Brick!

Brick was installed on the back and the sides of house this week.

 

Previously I had mentioned that we weren't sure about the brick we chose and we hoped we would like it more on the house.  The good news is that we do.   It looks pretty sharp from afar, but it's very dark, it has a lot of deep purplish red and maroon in it, and personally, I think it's a little weird looking up close.  I'm sure it'll grow on me.

We had a significant snow storm over the past two days, and Theresa drove by the house this morning and she mentioned that the brick looks really great contrasted with the snow, so there's that.

The problem with all of this snow and cold is that it makes it difficult for the bricklayers to finish up the front of the house.  Mortar doesn't set up right when it's cold, if the water freezes before the mortar interlocks, the job is ruined.   Masonry contractors can use fast setting mortar, hot water and additives to lay brick in below freezing temperatures, but that's not exactly "recommended" and I'm not sure when they'll have a chance to finish up.

Other than the brick... not much is going on.   The rough plumbing looks done, but the electrical still isn't quite finished.  In other words, things are moving pretty slowly.