Paint Colors...

Here you have it! Please vote for your favorite color in the comments section. We might add a darker olive to the list as well.


Here are a few photos from the "shoot".

The camera man was Mel this time. Very nice and professional!

You already know designer Yvette and Producer Mara.

Our interview after paint...

Funny story...I was at the paint store picking up my sample, and Yvette walks in. We selected our colors in secret and waited for the reveal during the filming.

Paint Samples Tomorrow at 10:30

I'm headed to the paint store after work to pick up a few. Our designer will also bring some. Can't wait!

Initial Meeting with the Landscape Designer

Both Chan and I really liked Derek. He had some great ideas for the yard and we are really excited about working with him. We'll have another meeting next week to do further planning. I forgot to take a picture while he was here...next time!

Cut that Huge Tree Down!

That was the recommendation of The Care of Trees arborist that came over today. He said it would be best if we cut the big tree down in front of the driveway because anymore changes to the landscape would likely cause more damage to the root system and it would need to go within the next 5 years anyway. It has apparently been over-pruned in the past, and it is also problematic that the driveway is covering half of the root system (causing more trauma for it). The estimate was a little over 5K which included grinding that stump and the other large stump in the middle of the yard and a few other misc. items. We would rather not spend our landscaping budget on that, but it's better than that tree falling on our house in a few years, huh!?

RFP to Builders went out Today

Attached are porch design elevations, plat, and photo examples of what we
would like to build. Below is the material list. The porch needs to be complete
by mid-October 2007 to meet the shows production
schedule. Please send estimates/proposals to warrenpaula@yahoo.com
by COB on Thursday, August 30th for consideration.
Remember to price materials separately from labor in case we can get them
donated. We hope to make a decision very quickly so that we can begin.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
and feel free to stop by the house if you need to take another look
or measure anything. Thanks again.

Paula and Chan Warren
3301 Alabama Ave
Alexandria VA 22305
703-608-4942

6 - 8' Round 10" HB&G composite columns w/ 4x4 posts
inside

Standing Seam Metal Roof for covered porch 16.3'x 9.6'

Cedar beadboard for underside of covered porch

Flagstone/slate landing (or) mahogany (price each
option) (or) whatever you suggest hardwood-floor
looking material (approx. 250 sq ft)

Azec trim

Pergola and slats are painted cedar wood

3 ceiling fans yes + at least two recessed lights on
dimmers

glass railing next to back bump-out (approx, 4')

Choosing Paint Colors

It's time to film our reaction to the paint colors that our designer selects for our house. The producer said we could also bring some...and knowing me, she suspects that I will want to do that. I've been researching that, and OMG! Does anyone know how many paint colors are on the market!! I think I've narrowed it down to a few combos of body color, trim, accent, and door colors. It's a BIG decision and I really want to make sure we get it right! The filming of this will happen this week or next.

Architect, Designer, and Producer Meeting

In order for builders to be able to provide us with a hard estimate for the porch, the architect that I found is willing to provide some initial sketches and measurements (including idea of foundation and materials, column size, roofing, etc). She has agreed to do this piece of the project for a small fee and quickly over the weekend so we can move forward with hiring a builder by the end of next week. That's the plan anyway!

Good News! The Porch is a GO!

If we can afford it. Some of the estimates have been pretty high. I'm checking with the producer to see what we can get donated. If we can get enough materials donated, we will definitely proceed with the porch!

Neighbors Porch/Pergola

This is what the neighbors did in order to comply with City Zoning since the wrap-around section of the porch cannot be covered. I envision something similar, but we would likely do it in all white.