Practice makes perfect

While not exactly practice, today I picked up a few feet of the moldings that we are going to use on our three piece crown molding. I used the pieces to build a model of the proposed design. I'm glad I did because the depth of the nailer need adjustment, I would rather find this out on a practice model. Below are a few pictures of the model. Don't worry about thouse holes, they won't be there on the finished product.

Progress on a couple of projects

         It's been a few days since our last post.  We had family in town all weekend, so that is the reason for our absence. However, we did close on our home last Friday, and yesterday the loan was funded. So, we are officially home owners!

We won't be heading to our home until Friday, but we have been making some progress here at home.

          The first project under way is the beginning of a home surveillance system.  It is an IP based system, so that means the cameras run off of CAT5 cable.  In our case we have our cameras feeding the video into a stand alone PC acting as a Network Video Recorder(NVR).  The camera receives its power through the CAT5 cable using a Power Over Ethernet switch.  Makes it substantially more simple to run cable.  The camera was a bit of a pain to get set up, however thankfully one of our host guests over the weekend was an IT guru.  The next step for this system will be to install it in the home, in our home the first camera will go over the front door to allow us to record anybody coming to the door as well as view real time who is at the door. The NVR will also get a Hard Disc upgrade in the future as the 120 GB is fine for now but as we add more cameras we will need more space. 

     All the information for the camera system was found here: How To use NVR for camera system
     I found almost all of the hardware either on EBAY or Amazon so the cost is actually very low if you do this yourself.


       The second project is a miter saw table.  This table will actually be the main base for a work bench in the garage.  One of our first plans is to install a three piece crown molding in the master bedroom.  This table will make it far more efficient and effortless to properly cut the crown.  Also although the saw I purchased is plenty capable for my DIY projects, the fence(back part what wood sits against) is very low and a taller one is necessary.  The pictures below show it about 90% complete.  It is not a full 8 foot sheet of plywood because I wanted to be able to put it in the back of my jeep, so it is a total of 68" long.  I may but an extension on the end on a hinge.   

The plans for this table can be found here:Miter Saw Table Plans
It was a breeze to make, but I can tell you my back is going to be happy when this thing has legs and I don't need to bend over to make cuts.

We are getting very anxious to get down there and get started.  Feel free to ask questions at any time. 

       

Picking up some supplies

Just a small home depot run. Few projects in store this week before heading down to our new place next Friday. We close on our house tomorrow. Downloaded blogger for my phone makes it easy to update.

Color pallet

Yesterday we spent our Sunday Funday perusing the paint section of Home Depot.  Choosing paint colors is overwhelming when you're staring at a wall of paint chips.  However, the past few months we have done nothing but watch HGTV/DIY Network and read home improvement blogs and websites.  I'll admit it, we both have pinterest accounts too. Sad, I know.  With all of that overloading our senses we began to attempt to choose colors.

The good news is that home depot sells paint samples for a reasonable enough price.  We walked away with 11 samples yesterday!

Kitchen

   Creek Bend

 Elephant Skin

         Ethiopia

Bedroom

Clear Pond

Harmonious

Ocean Kiss

Living Room

 antique earth

 coconut shell

 Mocha latte

studio taupe

We will have a splash of color in the 1/2 bath, but that one will be a secret.







First step

We have set our priorities for after we close and before we move in.  Our first priority will be to finish our bedroom to our liking.
As of now we plan on installing crown molding around the perimeter and in the tray ceiling, painting, and hanging some sort of window treatment.  We've also considered adding some more built in storage in the master closet.  Hard wood floors are in consideration down the road a bit.

 Above are a few pictures of what we are working with.  By the time we move in the back yard should be less barren giving us a better view out the bay window.  That ceiling fan will do for now, but it will have to go at some point. 

Above are a few of the ideas we are contemplating for trim.
Next post will be color selections for the bedroom, however walking dead is on so that will be tomorrow.

A star is born

We are not the stars of this blog.  Our home is the lead actor, we are merely the directors, key grips, sound techs, make up artists, I think you get the point.  So without further ado let's meet the star.

  Isn't she purty?!

Here we go!

The last few years since getting married have certainly been an adventure.  We have had extended stays in Savannah, and Oklahoma with shorter stays in Washington state, inland GA, Iraq, MA, and fort Irwin CA.  It's finally time for us to settle down.  We are one week away from closing on our first home in the suburbs of Austin, TX.

This blog will allow our family, friends, and casual internet passerby to join us on our home ownership journey vicariously through this page.  As we experience the highs and lows of owning a home you will be able to follow with us.  Hopefully the highs will be far more plentiful.

Off we go!