Most of us are familiar with trellises. They provide support for climbing plants as well as adding a vertical element to gardens. Tuteurs, also known as obelisks, are similar but are pyramidal as opposed to flat.
Showing posts with label exterior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exterior. Show all posts
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Trellis and Tuteur
Trellis and Tuteur......doesn't it roll off the tongue like Chocolate and Zucchini? Fanny and Alexander? Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers? OK, forget about the last one.
Most of us are familiar with trellises. They provide support for climbing plants as well as adding a vertical element to gardens. Tuteurs, also known as obelisks, are similar but are pyramidal as opposed to flat.
Most of us are familiar with trellises. They provide support for climbing plants as well as adding a vertical element to gardens. Tuteurs, also known as obelisks, are similar but are pyramidal as opposed to flat.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Exterior Shutters
We finally tackled the exterior shutters. After they sat in the garage for 6 months, we somehow found time in our busy schedules to prime and paint them, then did some online research on how to install them.
We purchased our shutters locally and the company will prime, paint and install as well, but we'd come this far doing so much of our own work, we thought what's the big deal with a couple of shutters?
We purchased our shutters locally and the company will prime, paint and install as well, but we'd come this far doing so much of our own work, we thought what's the big deal with a couple of shutters?Sunday, September 30, 2007
Post Move-In: Exterior Painting
I'm back. I'll try to recap the work done after move-in.
About a week after moving in, we had the exterior painting done. I'd kept putting it off mostly because I still wasn't sure which color to do. Here's evidence of my indecisiveness:
In the end, I chose BM Kentucky Haze, which is the bottom left-most swatch, a grayish blue with some green hints that come out depending on the lighting.
We also had our handyman, Mr. Xu, install the cupola and weathervane:
About a week after moving in, we had the exterior painting done. I'd kept putting it off mostly because I still wasn't sure which color to do. Here's evidence of my indecisiveness:
In the end, I chose BM Kentucky Haze, which is the bottom left-most swatch, a grayish blue with some green hints that come out depending on the lighting.
We also had our handyman, Mr. Xu, install the cupola and weathervane:
Thursday, March 29, 2007
I guess this is what you'd call progress......
That means we finally have one working toilet in the house, yahoo!
We have 3 bathrooms; 3 chances to get a working toilet; yet only a 33% success rate. I guess that speaks volumes about our plumber. OK, I'm going to stop bashing the plumber.
Progress to date:
Stucco is done:
Electrician installed all the switches and outlets (but not the plates).
Bathrooms have some fittings installed:
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Week 35: Mar 5 - Mar 11
The stucco crew showed up bright and early Tues, and finished the second coat of stucco. I think there were 6 on the job and they were done in 5 hours.
Some of the kitchen upper cabs got crown moulding. Really polishes up the look! Without crown:
With crown:
After my "tough" talk last week with the cabinetmaker, they took back the pieces that were too big, reworked them and redelivered them on Tuesday. Unfortunately, 2 out of the three pieces still had problems. The microwave cabinet had streaky, shiny marks on the finish and the bake center piece was too tall!!! Back again they go.
Marble fabricator came on Wednesday and installed bathroom countertops and thresholds:
Electrical trim-out starts this weekend. So in preparation, I went over to Independent Electrical Supply in Sunnyvale and bought all the recessed can trims, dimmers, fluorescent undercab/overcab lights, lamps (aka lightbulbs). That set us back $1700 and I think everything fits into two big shopping bags. And we still have to buy most of our light fixtures, plus vacancy sensors, plus timer switches. Electrical/Lighting ain't cheap. But I do LOVE lighting fixtures! I'll have to do a separate post about all the great fixtures I've found - and their outrageous prices!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Rain, rain, go away
After all these weeks of holding off on stuccoing until the hood vent was in, we're finally ready to start on Monday!
But what should happen. Three days of rain meant the stucco guy couldn't start until Thursday. But when he did get started, it went fast. He and one other guy finished the brown coat in one day. As always, I find it fascinating to watch and see how these things are done. It's science and art in how they mix the right proportions of sand, water and portland cement,
and then scoop it onto their hawk,
then "throw" it with a flick of the wrist and smooth it onto the walls.
The brown coat needs a few days to dry, so they'll be back Monday or Tuesday to apply the second, scratch, coat.
But what should happen. Three days of rain meant the stucco guy couldn't start until Thursday. But when he did get started, it went fast. He and one other guy finished the brown coat in one day. As always, I find it fascinating to watch and see how these things are done. It's science and art in how they mix the right proportions of sand, water and portland cement,
and then scoop it onto their hawk,
then "throw" it with a flick of the wrist and smooth it onto the walls.
The brown coat needs a few days to dry, so they'll be back Monday or Tuesday to apply the second, scratch, coat.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Week #22: Dec 4
Well, apparently nothing happened, since I can't seem to find a record log for this week. Actually, I know Clint was working mucho hours trying to wrap up the electrical. It's getting dark earlier now, so I bought a big halogen lamp to encourage longer working hours!
Steve worked on trimming the front door and garage door and got the remaining siding up.
My main job, as always, is cleaning up the place. When I signed up for the GC job, I didn't quite realize how much of my time would be spent sweeping, vaccuming, moving stuff around. I normally hate housekeeping, but it is something an unskilled laborer like me can do, as opposed to swinging a hammer. I don't have any strength. I need power tools! That's why I think we need to get a nail gun. Hint, hint.
Steve worked on trimming the front door and garage door and got the remaining siding up.
My main job, as always, is cleaning up the place. When I signed up for the GC job, I didn't quite realize how much of my time would be spent sweeping, vaccuming, moving stuff around. I normally hate housekeeping, but it is something an unskilled laborer like me can do, as opposed to swinging a hammer. I don't have any strength. I need power tools! That's why I think we need to get a nail gun. Hint, hint.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Week #21: Nov 27 - Dec 3
The electrician wasn't able to finish everything over the weekend. I had to call the building dept. first thing Monday morning and ask them to cancel the electrical inspection. Unfortunately, the building dept. said they would also have to cancel framing, plumbing and mechanical as well. Apparently, they like to do one big rough-in inspection for all trades. On the other hand, they said they could still inspect gas rough-in. Now I'm really confused. Are all cities like this?
So here I was hoping to get the whole rough-in inspection and I ended up with just gas rough-in and exterior lath. We didn't even pass the gas rough-in because the gas pipe going into the house has to be X inches to the right of the city riser. The plumber will have to come back and run a short length of pipe on the outside so it's in the right position.
We decided to demo the stucco around the garage door. (More demoing!! When will it ever end?). Why? Because I realized the old stucco mold wasn't going to match the rest of the new 2x4 trim. It's a minor detail, but one of those things I was afraid I would be kicking myself later for not doing now, especially since it's all visible from the street. In fact, there are a couple of other places in the back of the house where we kept the old trim. It's not visible from the street so we just left it. I'll admit it. We're not purists.
On Friday, the additional siding + the primed 2x4 trim got delivered. That meant Steve could get to work on trimming the front door and garage door. Plus, the lumberyard FINALLY picked up and took back the extra framing beams we didn't end up using. I don't know why it took them over a month to coordinate that; I was starting to think they weren't going to take the stuff back.
Today, Sunday, I went over to HD and FINALLY picked up my special order tile. They've been holding it for us since Oct. 1st. I don't know why it took me so long to do that - oh wait a minute, yes I do. We're not ready for tiling so where am I going to store 4 short pallets of tile???? Unfortunately, I had no choice as this was the 3rd time they called to ask - actually the 3rd time they demanded- we come and get it. I was a bit concerned about loading it all into our minivan, not so much volume-wise, but weight-wise, and actually thought we might have to make more than one run. In the end though, we managed to get the whole order into the van with a manageable amount of sagging on the back end. I just drove in the slow lane and avoided bumps. But here's the most amazing part of the story........HD actually got the tile order right! I counted all the boxes and they were all there. Although, I haven't actually opened some of the trim boxes to see if they really gave me 55 pieces of round black liner, etc. Hmmmm......
More discouraging news on the inspection front. I talked to Clint, the electrician, hoping that maybe next week we would be ready for the big inspection. Nope, wasn't going to happen. Still had another weekend's worth of work. I'm wondering now if we'll even get inspected before Xmas. Oh well, what can you do? As I've said, fortunately for us, time is not really costing us additional money, since we're living rent free with the parents. But it would be nice to be back in our house, so the kids don't have the long commute to school.
Tristan made a big run to the dump this weekend. Our neighbor, Bob, jokes that we're the only people to have ever done this big a remodel without a dumpster. Well, we couldn't do it without Bob! He let's us borrow his pickup truck for these dump runs!
So here I was hoping to get the whole rough-in inspection and I ended up with just gas rough-in and exterior lath. We didn't even pass the gas rough-in because the gas pipe going into the house has to be X inches to the right of the city riser. The plumber will have to come back and run a short length of pipe on the outside so it's in the right position.
We decided to demo the stucco around the garage door. (More demoing!! When will it ever end?). Why? Because I realized the old stucco mold wasn't going to match the rest of the new 2x4 trim. It's a minor detail, but one of those things I was afraid I would be kicking myself later for not doing now, especially since it's all visible from the street. In fact, there are a couple of other places in the back of the house where we kept the old trim. It's not visible from the street so we just left it. I'll admit it. We're not purists.
On Friday, the additional siding + the primed 2x4 trim got delivered. That meant Steve could get to work on trimming the front door and garage door. Plus, the lumberyard FINALLY picked up and took back the extra framing beams we didn't end up using. I don't know why it took them over a month to coordinate that; I was starting to think they weren't going to take the stuff back.
Today, Sunday, I went over to HD and FINALLY picked up my special order tile. They've been holding it for us since Oct. 1st. I don't know why it took me so long to do that - oh wait a minute, yes I do. We're not ready for tiling so where am I going to store 4 short pallets of tile???? Unfortunately, I had no choice as this was the 3rd time they called to ask - actually the 3rd time they demanded- we come and get it. I was a bit concerned about loading it all into our minivan, not so much volume-wise, but weight-wise, and actually thought we might have to make more than one run. In the end though, we managed to get the whole order into the van with a manageable amount of sagging on the back end. I just drove in the slow lane and avoided bumps. But here's the most amazing part of the story........HD actually got the tile order right! I counted all the boxes and they were all there. Although, I haven't actually opened some of the trim boxes to see if they really gave me 55 pieces of round black liner, etc. Hmmmm......
More discouraging news on the inspection front. I talked to Clint, the electrician, hoping that maybe next week we would be ready for the big inspection. Nope, wasn't going to happen. Still had another weekend's worth of work. I'm wondering now if we'll even get inspected before Xmas. Oh well, what can you do? As I've said, fortunately for us, time is not really costing us additional money, since we're living rent free with the parents. But it would be nice to be back in our house, so the kids don't have the long commute to school.
Tristan made a big run to the dump this weekend. Our neighbor, Bob, jokes that we're the only people to have ever done this big a remodel without a dumpster. Well, we couldn't do it without Bob! He let's us borrow his pickup truck for these dump runs!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Week #20: Nov 20 - 26
WHOA!!! I'm caught up on my blog!!!! I must really be re-energized.
The handyman was back again this week to work on installing the fire-rated door, cladding the front post and installing the front porch beadboard ceiling. It's been really fun, i.e., challenging and a learning experience, figuring out how to dress up the front post. I wanted to beef up the 4x4 and also hide the metal brackets that tie it into the slab and header. It was a 3-way pow-wow with Steve, Bob and myself. Throw in the guy at Bruce Bauer and we found a solution!
We'll add the bottom part of the trim later. Our top priority was to get everything stucco-related done.
That leads me to my new strategy. From now on, I'm just going to call the next sub in line and give him a start date. Then tell all the other subs what the drop dead date is and watch them scramble. Well, at least that's how it worked with the stucco job. I called the stucco sub Wed morning and said, "I'm ready for papering and lathing. When can I get on your schedule?" He said, "OK, I'll meet you at the house in 20 minutes and then tomorrow my guys will start." Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! I was incredulous. Your crew is going to work on Thanksgiving Day?? "Oh yeah, they want to make money." And here I thought nothing would happen during the holidays. Maybe I can get a lot done during Christmas - New Year???
Well, after that conversation, I got on the horn with the window guy. "Oh yeah," he said. He was also going to be at our house on Thanksgiving Day, finishing up stuff so the stucco guy could do his thing. Or I'm thinking, it's going to be more difficult for him to install any remaining windows, trim, drip caps, etc., after the house has been papered and wired. So there's his motivation.
And now with the impending arrival of the stucco crew, the handyman finished cladding the post and installing the beadboard (which we bought, primed and ripped to size).
We're ready for stucco! And here's what it looks like after papering and lathing:
Sooo, I also went ahead and scheduled our rough-in inspections: framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, plus added paper/lath. THIS IS THE BIG ONE! Tuesday AM, November 28. Hopefully, there won't be any major issues, but just in case, my plan is to forewarn the subs and ask them to block out some time Tues PM to come and take care of any problems.
I would really like to be drywalled by Xmas so we can start some finish work then. Especially since it sounds like people might be interested in working during the holidays! Me and Tristan included!
The handyman was back again this week to work on installing the fire-rated door, cladding the front post and installing the front porch beadboard ceiling. It's been really fun, i.e., challenging and a learning experience, figuring out how to dress up the front post. I wanted to beef up the 4x4 and also hide the metal brackets that tie it into the slab and header. It was a 3-way pow-wow with Steve, Bob and myself. Throw in the guy at Bruce Bauer and we found a solution!
We'll add the bottom part of the trim later. Our top priority was to get everything stucco-related done.That leads me to my new strategy. From now on, I'm just going to call the next sub in line and give him a start date. Then tell all the other subs what the drop dead date is and watch them scramble. Well, at least that's how it worked with the stucco job. I called the stucco sub Wed morning and said, "I'm ready for papering and lathing. When can I get on your schedule?" He said, "OK, I'll meet you at the house in 20 minutes and then tomorrow my guys will start." Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! I was incredulous. Your crew is going to work on Thanksgiving Day?? "Oh yeah, they want to make money." And here I thought nothing would happen during the holidays. Maybe I can get a lot done during Christmas - New Year???
Well, after that conversation, I got on the horn with the window guy. "Oh yeah," he said. He was also going to be at our house on Thanksgiving Day, finishing up stuff so the stucco guy could do his thing. Or I'm thinking, it's going to be more difficult for him to install any remaining windows, trim, drip caps, etc., after the house has been papered and wired. So there's his motivation.
And now with the impending arrival of the stucco crew, the handyman finished cladding the post and installing the beadboard (which we bought, primed and ripped to size).
We're ready for stucco! And here's what it looks like after papering and lathing:
Sooo, I also went ahead and scheduled our rough-in inspections: framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, plus added paper/lath. THIS IS THE BIG ONE! Tuesday AM, November 28. Hopefully, there won't be any major issues, but just in case, my plan is to forewarn the subs and ask them to block out some time Tues PM to come and take care of any problems.I would really like to be drywalled by Xmas so we can start some finish work then. Especially since it sounds like people might be interested in working during the holidays! Me and Tristan included!
Week #19: Nov 13 - 19
Sigh. Not a lot of work got done the last 2 1/2 weeks. Mostly because we had no power.
We finally got back on the grid on Tuesday. It took another week after we passed inspection to have utilities come out and reconnect us. I guess that's how long it takes to process "paperwork". During the blackout period, we "borrowed" power from our kind neighbor, Bob. I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again, he's been a great neighbor to have on this project!
You know what's interesting about getting a new electrical meter......it starts at zero!!
I hired a handyman to help us get thru a few punchlist items. And here I thought punchlists happened at the end of a project. No siree. Here was our mid-way punchlist:
- Misc blocking, including 12"h all around shower stalls for hot-mopping
- Install 3 bathroom fans, duct to outside
- Replace, repair, plus new 2nd floor siding
- Install/trim 2 ext man doors
- Plumber: install all new gas lines, outdoor hosebib, icemaker water line
- Beef up front 4x4 post, plus add decorative trim
- Install beadboard ceiling over front porch
- Remove old baseboards/trim
- Add 2x4 cleats for attic plywood
- Record where all blocking is before drywall goes up
- Wrap old plenum with metal duct tape
- Vacuum, clean all walls before drywalled in
- Demo stucco around garage door
- Sawzall ceiling joist
So now with power, things are starting to roll again. The plumber came out and in 2 days installed all of the new gas lines, the outdoor hosebib, plus the soft roll for the icemaker. Plumbing rough-in is done!
The new handyman installed the front door (had to do a lot of adjustments to the opening which was not framed plumb or square), plus installed siding along the gable part of the new entry.
The electrician came over the weekend and we reviewed all the kitchen wiring, outlets, appliances. He says he's going to finish everything by next weekend.
I got myself some new toys: a 12" Bosch compound miter saw, a circular saw and a Makita cordless driver/drill. All the guys were oohing and ahhing over the Bosch. I thought to myself, aha, so this is what it must feel like to tool around town in a Porsche or strut your stuff in a pair of Manolo Blahniks. Meanwhile, I'm really enjoying cross-cutting 2x4s like they're a stick of butter.
Tristan and I got a lot accomplished over the weekend. To date, we've DIY'd the following:
- Installed 3 bathroom fans
- Installed membrane and sheet metal to waterproof sheathing
- Demo'd trim, baseboards; toilet and tile in BA
- Primed beadboard, ripped panel to size
- Finished blocking for showers, heat registers, towel bars
- Dug out dirt around house
- Cut down wisteria vine
- Removed ceiling joist, old 2x4s in BA
Could it be I'm getting my 2nd wind????
We finally got back on the grid on Tuesday. It took another week after we passed inspection to have utilities come out and reconnect us. I guess that's how long it takes to process "paperwork". During the blackout period, we "borrowed" power from our kind neighbor, Bob. I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again, he's been a great neighbor to have on this project!
You know what's interesting about getting a new electrical meter......it starts at zero!!
I hired a handyman to help us get thru a few punchlist items. And here I thought punchlists happened at the end of a project. No siree. Here was our mid-way punchlist:
- Misc blocking, including 12"h all around shower stalls for hot-mopping
- Install 3 bathroom fans, duct to outside
- Replace, repair, plus new 2nd floor siding
- Install/trim 2 ext man doors
- Plumber: install all new gas lines, outdoor hosebib, icemaker water line
- Beef up front 4x4 post, plus add decorative trim
- Install beadboard ceiling over front porch
- Remove old baseboards/trim
- Add 2x4 cleats for attic plywood
- Record where all blocking is before drywall goes up
- Wrap old plenum with metal duct tape
- Vacuum, clean all walls before drywalled in
- Demo stucco around garage door
- Sawzall ceiling joist
So now with power, things are starting to roll again. The plumber came out and in 2 days installed all of the new gas lines, the outdoor hosebib, plus the soft roll for the icemaker. Plumbing rough-in is done!
The new handyman installed the front door (had to do a lot of adjustments to the opening which was not framed plumb or square), plus installed siding along the gable part of the new entry.
The electrician came over the weekend and we reviewed all the kitchen wiring, outlets, appliances. He says he's going to finish everything by next weekend.
I got myself some new toys: a 12" Bosch compound miter saw, a circular saw and a Makita cordless driver/drill. All the guys were oohing and ahhing over the Bosch. I thought to myself, aha, so this is what it must feel like to tool around town in a Porsche or strut your stuff in a pair of Manolo Blahniks. Meanwhile, I'm really enjoying cross-cutting 2x4s like they're a stick of butter.
Tristan and I got a lot accomplished over the weekend. To date, we've DIY'd the following:
- Installed 3 bathroom fans
- Installed membrane and sheet metal to waterproof sheathing
- Demo'd trim, baseboards; toilet and tile in BA
- Primed beadboard, ripped panel to size
- Finished blocking for showers, heat registers, towel bars
- Dug out dirt around house
- Cut down wisteria vine
- Removed ceiling joist, old 2x4s in BA
Could it be I'm getting my 2nd wind????
Week #18: Nov 6 - 12
Spending a lot of time finding the materials req'd to waterproof the sheathing. Inspector says must use Grace Ice and Water shield. I check Grace's corporate website to find out who carries it. First of all, according to their website, the Ice and Water shield is for roof applications. For vertical, wall applications, Grace Vycor 40 is used. After calling 6 or 7 stores, finally find one in Newark that carries the product. Also trying to find a sheet metal fabrication shop to make the "special" L-shaped 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal needed to go over the Grace Vycor 40.
Finally, inspection for service panel passes. But not without a parting comment from the inspector "Why did he (the electrician) do it like that? Now, we'll have to send out the utility crew again at the end of the project to disconnect and reconnect. You're costing us money. That's why we want people to put up temporary power poles." Yeah, and at a cost of $900 in city and permit fees, that's why I didn't want to put up a temporary power pole.
The inspector and his protege also questioned my use of the Vycor 40. I had the pleasure of sharing my new found knowledge with them.
Finally, inspection for service panel passes. But not without a parting comment from the inspector "Why did he (the electrician) do it like that? Now, we'll have to send out the utility crew again at the end of the project to disconnect and reconnect. You're costing us money. That's why we want people to put up temporary power poles." Yeah, and at a cost of $900 in city and permit fees, that's why I didn't want to put up a temporary power pole.
The inspector and his protege also questioned my use of the Vycor 40. I had the pleasure of sharing my new found knowledge with them.
Week 17: Oct 30 - Nov 5
Electrician replaced the service panel with new 200A one. Called to have utilities come and reconnect the power. They told me they didn't have the paperwork. I said "What paperwork?" They said the paperwork saying the inspector signed off on it. Huh???? Another "Ooops, I didn't know about that" moment. Apparently I had to call the building dept. and schedule an inspection first.
The inspector came the next day; unfortunately it was you-know-who. along with his protege', I mean the rookie inspector. He actually had a few words of praise for the electrician's work, but didn't pass the inspection because the service panel amperage was 200A and the temporary construction outlets had a 100A fuse (hope I got that correct). Plus, he found additional busy work for us to do - waterproof a section of our exterior sheathing because the grade was too high.
The electrician came out the next day to fix the "problem", but I was unable to get a re-inspection this week. Will have to wait till Monday next week.
Meanwhile, I worked on demo'ing all the remaining trim and baseboard around the house. In hindsight, I should have had the demo contractor demo everything, but at the time, I thought I would try to salvage as much of the house and minimize new work. Live and learn. Next time, let's tear the whole house down!
That's kinda indicative of how I'm feeling right now about the remodel. Nothing's happening; we're bogged down; this is going on forever; it'll never be finished. I need a second wind!
The inspector came the next day; unfortunately it was you-know-who. along with his protege', I mean the rookie inspector. He actually had a few words of praise for the electrician's work, but didn't pass the inspection because the service panel amperage was 200A and the temporary construction outlets had a 100A fuse (hope I got that correct). Plus, he found additional busy work for us to do - waterproof a section of our exterior sheathing because the grade was too high.
The electrician came out the next day to fix the "problem", but I was unable to get a re-inspection this week. Will have to wait till Monday next week.
Meanwhile, I worked on demo'ing all the remaining trim and baseboard around the house. In hindsight, I should have had the demo contractor demo everything, but at the time, I thought I would try to salvage as much of the house and minimize new work. Live and learn. Next time, let's tear the whole house down!
That's kinda indicative of how I'm feeling right now about the remodel. Nothing's happening; we're bogged down; this is going on forever; it'll never be finished. I need a second wind!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Week #16: 10/23 - 10/29
Framer is on vacation - nice and quiet
Louie-HVAC work; borrowed his power drill and connected the bathroom fan ducts to the roof jack opening. Strapped the ducts, taped them with metal foil tape. Crouched on the ceiling joists in order to connect the Master BA fan.
Went up to SF and bought front door and all other interior doors.
Checked out the vacpans.
Plumber installed bathtub.
Got other plumbing quotes after getting the change order from my plumber.
Starting to have the difficult "money" conversations with the subs.
Cut down the wisteria vine so Ed can come and demo the deck. Before:
After:
Scheduled the city utilities to disconnect our power so Clint could upgrade the service panel.
Like my new abbreviated, no nonsense style?
Sorry, barely enough time to sleep, brush my teeth, take a shower!
Louie-HVAC work; borrowed his power drill and connected the bathroom fan ducts to the roof jack opening. Strapped the ducts, taped them with metal foil tape. Crouched on the ceiling joists in order to connect the Master BA fan.
Went up to SF and bought front door and all other interior doors.
Checked out the vacpans.
Plumber installed bathtub.
Got other plumbing quotes after getting the change order from my plumber.Starting to have the difficult "money" conversations with the subs.
Cut down the wisteria vine so Ed can come and demo the deck. Before:
After:
Scheduled the city utilities to disconnect our power so Clint could upgrade the service panel.Like my new abbreviated, no nonsense style?
Sorry, barely enough time to sleep, brush my teeth, take a shower!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Week #13: 10/2 - 10/8
It didn't rain last night, but it looks like rain tomorrow.
Fortunately, our roof is sheathed and papered so we can sleep tonight.
We got on the roofer's schedule over two weeks ago; of course at the time, we had no idea that rain was on its way. It's actually kinda early in the year for rain. Anyways, around the neighborhood, you can see lots of contractors putting up tarps on roofless remodels.
But because we're now ready to shingle, I'm scrambling around trying to get everyone to put their holes thru the roof.. Things like vent stacks, fan ducts, dryer vents. I think Tristan and I may install the bathroom fans ourselves. I forgot to include them in the HVAC bid, and at this point I don't feel like a change order and having to pay extra for it.
I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier, but I've added a couple of skylights. One in the Master BR, another in the TV room and a third in the kitchen. The house got much darker after the roof sheathing went on!!! But everyone's been telling me things will feel brighter once the drywall gets installed. Sure hope so.
Speaking of drywall, once that gets installed (ages away), we can install cabinets. So I actually had the cabinetmaker come out and take measurements now that the major framing is complete. We won't need cabinets for awhile, but wanted to get that process started to give me plenty of time to design and then also manufacture.
Fortunately, our roof is sheathed and papered so we can sleep tonight.
We got on the roofer's schedule over two weeks ago; of course at the time, we had no idea that rain was on its way. It's actually kinda early in the year for rain. Anyways, around the neighborhood, you can see lots of contractors putting up tarps on roofless remodels.But because we're now ready to shingle, I'm scrambling around trying to get everyone to put their holes thru the roof.. Things like vent stacks, fan ducts, dryer vents. I think Tristan and I may install the bathroom fans ourselves. I forgot to include them in the HVAC bid, and at this point I don't feel like a change order and having to pay extra for it.
I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier, but I've added a couple of skylights. One in the Master BR, another in the TV room and a third in the kitchen. The house got much darker after the roof sheathing went on!!! But everyone's been telling me things will feel brighter once the drywall gets installed. Sure hope so.
Speaking of drywall, once that gets installed (ages away), we can install cabinets. So I actually had the cabinetmaker come out and take measurements now that the major framing is complete. We won't need cabinets for awhile, but wanted to get that process started to give me plenty of time to design and then also manufacture.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
New Roof
Roofing started!! Weather forecast calls for showers tomorrow. The crew managed to sheath quite a bit in one day, but not everything got covered, so I sure hope it's just a drizzle, if that.
Lugging plywood up and above the Master BA:
The next day, the roofing supply house delivered the shingles using a big boom and conveyor belt:
The guy on the roof got a workout picking off the bundles of shingles and running up the roof to place them on the ridgelines.
Now we're all ready for the roofing crew to come back tomorrow and lay down the felt paper and then the actual roof shingles.
Lugging plywood up and above the Master BA:
The next day, the roofing supply house delivered the shingles using a big boom and conveyor belt:
The guy on the roof got a workout picking off the bundles of shingles and running up the roof to place them on the ridgelines.
Now we're all ready for the roofing crew to come back tomorrow and lay down the felt paper and then the actual roof shingles.
Week 12: 9/25 - 10/1
Our primary goal this week was to finish all framing related to the roof. The roofer is scheduled to start sheathing on SUNDAY, 10/1.
Shed roof for the window seat and exterior door:
Roof framing for new mudroom:
Roof and overhang for new entry and porch:
Framing for skylights in Master BA:
and skylight in BR #3 (added at the last minute):
They also installed starter boards and 1x4s on all the new roofs.
Testing out a new paint color (top one):
Shed roof for the window seat and exterior door:
Roof framing for new mudroom:
Roof and overhang for new entry and porch:
Framing for skylights in Master BA:
and skylight in BR #3 (added at the last minute):
They also installed starter boards and 1x4s on all the new roofs.Testing out a new paint color (top one):
Week 11: 9/18 - 9/24
This week at the house:
1. Louie the HVAC guy came and re-hooked the upstairs furnace. We had to disconnect and slide the furnace over so we could raise the roof in the extended bathroom. The framing crew has been really great about doing extra stuff that technically is not their responsibility.
2. Bill and his son are continuing to install windows and trimming the outside. I'm not sure I like this window:
I love the way it looks, but it only vents 3/8". Based on what the salesperson described, I thought it was going to be 2-3" (remember my post about the new and great venting picture window?). Going back and forth on whether I should take these out and replace with a window that ventilates better.
3. The framers are continuing work on supporting the Great Room ceiling.
Have had to start getting new quotes on stucco, drywall and insulation. I feel like our project has changed a bit since May/June when I first got quotes. Having a hard time finding stucco contractors, so I've resorted to driving around the neighborhood looking for houses in mid-construction. I write down the GC ph#, then call them and ask who their stucco sub is! I've been so pleasantly surprised at how helpful they are. They don't know me from Jack, but they return my calls and gladly provide advice and information.
One guy I contacted was the architect/owner of a neighborhood house I had watched being constructed. They're pretty much done, but I drove over thinking maybe they still had a sign out with the GC and/or architect info. Instead, I ended up talking to the moving crew for the Pottery Barn photo shoot that was taking place at the house! These guys were incredibly helpful as well and without hesitating went into the house to ask the name of the owner/architect. Once I was armed with that information, it was simple getting his work#. He called the next day and left me a msg with the name of his GC. Called his GC and we had a 20 minute conversation about modern architecture as well as of course getting the stucco sub info!
Meanwhile, taking kids to school and karate and gymnastics and planning a birthday party!
1. Louie the HVAC guy came and re-hooked the upstairs furnace. We had to disconnect and slide the furnace over so we could raise the roof in the extended bathroom. The framing crew has been really great about doing extra stuff that technically is not their responsibility.
2. Bill and his son are continuing to install windows and trimming the outside. I'm not sure I like this window:
I love the way it looks, but it only vents 3/8". Based on what the salesperson described, I thought it was going to be 2-3" (remember my post about the new and great venting picture window?). Going back and forth on whether I should take these out and replace with a window that ventilates better.3. The framers are continuing work on supporting the Great Room ceiling.
Have had to start getting new quotes on stucco, drywall and insulation. I feel like our project has changed a bit since May/June when I first got quotes. Having a hard time finding stucco contractors, so I've resorted to driving around the neighborhood looking for houses in mid-construction. I write down the GC ph#, then call them and ask who their stucco sub is! I've been so pleasantly surprised at how helpful they are. They don't know me from Jack, but they return my calls and gladly provide advice and information.
One guy I contacted was the architect/owner of a neighborhood house I had watched being constructed. They're pretty much done, but I drove over thinking maybe they still had a sign out with the GC and/or architect info. Instead, I ended up talking to the moving crew for the Pottery Barn photo shoot that was taking place at the house! These guys were incredibly helpful as well and without hesitating went into the house to ask the name of the owner/architect. Once I was armed with that information, it was simple getting his work#. He called the next day and left me a msg with the name of his GC. Called his GC and we had a 20 minute conversation about modern architecture as well as of course getting the stucco sub info!
Meanwhile, taking kids to school and karate and gymnastics and planning a birthday party!
Friday, September 22, 2006
More Week 10: 9/11 - 9/17
This was an exciting week!
Window installation started, wahoo! Bill and his son started upstairs so as to not get in the way of the framing crew who were working downstairs. A nice bit of parallel processing.
I love our new windows!!! They even make our existing wood siding look better :-)
It is really looking like a farmhouse! So exciting and satisfying to see reality match up with one's design vision.
Other things that happened this week:
1. Nailed up exterior plywood sheathing:
You can see the tight nailing pattern (called a nailing schedule). One of the things the inspector will check during rough framing inspection.
2. Beefed up the Great Room ceiling joists by removing the old 2x6s and replacing with new 4x10s (non-red beams).
The ceiling joists actually do not support any of the 2nd floor load. The only weight on them is the ceiling drywall. But since the span is so long (20'), you need bigger beams so there's no sagging over time. The beams with red ends are the old existing floor joists that actually carry the 2nd floor load. You can also see the added metal straps which provide some protection against shear forces.
3. Put up the HUGE parallam which also supports some of the 2nd floor load as well as the ceiling joists in the front of the house.
All this structural work allowed the crew to remove almost all of the temporary supports, plus the last remaining bit of original load bearing wall. Now the room is completely open!
4. Framed the roof for the window seat:
Despite all the work that got done this week, we still probably have another 2 wks of framing. Still need to frame the roofs for the new entry and laundry/mudroom; need to add blocking between the studs; frame the Master BA skylight.
My homework assignment this week is to draw up the framing details for the area behind the fireplace, the mudroom niche and the Guest BA storage niche.
Window installation started, wahoo! Bill and his son started upstairs so as to not get in the way of the framing crew who were working downstairs. A nice bit of parallel processing.
I love our new windows!!! They even make our existing wood siding look better :-)It is really looking like a farmhouse! So exciting and satisfying to see reality match up with one's design vision.
Other things that happened this week:
1. Nailed up exterior plywood sheathing:
You can see the tight nailing pattern (called a nailing schedule). One of the things the inspector will check during rough framing inspection.2. Beefed up the Great Room ceiling joists by removing the old 2x6s and replacing with new 4x10s (non-red beams).
The ceiling joists actually do not support any of the 2nd floor load. The only weight on them is the ceiling drywall. But since the span is so long (20'), you need bigger beams so there's no sagging over time. The beams with red ends are the old existing floor joists that actually carry the 2nd floor load. You can also see the added metal straps which provide some protection against shear forces.3. Put up the HUGE parallam which also supports some of the 2nd floor load as well as the ceiling joists in the front of the house.
All this structural work allowed the crew to remove almost all of the temporary supports, plus the last remaining bit of original load bearing wall. Now the room is completely open!
4. Framed the roof for the window seat:
Despite all the work that got done this week, we still probably have another 2 wks of framing. Still need to frame the roofs for the new entry and laundry/mudroom; need to add blocking between the studs; frame the Master BA skylight.
My homework assignment this week is to draw up the framing details for the area behind the fireplace, the mudroom niche and the Guest BA storage niche.
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