Update:  December 2009
           
            Concrete, glass, block and mortar.  We are still working with some of the basic materials, despite the advanced phase of the project.  Inside, we are re-installing the HVAC unit as well as hooking up the in-floor radiant system.  We are starting the wiring on the inside as well as sorting out the fireplace.
            The HVAC unit was tricky going back in.  The old system we removed was just fine.  However, the problem was getting the duct work back to it’s old supply and return locations.  We used more flex duct than I typically like, but it was ok.  We had to get around steel and other framing that simply wasn’t there when the system was originally installed.
            The in-floor radiant is largely installed and operational.  The piping for these systems is always artwork to my eyes.  In-floor radiant is the most comfortable heat. 
            We are starting the fireplace.  Note the steel lintel.  This fireplace will have an open corner.  This is another example of why these projects are expensive.  We spent quite a bit of time sorting out how best to install this steel.  In the end, I added this vertical piece to the plans because my experience on see-saws as a kid convinced me that it would not work as drawn.  Maybe I am right, maybe I’m wrong – but I’m not taking any chances with something like this.  That’s the way it is: the ante gets up on this kind of work, necessitating more rigorous approaches to everything.  Again – none of this is typical.  All of this requires constant focus – which doesn’t come cheap. 
            We also placed the concrete on the outside deck.  This was quite a bit of work.  Just prepping for this concrete was a pile of work.  We used the steel deck system again because back filling was not an option.  We used integral colored concrete and a “knock down” finish to provide some depth and texture and yet still provide an organic appearance.  We cut 48” squares on the diagonal to give it the look of large stones. 
            We also received some of the stainless steel railing.  The railing for the upper balcony was delivered as one piece.  Note the detailing for the corners.  I think the railings – perhaps more than any other single detail - will be the finish that “pops” the most.
            My owners are holding up fairly well.  They are always cheerful and supportive.  Naturally, they would like for this to be complete but understand that this is not your typical renovation.  We are so lucky to work with folks like this.

Update: January, 2010

            We have managed to keep working despite the 28” of snow on December 19th, 2009.  Thankfully, I have a snow plow for my truck and a skid steer on the job, and we were able to open the job up and were back in business on Tuesday, December 22.   The holidays are typically slow for work, but this year people worked right up to Christmas and worked the week between Christmas and New Years. 
            The fireplace, plumbing, and electrical have been the primary focus.  The fireplace has turned out great.  Tommy and Johnny and their guys have done a great job.  Very patient men, and hard working.  PLUS, they get the award for Best Daily Job Clean Up.  Everyday, they clean up their work area and put their tools away neatly for the next day.  I LOVE IT.  It is a pleasure to come into a neat, clean work area – and it’s a ton SAFER as well.  They are super honest, hard working, and very interested in doing a good job at a very fair price.  I cannot possibly ask for more than that. 
            This fireplace is a the best example of how complicated, detailed structures go:  we figure out where to start and get a basic concept for how it’s going to proceed – without having to know EACTLY how it’s going to proceed.  I just need to know that it WILL WORK – not every single step before we proceed.  There is no way to know every single step – except in hind sight.  Back in the summer, the masons and I brain stormed until we figured out how it was possible to build a new fireplace on the lower level and tie it into an existing flue on the floor above.  The masons were reluctant.  They didn’t know how it was going to go.  I was sure they could do it – though I was nervous about the whole section from the damper until it tied back into the existing flue – about 15 vertical feet.  However, if I let a little uncertainty stop me – these kinds of projects will never be built.  It is one leap of faith to the next.   All in all, in a microcosm, this fireplace is the best example of why these kinds of projects are expensive and why they are so difficult to estimate:  I simply don’t know all the steps until I build it – no matter how many structures I’ve built before.  Each one has its unique details and set of issues. 
            The plumbers are doing a nice job as well.  I’ve asked them to keep their work neat and organized.  Phillip – the leadman – is also patient.  He thinks it out ahead of time, rather than just start bulling through towards the finish line – the typical approach.  We are installing lots and lots of capacity.  The master shower – if all of the fixtures were turned on at once – would consume around 15 gallons of water per minute.  Because of that, I am running plenty of ¾ “ water lines to that area.  Plus, we are installing a return loop for the hot water so that hot water will be just about instant at all fixtures in the house – rather than having to wait for hot water.  None of this is typical, but it’s what’s required in these kinds of projects. 
            Finally, my owners are holding up.  They are such a pleasure to work for.  They like what they have so far and continue to be very supportive.  I tell them all the time:  “I’m the luckiest guy in Augusta County. “