Day 80: The Garage Gets Windows, and the Inspector Gets Nicer

Not much has changed in the extension, although the insulation is now there and ready to be installed. The extension itself is ready for the next phase (drywall, tile and flooring) except for two things: A water test to make sure the pipes don't leak, and fire sprinklers.

Yup, Glendale's bizarr-o fire sprinklers rule -- which the inspector claims has been around for 14 years -- means we have to have 'em installed, despite the small size of the house. And why sprinklers are required for the garage is beyond me.

Contractor Menny also informed me the other day that the electrician sent him a whopping bill for much more than expected -- yes, we asked for a few extras, but not nearly as much as he's charging. We'll see what happens there.

We were also told by Menny that changing our mind and sticking with the three-window format in the front of the house will cost a lot more. Unlike simply going with one window on the left and one on the right, the three/three means six windows all together, and a lot more framing. So we may wind up with just one large window on the left and right after all. (On the bright side -- no pun intended -- it should allow more light into the living room and Evan's room.)



As you can see, the windows have been installed in the garage. Our job foreman was extra proud -- the windows are thicker, since he knows we'll be using the garage as a workspace, as is the door.



The side door, as seen below, also includes a window, he says, since we probably want more light in the garage. We didn't ask for it, but what the hell. He seemed more proud. He also noted that the doors were more expensive -- but again, since we didn't ask for 'em, we're not going to pay extra for 'em. And if anyone tries to make us, we'll raise hell.



Today, the roofers were adding the roof to the garage. Luckily, we're getting this done before the rains start. Next up, however, we've got to figure out the front garage door situation. I was hoping to find one online, but have come up empty. Guess we'll be going through Home Depot or Lowes. We're looking at doors with a little bit of insulation, which cost a bit more -- but will help shield the garage a bit more from the elements.

Meanwhile, we've worked out our kitchen plan (for the most part). The IKEA kitchen installer will stop by on Monday and -- for $200 -- temporarily remove our bottom kitchen cabinets. That way, the workers can come in and take out the old tile. We're also purchasing new, much nicer kitchen tile, which they'll then install. The following Monday, our IKEA guy is back, ready to re-install the existing cabinets, plus the new ones (which will surround the new refrigerator, where the bench now sits). The new fridge also comes in two weeks, putting the final touches on the room. (Well, we still have to order the countertop as well. But that's the last thing.)

At the same time the contractor installs the kitchen tile, he'll also be installing the bathroom tile. It's coming along!