Entering the Home Stretch Maybe Only 2-3 Weeks to Go

Right after the (long) holiday break ended, Kevin and the team got together to make a plan for finishing the house.

partially completed checklist

Here’s his list of the remaining work to do:

  • tile the pool surround
  • tile the stairs
  • install toilets, sinks, bidet units (i.e. bathroom finish work)
  • install terrace railing and stair hand rails
  • install kitchen
  • finish outside fountain
  • finish fireplace
  • finish painting
  • install lighting fixtures
  • Johnny’s items – closet doors and nicchie finish work
  • ENEL — permanent house electrical line (the only challenge I see, and, the house can continue to function in the interim on the current job site electrical supply)
  • install internal doors
  • install bug screens, etc. — the finish work associated with the windows, done after workmen stop traipsing through the house
  • final heat test
  • fotovolts connected to inverters, system test, etc.
  • note, too, that the road will be competed…the final stratum of material goes on once everybody stops going to the house on a daily basis with heavy vehicles

It seems like a lot to us, as these details always take more time than you expect, but Kevin’s estimate is that it will all be done in just a few weeks, by early February at the latest.

I’m still expecting it will take a few weeks longer, but it really doesn’t matter either way. We won’t be able to get to Italy and use it right away — though we sure wish we could.

Source:
Clipboard: Pixabay - CC0 Creative Commons | https://pixabay.com/en/todo-list-terminal-board-check-off-2103511/

Windows and Doors Installed Portico Finished

All of a sudden, the windows and door are installed. We saw pictures of them being delivered just a couple of days ago, and now it looks like they are all in place. With the roof sections done and the windows in, it really looks like a house.

Kitchen Window
Kitchen Window
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Rear with Doors Installed
Rear with Doors Installed
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Also, the portico is finished and looks good.

Portico Complete
Portico Complete
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Door to the Portico
Door to the Portico
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Now it’s time to get some insurance on the house. Kevin is working to arrange it.

The photo gallery:

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

Terracing, Terra Armata, and Terrazza And Some Interior Work

Earth moving continues to (re)shape and soften the land terraces in front of and behind the house. This major project started about two weeks ago and we saw some photos of progress earlier in the week.

Now, not only is the earth being moved, it’s being reinforced by a technique called terra armata, which I described and illustrated in an earlier post. Steel grids are inserted into the slope and on the face of the slope. They provide a structure to keep the earth in place.

Anne continues to be concerned about our ability to plant on the slopes with the terra armata grids in place, but we continue to get reassurances that we’ll be fine: bushes and trees can be planted.

Terra Armata Mesh Reinforcement
Terra Armata Mesh Reinforcement
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Back of House From Below
Back of House From Below
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The top floor terrazza is being finished, as are the roof sections near the terrazza.

Inside, they have started putting a skim coat of concrete on top of the underfloor heating pipes. When finished, it needs to cure for 10 days or so. Then they will start laying the floor tiles.

Terrace with Roof Over Kitchen
Terrace with Roof Over Kitchen
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Skim Coat Partially Applied
Skim Coat Partially Applied
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Here are more photos of this work.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

Underfloor Heating Pipes A Snake of Pipes

On top of the base layer of the underfloor heating, they have started installing the heating pipes.

Underfloor Heating for Main Room
Underfloor Heating Pipes Installed in Main Room
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Anne looked at the photo below and said it looks like a crime scene, with a chalk outline of a murdered boa constrictor.

Snake of Heating Pipes
Murder Scene
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Here are more snakes.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure

Pool, Portico, Plaster, and Pavimento Plenty of Progress

Today’s photos show a smorgasbord of progress on the exterior and interior.

The application of the waterproof sealant for the pool has begun.

Working to Seal the Pool Concrete
Working to Seal the Pool Concrete
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The columns that will support the portico roof have been poured and faced with stone and brick.

Finished Portico Columns
Finished Portico Columns
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Plaster work progresses on the top floor walls.

Guest Room Plaster
Guest Room Plaster
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The base layer of the pavimento (flooring) is being put in place. It’s a molded structure that will hold the underfloor heating pipes.

Study with Underfloor Heating Base
Study with Underfloor Heating Base
Click image to enlarge

Here’s the assortment of pictures.

Source:
All images: Copyright © Our Big Italian Adventure