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Project Punch List: What’s Left On Our To-Do List

August 31, 2022

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I recently made a declaration that I’m not starting any more home projects until our current projects get all wrapped up. There’s so many moving parts at the moment and I’m feeling a bit frazzled with all the loose ends. And so! I came up with a list of all the things left on our project punch list.

Obviously I’m itching to do other projects around the house, but I’m using this list as motivation to be able to start other exciting projects. First and foremost finish what’s on this list and once we get these done then I can work on something else. Starting with the bathroom…

Bathroom

Mirror | Vanity | Cabinet Knobs | Sconce | Laundry Hamper | Tile | Shower Head | Arm | Valve

Just last week we made some progress in the bathroom after being at a stand-still. The box trim tile in the shower has been replaced and repaired and the toilet and countertop are officially installed! Here’s what we’re still waiting on.

  • Now that the countertop is installed (the original countertop that came with the vanity got cracked), the faucet can be installed. We’re actually still waiting for the actual faucet to arrive, but the cross handles are here!
  • I met with the glass fabricator to see if the black gridded shower is even a possibility. He drew out what’s possible and I’m doubtful that it won’t look like what I’m envisioning. Here’s an inspo image of the gridded look I’m wanting. Right now I’m leaning towards the grid, but I’m not ruling out going with regular glass. Either way, fabrication takes about 8 weeks, so expect a finished bathroom end of October.
  • The finishing touches in here include: hanging some towel hooks, the toilet paper holder, and a little privacy curtain over the window.

I’ve been thinking about putting up a temporary shower curtain but there’s no easy way to do that. It would have to be hung from the ceiling, which means we would have some patching and repair work to do once the glass is installed. It might be worth it though if it means we’re able to get some immediate use out of the shower.

Laundry Room

Brass Ceiling Light | Wallpaper | Wall Sconce | Black Shade | Washer & Dryer Gray Tile | White Tile

The laundry room is another major space with a lot of loose ends. It feels like we’re so so close, yet far away from finishing. Everything in here is at a stand-still until we get the sink cabinet made with the proper sink dimensions. A mistake was made with the original cabinet, and so it has to get remade, which will take another 2-3 weeks. Check out the laundry room mood board to see the hardware we’re using, along with some elevation drawings.

  • Not a lot can be done until the countertops and backsplash are installed, which can’t be done until the sink cabinet is installed. We mentioned in this countertop post that we chose Dekton for our countertop and backsplash material and it’s just been a struggle to get the ball rolling. For now, install is at a standstill…
  • As far as cabinets go, the bottom center cabinet will be getting pulled out so it sits flush with the machines. As for the uppers cabinet, the doors need hanging, and the center cabinets are getting a special little treatment–think grated glass.
  • There’s also going to be a hanging rod in-between the upper cabinets for hanging clothes.

Here’s what’s going on in the other corner of the laundry room:

Laundry Room pt. 2

  • Again, the center sink cabinet was not made with the proper sink specifications in mind, so a new one is getting built. So once that’s corrected in 2-3, the countertops can be templated!
  • After countertops, they can finally finish the uppers. Imagine two upper cabinet towers on either side, and a floating shelf in-between!
  • Those bottom two spaces will transform into curtained storage for some rolling hamper storage (you know I had to). I think I had too much fun with cafe curtain in our kitchen that I had to do it again.
  • The finishing touch in here will be the baseboards and crown which will just tie everything together and make this room feel complete.

Kitchen

Kitchen Sources

The kitchen is so so close to the finish line but I’m holding my breath until I see that fridge fully in place, and the current fridge gets rolled out. We just crossed the beverage station off our project punch list now that the mirrored tile backsplash was installed. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Outside

Unfortunately the outside project punch list is pretty lengthy. For a while it seemed to be getting longer, but even since last week, there’s been a lot of progress! Here’s the list of things left to do in the backyard (assuming we have no more bumps in the road).

  • The grass had to be completely dug up because of an irrigation leak that flooded and killed the grass. Apparently there were multiple leaks and it took time to locate and repair them, but hopefully we’re leak free from here on out. They just laid new sod in the back and front yard a few days ago and hopefully it takes.
  • Some dead trees and plants have been removed and replanted, and even more will get replaced in the upcoming months. Just one of the downsides of planting. Not everything takes!
  • The electrical for the trampoline also needs fixing. We have some underground lights installed that aren’t working and need to be troubleshot.
  • Beyond the the trampoline there’s actually going to be a shed! We’re installing it next week to store our yard tools and supplies and I can’t wait!

Outdoor Kitchen

  • Let’s address the outdoor kitchen. First and foremost, we need to finish painting it. Don’t quote me, but I’m actually considering changing the paint color… Again, don’t quote me on that, but are you that surprised?
  • We did just get news that all the gas lines and electrical passed inspection. So after painting, we can move forward with installing all the grills and appliances.
  • Then it’s time for countertops, pergola, and lighting.
  • I’d also really like to get some more plants growing up on the brick and so I think we’re going to grow star jasmine in a diamond pattern.
  • Since the yard needs to be fully fenced in for pool safety, we need a gate to close off the archway. It’s currently getting fabricated, so hopefully it can get installed soon.
  • Lastly, but certainly not least, we’re waiting for the rest of the furniture to arrive! We’re missing some cushions, umbrellas, umbrella stands, Adirondack chairs around the fire pit, and I’m hoping to find a larger dining table.

After the Project Punch List

Obviously this is a lot. I think what’s frustrating is that a lot of this feels out of our control, especially in the bathroom and laundry room. We’re relying on contractors to follow through and build things to our specification. When mistakes are made, or product deliveries are delayed, it can feel like a lot of waiting. By the end of this list, it’s all going to be worth it.

I can hardly even imagine what comes next. Once everything is crossed off the list, we’re getting the ball rolling on the arched window in the living room. That’s a huge undertaking though and I think I’m craving something more in my control…

I need a quick project–something with immediate gratification, and Faye’s room might be the perfect project to start. I think it could be a quick in and out. I’m talking small input, big return!

Do you have any tips on how to keep yourself going when you have a long list like this?

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What do you think?

  1. Liz says:

    I can picture a brass, ceiling-mounted curtain rod being so beautiful in your space. I’m sure you’ll come up with something better, but I love the idea of a railroad striped curtain.

    Thanks for sharing! Hang in there.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/403855650480

  2. cayla says:

    when in doubt, paint it black.

  3. Cassidy says:

    Black outdoor kitchen to match the door would look amazing!

  4. Lisa says:

    I was thinking you could do some sort of pvc temporary frame in the shower for a shower curtain- you would not have to sell into your ceiling to have a shower curtain :)

  5. Christy says:

    I have so many things to finish up but have been delayed by family stuff. I’m planning to take the fall to finish up and organize so i can clear the decks before i start a kitchen/dining reno. It will be major but I’m so excited. So treating myself to a new kitchen is motivation to get the sorting and organizing done first.

    Love watching your projects- can’t wait to see what’s next.

  6. Jen says:

    I am feeling your pain! We moved into our custom new build in December. We are 3 years from the time I decided to sell my last house and start this journey. Due to rising costs we were $80k over in just lumber. About $100k over budget in “stuff I didn’t choose.” I left plenty of budget for extras along the way but that was eaten up quickly. Due to that, burnout, and a drought we delayed a lot of furniture, finishing touches, and landscaping. I refuse to take on debt for “pretty things”. We are just getting back at it. Our landscaping is starting in a few weeks and won’t be finished before winter hits. Sigh. I feel your pain! Waiting on things that are out of your control is maddening! I am finish some projects but I don’t dare spend any money on other stuff until I know exactly how much the landscaping will be. I sent a DM on Instagram with a pic of my laundry cabinets (asterisks!!!!). Good luck with your projects!

  7. Amy says:

    I always do exactly what you’re pondering; find a project I can control completely, that relies only on my work and my motivation. Usually that gives me the boost to find patience with the contractor-driven stuff!

  8. Kelly Sexton says:

    Why not carry the black from the door to the outdoor kitchen? I know photos are often misleading, but the current color looks a bit light against the house. It’s that last 10% of projects that’s always the toughest!

  9. Jessica says:

    How much wear and tear on the new patio stone in the backyard will moving the fireplace in the living room cause? I’m imagining cracked stones and torn up sod from heavy machinery and the demolition of the fireplace plus whatever is needed to install giant window(s). Hopefully reality proves me wrong!

  10. Rebekah Withey says:

    The only tip I have is to give up and leave a bunch of stuff unfinished for 2 years like we have….but I’m guessing that’s not very helpful 😂 The renovation exhaustion is REAL and it might have broken me. Lol. Everything will be so worth it! You’re the best and there’s nothing you do that I don’t love (except your diet cuz this girl needs cheese) Keep your eye on the prize! You guys are a lovely family 🖤

  11. Rachel says:

    Have you looked into the maintenance of gridded glass in a shower? I was considering it but after looking into it found that maintaining it is a nightmare. You’ve got to do what you love, but just make you’ve really looked into the cleaning/maintenance and are sure that you are okay being saddled with that. I’m sure it will be beautiful either way. Good luck!

    • Pia says:

      My thoughts exactly! I guess it depends on the water quality as well. The amount of lime and other staining minerals in the water. In our cabin shower we have medium to hard water so to keep it clean takes some effort. It would drive me nuts to keep all those individual panes clean. It looks beautiful in pictures but the maintenance is not for me.

      • Abby says:

        This is exactly what I had to say too — cleaning each individual pane of glass each week sounds like a nightmare. Even with a cleaning service, that seems unkind to make that their new task :( but thank you for updating us on the hard realities of renovation. So much of this is hidden in other design sites.

  12. Erica says:

    Can you explain why you waited so long to order a shower screen knowing you wouldn’t be able to use the bathroom?

    • Finding someone who can fabricate a gridded shower and getting in their books has taken some time. But also, it couldn’t be templated until all the tile was finished.

    • Erin says:

      We had 2 contractors who wouldn’t even come out to look at our bathrooms (let alone take a measurement) until tile and connecting stone pieces were installed. Creating things takes time and sometimes you are working within the confines of multiple contractors’ schedules.

  13. Michelle says:

    You already demonstrate my best tips for enduring the last ten miles of marathon projects. Make a list so it’s not all in your head and calendar out so you have a nice visual. Focus on the things you can control but also resist the urge to start new things. It takes emotional energy to live in undone spaces and track contractors. So be sure you schedule time to recharge your batteries in your space or out of it. Rest and emotional hydration = endurance.

  14. You guys have made so much progress in one year, it’s unbelievable! I can’t wait to see these projects get polished off- they are already so stunning!

  15. Rebekah Olson says:

    Seeing it all come together is even better than I imagined! Big props to you for all that has been done so far- so that is my tip! Celebrating the wins. And seeing what the delays might allow for, like small changes/additions that would only be possible in an unfinished state. Taking this time to enjoy with family & making memories. Or traveling- hello London! Did I dream that?! 😅
    It’s all very inspiring to me, from beautiful progress to reveal. Love that you share it all.

  16. Jenni says:

    I live in the South too and outdoor living is the best – I love it! I sit out on my back patio almost every night and enjoy the lake and the warmth, almost year round. Anyway, I’ve been following you since you moved and I just wanted to suggest for our outdoor kitchen area, be sure you put a solid roof over it, not a pergola with open slats. We have so many bugs and get so much rain and the sun is so hot, you will really limit the usefulness of your outdoor kitchen if you don’t have a solid roof. There have been many days I’ve had to stand outside holding an umbrella while finishing up grilling, and with a solid roof, instead of a pergola, you can avoid that. Plus the sun and rain will damage all that beautiful equipment very quickly. Been there, done that! The entire backyard is looking gorgeous and your family will enjoy your backyard for years to come!

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