Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

As some of you know, our home and everything we owned in our world burned to the ground and was ashes in the firestorm 07. After 1 year and 3 months, many tears, much stress and work and worry, we have finally come to a settlement with our insurance carrier. We have begun building our new home.  ::cartwheel::

I would appreciate any imput you all have, as I respect so many of your opinions and I know you all have a lot of accumulated knowledge in many areas.

Our new home is being built in an area of custom homes, in the hills. We wanted something unique, yet will fit in with the terrain. We have always liked the look of the Southwest (think Scottsdale Az or Santa Fe Nm.) Sophisticated Southwest is the goal.

Our house will have a flat roof, higher in some areas, such as the entry and the kitchen/family room.

Doors will be wide and oversized, stained wood. Front door arched, a double door. Beams in entry, kitchen, and family room.

Now my question.---Traditional vs. acrylic stucco? I have head the traditional cracks, but the acrylic stucco has a well, ...plastic look. What do you with southwest homes recommend?

*heard----I forgot to spell check

Kitchen: so far I have only picked out appliances, windows, and doors. All Viking appliances as we felt that is a selling point when we decide to sell. Jelwen windows. Mostly terrazo tile floors except wood in lr/dr/bedrooms.

Question: Do they predominately use tile or wood for floors in the contemporary SW home? Wood, reclaimed wood, or synthetic beams?

Colors of stucco? Any ideas?

If you live in a dry area, either traditional or acrylic will be fine.  If you live where this is significant moisture, then be careful with the acrylic stucco.  It has to have an engineered drainage system, and if not done properly, the acrylic stucco can create and make moisture problems worse.

You are smart to go with top of the line appliances as they not only increase home resale value, but perform better for longer.  Check into the Fisher and Paykel dish drawers instead of a standard dishwasher.  I just bought one and absolutely love it.  It's the best dishwasher I've ever had, and I like the convenience of two smaller dishwashers instead of one large.

Tile is used mostly in the southwest on floors because it is cool underfoot in the hot and dry climate.  Additionally, tile doesn't react to the dry heat like wood.  Wood floors, if not properly cared for in hot dry climates can dry out and crack.  The dust is huge here, and the only way to get it under control is to damp mop.  Tile is good for this, but wood floors don't like the "damp" part of the process.  The dust here can also build on wood floors and scratch the finish over time.  So, for mostly climactic reasons, we use tile rather than wood on the floor.  If you don't deal with the dry heat and dust--by all means, put in a beautiful wood floor!

Overhead beams are often seen in southwest or pueblo style homes.  They are called "vigas" and were originally the exposed support beam in the roof of the house.  Now they are often added as decorative features.  Usually they look like round peeled pine beams that go from wall to wall on the ceiling.  Sometimes they are stained to match other woodwork in the house.

Exterior colors--DO NOT use turquoise as a trim color.  Tacky, tacky.  Use the colors you see in the desert like soft golds, beiges, browns, olivey greens, sage greens.  The southwestern house blends into its surroundings and doesn't stick out like a man-made feature.

http://hurlockerhomes.com/?gclid=CMjemPGLqJgCFREeDQodRXBAng
Here's a pic of a living room with vigas on the ceiling.  Very cool and southwestern with a modern bent.

http://www.kamasarchitecture.com/
This website has some gorgeous pics of southwestern architecture, too.  I love these houses!

I love all of your ideas except the flat roof.  We live in Okla.  My roommate takes care of 84 rent houses.  Any house here with a flat roof ALWAYS has leaks.  The rain does not shed and it holds on the root, causing major leaks.  You can do everything in the world to them and they still leak.

Shell I am so glad you started this thread.............the area sounds beautiful!!

Living in Houston as we did.....the traditional stucco was so beautiful....and I understand if properly maintained it will last a long time. I saw some of the acrylic and it looked cheap...at least the ones we saw...I'd really do a lot of research before making a decision.

We just looked into them a month or so ago...haven't bought yet...but since it's just the 2 of us...but we do entertain often.... I liked the Paykel 2 drawer feature

Shell, I would agree with this.  My brother in Tucson has a flat roof, constant problems and he has to alot of expense maintenance....sadly, to no avail.  He continually has problems.

Also, I agree with what AzLady has said about colors, vigas, etc.  She is spot on.  I'll be anxious to hear how it turns out.

Also, If I had a dream kitchen...... I would have one of those new tiny hot water tanks in the kitchen where I could have instant hot water.  And I would have a real antique buffet built in with lots of slots for long plates.  And I would have a wood floor.  And I would have a huge island with drawers along one side and plug ins built in.  I would have a built in ice maker, trash compacter, wine cooler.

I already ordered Viking. It is really nice. Thanks for the tip, but I ordered it with the other Viking appliances.

The weather here is great, so moisture is not much of a problem, and if it looks cheap, I certainly will not go for the acrylic. Still doing research on it, and I have not actually seen acrylic, but traditional stucco is everywhere here, in fact the house that burned was stucco.

We might do all stone floors. Wood is beautiful but I am thinking about the fact we have 3 dogs. Various bodily fluids come out of them for various reasons (gotta love those dogs...lol)and stone seems the easiest to keep. I am also thinking about what AZ said about wood. I do want an antique buffet, but in the dining room. I am having a huge island, and want special pop out shelves for all the appliances. Ice maker is in the fridge, will get trash compacter, and built in wine cooler. Decorator wanted to make us a wine cooler room/closet, really cool looking but hubby said no, the beverage/wine cooler we are getting is enough. And yes on instant hot water, and I also am getting a pot filler, so I do not have to lift the pot full of water and can fill it at stove.

They build them in New Mexico (the southwest) all the time, mine will be on the contemporary side. I really think this will work out and be way cool looking and I am betting my builder knows what he is doing. Thanks for your imput tho. (Plans are done and finalized, so lets think positive!)

Yes, we like the modern bent. However, I picked out some furniture for the extra bedrooms that look like I inherited them from Grammy and it will work! Beautiful stuff, and really made out of wood  ::MonkeyHaHa:: lol (so much furniture available today is crap) ...daughters bedroom will be whatever she chooses and I hope is young (20's) looking. I am trying to convince her to do an upholstered headboard or bed, since they are current and, different from the other beds I chose.

Is there anywhere on the site that explains how to insert an image? I wanted to show the burned house.

see the computer health thread.  I have posted an explanation

Thanks so much Owl

This is what was left of our garage and hubbys Porsche

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/n674138589_223147_6299.jpg)

Another view of the destruction

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/P1000016.jpg)

Well, those pics didn't take me but about 2 hours to post  ::MonkeyShocked::

I hope it gets easier after some more practice.  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Wow Shell - it's so sad the destruction.  I'm just so happy you guys made it out OK. 

Hi Shell....I am so happy for you all.  Your ideas are wonderful.  Son and DIL lived in the Southwest for many years (Santa Fe, Taos and Durango).  The flat roof is not a problem because they are not really flat...lol.  The roof slants at a certain pitch and handles water drainage....which you do not see behind the facade of the outside walls.  I love the homes that AzLady linked to you.  The kids had stucco and tile floors. 

Thanks for starting this thread.... :)

Shell~  The photos of your home and garage after the fire leaves me just shaking my head.  It's hard for me to comprehend such destruction.  You said it took you 2 hours to post the pics.  I hope you learned well enough that you can post more pics of your NEW HOUSE as it takes shape.  I'm excited for you!   ::MonkeyDance::

Shell...my heart aches for y'all just looking at those photographs......I am deathly afraid of fires.....I am so glad y'all got out safely

I hope to post some more photos with the help of my daughter. Figuring out which ones to post, moving them to photobucket and resizing probably gets easier the more you do it. The avocado grove is a sad sight---60 producing trees burned.

I have been picking out doorknobs, kitchen/bathroom hardware (it comes in so many shapes and sizes and finishes, I had no idea there was so much to choose from out there), lighting and inserts for the fireplaces. I found a kitchen backsplash mural, chili peppers on a black background. The areas where the roof is not flat, we are going to use metal roof. (No way that is going to burn  ::MonkeyWink:: ) Roof and Garage doors will be copper colored metal. I am loving it!

Shell ~  it's sounding really nice.  I particularly like the kitchen back splash mural with chili peppers on black background you described.  You have so many decisions to make, whooh!  I can hardly wait to see the pics when you can post them.   ::MonkeyCool::

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/House/FrontPorch.jpg)

Porch

I will be posting more photos in the coming weeks.

Carved posts with beams and corbels are on side porches and back porch.

Beams and Corbels will be in some rooms in the house. We are using granite on all countertops. Kitchen island will look like a piece of furniture, the cabinets will be different and it will set it apart. I like that look.

I have picked out floor covering, cabinets, cabinet pulls, sinks, light fixtures, fans, doorknobs, roof, garage doors. Windows and glass doors have been installed. Next on the list is picking out stucco color. It is all coming together and we should be moving this summer!

Roofing (metal) and garage doors (metal) will be copper color. It is gonna look awesome  ::cartwheel::

This is so exciting!

Hope you don't mind jumping in. Sorry about the loss of your home, that must have been just horrible and scary to go though.

I love the plans for the new home, sounds like it is going to be just beautiful. I'm in an interior decorator and I just finished with a new contruction job.  Good luck and please post pics of the finished product, I would love to see it!

Shell ~  it's lookin' good!   ::MonkeyDance::

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/P1000419.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/P1000403.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/P1000415.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/srix71/P1000406.jpg)

Picked out the stucco, and I love it.

There is going to be an arched ceiling. I will have to take a photo of it when it is finished. It is too difficult to describe.

Wow Shell, it's coming along nicely!  Bet you can't wait for it to be done!

Looks like you are built on a bit of a slope?  Bet you have a nice view!

I was in Rancho Santa Fe for mothers day yesterday and it was a beautiful day!

OH SHELL!!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! I love, love, love it!! I've got chill bumps!! It's coming full circle, Shell, it really is!! What you lost will turn into a Blessing, Shell................ all things work for good and I'm thrilled for you!!   ::MonkeyDance::

I love terrazo floors, and the house seems to have so much style and personality!!  ::MonkeyDance:: Yes, Shell, get the top of the line appliances and follow your heart with everything you pick out! You're building a home and you're bringing with you all that it takes to make this house a new dream!!


I'm so excited for you!!!

Oh, Shell, how lovely!  It is finally coming together.  Good luck should be yours from here on.

It is looking awesome Shell!!

Shell, the house looks fantastic!  After what you've been through, you deserve this and so much more.  Keep posting those pics.  I wish i could build a house and pick out all those new and wonderful things.  Such fun!

Shell, from the horrific fire to the unyielding insurance company and past all the rough bumps in-between, you have shown your unfailing strength.  You are one awesome woman.  You have that rare quality that allows you to focus on the brighter picture.  You inspire me and leave me in awe.  Good luck with all of your well-thought-out the plans.  Enjoy each step.  Celebrate the gift that you are.  God bless you and watch over you in this new phase of your life.

You have great taste.  I love watching this.  Thank you for letting me be a part of this exciting adventure.  You are one amazing Monkey!!!  Love ya, sweet thang!!!

 :salut:

:smt038 :smt038

:smt055

Shell,

I'm so happy your house is shaping up after all this time after the fire & the insurance issues.   

My SIL & BIL are in their house, but because it wasn't totally rebuilt following their fire, they now only have a temporary C.O. & they're now fighting with the insurance company to pay for those things that need to be addressed.  The steps to all entries are the original and they do not pass the current code, is one example of the snags they are running into.  It looks nice but the contractor did a shabby job on some things.  He took the job for a certain price and when he couldn't do the job for that price he tried to cut corners.  BIL is a retired union carpenter, so there's no fooling him.  Loose cabinets, uneven railings & trim...  They had to use some money set aside for furniture for permits the contractor should have gotten.  It's still a nightmare. 

Thank you for sharing with us.  Hope you have more pics soon. 

Hi Shell,just stopping by to see if you have any new photos.

Thanks for stopping by Trimm!
I do have new photos, but they are working fast to get us in in 2 weeks so I decided to post when things are closer to being finished. This past few weeks I have been furniture shopping and I tell you, it is hard work. I have so much to replace so have been bargain shopping and that has worked out well. It just takes lots and lots of looking, and these days folks are willing to bargain. We will have the basics to move in. I need to start packing. It is amazing all the odds and ends that accumulate over 2 years.

Hi Shell  ::MonkeyDance::

Hi Shell....just checking in to see how you (and the house) are doing.  Is it close?  It has been a long time but I know you will love your new home.  Tell us when you can....Hugs, Mere

                                                                                  ::MonkeyBike::

Shell, I hope you and your family are comfortable in your new home.  I remember reading from the beginning, when you had to flee the fires in your area, and how sad it was that you had to come back to total ruin.  You lost so much, and it was only the start of the long journey getting through the process of temporary relocation, dealings with the insurance company, and the planning, building and moving to your new place.  Whew!  But you did it.   ::MonkeyDance::  There are monkeys that would love to see your newly completed home, including me.  But if you feel you shouldn't post the pics, I'll be disappointed, but I'll understand if it's a security issue.    It doesn't stop me for being happy for you and your family.   ::MonkeyAngel::

congrats Shell on your new home! pictures bring back happy memories of when we built our last home...stucco also! love that look...isn't it fun building? I have enjoyed it both times that we built ...

Hey Shell, i hope you check in here! I would Love to see the pics of your house!! Can you post them here & leave them or do you not want them to stay up long? I check musings as often as I can so if you do post them can you leave a note in musings too? I have 4 cakes now to do this week & I know it's going to take up most of the rest of this week! But I really want to see so Please!!  ::MonkeyDance::   ::MonkeyKiss::

WOW!  Shell...they house is fantastic!!!  I can't wait to see if finished!  It has been a long 2 years for y'all...but thank God it was the house and y'all were safe!  WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

Really nice, please keep us updated, I cannot wait to see the final product ::monkeywine2::
I love mediterranean a modern, my hubby loves everithing very conservative and i love modern, it is very difficult for us to agree in decoration and renovations. I am going to extend my kitchen that is modern and beutifull but is not modern for me ::CowboySmiley:: I designed everything for my new kitchen and he is scared because it looks to modern for him ::MonkeyShovel:: ::MonkeyGavel::