The Week After Thanksgiving

I took last week off and went to Sacramento for Thanksgiving. So this week I needed to get a lot done. On the way back from Sacto, I picked up the lighting fixtures. The load filled the back of my pickup.

Monday the garage doors were delivered and installed. Tuesday, I finished painting the inside of the house and took some garbage to the dump. That was my 8th trip to the dump. Wednesday, the gutters were installed. Thursday, Paul's Electric dug a trench from the service area of the house to the garage. This is so we can install the power line and water line to the garage. I had two casualties from the digging. The gutter drain line was cracked. Which turned out ok. I needed to move one of the gutter drain connections anyway, and the broke pipe was right next to the drain. The excavator also broke a conduit that is going to bring in the TV cable. A call to HCTC and the conduit was spliced. The trench had to be at least 2' deep, code for the electrical and below the frost line for the water.

Waiting now for the insulation people to arrive, and that should be done today.

Next week Paul's Electric will be back out to lay the cable to the garage and installing the electrical fixtures. Paul from PS Plumbing will hook up the water lines, and I will have to get the PUD people out to install the water meter.

Right now we need to get some heat in the house. Then we can have the cabinets delivered and installed. But before we can have the heat pump installed I have to have Joe Fazio come back and do some grading. The fireplace still hasn't shipped from Idaho. As soon as it gets here I have an installer lined up. The race is on to see which heats the house first.

Siding is DONE

Finally, all of the siding is on. Now we are installing tongue and groove pine in the ceiling of the porches and patio. The pine is fairly delicate or fragile, and we had to send two loads back to Lumberman's Friday, trying to get some decent material.

The plastering isn't done yet, but I have started painting the inside. Doing everything in "Linen" white to start with. Makes it easier to paint and we can change the colors later if we like.

Next week we will be concentrating on finishing the paint on the inside and site clean up. Joe said that he could start the final grading later next week. Including cutting down the driveway so we can get the trailer up on site.

Plastering the Walls

We got a bid in for plastering the house walls that came in less the doing tape and texture, so we went for it. The look is like the old lath and plaster walls from bygone years.

The siding still continues. Maybe next week we will finally be done.

We Have Walls

A crew of 7 people came in last Saturday and started the installation of the sheet rock. Most of the house and all of the garage was done that day. Monday they finished the house and Tuesday came back to do the basement (they forgot to bring a light so they could see in the basement). The electrician came by and put in an outlet in the basement for the trash pump.

John and I complete the lap siding around the garage. And we've started the putting up the shake. Working under the porch, a little wet on Friday.

Once the siding is complete, we will haul off the any remaining material, either the dump, recycler, or back to Lumberman's. Once the site is clean, we will have Joe Fazio come back and do the final dirt work on the lot. First he will dig a trench from the basement to the garage, so we can connect the power and water to the garage. Then we can connect the power and water to the house. When the plastering is completed, the electrician will return and start his final on the house.

Sheet Rock Arrives

The siding saga continues. John and I are working on the shake portion of the house's siding while Keith is trimming out the garage. Keith won't be working with us the last part of this week and all of next week. But he does promise us some bbq'd back strap from the elk he's certain he will get next week.

This week we did pass the framing inspection, and just in time. Martinell Bros. plastering and drywall showed up with delivery of the sheet rock on Friday, and starting installing on Saturday. Eileen and I ordered the fireplace last weekend and it won't be delivered until the middle of November. So, the drywall on the front of the area blocked out for the fireplace can't be done until then. Another extra charge, for coming back later.

Lap Siding Around the House

This week we finished putting the lap siding all the way around the house. Then started with the shake siding above the windows.

I've secured a drywaller, and the material will be delivered on Tuesday, next week. The house portion will be plastered, hopefully for a style that closely matches the style of a Craftsman house. The rest (basement and garage) will be tape and textured.

Monday I will be calling the county for a follow-up inspection on the framing. We will be finishing up the corrections Monday also, so everything will be signed off before the drywallers start on Tuesday.

Siding Continues

We passed the passed the plumbing inspection!!
We passed the mechanical inspection, except for the range vent (that won't be installed until the range (downdraft model) comes in and we have the installation instructions)!!
We need to do some bracing on some of the roof trusses, and install some fire stops. And then the framing inspection will be complete.

We are almost done with the lap portion of the siding. A long week deserved some beer. John, Keith and I had my last Sloughhouse Ale from the Elk Grove Brewery (they close down).

New Window

The replacement window for the kitchen came in Monday, and we installed it today. Now there will be sufficient space in the kitchen for the counter top and backsplash behind the sink.

Today i also called in a request to the county for the framing, plumbing and mechanical inspections. They should be out tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Back At It

No more cast!! Walking around with a pronounced limp, and swollen leg, but we're back to work. I've brought on Keith Potter, who had been working with Josh Simpson while we were framing, and John Norse, who helped me put the water proofing on the basement walls. We are putting on the siding. On the lower portion of the house, up to the top of the windows and doors, we are installing "Hardi-Plank" with a 6" reveal. Above the windows and in the gables, we will be using "Hardi-Shake." The Hardi products are a cement and wood fiber mix that won't burn, insects don't like it, and is supposed to hold paint like a magnet. We'll see.

While I was laid up, we did manage to get the rough-ins complete for the electrical, plumbing, and heating and ventilation. The permit inspection is done and passed for the electrical. The only correction necessary was framing in a covering for the wires that ran on the ceiling of the basement, and Keith took care of that so the electrical is done. Next week, I will be calling on the county for the framing, plumbing and mechanical inspections. Once those inspections are complete, we can start drywalling the inside.

A Roof!!

Eileen and I just got back from Union last night. We went up for an extended weekend, to check on the progress of the house, pay some bills, and we picked up our front door.

The roof is completed, and once the front door and basement window are installed, the house will be completely sealed. Not locked though, all you need is a screwdriver to get in. Found that out because we left our key in Sacramento. Cogent Construction did the roof. I didn't even meet Will, the owner, until after the roof was done. It took his crew less than a 1 1/2 days to do the installation. And all the shingles were hand nailed. Apparently, with the material we chose, Pabco Premier, there is only a 3/4 inch strip available for nailing, otherwise the warranty is voided.

John, with Paul's Electric is still working the electrical rough-in. He should be done is the next couple of days. Paul, the plumber, should be done with his rough-in this week also. And Matt and Jeff have finished the rough-in for the heating and ventilation system. We just need to have Keith do some additional framing (half wall in the master bath and a wall in the stair well) and we will be ready for the inspections. After that siding and wall boarding starts, and this place will really look like a house.

Foot Update. I now have a walking brace for my foot to slowly break in my ankle. Towards to end of the month, I get to take that off and start wearing a strong supporting boot.

A Tardy Update

After months of fighting the winds that blow off the roof felt, next Monday (08/25) the roofer will start installation and should be done by the end of the week. Just in time because Matt Simmons and his partner Jeff will be finishing the installation of the ducting for the heating and air conditioning systems, and we can't let the insulation on the ducts get wet.

Paul Selby is our plumber, and he should be finishing the rough-in this week. Also, Paul's Electric will be starting Monday. They should take a week and a 1/2 to do the electrical rough-in. Eileen and I did a walk-through with Paul locating the light, outlet, tv, data and telephone locations. Hope it doesn't change to much from that.

We also did a walk-through with Jim from Olympic Mountain Millwork for the cabinets. We wanted to make sure the plumbing locations were correct, and get some advice on the master bath layout. We will be shrinking the size of the bathroom entrance to 36" to put in a full sized vanity, and extending a short wall to accommodate a 15" linen cabinet.

Finally, to keep things going, I've hired a part time carpenter, Keith Potter. Keith was working part time with Josh Simpson when we were putting up the panels and framing. He has been working with the plumber setting up chases for the drains and water lines. Also he has installed attic accesses (3 of them), installing roof jacks, and misc. framing.

We have had one set back. Gary was monitoring the plumber's work and noticed that the kitchen window looked to be to low. He was right. Right now, the sill of the window is an inch to low and would be covered by the kitchen counter top. So we get to order a new window that is 6" shorter than the existing one. Life goes, just costs a bit more.

The top picture is Matt Simmons. Seems like the Simmons family loves construction. Matt's dad spends all his time working with Gary rebuilding the cabin, and I buying all the millwork material from his uncle. The next picture is Jeff, Matt's partner. Finally the third is Paul the Plumber. A former So Cal surfer, that hasn't lost his accent.

A Heel's Update

Last week they put a hard cast on my foot. There was a question about the position on my heel bone and weather or not I should have surgery. With a confirming second opinion, it was decided not to operate. I still have to keep any weight off my foot for 3 months. So, 1/4 of the way done now.

Eileen and I are driving back up to Washington on Wednesday and Thursday. It looks like we have a plumber, he should be able to start later next week, and we want to meet with him. Also, its getting close to the time the electrician will start, so we need to walk through his work while we are there.

Eileen has a meeting next week, and I have another appointment with the podiatrist for follow-up xrays, so we will only be up there for a week.

A Bit of a Set Back

All but two of the windows have been installed. The last two were not supplied by the window company, especially for the price I wanted to pay. We need to get the glass block for the shower in the master bath and the basement window. We are also ordering the front door next week, and we will be able to lock the house up. Might even be able to bring up the first shipment of wine to put into the cellar.

Last Saturday, I finished sealing up a couple of windows and was working on putting up some Tyvek on the house. Did a miss step on the ladder and broke my heal. Next week, I get my permanent cast, and find out how long I'm out of commission. First diagnosis, no weight on my heal for 3 months.

Josh will be working up a bid to do the siding, and I'm working with two plumbers for the rough in. So things will still be progressing. Just going to cost more than anticipated.

Windows Installed

All of the windows are in today. Some prefab reconstruction had to be done, the roughouts didn't always match the windows. Some were to large and some were to small. The master bedroom window is now a foot taller than it used to be, and the garage windows were made for a 6 inch wall. We have 4 inch walls in the garage. So some additional retro fit will have to be done.

Josh has diverted his crew to the other job for most of this week. The windows need to be sealed in, and he has a list of other tasks that need to be completed. So they should be back later this week. They still have another full day's work to be done.

Now I will be getting a new plumber, ordering the siding, and doing a lot of site clean up. In the meantime, we used "appearance grade" posts and beams on all of the porches and patio. They need to be stained and sealed. And the weather looks good for the rest of the week.

Windows Arrive

Got back from Sacramento today, and no one was there. The windows were due today, between 11 and 12. Five minutes later all of Josh's crew was on site, rolling out for work. The windows were a little late, driver kept getting lost. And with the lousy cell service here, it was hard to direct him in. The windows were large and heavy, so I picked up a clipboard, figured out which window was which, and told the crew where they should go. Always willing to lend a hand.

Most of the windows were installed today. Josh has another job that he's started, and wants to get the windows in fast. He has trusses coming in tomorrow.

In Sacramento

Last week, the rough-ins for the windows was completed, and tyvek (a moisture barrier for the exterior walls) was installed. Then on Saturday, we put on the roof felt (tar paper). So now the house is dried in. Last week and Monday, work was done on the stairs, so we can walk down without using a ladder. Also on Monday the rough framing for the fireplace and the tub in the master bath was done.

The windows, that were due last week, are coming in next Monday.

My plumber called me Sunday. He's injured his back, and won't be able to start right away. He could be out for anywhere from a week to 4 months. I will be checking with him this week.

I'm taking some time in Sacramento, this week. Eileen's dad, Ralph (Bud) Buamgardner, died last Friday. Bud was one of Tom Brockhaw's "Greatest Generation." A World War Two Vet, who served with distinction in India and Burma. Loved his wife and children. Sunday was Bud and Polly's 64th wedding anniversary, and the haven't been apart for a single one. He went to be with her.

House Roof Sheeting Complete

Yesterday, the crew optimistically thought we would be done with the house roof sheeting today. And it happened. Some busting of butts was done today, so they could get it done. For my part, on a day like to day, I did my best just to stay out of the way.

I was limited by space for the last update. So we need to continue with the introductions on another post. We got to Steve on the last one. Here's Jessie. Also, new to the crew, but been around construction for quite a while is Keith. Josh used to work for Keith, but Keith decided to retire. Kind of like my retirement, we get to work when we want to.

House Trusses Continue

Today, we completed installation of the house trusses. With in installation of the porch beam, the last of the trusses could be installed. All that remains now is finishing the sofits, and the house roof sheeting.

Josh and his crew should be done by Friday. So, I'd better let you know who's who, before they leave. Again, ensuring the site is clean of all food scraps, and that no one over eats, is Hersey. Mellow dog extraordinaire.

Josh is my contractor through this phase, shown here ensuring the trusses don't fly into the air. Chris is Josh's main man, making sure everything continues when he's not here. Chris often leads the jobs. Guy, is a reformed cement worker. Always learning his new position, and working hard. Steve, Skeeter, loves his high work and is always singing. Most people around the site like it when he's further away when he is singing. Jessie, Junior, big time organizer, and learning his trade. Hard not to imagine him running his own outfit soon.

Roofing

Got back to work yesterday.

Yesterday, the sheeting of the roof on the garage was completed. And setting the trusses continued on the house. Even with a holiday weekend, some illnesses and the birth of Guy's baby, some work continue. Mostly the house trusses. A lot of work putting these up, but its still a lot easier than the "stick built" roof we were originally planning.

Today, we continued trussing, and started sheeting the house roof. The most impressive was installing the gables on the front of the house above the porch. You can really see what the house will look like. The best part is that it no longer looks like a taco bell. Also here you can see Keith and Chris working on the trusses.

Garage Roof Sheeting

Today we had just Keith and Steve working here. Chris and Jessie went to work out some window issues, and Guy's wife went into labor. Keith and Steve started sheeting the roof of the garage. For appearance sake, we are using some ruff sawn plywood in the exposed portion of the soffits, and OSB where you won't see the material. So the garage is really taking on its final shape.

I'm heading to Sacramento for a long weekend, getting back late Tuesday afternoon. Anxious to see how much the place will change while I'm gone.

House Trusses

The house trusses arrived on time today. So most of the morning was taken up with sorting and unloading the trusses on the house. There was some problems with the front porch. After considering and pondering for several hours about the placement of the post blocks, it was finally decided that the trusses were to short for the porch, and will have to be redone.

Another issue, Keith discovered today that the engineer had change the specs on the header beams for the garage. Although, we have 4 inch walls in the garage, he changed the header specs to call for 6 inch material. I'm going the have Dennis contact the engineer and see if we can get a correction. I will also have to go back to the county and submit a change on the approved plans. Oh bother.

Ceiling Panel Install

The boom truck from Lumberman's came in today. We got to have it for 4 hours. This morning before the truck arrived Josh's crew put up the last of the glue lam beams. We then used the truck to install the vertical panels that support the ceiling panels. Then placed the ceiling panels. With the truck and the lessons learned by the crew, we had it all done in less than 3 hours.

The rest of the day was spent screwing the panels in place and adding a top plate to the ceiling for the trusses.

Front Porch Foundation

Today, Chris, from Cline Construction, came over and formed and poured the front porch foundation. We had this done now to enable us to use the permanent porch beam and posts instead of a temporary.

We continued to ready the house for the truss arrival on Wednesday. The top cap for the exterior walls were installed, along with some of the support structures for the ceiling panels. Tomorrow we get the use of a free boom truck from Lumberman's and will use it to put up the ceiling panels.

The front of the house now looks like Mexican restaurant. All I need to do is install a bell on the upper level.

House Interior Framing Start

Attention was turned to the house interior framing today. The house trusses will be arriving next Wednesday, so everything to ready the house for them needs to be done.

Beams to support the roof panels are installed. This is how it's done when you don't want to spend the money on a boom truck.

There are very few walls inside the house, so the interior framing won't take long. Just a few of the walls remain to be completed on Monday. Suddenly the house looks small again. Amazing how it expands and contracts with each major step.

Garage Trusses Arrive

With everything ready, the trusses arrived on time. By the end of the day, most were in place.

House walls continued to be worked. For earthquake bracing, 4 brackets are installed in the guest bedroom north wall. The brackets are connected to some long "J" bolts that extend a foot into the foundation, through the mud sill, 11 1/2 inch floor panel and wall plate. The bracket is then attached to lumber inside the panel. Because of the shear strength of the foam panels, no other earthquake strapping in necessary. For the garage, there are only 4 external metal straps.

Garage Ready for Trusses

The garage is read for trusses. The top caps have been installed and the walls braced to ensure they are square.

The house walls continue to go up. Each of the panels have three runs of "Mastic" between them to ensure there isn't any air infiltration between the panels. The stuff is a blue goop that sticks to everything, especially where is isn't supposed to stick. There are blue tools, blue clothes, blue floors. Everything have been affected by the stuff. Since the color is so close to being the same as the Smerfs, its been dubbed Smerf poop.

Eileen's view, out her hobby room window of the 12th tee. Less the brace, of course.

Dining Room View

Work on Friday continued with the garage, and starting the house walls. We need to have the garage ready for trusses on Wednesday. Three panels left on the garage today, interior framing and caps remain to be done tomorrow.

The house is going together better than the garage. Experience plus a better platform with the floor panels makes it go a lot faster. Ran into an issue with the bump out window in the dining room. They are higher than the rest of the windows in the dining room. I will check with the panel people tomorrow about the best way to bring them down to the correct height.

Here's an idea of what our view will be out of the dining room. You can see how the bump out windows are to high.

House Walls Arrive

A better day today. The house walls arrived today, only 2 1/2 hours late. But this time they told us they would be late, so I didn't have people standing around.

The weight of the walls is just about 16 tons, and we put the entire load on the house floor. Not a creak or groan out of the floor. Not much construction today. It was an all hands event to unload and sort the load. The delivery truck couldn't make it up the driveway, so we had to unload on the road. Then the boomtruck moved them up to the house. Then sorting and moving the panels around the house by hand. Remember they weigh about 16 tons.

Start of Garage Walls

With the floor completed on the house, we started installation of the garage walls. Some trimming of the panels is needed to conform to the concrete. Also, the "J" bolts washers had to ground off on the edges so the panels would fit flush with the mud sills.

SIPS Panels Arrive

Yesterday, with a delivery time of 8:00am, the floor and garage wall panels arrived at 3:30pm. We sorted an restacked the panels for use the next day. The house exterior walls and some of the ceiling will arrive Thursday morning.

Today we started installing the floor panels. With 11 1/2 inches of solid foam insullation, we shouldn't get much heat transfer from the main house to the wine cellar. The installation is going good. 90% complete today. We have an issue regarding the end spline on the remaining pieces that can't be resolved until tomorrow morning. Apparently, office workers knock off earlier than my carpenters.