A Transformation...One of Many to Come!

As my time in Florida comes to a close, the team of professionals have been busy as bees.  Here is a list of the businesses that have helped me create my dream:

• General contractor is Russ Hamlyn
• Cape Cod Plumbing and Heating - Brian has been my contact there for years and they have taken care of the cottage for me even before I started this renovation.  It was Brian who suggested I talk to Russ.  Both businesses are based in Dennis.
• Henry Larkowski Electric - for all the wiring and great suggestions.
• H.A.V.C. Heating - for the gas heater/AC unit.
• Colony Insulation for the blown in insulation which is suppose to keep my gas heating bills super low.  Will keep you posted!

Two weeks ago the systems we all in place and the insulation team arrived. The master bedroom windows, which surround the bed, all pink and cozy. 

Great room wall with the guest bedroom to the right and the powder room door to the left.  All walls are insulated, not just the outside walls.  Cozy and quiet.

Vaulted ceiling with insulation but I am not sure which room this is.  Could be my walk in closet or the powder room.  Guess I will have to wait to get back to the Cape to figure out this puzzle piece.

The insulation was also applied to the basement ceiling to make the cottage a warm cocoon but not too tight.





 

As soon as the insulation team left, they wall board team arrived. 

In no time the walls were up.  This shot is from the kitchen looking out at the view and the fireplace.  The dining area is to the right by the window.  Cannot wait for the first party!  I am shooting for a Memorial Day celebration similar to what they do on This Old House, all the contractors and friends.  Put it on your calendars.

Great room with doorways to the guest suite!

 

Guestroom - We have kept all the funky ceiling lines of the old cottage.  Hopefully this will make each room a unique and interesting space. The idea was to make the space look old too.

 Dining area with another of the interesting ceiling lines.  Am thinking of painting the ceiling a light blue...any opinions?

Future Kitchen.

                                                                                                                                

Master bedroom - windows create the headboard and fill the room with light.

Master bedroom wall opposite the windows with the slider to the deck and the view of the pond.  Will I ever get up?!  I probably will as the deck will run the entire length of the house at the back. 

As much as I hate to leave the beautiful warm weather we have had in Florida this past month, I am itching to be back on Cape to see my cottage in person.  I have been dreaming of making the cottage a year round home and, as the blog title indicates, giving every possible room a water view.  Looks as if we have succeeded, will keep you posted when I return. 

 

What I have Learned: 

1.  Ask local businesses for recommendations when you are thinking about making changes or renovations on your home.  You support local workers and develop a rapport which can be priceless, both during the project and after.  As I have said, Brian, from Cape Cod Plumbing has taken care of my cottage even before I bought it, lead me to Russ.  He has worked with the other contractors on many previous projects.   I would never have known that Tyler, who dug the foundation, could build the stone wall in the back if I had not been there while the work was being done.  Everyone has added their opinions and if you can believe it, I have listened to them and incorporated their visions with mine!  I can only imagine that this will continue when I get back and the real fun of finishing the interiors begins.  I cannot wait.