Systems Are a Go!

The heater/air conditioner unit is in place and the duct work, all shiny and new, is almost ready to bring heat to the cottage.  We decided to use the old section of the basement for all the heating/air conditioning/electric and plumbing units, freeing up the new basement for me as a work room.  The basement in the old cottage was really a dungeon, I am so excited that it is cleaned out and looking organized and functional. 

Such a small electric box for so much more power.  When I had guests in the cottage we would have to be very careful about having the lights on when someone wanted to use the hair dryer.  If we forgot the entire back end of the house would blow.  Now we can probably run two hair dryers at the same time, luxury!

On demand hot water unit.  Small, efficient, and cost effective, so they tell me.  I am trying to make the new cottage an energy efficient home.  NStar, my electric company, will do an audit on the efficiency of the house when all is done: windows, hot water heater, appliances, heater/air conditioner, and then they will pay a portion of my costs if we meet their standards.  I understand it is difficult to do but we are trying.                                                                               FYI, 2013 is the year to make efficient energy changes to get these funds BUT the electric and gas companies must come out first to see how inefficient you are and then come back to see how much better the changes have made in your energy use. 

 

 

 

The hateful tub insert!  I did not want to do this but the practicality of it made too much sense and I figured that most if not all guests would shower outside anyway.  I already have the two shower curtains ready to be hung so it will hide the plastic.  The tub is in its own space, out of sight from most, so it will not be too bad.  I still hate it!    Looks a little dirty to me right now.                     

 

Things I have Learned:

1.  Compromise can be a good thing, especially if saving in one area can get you what you want in another. 

2.  Not visiting the work site every day is very sad.  I LOVE the sun and warmth in Florida, but I really do miss not seeing the progress first hand.  As much time as I have been spending on looking for fixtures, I love doing this sort of project.  Check in with me at the end of the job to see if I feel the same way.

3.  As many of you know I designed my dream cottage more than a year ago and the cost of building that was just too much.  As a result, I asked my plumber, Brian, from Cape Cod Plumbing and Heating, who they might recommend as far as a local builder was concerned.  I can only say that I would recommend that route for anyone considering renovations or building or just a small project around your homes.  I have been so pleased with all who have worked on the cottage and it keeps the local economy going. 

4.  Even after Brian's recommendation, I did take the time to go and visit two jobs that Russ Hamlyn, the builder, had recently completed.  We saw how well the houses were finished and could see first hand the quality of Russ's work.  Don't forget to ask to see recent jobs too