and I really liked it. I'd paired those (driven by simple stand-alone amplifiers) to Apple Airport Express units so I could "Airplay" music to them. Around the time we moved I got interested in the Sonos Connect:Amp product as an integrated amplifier and connected-device in one unit. I picked up a few for the first floor and really liked those, so I bought a bunch (7) more for the basement and threw them into the data center, one for each major room (although the master bedroom and closet share a unit/zone). I wanted to keep the power and data infrastructure in the rack, with UPS (battery backup) and the Tivos, etc. so I mounted local volume controls in each room and ran the main speaker wire back to the data center. This is nice because although you can control the overall volume from the Sonos app, and easily group and ungroup the Amps into multiple independent areas and individually or collectively control the volume, sometimes when you're actually in the room it seems too loud. The Sonos allows a lot of different music sources, Apple Music, Amazon, Plex, your iTunes library, TuneIn, and Line in. I'm using one Line In from an Airport Express to enable Airplay, which the original Sonos do not support, and I had another big idea. My older Apple TV (the new ones did away with it) and Tivos all have Digital Audio Output. I ran Toslink/SPDIF cable from each TV location to the data center, and picked up some digital-to-analog converters for the data center and connected the analog side to the individual Sonos amps, and now I can output my TV sound to the built-in speakers! Too cool, and great for Superbowl parties and the like.

Another idea this enabled is the "TV behind a 2-way mirror" trick! I built in a TV mount behind my vanity mirror and placed electric, network, and digital audio inside the space, and an IR receiver/retransmitter into the mirror mount so I could turn the TV on and off, and now I can watch TV through the mirror and get the sound on the in-ceiling speakers!

  • It came with a fountain!

    It came with a fountain!

  • This is what it looked like before we started wrecking it. Lovely

    This is what it looked like before we started wrecking it. Lovely

  • A light sensor for the outdoor lighting!

    A light sensor for the outdoor lighting!

  • Existing layout upstairs

    Existing layout upstairs

  • First Floor

    First Floor

  • Moving in

    Moving in

  • We gutted the basement and started from scratch

    We gutted the basement and started from scratch

  • This water heater gets moved, and this back section becomes our master closet

    This water heater gets moved, and this back section becomes our master closet

  • This piping comes into the kitchen island

    This piping comes into the kitchen island

  • The existing shower will be replaced, and the geothermal lines will enter here

    The existing shower will be replaced, and the geothermal lines will enter here

  • Shower room

    Shower room

  • These lights were over the old shower vanity, now this will be an opening into the addition

    These lights were over the old shower vanity, now this will be an opening into the addition

  • Vanity lights from another angle

    Vanity lights from another angle

  • Utility room, our laundry will go next to here

    Utility room, our laundry will go next to here

  • Laundry connections

    Laundry connections

  • These windows will get bigger, and another will be added

    These windows will get bigger, and another will be added

  • Master shower drain

    Master shower drain

  • Master vanity plumbing

    Master vanity plumbing

  • 5'x9' master shower with two 8' linear drains

    5'x9' master shower with two 8' linear drains

  • the shower slopes to the linear drain side

    the shower slopes to the linear drain side

  • Because we have two 4' linear drains in the shower, with 2 rain heads, a handwand, and 6 body sprays we need a larger drain pipe to the sewer

    Because we have two 4' linear drains in the shower, with 2 rain heads, a handwand, and 6 body sprays we need a larger drain pipe to the sewer

  • Master Vanity with have a TV behind a 2-way mirror

    Master Vanity with have a TV behind a 2-way mirror

  • We moved a post to make the family-to-kitchen opening larger, so we had to pour a new footer

    We moved a post to make the family-to-kitchen opening larger, so we had to pour a new footer

  • Old post location, and new footer

    Old post location, and new footer

  • Reducting to add zone control

    Reducting to add zone control

  • P1040165.jpg
  • Billards storage

    Billards storage

  • Preparing for the data center

    Preparing for the data center

  • Data center will have a raised floor, partly to hide wire chases, partly to protect from water intrusion

    Data center will have a raised floor, partly to hide wire chases, partly to protect from water intrusion

  • Pulling cable to data center (cat 6a)

    Pulling cable to data center (cat 6a)

  • Split AC unit for data center

    Split AC unit for data center

  • Data cabling in hallway

    Data cabling in hallway

  • Temporary network

    Temporary network

  • P1040203.jpg
  • P1040204.jpg
  • Data Center wall/door - an 8 footer!

    Data Center wall/door - an 8 footer!

  • Server power

    Server power

  • Exercise equipment

    Exercise equipment

  • Kitchen plumbing

    Kitchen plumbing

  • Reframing

    Reframing

  • That's the office, and that window gets replaced

    That's the office, and that window gets replaced

  • Looking into the master bathroom

    Looking into the master bathroom

  • Billards room framed

    Billards room framed

  • New window in master bedroom

    New window in master bedroom

  • An angled hall will connect the master closet to the bath, so when one of us gets up we can close the bedroom off and move back and forth without distrubing anyone

    An angled hall will connect the master closet to the bath, so when one of us gets up we can close the bedroom off and move back and forth without distrubing anyone

  • This beam needs reinforced as we're pulling a column out

    This beam needs reinforced as we're pulling a column out

  • It got full-length 'C' channels on both sides

    It got full-length 'C' channels on both sides

  • and the wood suport on this end was reinforced with steel

    and the wood suport on this end was reinforced with steel

  • Before pulling the post (the wall will no longer be under this beam)

    Before pulling the post (the wall will no longer be under this beam)

  • The beam on the other end of the master bedroom gets the same treatment

    The beam on the other end of the master bedroom gets the same treatment

  • HVAC reducted in closet

    HVAC reducted in closet

  • My office, these windows get bigger

    My office, these windows get bigger

  • Voila!

    Voila!

  • A lot of ductwork

    A lot of ductwork

  • Powder room plumbing

    Powder room plumbing

  • More powder room

    More powder room

  • Cameras mounted around the house

    Cameras mounted around the house

  • Including Ring flood light cameras

    Including Ring flood light cameras

  • And Ubiquiti UVC-Pro cameras

    And Ubiquiti UVC-Pro cameras

  • P1040735.jpg
  • P1040762.jpg
  • P1040763.jpg
  • Basement kitchen island waterproofing

    Basement kitchen island waterproofing

  • Starting basement tile

    Starting basement tile

  • Multi-zone climate controls

    Multi-zone climate controls

  • Water shutoff under basement steps

    Water shutoff under basement steps

  • Bath Cabinet

    Bath Cabinet

  • Body Washes installed

    Body Washes installed

Basement Master Bedroom

Our master bedroom is about 17'x18' with french doors opening to the rear stairway next to the "extra" shower and basement entrance to the addition. The addtion has a walkout set of french doors that gives us easy access to the hot tub. We enlarged the window area to three 3'x5' windows for natural light, which open to the side yard at grade behind the addition overlooking the wooded creek, so it's pretty private. The master has it's own zone of HVAC, a security panel, and connects to a small hallway between the master bath and closet thorugh a pocket door so I can get up and get ready for work without distrubing Elizabeth. It has 9' ceilings iwth a fan, and the same brushed, exterior-grade Italian marble that the basement has thorughout.

The electrical outlets above the windows are for HomeKit remote controlled/powered blinds or shades that will open and close automatically based on time of day, day of the week, and weather (or difference between indoor and outdoor temperature and sunniness).

  • Grading outside windows

    Grading outside windows

  • Our new motion bed with TemperPedic mattress, the two sides are separate and can lift your legs/head separately for watching TV or if you have the sniffles

    Our new motion bed with TemperPedic mattress, the two sides are separate and can lift your legs/head separately for watching TV or if you have the sniffles

  • Bedroom TV

    Bedroom TV

  • Master Bedroom

    Master Bedroom

  • Basement master bedroom tile complete, Ikea cabinet paks for closet

    Basement master bedroom tile complete, Ikea cabinet paks for closet

  • Master fan and windows, and in-ceiling sound, and note the glass-break sensor near the windows for security

    Master fan and windows, and in-ceiling sound, and note the glass-break sensor near the windows for security

  • Master bedroom window to walkout

    Master bedroom window to walkout

  • Master bedroom window to back yard

    Master bedroom window to back yard

  • Hallway entrance to master (solid french doors) near addition connection - this will not have a door once it's heated, office is to the right of this picture and the extra shower is directly across from the master next to the stairs

    Hallway entrance to master (solid french doors) near addition connection - this will not have a door once it's heated, office is to the right of this picture and the extra shower is directly across from the master next to the stairs

  • 3 Views of the connector hallway, from Bedroom (note the thermostat and security panel near doorway)

    3 Views of the connector hallway, from Bedroom (note the thermostat and security panel near doorway)

  • ...from Bathroom, closet ahead, bedroom to the right...

    ...from Bathroom, closet ahead, bedroom to the right...

  • ...and from closet to bathroom, bedroom to the left

    ...and from closet to bathroom, bedroom to the left

Basement Master Closet

The master closet is about 18'x18' with an additional pocket of about 9'x4' where our stacking washer and dryer will go. It has sound, just like every other room in the basement, and the walls are covered with IKEA storage cabinets with white glass doors with soft-close sliders and automatic lighting that comes on when the door is opened. This will provide tons of hanging storage as well as a bunch of shelving, and a (not yet pictured/installed) island will house our sundries (socks and undies) and give us a place to lay your wallet and keys down while changing, and it will have a bench on either end to sit on while you put your shoes and socks on. I really, really like everything to be tidy, and these cabinets are a nice compromise since Elizabeth doesn't ahve to put everything away every single day for it to appear tidy.

The closet, like most of the rooms in the basement has HomeKit WiFi controllable, and dimmable lighting switches in the wall, so that with dimmable LED bulbs mounted I can achieve nearly any lighting level. My idea is to have a motion sensor in the connector hallway (which has it's own lighting circuit) that will turn on the lights in the master bathroom and closet at a low (15% mabye) level when I get up so I can safely reach them, but dim enough not to disturb anyone until I can get the pocket door closed behind me. Then I can raise the light level to whatever level I want.

In the rear wall are shut-off valves for the water going to the pool cabana. We had them piped to the drain in the utility room while we were building, so we can just open the access panel and drain the cabana each fall directly to the sewer. Around the corner from the main set of cabinets is a nook for a full size stackable washer/dryer.

  • Ikea Cabinets with automatic lighting

    Ikea Cabinets with automatic lighting

  • Master Closet - The main power closet is the back

    Master Closet - The main power closet is the back

  • Basement master closet cabinets (IKEA)

    Basement master closet cabinets (IKEA)

  • Closet coffered ceiling with sound (chandlier coming)

    Closet coffered ceiling with sound (chandlier coming)

  • Center island with stone countertop, with changing benches

    Center island with stone countertop, with changing benches

  • Island with benches for shoes/socks

    Island with benches for shoes/socks

  • Center island isntalled

    Center island isntalled

  • Basement master bedroom closet tile complete - the grey conduit is power to the island cabinet

    Basement master bedroom closet tile complete - the grey conduit is power to the island cabinet

  • Master Closet

    Master Closet

  • Master Closet, the open space next to the utility closet will be Elizabeth's makeup table with mirror and chair

    Master Closet, the open space next to the utility closet will be Elizabeth's makeup table with mirror and chair

  • Master Closet - This is a little shallow cubby that we just mounted doors on, probably for shoes and sweaters

    Master Closet - This is a little shallow cubby that we just mounted doors on, probably for shoes and sweaters

  • Island cabinet for scale (not the actual cabinet)

    Island cabinet for scale (not the actual cabinet)

  • Closet trimmed

    Closet trimmed

  • Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...

    Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...

  • Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...

    Rear of closet to W/D area...closer...

  • Washer/Dryer hookups...Viola!

    Washer/Dryer hookups...Viola!

  • Shoe bars

    Shoe bars

  • Double shirt hanging

    Double shirt hanging

Basement Master Bathroom

The master bathroom is about 15'x15', with a 9'x5' glass surround shower as the main feature, and a double vanity. Behind the mirror on my side of the vanity is a TV, with the sound wiring I mentioned above so I can listen to the morning new on the built in speakers from my Tivo or watch AppleTV. These both have RF remotes, but I have a IR repeater for the TV on/off function. The toilet is next to the shower, and as I mentioned we installed 2 of the largest tankless water heaters to make sure we can run both sets of rainheads and body-sprays without running out of hot water. The shower surround is marble countertop material, so it's way thicker than it needs to be, and we decided to cover the entire wall since the glass will give the room a seamless look.

Note that the floor has zero transition, but gently slopes to the back wall where the shower heads are. The glass surround will have a center door, and you can just see that there is a trench drain about 6" wide with a removable stone inlay, with about 1/4" drain slit all the way around, 4' wide for each shower head. Similarly the ceiling is gently sloped towards the back wall (since the entire space is enclosed) to keep moisure from forming on the tile overhead and dripping on us. Instead it will gently flow towards the drains as well. The glass will be treated with a special anti-spotting coating. Also note that we have installed "real" grab-bars in the shower and at all the toilets in the basement. For one, it's nice to have something to grab onto, and for two I hate seeing tile broken by a soap dish that's been pulled away. And since we installed all 3' doors in the basement, it's technical ADA compliant should it ever need to be. And it'll be nice the next time one of us wrenches a back.  :-)

The door to the hallway will probably never really get used as the bath also has a door out the back to the pantry, and from there to the kitchen which is what I'm sure we'll use the majority of the time. Also note the center cabinet that will hide Elizabeth hair dryer, spin toothbrush, and curling iron, etc., with outlets inside. It cleverly lifts up for access, again to get things tidy.

  • Installed grab bars

    Installed grab bars

  • Shower Surround/glass going in

    Shower Surround/glass going in

  • Shower Surround/glass going in

    Shower Surround/glass going in

  • Shower Surround/glass going in

    Shower Surround/glass going in

  • Shower Surround/glass going in

    Shower Surround/glass going in

  • Master Bathroom Shower (now with extended arms for the Rain heads)

    Master Bathroom Shower (now with extended arms for the Rain heads)

  • Rain heads

    Rain heads

  • Master Bathroom Shower

    Master Bathroom Shower

  • Basement master shower fixtures installed

    Basement master shower fixtures installed

  • Basement Master Shower Ceiling Tile Installed

    Basement Master Shower Ceiling Tile Installed

  • Master Bathroom

    Master Bathroom

  • Hidden TV-Still working on placement and shading

    Hidden TV-Still working on placement and shading

  • Hidden TV, final location - allows me to shave and see myself, and I worked out the shading to get best light through the mirror

    Hidden TV, final location - allows me to shave and see myself, and I worked out the shading to get best light through the mirror

  • 2-Way Mirror for hidden TV

    2-Way Mirror for hidden TV

  • Mirrors and faucets

    Mirrors and faucets

  • Basement Master Bath Cabinets

    Basement Master Bath Cabinets

  • Basement Master Bath Cabinets

    Basement Master Bath Cabinets

  • Master Bathroom to hallway and office

    Master Bathroom to hallway and office

  • Cabinet for hair dryer, etc.

    Cabinet for hair dryer, etc.

  • Center cabinet

    Center cabinet

  • Master bath vanity sink

    Master bath vanity sink

  • Exit to pantry, toilet

    Exit to pantry, toilet

  • Framing for vanity mirrors

    Framing for vanity mirrors

  • Hidden TV behind mirror

    Hidden TV behind mirror

  • IR Receiver for TV power and Apple TV

    IR Receiver for TV power and Apple TV

  • Mirror frames

    Mirror frames

Basement Kitchen

The kitchen gets the same stone Versailles pattern as the rest of the basement. It's way more kitchen than we really need, but in a million dollar home, you kind of need to do certain finish levels. The kitchen is about 18'x18' with another 15'x5' or so for our dining room table. It has a large island in the middle with a overhanging bar area for stools with the sink and diswasher built-in. The opposite wall will have a fancy Wolf gas range, and stainless fridge and microwave with full-height stone backsplash. The vent required for such a large range was problematic and required additional make-up air provisions I don't even want to think about.

All of the cabinets are internally lighted with drawer lights that come on when opened, a feature we really liked in our old house's IKEA cabinets. The upper cabinets have downlighting as well as hidden outlets so that there are no vible openings in the stone. The same is true on the island were the outlets are mounted on the sides in the cabinets, and all of the drawers are soft-close. We got all Wolf/Cove/Sub-Zero (it's one company) appliances, except the main fridge. There's a mini fridge in the bar for pool or TV drinks, and the dishwasher has LED lights inside and WiFi, as well as a light system that shows if the load is done because it's so quiet. A red dot on the floor means it's running, green means done (see below).

The "Dining Room" is just a little slice of the kitchen and family room stolen for the table, but it's more than we really need, especially with the stools on the edge of the kitchen island. On the long (rear of house) end of the kitchen/dining space is a wall of cabinets, the uppers of which are non-functional - they hide a HVAC duct and soffit, but the lowers are also lighted and have more adjustable pantry shelving. There is a door between the kitchen and the coffee bar/pantry that is decorated/hidden as a cabinet door.

  • Cabinets with handles

    Cabinets with handles

  • Cabinets with IKEA Norffly automatic lighting

    Cabinets with IKEA Norffly automatic lighting

  • Hidden door to pantry

    Hidden door to pantry

  • Kitchen oven wall with cabinet downlights installed

    Kitchen oven wall with cabinet downlights installed

  • Stove and Hood installed

    Stove and Hood installed

  • Stove installated

    Stove installated

  • Stove and Hood installation

    Stove and Hood installation

  • Stove and Hood installation

    Stove and Hood installation

  • Kitchen Island

    Kitchen Island

  • Dining Table

    Dining Table

  • Kitchen Sink

    Kitchen Sink

  • Sink/Island

    Sink/Island

  • Cove dishwasher

    Cove dishwasher

  • Red light shows the dishwasher is running (it's very quiet)

    Red light shows the dishwasher is running (it's very quiet)

  • Green light shows when it's done

    Green light shows when it's done

  • Basement Kitchen Cabinets

    Basement Kitchen Cabinets

  • Basement Kitchen Island

    Basement Kitchen Island

  • Basement Kitchen Cabinets

    Basement Kitchen Cabinets

  • Basement kitchen tile complete

    Basement kitchen tile complete

  • Basement kitchen stone backsplash installed

    Basement kitchen stone backsplash installed

  • Basement kitchen countertop installed

    Basement kitchen countertop installed

  • Basement kitchen island nearing completion

    Basement kitchen island nearing completion

Basement Pantry

The pantry is only about 8'x8', as we don't really cook much we don't need a ton of storage. But we do need a few staples, and Elizabeth piped water from the bathroom wall to where our countertop will go for her professional Keurig coffee maker. Each upper cabinet is getting under-cabinet lighting.

The walls get the same subway tile as the powder room, and the one wall will get a kitty-sized door to the utility room where the litty box will be kept. The outer side of the pantry door (in the kitchen) will get cabinet doors so it blends into the cabinetry in there.

  • Pantry cabinet downlighting

    Pantry cabinet downlighting

  • Pantry cabinet downlighting

    Pantry cabinet downlighting

  • Pantry cabinet downlighting

    Pantry cabinet downlighting

  • Subway tile installed

    Subway tile installed

  • Subway tile installed

    Subway tile installed

  • Main pantry counter with pro-level Keurig coffee machine (with direct water hook-up!)

    Main pantry counter with pro-level Keurig coffee machine (with direct water hook-up!)

  • Small cabinets on the opposite wall

    Small cabinets on the opposite wall

  • Door to kitchen, the facing side will be paneled to look like a cabinet so it blends in, water built-in on the left is for coffee maker

    Door to kitchen, the facing side will be paneled to look like a cabinet so it blends in, water built-in on the left is for coffee maker

  • Recessed pantry shelving will be heavy-duty adjustable so it can handle cans, but be changed as our needs change, and has the same glass IKEA doors as the master

    Recessed pantry shelving will be heavy-duty adjustable so it can handle cans, but be changed as our needs change, and has the same glass IKEA doors as the master

  • Pantry adjustable, heavy duty shelving

    Pantry adjustable, heavy duty shelving

  • Kitty door opening trimmed

    Kitty door opening trimmed

Basement Office

The basement office is my room. It's got the same fan as the master, and 2 big escape-sized windows. The window well has egress stairs, and with the closets and smoke detector make it a legal bedroom. I'll make one of the closets standard and the other will have a bunch of extra shelves for my computer stuff. The two big windows open onto the driveway and fountain, which is nice, and bring in a bunch of light. Since we didn't want to waste that light we installed 12 light glass french doors onto the hallway.
I'll have my wrap-around computer desk setup with dual monitors on my main iMac and antoher workstation for Elizabeth's MacBook or either of our work laptops. The room is wired with dual 10G copper and dual 10G fiber to the data center. Also the side wall is wired for a TV, and I plan to put my futon opposite for naps or for catching a game while I work on something. Also, since my security cameras are available on AppleTV, every one of these TVs duals as a security monitor.

  • My desktop and cabinets installed

    My desktop and cabinets installed

  • Printers and Laptop workstation

    Printers and Laptop workstation

  • Bedroom wall mounted TV

    Bedroom wall mounted TV

  • Basement master bedroom window brick trim

    Basement master bedroom window brick trim

  • Office

    Office

  • Office

    Office

  • Office

    Office

  • Basement office doors installed

    Basement office doors installed

  • Basement office windows trimmed/framed

    Basement office windows trimmed/framed

  • Egress Well

    Egress Well

  • Egress Well, note the steps on far end

    Egress Well, note the steps on far end

  • Computer stuff closet - Heavy duty adjustable shelves

    Computer stuff closet - Heavy duty adjustable shelves

  • Guest Closet - still heavy duty and adjustable, but with a close bar

    Guest Closet - still heavy duty and adjustable, but with a close bar

Basement Family Room

The family room is 25'x20', and has a foyer and bar next to a walkout to the back yard pool area. We ran electric in the slab to where the couch will sit (it's an electric recliner, and for phone chargers or laptops, etc.), and mounted a TV mount, and added a built-in gas fireplace.

The big french doors on our side of the hallway (our master suite with walk-in closet, bath, pantry, kitchen, family room, dining room, bar and walk-out the pool are all on the west side of the house's main hallway so we can close it off) can all be held open with these cool magnetic latches with built-in spring-dampener systems so they gently grab and hold the door if you open it a little too briskly. Very cool.

  • New 7" OLED TV! Nice... with Sonos Sound Bar and Surrounds

    New 7" OLED TV! Nice... with Sonos Sound Bar and Surrounds

  • Door hold-open latches

    Door hold-open latches

  • Fireplace install begins

    Fireplace install begins

  • OLED TV on

    OLED TV on

  • Framing for Fireplace

    Framing for Fireplace

  • Fireplace stone surround installed

    Fireplace stone surround installed

  • New all-glass backdoor with new style trim

    New all-glass backdoor with new style trim

  • Family room flooring going down

    Family room flooring going down

  • Family room flooring going down

    Family room flooring going down

  • TV mount, current plan is to get an 80" OLED 4k TV

    TV mount, current plan is to get an 80" OLED 4k TV

  • Built-in gas fireplace

    Built-in gas fireplace

Basement Bar

The bar was a tiny little mini-kitchen (without any cooktop but a fridge) when we bought the place. It wasn't big enough for our needs, so we repuposed it into a bar with a mini-fridge under counter for pool drinks mostly. I don't need a bar, but it was there...

Much like the kitchen, the backwall is one large piece of stone with no opens for power outlets. Here the base of the cabinet hides the outlets and the glass-front cabinets are lighted.

  • Backwall stone and cabinetry

    Backwall stone and cabinetry

  • Bar sink and mini-fridge

    Bar sink and mini-fridge

  • Bar counter top

    Bar counter top

Basement Billiards Room

The billiards room is 20'x15'. I didn't need a billiards room, but we got the table "free" when we bought the house, and everybody else wanted to keep it.

  • Billiards

    Billiards

  • Billiards

    Billiards

Basement Powder Room

The basement powder room is just a small toilet and vanity across from the family room, with a pocket door. It's next to the "Craft room" which is very small now, and is really just a hallway to the data center.

  • Vanity with mirror

    Vanity with mirror

  • Vanity with Faucet

    Vanity with Faucet

  • Vanity sink

    Vanity sink

  • Herring bone subway tile

    Herring bone subway tile

Basement Hallway

...it's a hallway...

  • Basement hallway tile nearing completion

    Basement hallway tile nearing completion

  • Hallway

    Hallway

  • Hallway

    Hallway

Basement Shower

The extra shower and bathrooom is a nice feature. It already existed, so we thought there was no other really good use for the space, so we kept it and just made it a little smaller, giving what used to be the vanity to the hallway to the addition. It's about 8'x8' with a standup shower with subway tile and a glass surround, a toilet and small vanity.

  • The "Little Shower" Door

    The "Little Shower" Door

  • Glass Shower Surround

    Glass Shower Surround

  • Shower

    Shower

  • Shower

    Shower

  • Shower

    Shower

  • Shower tile and paint

    Shower tile and paint

  • Shower

    Shower

Basement Craft Room

The craft room really doesn't have much left over after the Data Center and Powder room were broken off, but still has some cabinets and sink.

  • Faucet and tile installed

    Faucet and tile installed

  • Craftroom cabinets installed

    Craftroom cabinets installed

  • Cabinets installed

    Cabinets installed

Basement Data Center

See Data Center

Addition

We're building an addition onto the house as well as the remodel (below). Mostly we wanted some additional garage space, so we're mirroring the existing 3 car with an identical space - with my in-laws there are 4 driving adults in the house, plus lawn care equipment and workshop space. Because the existing garage has a small piece of house leading out to it, we also chose to miror this space, which will give us some additional living space we didn't really need, but it doesn't hurt to have. In the basement it will be a storage space with a walk-out to the back yard and steps into the new garage. On the first floor it will be a workout/exercise room, and an additional guest bedroom/suite (with kitchenette). There will be storage over the garage as well.

  • Getting ready, the parking pad will go away, and parking will suck for quite awhile

    Getting ready, the parking pad will go away, and parking will suck for quite awhile

  • Topsoil stripped

    Topsoil stripped

  • This old sewer line will be moved back about 10', into the setback

    This old sewer line will be moved back about 10', into the setback

  • The addition goes here

    The addition goes here

  • New sewer crock

    New sewer crock

  • The architect didn't get a real survey, with elevations, so I used my laser level to get a sense for how much the garage had to be raised to be even with the existing garage - 14" in front

    The architect didn't get a real survey, with elevations, so I used my laser level to get a sense for how much the garage had to be raised to be even with the existing garage - 14" in front

  • 22" in the back

    22" in the back

  • Backfilling the sewer excavation-the foundation will cross over this...

    Backfilling the sewer excavation-the foundation will cross over this...

  • Excavating the basement

    Excavating the basement

  • Foundation drainage

    Foundation drainage

  • Connection to the existing basement

    Connection to the existing basement

  • Garage footer preparation

    Garage footer preparation

  • Foundation forms

    Foundation forms

  • Bridging the sewer excavation

    Bridging the sewer excavation

  • IMG 5652.jpg
  • The excavators nicked the existing driveway drainage... this will be rerouted around the foundation

    The excavators nicked the existing driveway drainage... this will be rerouted around the foundation

  • Foundation wall prep

    Foundation wall prep

  • footer pour

    footer pour

  • IMG 5733.jpg
  • Garage fill requirements now clear...

    Garage fill requirements now clear...

  • A good foundation

    A good foundation

  • Annoying but inevitable construction yard damage

    Annoying but inevitable construction yard damage

  • Using a rock-slinger to fill the foundation

    Using a rock-slinger to fill the foundation

  • Insulating the basement foundation

    Insulating the basement foundation

  • The existing roof drains ran across the new garage, so openings were left in footer wall for this drain pipe to carry this to the adjacent creek

    The existing roof drains ran across the new garage, so openings were left in footer wall for this drain pipe to carry this to the adjacent creek

  • Rerouting the driveway drainage and picking up the downspouts

    Rerouting the driveway drainage and picking up the downspouts

  • IMG 5832.jpg
  • IMG 5833.jpg
  • Insulating the garage footers

    Insulating the garage footers

  • Ready for the basement slab

    Ready for the basement slab

  • IMG 5850.jpg
  • This is the sewer drain for the garage, a direct connection. I'm not happy with this, but it works... strikes me as lazy on the part of my architect

    This is the sewer drain for the garage, a direct connection. I'm not happy with this, but it works... strikes me as lazy on the part of my architect

  • Downspout connections

    Downspout connections

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  • IMG 5854.jpg
  • IMG 5855.jpg
  • Basement slab poured

    Basement slab poured

  • Ready for garage slab

    Ready for garage slab

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  • IMG 5862.jpg
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  • Preparing the Basement Step forms

    Preparing the Basement Step forms

  • Basement walk-out steps

    Basement walk-out steps

  • Basement utility room

    Basement utility room

  • IMG 7237.jpeg

Addition Workout Room

The fitness room has several really nice big windows at the first-floor level, and will be filled with (mostly) exercise equipment we bought from the previous owners - including a Gold's Gym universal machine, a stair stepper, a treadmill, and elliptical trainer and some free weights. We also picked up a rowing maching/recumbant bike trainer. There will be two TVs on the wall that joins to the existing house, and a couple of fans. There are outlets in the floor for the machines and will be a yoga mat and ceiling mounted speakers.

  • 66138108495 6C653430-4BCF-4E07-AF19-050B2379DE95.jpg
  • Installing ceiling fans

    Installing ceiling fans

  • Workout room door

    Workout room door

  • Workout room door

    Workout room door

  • Workout TVs

    Workout TVs

  • Workout TVs

    Workout TVs

  • Workout equipment

    Workout equipment

  • Workout equipment

    Workout equipment

  • Workout Smith Machine

    Workout Smith Machine

  • Workout Smith Machine

    Workout Smith Machine

  • Workout equipment

    Workout equipment

  • Mouldings installed

    Mouldings installed

  • Window trim

    Window trim

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  • Addition from exercise room to storage over garage

    Addition from exercise room to storage over garage

  • Addition workout room

    Addition workout room

  • Addition workout room

    Addition workout room

  • Pool end of workout room

    Pool end of workout room

  • Pool end of workout room

    Pool end of workout room

  • Insulating the workout room

    Insulating the workout room

  • Drywalling steps up to exercise room from new garage entrance

    Drywalling steps up to exercise room from new garage entrance

  • Drywall in workout room - openings on upper wall are TV power and data, wood in left background is doorway to existing house

    Drywall in workout room - openings on upper wall are TV power and data, wood in left background is doorway to existing house

  • Drywall on the window side of workout room

    Drywall on the window side of workout room

Addition Guest Suite

The guest suite is going to be the really nice bedroom on the second floor for our guests, although we already have 3 pretty nice bedrooms up there. This one will have a double-french-door "Juliet balcony" to the backyard, and walk-in closet and on-suite shower, and work desk, bed with fan and it's own thermostat for comfort, TV and kitchenette and apartment-sized laundry. The shower is getting the same tile as the rest of the addition, but cut down into miniature sizes. Looks pretty cool. It'll have a stone wall and glass surround, and the kitchenette will have stone countertops and blue cabinets, with a full oven, microwave, dishwasher, sink, refrigerator and washer/dryer set inside a cabinet.

  • Framing to install kitchette cabinets

    Framing to install kitchette cabinets

  • Temporary kitchen sink for permitting

    Temporary kitchen sink for permitting

  • Railing for "Juliet" balcony - fresh air but no exterior space...

    Railing for "Juliet" balcony - fresh air but no exterior space...

  • Toilet almost ready, toilet bar/roll holder

    Toilet almost ready, toilet bar/roll holder

  • Temporary vanity counter - we'll upgrade this later, this is just to get the occupancy permt

    Temporary vanity counter - we'll upgrade this later, this is just to get the occupancy permt

  • Fridge installed

    Fridge installed

  • Cabinets built and ready to go in

    Cabinets built and ready to go in

  • Shower coming along

    Shower coming along

  • Door trimmed

    Door trimmed

  • Bathroom flooring

    Bathroom flooring

  • Kitchenette flooring

    Kitchenette flooring

  • Bed area in drywall

    Bed area in drywall

  • Desk/TV area

    Desk/TV area

  • Flooring

    Flooring

  • Windows trimmed and baseboard

    Windows trimmed and baseboard

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  • Shower pan in progress

    Shower pan in progress

  • Shower pan finished

    Shower pan finished

  • Skylight in kitchenette

    Skylight in kitchenette

  • Drywall around the dryer vent

    Drywall around the dryer vent

  • Vaulted ceiling over bed area

    Vaulted ceiling over bed area

  • Drywall walk-in closet

    Drywall walk-in closet

  • Guest Master Closet system by closet maid, 16" with rail

    Guest Master Closet system by closet maid, 16" with rail

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  • Master setup for summer guests

    Master setup for summer guests

  • (still a bit sparse, but ready!)

    (still a bit sparse, but ready!)

Addition Guest Suite Bath

Guest Bath. Note the custom tile floor, body sprays, rain head, glass surround, and bookmatched stone.

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  • 2023 05 12 Guest Bath Cabinet.jpg
  • 2023 05 12 Guest Bath body wash.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Bath 1.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Bath 2.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 1.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 2.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 3.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 4.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 5.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 6.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 7.jpg
  • 2023 06 01 Guest Shower 1.jpg
  • shower surround

    shower surround

  • Cabinet

    Cabinet

  • Sink and Mirrors

    Sink and Mirrors

  • Nearly done

    Nearly done

Addition Guest Suite Kitchenette

The entrance to the new guest suite has it's own kitchenette, which fridge, stove,a nd microwave.

  • Refridgerator

    Refridgerator

  • Cabinets and washer/dryer hookups

    Cabinets and washer/dryer hookups

  • Stove/microwave side

    Stove/microwave side

  • 2023 04 Suite Dishwasher Wall.jpg
  • Dishwasher

    Dishwasher

  • 2023 04 Suite Microwave Wall.jpg
  • Microwave

    Microwave

  • Washer and Dryer

    Washer and Dryer

  • Washer and Dryer

    Washer and Dryer

  • Backsplash

    Backsplash

  • 2023 05 15 Guest backsplash 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Guest backsplash 3.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 1.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 2.jpg
  • 2023 05 15 Guest Kitchen Cabinet 3.jpg
  • with Stove and sink, ready for family summer visit!

    with Stove and sink, ready for family summer visit!

  • with dishwasher and coffee maker

    with dishwasher and coffee maker

  • cabinets in and solar power skylight shade with remote!

    cabinets in and solar power skylight shade with remote!

  • Fridge is in, with glass doors (dry erasable!)

    Fridge is in, with glass doors (dry erasable!)

  • Washer dryer in cabinets (full sized)

    Washer dryer in cabinets (full sized)

Addition Garage

The new garage is finally starting to come along, so I'll flesh this out a bit. Since there's 4 of us, all driving adults, we wanted at least 4 parking spots, and I need a place for my lawn tractor and yard tools and a work bench. We opted to build a mirror image of the existing garage to keep everything looking symetrical, which also meant building a bit of house since the existing garage connects to the main house with a hallway with some minor rooms.

The roof is a little unique. It's a pretty standard black shingle on the back, mostly because there will be so much covered by solar panels. The front is a pretty grey plastic dimensional shingle (DaVinci) that mimics slate, and is supposed to last 50 years.

My workshop will have a work bench and ceiling-mounted sound system and a sink. You can see I installed a monitor with an Apple TV so I can watch shows or checkthe security cameras, and the door has been matched to the grid-in-glass door on the garage (this replaces the blue steel door in some of the older pictures that we needed for the inspection).

The garage is getting RaceDeck™ garage tiles (12"x12") in a grey-on-grey checkerboard pattern. I wanted something to snaz it up a bit, and we'd tried epoxy in a previous house. That was OK, but was prone to getting really dirty, where these can replaced if a few get bad, and hot tires can pull epoxy off of the floor. Also these were a little cheaper than paint. Unfortunately we wanted to do the open "Free Flow" tiles under the cars (for snow and rain to drain and not make the floor slippery) and solid "Coin" tiles everywhere else, but once we got the 1,000 tiles (250 of each style) our tile guy found that the FreeFlow were slightly (~1/8") bigger, and after about 2 rows would no longer interlock!!! Fortunately RaceDeck™ and our retailer (Colorado Garage Flooring) agreed to cover shipping the uncut coin tiles back and replacing them with Free Flow.

Some finishing touches. I installed doorbells on our garage door and back door (in case you get locked out while in the hot tub!). This will let our guests ring our door only downstairs, and the Szoke's guests to ring the front door (and only ring them!).

  • Garage interior and shop door

    Garage interior and shop door

  • Garage exterior door

    Garage exterior door

  • Garage TV/monitor

    Garage TV/monitor

  • Shelving

    Shelving

  • Faux copper gutters

    Faux copper gutters

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Downspouts

    Downspouts

  • Gutters and downspouts

    Gutters and downspouts

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Gutters

    Gutters

  • Grading for the parking mat

    Grading for the parking mat

  • Rocks for parking mat

    Rocks for parking mat

  • Workshop cabinets

    Workshop cabinets

  • Workshop countertop

    Workshop countertop

  • Workshop sink

    Workshop sink

  • Final grading

    Final grading

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  • Workshop

    Workshop

  • Getting ready for storage and workshop racks

    Getting ready for storage and workshop racks

  • Elizabeth and my doorbell - on the new garage

    Elizabeth and my doorbell - on the new garage

  • Networking in the workshop

    Networking in the workshop

  • Cumulative misalignment

    Cumulative misalignment

  • First few rows setup with Coin tiles in between the doors

    First few rows setup with Coin tiles in between the doors

  • The door/car parking area is all open/Free Flow tiles

    The door/car parking area is all open/Free Flow tiles

  • Setting up the layout

    Setting up the layout

  • One bay looking good

    One bay looking good

  • Snazzy car charging area!

    Snazzy car charging area!

  • Tiles ready to go back

    Tiles ready to go back

  • Reay to install new FreeFlow on Bay 3

    Reay to install new FreeFlow on Bay 3

  • Porsche charger for Elizabeth's Cayenne

    Porsche charger for Elizabeth's Cayenne

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  • Final grading behind garage/addition

    Final grading behind garage/addition

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  • IMG 8958.jpg
  • IMG 8959.jpg
  • IMG 8960.jpg
  • IMG 8961.jpg
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  • IMG 8963.jpg
  • Completed garage roof with faux copper windown flashing

    Completed garage roof with faux copper windown flashing

  • Garage roof

    Garage roof

  • Garage/courtyard sound

    Garage/courtyard sound

  • Garage roof finished

    Garage roof finished

  • Garage roof finished

    Garage roof finished

  • Garage roof in progress

    Garage roof in progress

  • Garage roof in progress

    Garage roof in progress

  • Garage roof in progress

    Garage roof in progress

  • Garage roof in progress

    Garage roof in progress

  • Garage roof in progress

    Garage roof in progress

  • Brickwork mid-wall

    Brickwork mid-wall

  • New garage doors, and trim finally painted

    New garage doors, and trim finally painted

  • Brickwork coming along quite nice

    Brickwork coming along quite nice

  • In drywall, with split HVAC unit

    In drywall, with split HVAC unit

  • In drywall

    In drywall

  • Drywall

    Drywall

  • IMG 7339.jpeg
  • addition sheathed

    addition sheathed

  • addition sheathed

    addition sheathed

  • Congress Ave end of new garage

    Congress Ave end of new garage

  • Congress Ave end of new garage

    Congress Ave end of new garage

  • Rear of new garage

    Rear of new garage

  • Rear of new garage

    Rear of new garage

  • Finishing insulation

    Finishing insulation

  • My workshop

    My workshop

  • Outside shop on way to basement

    Outside shop on way to basement

  • From workout room up to bathroom and attic storage

    From workout room up to bathroom and attic storage

  • Door to garage from courtyard

    Door to garage from courtyard

  • Sub-panel for snow melt pad

    Sub-panel for snow melt pad

Addition Basement Storage / Elizabeth's Office

We decided to make this an office for Elizabeth late in the process. It's probably bigger than it needs to be, but it is what it is.

  • Stairs to garage

    Stairs to garage

  • Stairs to garage

    Stairs to garage

  • Office desk

    Office desk

  • Drywalled

    Drywalled

  • Drywalled

    Drywalled

  • Hall to main house basement

    Hall to main house basement

  • Staircase from basement to garage/exercise room

    Staircase from basement to garage/exercise room

  • Utility room

    Utility room

  • Utility room

    Utility room

  • Utility room

    Utility room

  • Utiliy storage

    Utiliy storage

  • 16 Basement Storage

    16 Basement Storage

  • New walkout to hot tub

    New walkout to hot tub

Addition Attic Storage / Au Pair Suite

Over the new garage we created a storage area, but it has an attached bath/shower in case we want to make it a bedroom for a caretaker/au-pair (and it's fitted with it's own HVAC zone, CO and smoke detectors).

  • Trim at landing/shower

    Trim at landing/shower

  • Window trim/casing

    Window trim/casing

  • Stair finishing/sanding

    Stair finishing/sanding

  • Shower pan

    Shower pan

  • Shower pan

    Shower pan

  • Stair finishing/sanding

    Stair finishing/sanding

  • Shower glass/door

    Shower glass/door

  • Shower cubby

    Shower cubby

  • .jpg
  • .jpg
  • .jpg
  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Addition

    Addition

  • Trim

    Trim

  • Trim

    Trim

  • Steps

    Steps

  • Tiling storage area

    Tiling storage area

  • looking into new basement storage area

    looking into new basement storage area

  • Insulating the roof over attic storage-spray foam doesn't require attic venting and makes it really quiet

    Insulating the roof over attic storage-spray foam doesn't require attic venting and makes it really quiet

  • Close up of spray foam

    Close up of spray foam

  • Drywalling the attic storage

    Drywalling the attic storage

  • Storage over the garage

    Storage over the garage

HVAC

Our new HVAC system has steam humidification and UV lamps for virus destruction.

  • Exercise room

    Exercise room

  • Foyer/Stairs

    Foyer/Stairs

  • Foyer/Stairs

    Foyer/Stairs

  • Storage Area

    Storage Area

  • Storage Area

    Storage Area

  • Reme UV Lamp for Virus protection

    Reme UV Lamp for Virus protection

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  • Replacement steam canister Honeywell HM750ACYL

    Replacement steam canister Honeywell HM750ACYL

  • Steam cannister

    Steam cannister

Plumbing

  • Drain from guest suite bath

    Drain from guest suite bath

  • Drain from guest suite bath

    Drain from guest suite bath

Energy and Energy Efficiency

Geothermal Installation

In 2017 there was still a 30% Federal tax credit for residential geothermal installations, and since we bought a big house with HVAC units right at the edge of their life expectancy my (accountant) wife talked me into replacing everything with geo. Geothermal startup was in March 2019.

We opted for the Climate Master Trilogy (Heat/AC/Hot Water) systems, a pair of 4 ton units, and a 3 ton split system for the upstairs - that's because there was no good way to get the geo piping up there, so we installed the heat exchanger/heat pump downstairs and reused the line set for the old AC system to take geo cooled refridgerant upstairs to a more traditional space pack, which has gas back-up heat.

We chose Gallagher/Hauser HVAC to do our installation, as the local company with the most experience. Their work has been technically quite good, but their customer service (for us) has been abysmal from start-to-finish, with scope creepy, cost overruns, and schedule delays at every turn so I would not recommend to anyone. For the kind of money we spent with them it's shocking how little regard they gave even the simplest requests.

The geothermal installation was really interesting to watch. First Jackson drilling showed up and installed 8 wells, each 300' deep. Each well provides 2 tons of heating/cooling capacity, through it's 600' of 1" PVC tubing, and there were two well fields installed in a line below our driveway to provide 8 tons each. The wells are 20' apart to allow them enough ground to extract heat from. The tubing was premade with a 'U' shaped connection at the tip. I think the holes are 3" in diameter, and the tubing is encased in Benseal (a bentonite mixture for casing the well) for heat dispersal. They liked drilling at our house because the asphalt made the process really clean for them, they could easily rack the tailing from the drill away and they had a nice solid base for thier rig, and since we have mostly shale and sandstone they were going through a 20' section of drilling pipe about every 2 minutes, or a well about every half hour. They made quite a mess, but the drilling was done in a couple of days. Or, rather, it would've been if they didn't break the bit on the next to last hole - and they didn't have a spare on this rig.

Drilling

  • 1" PVC tubing

    1" PVC tubing

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  • Setting up the drilling rig

    Setting up the drilling rig

  • The drilling started around my birthday and made quite a mess... I didn't like that, so Elizabeth got me a cake to ease the blow

    The drilling started around my birthday and made quite a mess... I didn't like that, so Elizabeth got me a cake to ease the blow

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  • The front wall by shower where the well field will enter the house

    The front wall by shower where the well field will enter the house

  • Tubing will route through here

    Tubing will route through here

  • Drilling

    Drilling

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  • Sweeping the tailings away

    Sweeping the tailings away

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  • Tubing installed

    Tubing installed

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  • Adjacent wells

    Adjacent wells

  • Bentonite has been pumped in

    Bentonite has been pumped in

  • The white tube was used to feed bentonite

    The white tube was used to feed bentonite

  • The last well on this field - this one is next to the gas line (but we didnt' know it)!

    The last well on this field - this one is next to the gas line (but we didnt' know it)!

  • They typically use this pan for tailings, but didn't need to here

    They typically use this pan for tailings, but didn't need to here

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  • U bend at tip of tubing

    U bend at tip of tubing

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  • 610' of tubing per well (in a 'U')

    610' of tubing per well (in a 'U')

  • The business end

    The business end

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  • Starting the second field

    Starting the second field

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  • Benseal Bentonite

    Benseal Bentonite

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  • Benseal Bentonite

    Benseal Bentonite


These were connected via a trench about 3' deep (pretty close to the frost line here in Cincinnati) manifold system so the could equalize the flow to each well in parallel and bring the cooling fluid (a mixture of glycol) into the house. The soutern field's last well was drilled without a boot's width of an unknown (and thus not marked by the utiltiy protection folks) of our neighbors gas line - which the ripped out while trenching. One field runs to the south end of the house into the front utility space and provides 3 tons of cooling for the front of the house through a Trilogy 45 unit service the the front of the basement and first floor, and a 4 ton split unit that feeds cooled fluid to a standand line set to the otherwise conventional HVAC unit for the second floor. The front Trilogy has cooling dampers and thermostats for the following zones.

  • Basement Office
  • First Floor Dining Room

The northern well field comes into the house in the full bath and routes up the wall and into the ceiling to reach the rear utility space where there is a 4 ton Trilogy 45 system for the back of the house - basement and first floor. In the ceiling is a T for the 3 ton HVAC unit for the addition. 1 Ton of excess capacity was planned. The rear Trilogy has cooling dampers and thermostats for the following zones.

  • Basement Master Bedroom
  • Basement Family Room
  • First Floor Master Bedroom
  • First Floor Family Room

Well Fields

  • The southern trench

    The southern trench

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  • Wells complete and trenching

    Wells complete and trenching

  • The northern trench

    The northern trench

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  • Connecting the wells into a field

    Connecting the wells into a field

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  • Pressure testing the tubing

    Pressure testing the tubing

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Each of the 2 Trilogy units gets added efficiency by using some of the excess heat from the heat pump and well system to heat hot water for the house as well. This makes it the most efficient unit you can get in the United States. We will use this hot water as preheat to a system of tankless (Navien) hot water heaters that can provide endless full-flow hot water, and the electric backup heat in the Trilogy tanks will be deactivated.

Heat Pump Installation

  • Geo piping brought into the house for HVAC installation

    Geo piping brought into the house for HVAC installation

  • 4 ton Trilogy 45

    4 ton Trilogy 45

  • Trilogy connections for hot water and geo fluid

    Trilogy connections for hot water and geo fluid

Solar Power Arrays

We've installed (with ICON Solar) to get about 31.61kW (max continuous) of solar arrays on the south side (back) of the existing garage (the bulk) and west (back) side of the house to generate electric. Ohio is not a peak power state, so there isn't much need for batteries most of the time, and they're pretty expensive. We do get a decent tax incentive for installing them. The system came online on 28 April, 2021.

The arrays will start going in right after the roof is replaced. The system will consist of 125 (was 109) Canadian Solar MaxPower (CS6X-325P) 325W panels.

UPDATE: The roof is on, and ICON came in and installed the solar panels over 3 days. I have to say they look pretty good. Here are some pictures, and a quick YouTube of the shingles and solar array (the house is still a mess, but it was a nice sunny day, so I figured why not?). As part of the installation of the new geothermal heat pumps, generator and solar array we determined (with Bryan Bowden, electrical engineer) that we needed to upgrade our service from Duke. After a couple of fits and starts it was determined that the "code" load would be just under 800A capacity, but since we'd started with a lower number orginally we opted to install 1,000A just to be sure. As part of that Duke put in a new transformer for us, on a new pole, but they wanted a new vault at the base as well, which was a lot of work. [Keller] did a great job on the install.

  • Solar online and generating

    Solar online and generating

  • Power Panel for Solar and Generator

    Power Panel for Solar and Generator

  • 325W Solar Panel

    325W Solar Panel

  • New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer

    New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer

  • New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid

    New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid

  • Generator auto-transfer switching

    Generator auto-transfer switching

  • I think this is the new "CT" cabinet...

    I think this is the new "CT" cabinet...

  • Coming off of the roof

    Coming off of the roof

  • This is the infeed for the solar array...

    This is the infeed for the solar array...

  • And the shutoff switch where it connects to the grid-side of the generator's auto transfer switch

    And the shutoff switch where it connects to the grid-side of the generator's auto transfer switch

  • Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

    Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

  • Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

    Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

  • Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

    Generac 1,000A auto transfer switch

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  • Installing the new vault

    Installing the new vault

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  • Solar cells over master bathroom

    Solar cells over master bathroom

  • Solar cells over upstairs hallway

    Solar cells over upstairs hallway

  • Solar cells on existing garage

    Solar cells on existing garage

  • SSolar cells over kitchen

    SSolar cells over kitchen

  • JLG lift to install

    JLG lift to install

  • DaVinci sample

    DaVinci sample

  • Inside of bus cabinet

    Inside of bus cabinet

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ICON system Specs.pdf

Backup Power Generator

We've installed (as of April 23, 2021) a Generac QT150 generator from Riverside Electric for whole-house electric backup. It's a natural gas powered 10 cylinder generator. This unit feeds 450 amps (120VAC) to the house at full load and will burn 2,061 cuft of gas an hour (2 million BTU/HR @ 100%) when running, and is a 150 kW/hr rated generator, Generac Commercial Series Model QT150 (Liquid Cooled). It runs a self-test every Wednesday at noon (same time as the warning sirens to minimize noise complaints).

It is installed in the backyard at grade next to, but below the pool equipment and tie into it's existing gas line. We also were required to upgrade our gas service so that the pool heater and generator could run at the same time (full-load). The high pressure system needed a foundation, so we had to pour that, and lower the pool heater so the line running to the generator could run above grade.

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  • grading around upgraded gas service

    grading around upgraded gas service

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  • The connection at the street for our gas line had to be upgraded

    The connection at the street for our gas line had to be upgraded

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  • The generator needed this flexible hose for vibration

    The generator needed this flexible hose for vibration

  • Generac Protector Series Model RG0060 (Liquid Cooled) whole-home backup/standby generator

    Generac Protector Series Model RG0060 (Liquid Cooled) whole-home backup/standby generator

  • Delivery Day

    Delivery Day

  • 325W Solar Panel

    325W Solar Panel

  • New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer

    New "CT" Cabinet coming in from transformer

  • New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid

    New electric meter (upgraded to 1,000A 'Net Metering' so we can feed the grid

  • Generator auto-transfer switching

    Generator auto-transfer switching

  • I think this is the infeed for the solar array...

    I think this is the infeed for the solar array...

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  • IMG 8195.jpg
  • High pressure gas foundation

    High pressure gas foundation

  • Regulator feeds the house, the pool line bypasses at high pressure

    Regulator feeds the house, the pool line bypasses at high pressure

  • Installed high pressure gas system

    Installed high pressure gas system

  • Finished high pressure gas

    Finished high pressure gas

  • Pool heater getting ready to go back in

    Pool heater getting ready to go back in

  • Pool heater foundation (lowered)

    Pool heater foundation (lowered)

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  • A job well done

    A job well done

  • We got the 100kW unit

    We got the 100kW unit

Jake's Room

We moved my nephew in to go to college, and so we setup the bonus room over the garage with his own workspace, TV and gaming area, and fridge and microwave.

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Data Center

See Camp Kiwi Data Center.



Other Updates

"Kittys Room"

There as a dog room in the house when we bought. I don't have a dog. But, we could use a second powder room for guests on the first floor, and a place to put a cat box. So, we put in a piece of frosted glass in the "doggie window" (so they could see the front door), installed a fan, toilet, and upgraded the sink. They'd also installed a Dutch Door so they could keep the dogs in, and the motion sensor in this hall was set to be inactive when Away so the dog's wouldn't trip it (nor their caretakers coming in the side door).

  • Finished counter

    Finished counter

  • Sink and Mirror

    Sink and Mirror

  • New toilet

    New toilet

  • Fogged window pane

    Fogged window pane

  • Cabinets going in

    Cabinets going in

  • "Doggie Window" with glass

    "Doggie Window" with glass

Tree Removal

We needed a few trees removed. First, there was a rotting tree leaning dangerously in the backyard, a dead ash in the front yard, and 2 pine trees behind the existing garage that were going to block the solar array.

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Pine trees

    Pine trees

  • Disposing of branches

    Disposing of branches

  • Rotted tree in back yard

    Rotted tree in back yard

  • Rotted tree in back yard

    Rotted tree in back yard

Fire Pit

Before the big "COVID-19" panic of 2020, we'd visited some airplane friends in Pennsylvania. They had one of these Breeo smokeless firepits, and Elizabeth liked it so well we got one.

  • New firepit

    New firepit

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Pool Heater Replacement

Our old pool heater gave out, so we got a new one. This one has an optional phone "smart interface".

  • New pool heater

    New pool heater

Pre-Purchase Pictures

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Older Zillow Pictures

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  • Downstairs family.jpg
  • Downstairs shower.jpg
  • Great room1.jpg
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  • Master bedroom1.jpg
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  • No fountain.jpg
  • Office1.jpg
  • Pool1.jpg
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  • Pool3.jpg
  • Porch.jpg
  • Upstairs master.jpg
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