Our builder had warned us but the last couple of days have been an ongoing rush of decisions, some big and some small.  The biggest is the heating system.  We got bids yesterday and they wanted to know which system we wanted…geothermal, air to air electric, or propane/electric.  Round and round we went with concerns regarding all systems.  Geothermal was the most expensive but we had the promise tax credits and long term savings.  Kim talking with her dad’s help made the final decision to try the geothermal water to air open-loop system with a cost of roughly $25,000!

Walking through with the electrician deciding the location of lighting and how each light is controlled as well as the location of outlets both interior and exterior took hours and added to the stress.  The troubleshooting of a hot tub just about pushed everyone over the edge.  This is something that really should have been planned out and most of the solutions after the fact sub-par, ie. stub in electrical so conduit is not strung across the patio.

The plumber arrived to start rough-in and we walked through and made last-minute correction or changes.  One of which was switching the drains of the tub surrounds.

Central vac showed up and did is rough in without asking any question which leaves the future central vac unit in an obnoxious place.  When HVAC finishes their install, I’ll have them move the rough-in.

Drywall was not installed in the mechanical area so now they’ll have to piece it in around all the plumbing.  

I still need to get schematics of the drinking fountain for electrical and find out of the transforming Idaho power installed is large enough to supply power for the house, shop, and dog kennel.

We got measured for cabinets so we will meet at their showroom next week to select styles, colors, drawer options, etc.

Things we should have given more thought and had detailed in our plans so we don’t have to rush the decision or regret what we’ve go:

Fireplace/Mantle – Had no particular layout or plan yet, but had to decide so framing can build out the fireplace rough-in.  Widened it to 7′.

Vaulted Ceiling Trusses – We vaulted the living room ceiling in such a way that installing faux beams will be difficult because we have no great way to terminate the beam into drywall.

Framing should be complete by the end of tomorrow or early Monday.  Still have numerous windows to install as will as roof trusses and sheeting…