Updates

This is where you can come to get the latest updates on the renovation.

See January 4, 2018 Update

November 30,2017

There was quite a bit of progress this week. Windows, windows and more windows have been installed.

Room with a View

Entry level guest bedroom

Another Room with a View

Entry level guest bathroom

And another Room with a View

Main level guest bedroom

Still another Room with a View

Main level guest sitting room

A Sky View to Come

While the windows were being installed, the skylights were being removed to be replaced with new more efficient ones.

November 12, 2017

Wow, I can’t believe that I haven’t updated in almost a month. The primary reason is not a lot to report. We are still working on plumbing and wiring. We have made significant progress. Who knew I would get excited about canned lighting, plumbing and power outlets?

Plans Change

In the update dated August 27, I discussed how we had taken over a deck to create a seating area in the master, well that has changed.  Tim looked at the space and said, “ we should make that a closet.“  We consulted Betsy with California Closets and she agreed. So we called the framers back and now our cozy seating area has been transformed into a closet. The picture to the right was before and the picture below shows the after.  The windows will also be removed.

Outdoor Update

I am really excited to see the outside also taking shape.  The street side has been graded and leveled.  You  can now see the distinct tiers of the yard. Click on the photos for a better look. 

October 14, 2017

While there are no real changes where photographs will show the progress, there is lots going on with the renovation.  The plumbing and electric continues.  Roofers and heating/air discussions are taking place.  Framing continues as well.  In the meantime, I am working with Troy Spurlin's team fine tuning the interior design.  I will be adding new photographs as things progress.  Stay tuned!

September 27, 2017

Concrete

Who gets excited about concrete?  I do!   This update is all about the concrete!  The concrete guys came last week to level out the flooring. It's the sign of progress that makes me smile!


This week plumbing and electric continues.  

More Concrete

And Even More Concrete

September 14, 2017

 On September 10, Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 hurricane. According to National Security adviser, Tom Bossert, the impact to Jacksonville was similar to that of a Category 3 hurricane causing historic flooding from the storm surge. Our home only received minor damage, while so many suffered devastating loss including lives of loved ones.   All of those that were affected by Hurricane Irma are in our thoughts and prayers    

View Photos

Hurricane Irma

We lost part of our dune.  This is a picture of our dune taken in mid-August.  Notice the location of the palm tree.  

This photo is a close-up of the palm tree after Hurricane Irma. 

Another view of the damage to the dune.  

Broken window in the library

Shattered window in the guest sitting room

Door leading to deck in master

September 6, 2017

Flooring has arrived

The flooring that we are using throughout the house is 24x24 honed limestone. 

Framing Continues - Master

And More Framing -Master

August 27, 2018

Master Update

We are doing a complete makeover in the master.  One of the changes is to take over the deck on the road side of the house and using the space to create a sitting area.   Once complete the sitting area will house a cozy fireplace and built-in shelves.  This photo shows the framed space.  

Another update to the master is to enlarge the closet.   (Someone may or may not have a shoe addiction problem). The original closet was long and narrow and was nestled behind the back wall of the master. (See photo).   The exterior wall is being pushed out to add square footage to the closet.  The photo below shows after the wall has been demoed and prior to framing of new exterior wall. 

Pool Kitchen

The pool kitchen has a "bunk room" over it.  The original (see photo) had a small spiral staircase that was hard to climb.  We are taking out part of the ceiling to open up the space, adding a wider spiral staircase and creating a loft in the top remaining space.   The photo below shows how open the space becomes by opening up the ceiling.  

Terri Checking Out the Renovation

My younger sister Terri was in from Brunswick this week and she wanted to see the progress.  Here she is checking out the living room/dining room expansion.  

August 17, 2017

Exciting changes are taking place in the renovation.  The new guest bedroom and bathroom have been framed.  The fireplace is gone (more on that under Demo Time).  The expansion to the living area has begun and it is looking great.  One of the most exciting changes is the addition of the sitting area in the master.  While we lost a balcony to add the space, it was worth it because it really opens up the room. 

Check out the Photos

August 3, 2017

There has been quite a bit of progress since the last update.  While demolition is still underway, construction has begun with  the new bath on the entry level having been plumbed and passed inspection.  The rain has delayed the ability to pour concrete in the new retaining wall and the bath.  The design process for the interior is almost complete.   Each change sparks excitement.  We have made a conscience effort to not visit the house each day so that after several days the changes seem more significant.  As this is our first experience with a major renovation, we are learning about the "hurry up and wait" of construction.  So far, this project has been a mix of impatience and excitement.  

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

We  received the permits to begin renovations on June 19.  The renovation process is much slower than as seen on HGTV.  Welcome to the real world.  However, to keep the project moving forward, I have been working with the team from Troy Spurlin Interiors to complete the vision of the design.  We have also begun landscape planning with Bell Outdoor, LLC from St. Simons Island, Ga.