Chapter 7 - Getting ready for the hand-over

Since my last post in September, there has intense activity at our Huf Haus site in order for the project to remain on schedule for a hand-over on week 43:

In the interim since my last post, there have also been a flurry of e-mails about lighting fixture selection.  redblue energy needed to designate a US company (http://mec-electrical.com/) for lighting fixtures; installation was included in our contract, but the fixtures which must be UL listed were not.  We have also experienced a glitch in the required internet connection for our KNX building automation system (http://www.knxstore.com/).  KNX is a subsidiary of Siemens.

This is an advanced system which includes instillation of a weather monitor on the roof.  Our external blinds will be adjusted automatically.  We will be able to access our lighting, temperature and shading systems remotely using a software interface called domovea (http://download.cnet.com/domovea/).  This can be accessed by phone (iPhone or Android) or iPad.  We are in the process of purchasing two webcams for remote monitoring. 

The only two options for internet connectivity in our relatively remote area are a phone line (DSL) from CenturyLink (http://www.centurylink.com/) and satellite internet through Hughes Net (http://www.hughesnet.com/).  We chose CenturyLink because we need a VPN so Steve can work from our new home using a secure connection.



 

 

This is a photo gallery of our visit today: 

 

 

 

There are only two shipping containers on the site right now.  These were shipped separately from the original shipment and contain the materials for the fit out from StilART.  Two StilART workers are working on the framing, cabinetry, appliances, bathroom fixtures, and some of the lighting. 

Here is the kitchen and bathrooms in progress:

 



The upstairs hallway and master bedroom are in progress.  The stairwell is completed.

 

 

The geothermal heat pump is in place (http://www.bosch-climate.us/) along with most of the components of our in-floor heating system, water treatment system, hot water tank, ventilation system, solar monitoring system, cable/phone/KNX hook ups, and our fuse boxes. 

 

 





A lot of work has been on the exterior including running our electrical power to the house via a new transformer and installation of a new septic tank connected to an older septic field.  Some of the older existing power poles still need to be taken down. 

 

 

We were pleased to see the new 240V outlet installed along the wall of our carport so that we can charge a car from the electricity generated from our PV system.

 

This next week will be a busy one.  The highest priority is establishing the internet connection to permit activation and testing of the KNX system during the remaining time that redblue energy will be on site.  The StilART workers are confident that the house will be completed, cleaned and ready for the hand-off which is scheduled for October 23, 2013. 

 

My next post will summarize the hand-off, during which Steve will do a systematic walk-through of all of the features and systems in the house before we assume ownership.  By that date, a large part of our green retirement dream will have come true.