1207 Minnie Drive-Lake Austin, TX

Holy Under Contract, Batman

2011-05-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are officially a few days away from closing and the house is starting to feel like a home. Our time line went a little long with extenuating circumstances aplenty. But that's all behind us (knock on wood) and we are looking at what appears to be the light at the end of the tunnel, punch-list in hand.
A few pics from my phone to give you an idea of the look of things. Some better quality photos to follow after things wrap up.

updates...

2011-02-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

All lit up

2011-01-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

1207 Minnie-'11

2011-01-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

Here's hoping your new year is getting off on the right foot.
I apologize for the lack of updates recently as I've been working towards my competitive eating goals since Thanksgiving.

Our lighting fixtures are all in and our final electric inspection passed today so we should have some evening exterior/interior shots coming soon (maybe tomorrow).
Trim out for our mechanical will follow as soon as we complete our tile and flooring.

I assure we will have some new pictures up as soon as humanly (City of Austin) possible.

Septic/final grade/seed

2010-11-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Drip tubing for the aerobic

The field

Dropping the tank into place.

County inspection.

The final grade is done and the seed is down.

We should have a little grass up within a few weeks.

Septic/cabinets/drive

2010-10-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

Our driveway is finally complete and the light boxes have been installed.

The septic install began yesterday.

Master Sinks along with Scott's custom cabs.

Master cabs again.

Barn Door (slider) for the pantry.

Pantry layout.

I assure you we are still here.

2010-10-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

We are currently working towards completing the built-ins and beginning our septic system. I will be posting pictures later this week.

Update

2010-09-10T10:25:00.001-07:00

The exterior is done.

Textured and primed.

Sheetrock/Driveway

2010-08-19T15:16:00.001-07:00

The steel for the first portion of the drive will start tomorrow.

The underpinning was completed today. You'll also notice that we've brought up the grade a bit.

A rear sidewalk to the back entrance.

Forms for the drive.

The grade and underpinning again.

Scott's lighting columns are a throw back to our uncle's house in our home town. These will be finished with white plexi on the interior and low voltage lighting to accent the drive.
We plan on wiring in the carports as well as some low voltage behind the slates of the boat storage.

The tall column will be at the entrance of the drive (along with another opposite) and the short ones will be staggered up the drive.

The sheetrock is up with an inspection tomorrow before tape/float/texture.

More pics of the progress to come.

Insulation

2010-08-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

The insulation and mid-level sound deadening are all done. The house is considerably cooler throughout the day. I can only imagine the difference HVAC will make.

Carports, Communications, Stain/Paint Fun

2010-07-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Scott and I have an affinity for slat style walls/fences.

The "butterfly roof" will allow for rain collection in the center of the carports. We'll have a cistern in between the two for collection.

We're going to install some low voltage lighting to accent the slats. We'll stay with this style for a few columns (low voltage lighting again) on each side of the entrance of the drive as well.

The same stain on the deck.

An example of the "hog wire" as it's affectionately know will finish out the deck. We also plan on installing some pipe railing on the the top of the hand rail.

We're planning on an accent color for the contrast from the lap siding (left) to the hardy sheets. Here's one of the colors we are previewing (left) currently.

Communications and speaker wiring is in.

Our communications box below the stairs.

Plumbing top out, mechanical, and framing inspections are happening Monday morning. Spray foam and sheet rock to follow shortly and then the fun begins.

Austin City Limited

2010-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

We are currently working towards a few inspections. After these few we can move forward to the spray foam and sheet rock.
We've started staining the deck with a semi-transparent stain. The exterior paint is currently on hold while we finish up with a few details for the inspections.
Our friend Devin Schavey (info available upon request) just wired the house for TV/Wifi/speakers.

I'll post some pictures as soon as we come up for air.

Roofing

2010-07-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

The awning Scott fashioned above the deck entrance and window along with the drain (white) will help cut up the front of the house.

The flashing against the main color (olive-ish) and accent (white).

The flashing and standing seam peeking out.

The standing seam is all down on the upper level right in time for a possible afternoon shower and more of the same tomorrow. The flashing and fascia really work well together along with our accent color (in my humble opinion).

I assure you we are still here.

2010-07-07T11:04:00.001-07:00

Scott and I have been tying up loose ends since our last post. The holiday turned into a painting good time for all (us). The weather cleared for the most part and we are expecting rain this afternoon and tomorrow.
The good news is the roofers are here today getting the second level done. We are still prepping the house for paint. Our inspections should be coming up pretty soon for plumbing, electric, and hvac.
I will post some pics as soon possible.

7 day forcast:

2010-06-29T13:38:00.001-07:00

Our lovely Texas heat has been replace by some serious rain for the rest of the week. A 60% chance for today (%100 as of right now) and tomorrow to be followed by the outer bans of the Alex for Friday into the weekend. Paintin' weather!

And these are days of our lives...

Painting!!!!

2010-06-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

8 ft. doors throughout the house.

The deck is on making those canyon views a little more accessible.

Plumbing rough is complete.

HVAC

For all you volunteer painters in the Austin area we are holding casting calls for any and all that would like to apply.

We've got the HVAC, plumbing, and electric all roughed. Scott and I are currently prepping and painting with the roof going on as soon as we're done. The soffit, facia, and window trim will be accented with white with the remainder being the color you see on the upper story.

Out of towner

2010-06-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

The felt is on and the doors have arrived. The HVAC rough is complete along with the electric. I'm out of town or you would have proof a' plenty. Scott is solo-babysitting the place and I assure you pics. will be up by Monday afternoon.

The hardi is up!

2010-06-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

The hardi is done at this point and we are moving forward with the plumbing top out. The deck will go up the next time the framers are out and the roof should get started soon.

The electrical will start Saturday with the HVAC following shortly after.

Sheathing/framing approval

2010-06-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Scott peaking out.

Scott trying to will our trash pile away.

PePe and crew starting the "top out".

Javier from JM structural engineering (info. available upon request) giving everything a once over.

So again, a few incidentals aside we are ready to move forward.

PePe came out to begin the "top out" and cornice, wrap, and siding beginning Monday.

ROT rally is town this week so the Lake is a great place to avoid the leather clad insanity.

Sheathing/inspection, take 3

2010-06-11T14:27:00.001-07:00

A little world cup fever on the job site today* (Mexico tied S. Africa 1-1).

As is the nature of the beast, our inspection was bumped till tomorrow morning. I mentioned earlier that we originally planned on an AM inspection today but that was bumped because we were not done with the sheathing and radiant barrier.

The inspection will happen tomorrow in the AM with work following shortly after.

Sheathing/radiant barrier, take 2

2010-06-11T12:54:00.001-07:00

Sheathed out.

Soffit and fascia are almost done.

Things went late last night and we did not finish in time for our AM inspection. Our engineer is coming out in about an hour and we should be wrapping the house and applying siding shortly.

Sheathing/moisture barrier

2010-06-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

The sheathing should be done this afternoon along with the carports. Our engineer is stopping by in the morning for sheathing/framing approval.

We will complete the framing punch list this weekend and be blacked out with windows in by Monday, weather permitting.

And with the moisture

2010-06-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

A nice big storm rolled in last night around 4 AM and is still hanging out. We have the carports going up and the sheathing would have been done today with an engineering inspection shortly. It's looking like rain again tomorrow with Friday clearing up.
Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can get this wrapped up by the end of the week.

Framing is coming along

2010-06-07T07:04:00.001-07:00

The deck is almost up.

'Plenty of light coming through these windows. They are North facing so too much direct sun will not be an issue.

The master in the back of the house with a view of the stairs.

Canyon views from the 2nd floor are looking great. With winter the views should only get better.

The view from the kitchen island

We get our last lumber drop in the morning. We should be decked out within a few days and have the carports up as well. We look forward to being blacked out with windows in by the end of the week.

Framing-2nd day

2010-06-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

I'm out of town for work but my neighbor Kevin was kind enough to get some shots from this afternoon. My brother reported the rain came today late but the majority of the walls are all up and we are well on our way to the roof trusses.

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2010-06-02T17:38:00.001-07:00

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2010-06-02T17:37:00.003-07:00

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2010-06-02T17:37:00.001-07:00

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2010-06-02T17:36:00.003-07:00

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2010-06-02T17:36:00.001-07:00

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Framing continued (1st day)

2010-06-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Lumber drop/Framing

2010-06-01T08:15:00.001-07:00

A slight chance of rain tomorrow but otherwise a nice 10 day forecast.

We received our lumber nice and early this morning and our framers are throwing up the walls currently.
Trusses will be here early in the morning with a second lumber drop following later this week.
More pics to follow this afternoon.

Road base and a clean lot

2010-05-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Chava working the drive.

Boat shed to the left and 2 car carport to the right (attached).

Our swooping grand entrance will be dressed up with an apron towards the end.

Chava came by today with a co worker and cleared all the forms/rebar off the lot. We established the basic grade for the driveway (roadbase) and some positive drainage for the back of the house/carports.
Our framing begins Tuesday morning (early) with trusses following Wednesday.

2010-05-27T08:21:00.001-07:00

The view just off of Minnie Dr.

Our deck footings prior to pouring

Our 4th grade intern is super into it!

We ran into a little snag with our trusses (as in they weren't built). After a little breach of contract/lawyer speak we will have our first drop Tuesday and the trusses arriving Wednesday. Patience...

Forms Down!

2010-05-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Northern rear view of the slab.

South rear view

The forms are being knocked down today and framing will begin tomorrow.

The humidity is with us as is the heat, as this Texas weather is officially back again.

That poor, pour concrete

2010-05-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

Charlie and Chava

The pump truck showed up around 4 AM much to our neighbors chagrin. Rudy and the boys are wrapping up the main slab currently.

Floor Plan

2010-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

I've received a few requests for the floor plan so here it is. If you click on the image it will open up and allow for a closer look.

We had about 2 inches of rain yesterday with a good bit of wind and a little hail to boot. Pouring the concrete has been pushed until Saturday-we should have plenty of time to dry out.

It's more of a wet drought

2010-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Rudy and his crew enjoying the weather this morning.

We are looking to pour our foundation Tuesday after we've had Monday to dry out (fingers crossed). Javier Martin (JM Structural Engineering, Austin, TX -contact info. available upon request) braved the slippery streets of our fine town to come out for our pre-pour inspection.
We resolved a few incidentals and are ready to pour.
I need to mention the person responsible for our renderings (Justin Campbell-intern for J.C. Schmeil- contact info available upon request). Justin was very professional and accommodating.

I highly recommend both Javier and Justin.

Further explanation

2010-05-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Back of the house and master bedroom

The back door and stairs will exit to a deck built around the live oaks behind the house

A very special thanks to Ben @ ModernAustin.com for featuring our rendering and blog information today. We actually found J.C. Schmeil via Ben's site, and for that we thank him.

I suppose a better description of our focus and project are in order. We are building on 3 individual lots (2 of which will be for sale). The lots are 75x180 ft. Having said that, we wanted to create a feeling of privacy by placing the houses on the back of the lots. We plan on staggering the second house (lot 8, building on 9 currently) so as to not block any of the views. This house was designed with Lake life in mind (boat storage and outdoor entertaining). I don't know much about Feng shui but I do know that we have the water element covered(stones throw to Lake Austin, 2 boat ramps in the neighborhood). The shed style roof is south facing so solar is an option that will be available.
We went with an inverted floor plan so the canopy/treehouse feeling was taken full advantage of.

I truly wish I could enjoy this cool/wet weather that is currently gracing our lovely town but I'm afraid concrete is on my mind.
And with that I bid you adieu

More to come...

7 day outlook: wet

2010-05-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

Upon reviewing weather it looks like we are anticipating rain for the next week. The good news is the rebar is almost complete.

Rebar

2010-05-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

The poly is on and the rebar is being tied today. We are anticipating rain for the remainder of the week, so it looks like Tuesday will be the day for pouring. 'Fingers crossed that the weather moves on.

Everybody's working on the weekend

2010-05-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Post title=Lame Loverboy reference=check

A little time to smell the flowers.

Rudy, PePe, and crew enjoy a well deserved break.
Rudy and PePe and their crews have been swinging for the fences since we started. I highly recommend them. Their contact information is available upon request.

The footings for the deck.

The neighborhood inspectors are terribly irregular with their pop-in inspections.

Poly is on the slabs.

PePe and his crew hard at it.

The main is in and sleaved

Hot and cold are in.

Trenching and Caliche, A Love Story

2010-05-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are Rudy (Foundation) and Pe Pe (Plumbing).

Chava and Charlie from Rudy's crew.

Our beams are in place.

We were surprised to not find rebar in the trench upon completion.

Poly is going on the foundation this afternoon and Pe Pe will complete the trenching and rough-in this weekend with inspections with the City and Travis county (ah, the joys of being extra-territorial jurisdiction-the cost of lake life in this case) happening early this week.

Back fill settled

2010-05-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Our lots are all parallelograms (75 x 180) as witnessed by the pictures above.

2010-05-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

The perimeter on the house has been dug down to the specifications and the road base is in place.
The cross beams go in tomorrow with steel and plumbing following shortly.

Treehouse

2010-05-03T17:38:00.001-07:00

Scott and I have dubbed 1207 Minnie our "treehouse" project mainly because our biggest priority while designing the house was saving as many hardwoods as possible.
The majority of our windows are facing north to avoid overexposure to afternoon sun while providing plenty of natural light. We've inverting the living to the upstairs so as to take advantage of the tree house/canopy feel that our lot provides.
We built this house with an emphasis on lake life. We will have a courtyard in the back of the house as well as approximately 500 squ. ft. of deck available for entertaining. A detached carport (2 car) will sit on the back of the lot beside an additional carport for your boat.
Spray foam insulation and low E windows will ensure a comfortable living environment.

That ground is so broken...

2010-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Our first "Minnie" project is officially underway. Scott and I dropped all the necessary trees last weekend and the lot has been scraped. Yesterday we pulled string to set up the footprint and forms will be finished up this afternoon.
As referenced above, J.C. Schmeil is our architect. J.C. played an integral role in realizing our vision. You can find several examples of his work @ www.merzbau.com.
I will post pictures of our progress soon.