The Brandt Blog

Well, now that the lot is completely graded we can actually call the exterior phase of construction complete…at least until Spring when we will add the landscaping, top layer of driveway and the rear patio. On the inside, the carpenters have been busy installing doors, moldings, trim and cabinets while the electricians pull their wires […]

The 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s destruction occurred nearly to the day that our own “wall” came down.  Of course, the occasion was not nearly as historic nor was the scene anywhere near as dramatic as was Berlin ’89 but believe me, there were tears streaming down the cheeks of one Type A, soon-to-be-homeowner who wonders […]

After eight long months of walking on the dusty gravel to enter to the house – we’re very happy now to have a driveway.  Almost as soon as the driveway pavers left the landscapers brought up their Bobcat and starting excavating the ground for what will be the pathway to the front door.  Yes, somewhere behind […]

When we’re in Napa…we love how time just seems to stand still.  We didn’t expect progress on the house to follow suit. Sure, there were pockets of activity but nothing major to speak of during the two days we were in wine country. The gutters were finished, the first row of the driveway retaining wall […]

Finally….the stone masons finished placing the 800 pound limestone pieces and formed our arched entry.  The cinder blocks were also added to complete the porch structure and now await their stucco coating from Erich and his crew.  The masons also placed the caps on the knee-walls. Speaking of Erich, he and Javier finished the first coat […]

Just when Anne thought forward progress had ground to a near-halt…Ted, Mike, Brian and Craig (the carpenters) appeared Saturday again on the scene.  Using their ladders and catwalks, they installed the beginnings of the beams in the Great Room. On the outside, the landscapers finished burying the downspout drain-pipes of the south side of the […]