We’re now moving into the final stage of installing the finishes. The electricians are back to put in plugs, lamps, etc. The baseboard is almost all in, and is in the process of being painted. Much of the plastic used to protect surfaces during painting is coming down, so you can start to see how […]
Finishing Touches Going In Read More »
Moving into the final sprint to completion, there was one remaining bit of demolition work to take care of: removing the last bits of the old driveway, the concrete footing for an old fence, pieces of the sidewalk where the new water and gas lines will be run, and the old planter strip. Here’s a
The Last Demolition Read More »
Much progress since the last update. Almost all the window and door casing is in, and it looks beautiful! We cribbed a design from something we found on the web and had it custom milled. It goes well with the craftsman style. Painting and staining continues apace. All the walls and ceilings are done. The
We can finally see our new home more clearly now that the scaffolding has been removed. It was up for so long that it seemed to become part of the design…and a not particularly attractive part to boot :).
Emerging from the Scaffolding Read More »
Which, unlike in a horror movie, is a good thing.
The Walls Are Closing In! Read More »
Even if it isn’t the final, finished one. After all, even though California is experiencing one of its driest years on record, we can’t count on the rain staying away much longer. Putting the roof sheathing on changed the feel of the project again. It feels much more like a real house now when you’re
It’s Nice to Have a Roof Read More »
Probably the scariest activity I’ve seen at the job site is what carpenters call “plate walking”. That’s when they walk along the 2×4 (or 2×6, in our case) horizontal boards that form the top of a framed wall. There’s not much room for error in how you put your feet down. And it can be
The entry way to our new home is a vaulted two story opening, without a first floor ceiling on which to build the second floor framing. Instead, a technique called “balloon framing” — single-piece posts* running from the first floor to the roof line — is being used. As an aside, I love all the
That’s a Big Post! Read More »
We’re well into what Rich, my contractor, calls the HVP phase: Highly Visible Progress. Framing sprouts up all over the place, and almost every day something obviously new is added. It’s great to see the house taking shape! We now have a really good feel for what the layout and spaces will look and feel
Reach for the Sky! Read More »