Chillin' Out

The dogs enjoying the new deck.

New Heating System

The heating system has been replaced. We were told that this high efficiency system should reduce our oil and electric consumption. I hope that is true.

The hot water tank is much smaller than the original one. Supposedly, the system heats water so quickly, that a bigger tank is not needed. The smaller tank is also more energy efficient.

The install took one day. Two plumbers arrived at 7:30 am and an electrician arrived at 1:00 pm. Cold water was available during the installation, which made being in the house much easier.

When the heat was turned on to test the system, Coop, Otis and I began to roast. Extra heat on a 90 degree day is a too much!

Congratulations, Jeff !

The Connecticut State Sporting Clays Shoot was held at Fairfield County Fish and Game this weekend.

Jeff won the Class A FITASC event! Jeff started shooting FITASC in April 2011.  He has made great progress in a little over a year.

Oil Burner

This is our existing 30+ year old oil burner. Back in May, we realized that the furnace needed to be replaced.

With Fall and colder weather approaching, we knew it was time to order a new heating system. We are also having the electric water heater removed. The new furnace will supply the hot water.

The installation is supposed to take 1 day. I am hoping we do not encounter any install issues. It is tough to live in a house with no running water.

New Door

The new basement door is installed. This is Cooper's favorite spot. Coop loves being able to see outside.

New Windows

The basement and garage windows are installed. These Andersen windows match the windows on the first floor of the house.

Deck Complete

The deck is finished.

Aerial views of the deck, shot from an upstairs window.

We are very happy with the way the deck turned out.  .

Garage Window

These are the existing windows in the garage and basement.As you can see they are in bad shape.  The previous owner, replaced one of the panes with a piece of wood. He then drilled a hole in it to run electrical wire outside! I always wonder what the previous owner was thinking when he was doing "home (not) improvements".

We are having the windows replaced while the deck is built.

Almost Done

The deck is almost finished.

 

All that is left to complete are the stairs and gate.

This is what the deck looks like.

Basement Door

We replaced the basement door shortly after buying the house. However, due to the constant moisture and lack of sunlight, the outside frame was starting to rot. While the deck is being built, we are having a new door installed. The frame is made of a composite, that should last forever.


The new door is all glass. Cooper will love being able to see outside. I hope  the quality is as good as the sales person claims.

Progress

Most of the floorboards have been installed. I like that the builder put an "edge or frame" on the outer rim of the deck and then installed the floorboards on a diagonal within the frame.

The railing is also starting to be installed.

Posts

The railing posts are installed. The floorboards are starting to be installed. We chose to run the flooring on a diagonal, instead of the traditional horizontal.

Framing

The framing for the deck is almost complete.

The new 32 foot deck is much smaller than the previous one.

Footers Ready

The footers have been poured. We are waiting for the lumber to be delivered, so construction can start.

Footers

The footers have been dug and inspected. Deck construction can now begin.

Ready to Cook

Our oven is finally fixed. I am not sure that I will ever try the self cleaning option again!

Bath Time

Ice cold water does not feel bad on a hot and humid day!

Deck Demolition

Our old deck has been completely removed.

Deck Started

When I arrived home, I was surprised to see a trailer in the driveway.

The railings have been  removed from the deck.

Please feed me

Poor Otis has been sick for the last few days. I am not sure if he caught a virus or ate something he should not have. In any case, Otis needs to be taken out every hour.

We stopped feeding Otis on Saturday to rest his stomach. When Cooper gets fed breakfast and dinner Otis just sits by his bowl, with big sad eyes.

I feel so guilty. Unfortunately, there is no way to explain to Otis that being hungry will help him get better.

Sunrise

Cooper believes that if the sun is up, everyone should be up. Getting up at 6:00am on Saturday and Sunday is no fun. Bleary eyed we walk down the street. Upon returning home, the dogs get fed. Ten minutes later, Cooper is sound asleep on the bed.

At 6:45, wide awake, Jeff and I look at each other and say what do we do now ? Unlike Coop & Otis, going back to sleep is not an option. The only upside is that the grocery store is not crowded at 7:00 am.