Day 135

The trim carpentry is complete and the stain has been applied. The stain is brushed on and then hand rubbed. Then a lacquer coat is sprayed on. Nail holes are then filled with a matching wood putty and all the wood is lightly sanded. Dust is cleaned off and then a sealer coat with a satin finish is sprayed on.
This is the view from the front door.

Day 128

The brick hearth was built last Friday. I beleive this brick we selected is called Stratford. I like it because it is varigated and just a little bit scruffy. My husband likes it because it makes me happy, but is not TOO scruffy. :) Here the children are modeling for what I hope to be the first of many fireplace snapshots. You can see here that the trim carpenters have begun work on the wood mantel. It is made of poplar and will be stained.

Day 120

The shutters are up! The house has a much more finished appearance now.
Our trim carpenters arrived on site today. They seem to be a nice crew and they got most of the upstairs door install and cased out as well as started the baseboards and stair trim.