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With cabinets and appliances set in place, Mike is engaged in trimming the cabinets.  Both precision and patience are required to achieve perfection in the art crown moulding.  Each cut is carefully measured and fit prior to nailing in place.  The center island is starting to take form and is really looking sharp!  Decorative cornerposts to be added on the bar side of the island will add to its’ allure.  Overall, the piece provides a nice visual contrast with the clean white look of the cabinets and trim.   

 Using a salvaged scrap of original trim, Mike demonstrates how the wall cap will tie into the window casing once the wall panel, or wainscoting, is complete.  The painter is scheduled to arrive the day after next, so tommorow will be another busy day of trimwork. 

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 This afternoon we find Mike, literally, engulfed in his work.  The stainless steel “helmet” is actually a range hood to vent the new stove.  As you can see, cabinet installation is progressing nicely, with only a few cabinets left to set after the range hood is in place. 

Getting the fridge in the kitchen, through a series of narrow passages, proved to be an arduous task.  It took the combined effort of several R. Craig Lord employees and a little ingenuity, but the fridge made it in one piece!  Matching cabinet veneers (not pictured) are ready to be installed on the fridge and freezer doors and will contribute to the seamless and stylish look of this new kitchen.

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Company founder and president, R. Craig Lord, takes an opportunity to inspect progress.  Mike has done a meticulous job of trimming the bay window and installing new siding.  The siding looks as if it has been there all along, even before painting!  Although siding was not in our scope of work or budget, this is not a change order item because it was not a hidden, pre-existing condition.  The original siding was unavoidably damaged in the course of removing the old window, so it’s simply an unforseen expense on our end.  The cutbacks could have been hidden with a creative trim job, but the finished appearance would be compromised.  Besides, the fresh siding will only add to the wonderful street appeal of the new bay window.  The uppermost courses of siding have been held off for proper flashing and roof installation.   

 Kitchen cabinet installation is well underway.  Mike is joined by fellow lead carpenter Don VanWalsen.  Don is known for his expertise in kitchen and bathroom installation, so his help today is well timed and expedites this phase of the project. 

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It’s been a few days since we’ve checked in on the job, but based on the steady stream of inspection requests to the office, things are progressing just fine.  After successful plumbing and electrical inspections on Monday and framing inspection on Tuesday, the insulators were called in.  The subsequent insulation inspection allowed the drywall installer to get started on Wednesday.  

As we check in this morning, taping and spackling of the freshly hung drywall is underway.  Meanwhile…

  …outside, Mike is busy applying trim to the new bay window.  Production manager Dave Newcomb stops by to inspect progress on the job and discusses installation of the more detailed trim to follow.  Per usual in this application, we are using AZEK trim boards.  AZEK materials offer the look and workability of wood products but are far superior in terms of durability and required maintenance.  For more information on AZEK products, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.azek.com .   

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 Following up on yesterday’s activity, the new cast iron drain pipe is fully installed.  The orange foam visible at the base and top of the wall is a fire prevention measure.  The sealant, or caulk, is designed to eliminate airflow between floors of the house at openings created by pipes or wires.  This helps limit a fire’s ability to spread between floors.

 Rough installation for the new kitchen sink is complete.  A properly vented drain pipe replaces the unemployed pvc vent we found abandoned in the wall at the start of the job.  New electric wiring will connect to a disposal for the sink.

Plumbing and electrical trades are complete for now.  They’ll be back in a few weeks to install fixtures and appliances.  Mike has already contacted the office to schedule inspections for Monday morning.  Being Friday afternoon, it’s time for Friday clean-up.  Daily clean-up is a priority at all R. Craig Lord jobsites, but the end of the week is especially important as clients often take time on the weekends to inspect progress.  A safe and clean environment is an imperative. 

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