Sunday, April 29, 2012

photos!

The weather has held and the crew has been working with dedication. It is hard to tell where we are in the process relative to being 'done'. The inside partitions are started and will be done this week - they go up FAST once they are clear about what Karen and I want....and that frankly is the biggest hurdle. Now that the space has a real time shape, it has moved from the abstract two dimensional drawings to one of concrete 'this is it. this is what we 'ordered' - let's hope it is what we want" stage. The front of the building will be like looking from a mountain down at the lake. The weather has been clear and cool so the skies are reflecting their deep blue into the deeper blue waters of Ayers Lake. The plumbers, as can be seen in the photos, have completed the downstairs rough in. Nick, the son of the owner is there with an apprentice about his same age. This job seems to be nearly entirely worked by youth. Nicer more competent young men could not be found. The windows arrive May 9th and the doors arrive shortly thereafter. It will be a BIG moment as there has been a fair bit of discussion about size and fit. If all goes as planned, the effect will be captivating. It is a much smaller space than we are accustomed to so rethinking identity as a function of space is an interesting exercise. What do I/we need and why do I think I need it? Ryan has been very helpful in working with us to massage the final floor pattern. Creative and intelligent, we've enjoyed working with him, his Dad Gaston (Gus), Chris, Taylor (who is heading to the Marine Corp at the end of May) and Sean.
Master Bedroom
Taught myself how to use the Lull which is basically a cross between a crane and a forklift. I used it to pull the dock out of the water to be fitted with floats instead of poles. I cannot say I was skilled but I can say that in the end, I was effective. Note I did not use the word efficient. Matt

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Continuing progress!

We now have roofs - sort of. The sheathing for the roof to the garage and the house are now on. This zip form of roofing is virtually waterproof so it will start to protect the interior to the building for the trades who will start to move in for their work now. The REAL work at the moment is the work on our home in Rochester. We have a move OUT date of May 25th and a punch list of things to get done prior to that as a condition of sale. The house is a shambles as more and more boxes appear out of no where and get filled and taped. Our hope is that the garage at the new home will be ready soon and our move can happen gradually. A shout out thanks to our friends Alan and Sharon who have offered to put us up and to put up with us for the month between our new home and our old home.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Pictures of progress

Here are a few shots of the structure going up. As my previous note indicated, there has been some angst in figuring out a few details. However, at the moment, seems like we are on track.




Thursday, April 12, 2012

Heart stopping moments ... amidst progress

The framing is moving right along and we are pleased with the progress and what is taking shape. It has not been without its' share of heartstopping moments. Twice in two weeks now we have found 'issues' with dimensions and design regarding our southfacing wall. Keep in mind that this wall holds most of the glass in the project and that the glass is far and away the most expensive part of the project AND that they are ordered and CANNOT be returned. So if the dimensions and framing of the wall that holds this glass is not built both solidly and in a way that allows them to be installed, we could end up with some pretty expensive hunks of trash. LOTS of animated conversations between the parties involved. Not yet fully resolved in my mind at least on the path...
A large pine tree was taken down this week that posed a risk to the building. Solo and very mature pine trees are very prone to coming down in storms. While I am competent with a chain saw after using one for over 40 years, the risk of taking this one down and the possible consequences made it too much to lay on the line. Urban Tree took it down and it really cleared the space.

A roofer who is way more reasonable regarding the cost has been found so while still over budget, it helped a lot.

Our house is under contract but still working its way through the process. I will not relax until we are clear of the hurdles. No news of real issues with the house inspection but won't know for sure until tomorrow...

The sleepless nights continue and will for a while.