Back In Action

We submitted a demolition plan to our building inspector and received a permit yesterday. My builder, David, goes on vacation today for a week but we were able to get the electric turned on and the toilet working so I can start to spend more time there. The plumbing pipes are a mess and need to be completely replaced so we couldn't get any running water in the sinks. One step at a time, one step at a time.
It was interesting to get a "stop work" order. I kind of wish they issued those in LIFE because it forced me to sit back for a minute and think about how I want to live in the space.
I met with my architect last night. At first I thought I wouldn't need an architect, that David and I could figure out everything, but I realize that was unduly optimistic. So I called upon the talents of William Vincent who will be working with us on the renovation. William is a friend, a southern gentleman and a talented architect with the firm of Todd Williams-Billie Tsien. I'm excited about this client-builder-architect triumvirate!
Here's what we have gotten done so far:

We excavated the seven maple trees and cleared the south side of the house from all the debris.

We have firewood to offer to the neighbors.

We took down the chimney on the east wall with the deck.

We stacked the bricks in anticipation of a way to repurpose them. William was very happy about this.

So weeks One and Two were very productive. The house is now just about ready to get the foundation work that it needs. This is the biggest and costliest aspect to the renovation. And I am getting an education that I would have never thought possible on foundation construction!