The Butler House

I know I said it was done, but...

2009-05-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

...is a new house ever done??? In fact, there was still someone here today. Yep, ongoing construction, fixing things, landscaping, etc. The roofs got planted, the louvers went in and we finally got a dining room fixture. Here are a few pics:

West side louvers. They work extremely well on hot, sunny days. We just need some more of those days so I can use them.

South side louvers. 3 panels that move.

light fixture above our new dining room table

The house is complete!

2009-02-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

We are moved in! The day I returned from Europe, it was game on! 3 days and the move was complete, thanks to all of the hard work Tim had done while I was gone. We slept at the house for the first time on Sunday, February 8th, after a relaxing weekend at the cabin, recovering from the numerous trips up and down the stairs at the condo. The reality has still not sunk in and there are still workers in and out working on last minute details. We are not fully unpacked or settled, but I have been asked for pictures. I have not taken any, but here is a link to the architects professional completion photos. They are quite spectacular! Enjoy.

http://www.architecturepath.com/project.php?id=9

Update from Belgium via Corey.

2009-01-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Corey sent me some updated pictures today. Tim was at the house Monday. He said he had a hard time leaving. Well, soon he won't have to, because we will live there. It is hard to believe.

The hood over the stove is new. Hadn't seen that. Very cool.

Fancy new appliances.

Glass doors on built in shelf.

Indoor/outdoor bench.

The found a shower rod thingy.

Fancy wood floor shower in master bath.

The subtle light fixture above vanity.

My fold out shelf to fold clothes in master closet.

Benches for sauna are in.

Landscaping is gradually getting done.

In the front too!

Pictures I never did post.

2009-01-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Sometime during the snowy season in Portland, my new neighbors and friends, Julia and Dean, took some pictures for me. I am still waiting for an update from Corey. Final done date is 17th of January, I think. I can hardly believe when I get home, I am moving in. Yikes.

I get to wash dishes in this sink...

and cook Timmy nice meals in this kitchen...

and light him a nice fire with the flick of a switch...

looking up to second floor from kitchen

apparently there was snow in Portland.

one of the two pretty lights.

Where serious business will be done.

Fireplace in the bedroom, where other serious business... o.k. forget that.

The day before I left...

2008-12-20T01:57:00.000-08:00

It was a strange feeling to make a quick stop at the house, knowing when I came back from racing in Belgium it would be totally done and we would be moving in. Of course, it didn't really seem that it was that close to completion, but we will see what happens! Here is the small changes I noted on the 16th of December...

I am still not sure how I feel about the glass railings.

The baseboards are installed.

Finishing trim work throughout the house.

I am excited about the master bathroom.

The bike garage cabinets are awesome. Hadn't really seen them yet.

Every day, a little bit closer...

2008-12-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

The weekly update, for those that must know...

From the outside.

New sidewalk being poured.

Looks great.

Master toilet. Tim's throne.

Master bath.

Training room bathroom. Sink is going to change. This one is too small.

Half bath on main floor.

Poured cement countertops.

Sink.

A month to go???

2008-12-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

Really. They say January 1. Granted, we are not moving in January 1, because we will both be in Europe and if all goes well (making the worlds team again), I won't be back until February 3rd. So that is MY move in date. Here is the latest progress.

Poured concrete counter tops are on site.

Sanding and finishing oak floors on 2nd story.

Project/guest room space

Love the desk.

Corey checks out his fancy choice of medicine cabinets.

Second set of stairs is in.

Carpet on 3rd floor is in.

Glass in master shower going in.

Front porch slab is poured.

Corey checks the flow of the stairs to house.

Dave calls Tim to inform him of additional costs. Just kidding!

Sauna door is pretty chic.

The rest of the fence is getting done. A few minor mistakes. :)

My biggest closet in the house: the basement!

Overdue update.

2008-11-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

I never did get the update done the day before I left for my trip, so after 11 days on the road, the first day back, I had the Tuesday meeting at the house and the changes were awesome. It is changing every day. Here is the latest updates.

The driveway is all in. Just dirt and seed left.

The front porch and steps will be poured soon.

The rods are up for the living trellis too (in front of the door).

Shelves in bedroom and office are just missing glass divider.

Tim's bookshelf in the office space.

Carpet is ready to go.

Tile in master bath is done. It looks great.

Just love the double height ceilings.

2nd set of stairs going in.

Bike garage has casework in.

See through fireplace was lit to get moisture out, etc.

The cheesy marbles will be switched out, but for now, it is pretty cool.

Weekly Tuesday meeting.

2008-11-04T21:57:00.001-08:00

I still am in disbelief we will someday live in this house. YIKES! Click on pictures to make them larger.

The crew has a sense of humor.

Klaus, the amazing craftsman that made these beautiful stairs.

The bookcase on the second floor.

Fireplaces have had the finishing touches added.

EPA floor in master bathroom.

More amazing casework made by Jason.

Tilework.

Daily changes...

2008-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

I guess I am making up for being gone. I go over there every day. Went Monday b/c I hadn't seen it for forever, Tuesday for a meeting, Wednesday to give an out of town friend a tour. And every day there are changes. Couldn't resist another post.

Back patio is really something else.

Cool shadows.

This is our lawn. Seriously. A few squares of dirt with plants. That is it.

Steep view from top of stairs to roof.

Dave Rush giving thumbs up as roof top dirt is transported with a huge crane.

The crane only stretches so far.

Case work is amazing. Guest bath vanity.

The unveiling of the murphy bed in guest room.

You can actually walk on the stairs.

Tile in adu bathroom.

Tile going up in guest bath. Fiddlesticks is what they are called.

Coming along...

2008-10-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Being gone for 2.5 weeks makes a lot change. Check it out.

Landscaping in progress.

Bluestone in back courtyard.

Tile in workout room shower.

Fence is getting built.

Beautiful, eh?

Love those accordion doors.

The kitchen cabinets are gradually going in.

The first set of stairs are functional.

The views still don't suck.

Updates while I am away...

2008-10-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Although I am not home to document the progress, much is being made. I only have a few photos sent by Corey, which look to be taken from his iphone. It makes me so anxious to get back and see all that has been done. Here is what he has sent me:

Pavers in the back.

Fence.

Built in desk.

First steps.

Early October Updates!

2008-10-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

2 visits to the site this past week before my departure. And now the updates will have to wait for 2.5 weeks. So much is happening every day, so I hope someone will document it along the way. Otherwise get ready for some huge changes in a couple of weeks.

Nice dirt digger in the front.

Old fence is coming down soon. Plywood is down.

Sneak peak at kitchen cabinets.

Next time there, they are already starting to put them in.

Shower pan base is tiled. It will be covered with a wood decking floor.

Driveway is looking smoother.

The 'heads of state' gather for a meeting.

Tim's rooftop deck is essentially finished.

The stair treads are HEAVY!

Less than a week later...

2008-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Constantly little things changing. Are we still going to move in at the worst time of the year? Looks that way. Anyone want to buy a condo???

Interior stucco has the base layer on.

Prep for shower in the master bath.

And in the training room bathroom.

The sauna has a removable floor. Very cool.

Update from last day in September.

2008-10-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Count down is on. I have to go over there more than weekly to keep up on the changes.

Exterior stucco is done and looks amazing.

Side of the garage view.

Fireplace hearths have been polished.

Roof top deck is underway.

Sauna is getting a floor soon.

Cool view.

Shower pans are passing the leak proof test.

Too fast to keep up on the changes...

2008-09-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Gone for a week again, I found lot's of changes. Some subtle, but it is fun to see the progress. We are still told Thanksgiving, but I think we are both in denial we are going to have to move during such a busy time of year.

Outside is primed for stucco.

As is the inside. Don't worry, we are not painting the walls blue.

The suspended hearth. I like it!

The stairs will go up here.

Oak floors went in on the second floor.

Cool shadows.

The fireplace on the third floor.

Shower pan is prepped.

Tile should follow soon.

Tim's rooftop deck.

The sauna is getting worked on too.

Details, details, details...

2008-09-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

When I returned from Brian Head after being gone 2 weeks, I immediately went to the house. I was surprised things didn't look that different, but there was a ton of detail oriented stuff getting done. I had work to do and tile became an issue. That took a few hours on my part to resolve. I was way over budget (surprise, surprise), so I had to work at getting it down to a reasonable amount. Good bye beautiful recycled glass tile. I will survive. I went local and have a very nice 2x8 ceramic tile from Pratt and Larson that will go in our master bath.
I also went back this past week, so here are photos from both visits.

The 3rd floor railing/landing.

The wires that will hold up the stairs.

Tile in sauna floor.

2nd floor fireplace.

The trellis.

The glass in the bathroom was replaced. Now the neighbors can't see in.

Finish work.

Our mailbox slot from the inside.

Painting away... Primer is going on the walls.

Slowly, but surely.

2008-08-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Every week it looks more and more like a house. Spaces are becoming defined and it is taking shape inside out. Last night we were treated to a party at the opening of one of Corey's other projects. Apparently a lot of people have been following the progress of our house too. If you want to see some professional photographs, check it out at: http://www.architecturepath.com/project.php?id=9. But for now, here are pictures from yesterday.

Basement is lit up. I am glad we added this space.

Mudding and taping in final stages in the workout room.

The wood shows on the hangover.

The hearth is still in the process of drying. Forms should be moved soon.

Sheetrock, mud, tape. Will it ever be done?

Filling all the holes in the siding.

The fireplace on the third floor is framed. It will eventually be stucco.

The hearth is the heart of the home.

2008-08-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

I met Corey on site and while there, the cement truck arrived to pour the hearth of our home. Exciting stuff.

The hearth is ready to be poured.

The first drops of cement off the truck.

It is game on!A tedious process.Making it look nice.3rd floor will have to be carried by buckets.

The garage doors are built.

PGE has put in the power underground.

Taping and mudding is starting, but all the sheetrock wasn't yet in.

Another week of progress...

2008-07-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Although it seems slow at times, there is always a lot of things happening. Some small, some big. Here is the latest:

Sheetrock out in the garage.

And the training room.

And the house itself.

More siding going up all the time. It is a very large box, but a nice looking one.

Starting to look like a house.

2008-07-22T14:28:00.001-07:00

Well, after being out of town for over a week, I always assume there will be BIG changes. After my last out of town, it was nothing too visible, so I even forgot to post it. Granted, I was only home for less than a week before leaving again, so today I went over, and WOW! It looked like a house. Or a finished house. I had some reservations on the siding color after a decision was made while I was out of town via pictures, but it looks great. Check it out...

I think Scott likes it too and I think both Corey and Scott are glad I like it.

The color is pretty yummy. I like it a lot.The first floor ceiling will be the same color.

But the question remains if we should stick with the original plan and do the third floor ceiling too or leave it light. Very mixed reviews on this one. Any one else want to voice an opinion???The temporary platform has been moved and the double heighted ceiling really shows.I still marvel at the windows.Temporary stairs are now relocated so the final ones can be worked on. Pretty cool.This will eventually take you to the roof top deck.

Visible Changes...

2008-06-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Although it would seem progress has been slow, a lot has been done. It just isn't as visible. But we will start seeing a lot of changes fast once again. Our move in date is definitely no longer in the sunny, dry late summer/early fall months. We are told to maybe plan on Turkey in the new house. Ouch. Right in the middle of cyclocross season.

The foam insulation was blown in. This place is air tight.

My younger sister Cathy was out for a visit and a tour last week.

The front pivot door is amazing. It was supposed to be opaque, but I think I will leave it clear. I got to see how it was going to work today.

The rear accordion door is AMAZING!!!

The skylight has also been installed. Check out the blue sky today!!!

Not much to report...

2008-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

The progress is still moving along, but it is just not as visible. All the stuff is being put in the walls before insulation, the fireplaces are in place, they put in a few more windows. The big thing happening right now is the floors are being polished. We are having exposed cement floors on the main floor and they are taking off the top layer to expose the rock in it and make it really smooth. This kind of gives you the idea:

The chainring idea in the garage is proving a bit challenging. But it is just a garage, right?

Fireplaces are in place.

Lot's of activity and lots of decisions...

2008-05-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

It is crazy how fast things seem to be moving now. They told me this would happen and it is true! Lots of decisions to make and things change daily. A delay in decisions could mean a delay in completion. Working on security system stuff, audio/video, lighting decisions, tile, etc. WHEW! This IS a full time job! It is lucky I am home for a bit so I can get stuff done and watch the rapid progress!

Windows going in every day.

From the north on 29th.

From the south.

Plumbing, electric, etc. all going in at once. Flurry of activity.

Green roof is not yet 'green'. Looking down on the garage/work out area.

When you see things like this it makes it all seem so real. Guest bathroom tub.

It's hard to capture how high the ceilings look. It is a massive space.

Tim is still in awe of his views. This is only from the second floor. Massive slider for a window.

The basement is a mess of wires, pipes, etc. Good thing we have a basement to hide all of this stuff.

After three weeks of being gone...

2008-05-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

One of the first things I do is go check out the house. It was fun to see so much progress. Granted, it doesn't show so much on the outside, but they have been busy!

The windows happen to arrive right when I got there. They were late, but this is only the first 30% or so of them. We have LOTS of windows.

Everything is roughed in, so walking through I could see all the spaces a bit better. View from the rear.

Rough stairs to basement.

Lot's of electrical and plumbing is in.

As well as the radiant heat piping.

The main floor cement is poured, but covered by wood to keep 'clean'.

Holy house! I am always a bit overwhelmed after being there.

Evidence of plumbing.

You can see the structure for the fireplace. And wires everywhere in the walls.

I think Tim is more interested in the view...

2008-04-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

So, I am in Belgium, but Tim did a walk through with Corey last week and they both sent me pictures. I noticed a trend with Tim's pictures. They were all of what you can see from the house, not of the house and the structure and building at all. But, we all have our perspective. Here are some pictures from last week. I can't wait to get home to see it. Apparently the windows are coming soon. Like next week. Yikes!!!

Are they done yet???

2008-04-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

I had to make a run to the property, as I was anxious to see any changes, having been gone for 2 weeks. Although not obviously visible, progress is always being made. Now I am leaving again for 3 weeks, but have 'hired' some friends to take pictures. Apparently things are going to be starting to move FAST while I am gone. But here is what I found on Friday.

It looks more and more like a house.

Bedroom window (w/o window, of course)

third floor

second floor 'pod' window

looking in from the outside on the north side.

from the back

A long overdue update...

2008-03-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from the last few trips and meetings. Sometimes the changes are not always the most visible, but there is definitely progress.

Some day that will be the front door.

Getting ready to pour... eventually...

Bathroom & Sauna in the ADU. More and more framing.

The back of the house. New walls on the second floor.

The third floor is busy with activity.

The view isn't bad.

He is standing in my shower. Also, check out the radiant heat board.

From the back looking through the house to the street. The main floor is ready to be poured, except for the piping for the radiant heat.

Eventually my bikes will hang here.

Don't worry. Eventually there will be stairs and you won't have to take the ladder. An interesting perspective.

Always signs of progress. March 12, 2008

2008-03-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well, last week we got some BAD NEWS! Don't worry, it has nothing to do with construction. It was just that it was a clear day, so Tim had me go over and check out our amazing Mt. Hood View. See our 'amazing Mt. Hood view':
Not so amazing. Oh well. We will hope for a better one from the roof top deck!

Today I swung by at the end of my ride and here is where everything is at:

Walls starting to take shape.

Main floor is prepped to pour. It is going to be cement.

The retaining wall has been re-poured.

Framing everywhere.

Can I move in yet?

2008-03-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

Progress is so fast now, that I want to stop by all the time. Including 'breaking in' on Monday night with Tim at the end of our bike ride. I went Friday, the 29th of February (great weather), and then today, Tuesday, March 4th (gray weather). It may not look like a lot has changed, but it is constant progress. Got a chance to check out the views today. Too bad it was cloudy.

The front of the house from the north corner.

The rear.

The digger that helped take out the chipped retaining wall.

The retaining wall half destroyed.
It was injured (chipped) during steel construction, so is being re-poured.

The stomper, getting the ground compacted and settled.

I asked how high my ceilings were on the second floor. 8 feet is the answer.
View west from the third floor.
Mt. Hood should be visible from our bedroom.
Scott & Corey, the masterminds behind this, making sure it is getting built right.
I am down below freezing while Corey is taking pics, balancing on a beam.

Cement poured. Friday, 2/22/2008

2008-02-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

Well, on my 'easy spin', I couldn't help but swing by the property to check out the poured cement in the back garage/workout area. Looks good. Things are moving now...

Looking from the front to the rear of the bike garage.There will eventually be a bathroom and sauna where those pipes stick out.

The basalt rocks are not moving now. Ditches for drainage.

Same view, just another day...

Progress is faster... Tuesday, 2/19/2008

2008-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I accidentally deleted last weeks pics, but they were not too much different that this week, but I think it will go fast now, so once a week may not be enough. I would hate to miss anything. I have been meeting every tuesday (since back from Europe) with Corey (our architect) and David (our builder). Lots of decisions being made and progress once the steel was put in place is much more rapid. It is getting exciting...

Floor in workout room is ready to pour. Big basalt rocks will serve as step into sauna.

View into bike garage area.

Check out those strong floors. Basement is capped and first floor is in.

It is a flurry of activity.

Hole got dug on Monday and dry well is in.

Apparently the hole was pretty impressive for the well.

Great weather for building a house.

Is this really our house???

2008-02-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

I met with Corey (our architect) today on site. It is truly a spectacle right now to see these steel beams so high up in the air. It is crazy to think that we will be living here in less than a year. Yikes. Corey talked me through where things were going to be and we discussed some interior and exterior details. It still amazes me what a view we will have. This thing is tall!

Corey admiring his creation.

The super strong first floor.

The steel beams are no longer the hold up.

The work out room is now a storage area.

Looking out from the vestibule between the garage and work out area.

From the back yard.

6 weeks later & lot's of progress visible. 1/30/2008

2008-01-31T09:33:00.001-08:00

My first day back and of course I had to go by the house and see the progress. And things have definitely changed. I am sure the neighbors are now freaking out a bit, as there is a picture posted and there are some massive metal beams going up. I hope we are not hated yet in the neighborhood. Here is what has happened since I left in December...

It's no longer a secret what the house will look like.

Apparently the 60 ft. crane starts work at 7 a.m. I am sure the neighbors love that.

View from the street.

Lot's of metal.

Basement walls are poured.

It starts to take some sort of shape.

A room with a view? Or at least we think so. 12/10/2007

2007-12-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

A beautiful sunny day, so I stuck my camera in my pocket when I left for a little spin. Stopping by the property is always a good destination. Although we are still waiting on the steel, some progress has been made. We hope to see more rapid changes soon. I got to climb up on the roof of the garage/workout space. Not too easy (or smart) with bike shoes on, but I couldn't resist. Considering the view is pretty good from here, I can only imagine what it will be from the third floor. Here is what I saw today:

The view from the top of the garage.

The detailing of the garage roof, which will eventually be a green roof.

The retaining wall.

Changes from this view are not too significant.

Still waiting for the steel! 11/21/2007

2007-12-01T20:55:00.001-08:00

Although we are still waiting for the steel, progress was being made. It was starting to look like something was being built. The bike garage and work out area got framed in and the retaining wall was ready to be poured. The footings were in and there was a lot of action on the property! It is fun to see something happening.

The ADU (accessory dwelling unit).

sweet!

And the retaining wall...

Love to see progress.

What's the hold up? 11/13/2007

2007-11-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today I met on the property with David and Corey, the builder and architect. The steel is the hold up, but there are other things getting done as we hurry up and wait. Ah, the joy of building a house. Check out what is new...

The retaining wall footings about to be poured.

getting ready to frame the ADU

Dave Rush directing traffic & a pile of certified lumber.

At a snails pace... Tuesday, October 23, 2007

2007-10-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Biked by again today. It's become a weekly habit. I guess it isn't called trespassing when you are crawling over a fence that is meant to keep you out if you own the property, right??? I saw our neighbor from across the street again today, and as luck would have it, it was his 80th birthday!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Henkel!
Although it isn't awe inspiring, there was at least changes since my last bike by. Check it out...

Crawling over the orange fence had a new twist... a great big ditch to fall in.

The bike garage/workout facility has received a new surface. Gravel in, dirt out.

I guess the property line is getting ready for the retaining wall. Looks a lot different all dug up.

Another week gone by. 10/15/2007.

2007-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

I did a "bike by" on the way to my massage. Ran into my neighbor across the street, Mr. Henkel. He questioned the 'slow progress'. Oh, isn't building fun??? In a short 10 months from now, we will be moving in.

The BIG hole.

Footings w/o wood support.

Plywood is gone. Cement has been poured.

October 9, 2007: Meeting with inspector

2007-10-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

We were at the property for a meeting, so why not take some pictures and show you that there is cement poured. I guess we are making subtle progress.

The bike garage/work out area.

Footings are poured.

Lots of plywood.

Tim and our architect/friend Corey. Also a new father! Congrats Corey!!!

Progress.

2007-09-18T19:58:00.001-07:00

I stopped by the lot today to check out the progress. From a distance, it doesn't look like much has happened, but taking a closer look, I saw the beginnings of our new foundation and basement. It is progress. I couldn't get too close, b/c it is all gated and locked up.

From the chain-link fence it doesn't look much different.

A closer look into the big hole shows the progress.

Looks about ready to pour.

Our future bike garage and work out space.

The ground has been broken...

2007-09-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sometime when we were in Thailand, ground was broken. There is a big hole in the ground and has been for some time. Not sure what is next. But here is what it looked like before Thailand....

And now...