New House Build in the Country!!!

[GLyford]

We installed lever door knobs thru out. Makes it easier for everyone to use, especially if your hands are full or dirty.

Since the OP mentions dogs, I will say that in our kitchen reno, we made sure to use only _plain_ knobs throughout, to keep the dogs from standing on the levers to raid the pantry food bin or let themselves out the door...and then leave it open for the flies and mosquitos.

Since we have a fenced yard, we also put in a dog door, which is a mixed blessing. The dogs do go in and out on their own, which is good. It's much harder to keep the clean "inside" dog toys inside, and the muddy "outside" toys outside, and they do track in some sand, leaves, and mud. We no longer worry about having to leave a door ajar on rainy days when we will be away in case they need to go out. So overall, I think it will be a plus. But it also amuses me that labrador still prefers us to open the door for her, given the option. The Aussie enjoys being able to go out in the yard whenever necessary to perform his self-appointed patrols of the borders.

 

[EddieWalker]

I added the largest doggy door I've ever seen at Lowes to my house over the summer. We have to Akita's and they where wanting in and out all the time. I held out putting one in because of all the energy loss it would cause, but then realized that opening and closing the door so many times a day was an even bigger loss of energy then the doggy door. I did not notice any change in my bill from before to after I put in the doggy door. My guess is that it's a wash compared to opening the entire door to what is loss from having a plastic flab that does not seal on the sides.

There is more dirt to deal with, but that's just a part of having big dogs and living in the country. They more then earn their keep letting us know when anybody comes down the driveway!!!

 

[truckdiagnostics]

The did a nice job on your block work, looks like they even cleaned the interior joints. Vapor barrier on the ground for your crawl space and make sure they smooth out the dirt. If it was me I would consider doing the ducting in the crawl space and putting air handler there as opposed to the attic. In your area don't know what the pros and cons would be. They should be willing or making the interior grade level in your crawl space also. Make sure they give you nice wide access door. If the soil is sandy in your area may want to consider laying chicken wire out a ways before they back fill to keep the animals from digging down and under.

 

[GPintheMitten]

We installed lever door knobs thru out. Makes it easier for everyone to use, especially if your hands are full or dirty.

Our Lab never tried to operate the levers but the cat did. The only problem was the basement door. We didn't want her going there. Frankly I forget what I did to prevent it but I did something.

 

[justinramani]

The masons finished up today. They should pour concrete in both garages friday.

 

[justinramani]

The masons finished up today. They should pour concrete in both garages friday.

View attachment 455844View attachment 455845

 

[EddieWalker]

Reminds me of the Terracotta Army

https://www.google.com/search?q=ter...X&ved=0ahUKEwjygeDO997KAhXIeSYKHaDqAyUQsAQIKA

 

[Knight9]

Sure looks like a neat and clean job they did! Very impressive. I'm quite interested in how this goes as this is completely different than the construction I am used to up here.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I like that the ground under the crawl space is smoothed out with no humps and bumps. As the project progresses, don't allow scrap to be left in the space.

Someday, you or someone is going to have to crawl in there to do some maintenance.

At some point I would get some heavy plastic to cover the soil in the crawl space to prevent moisture and dampness to get into the area.

 

[justinramani]

I hope that it continues to go smoothly! I should have updated pictures early next week when framing begins.