Monday, November 22, 2010

Exterior almost complete


Checklist:
Roofing - done
Siding - done
Painting - almost done
Deck - almost done

Now its almost time to move indoors.  The HVAC contractor is scheduled to start roughing in the refrigeration lines to the heat pump but needs the electrician to run some wires.  It seems that the electrician had a small problem with this HVAC guy in the past so now there seems to be a bit of a conflict on the job.  The electrician wants something in writing from the HVAC guy as to what he is suppose to do.  Come on now kids, play nice.  No fighting, share your toys.

If everyone cooperates we could get the framing, electrical and mechanical inspection this week and then get started on insulation.  I have decided to let an insulation contractor spray foam in the roof and under the house and I will put in the fiberglass wall insulation.  No problem, I used to have a ceiling business so have done tons of insulation work in years past.  It's not a pleasant job but two days of work and it will be done.

Here is a sample of the maze of pipes that will be one day hidden from view.  I thought it might be a good idea to take pictures, just so I know whats hidden away in my house.
The electrical wiring looks like spaghetti running every which way and all converging in this box.

The gas guy is suppose to come run the gas line to the stove this week also.  His name is Plato.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Got it's Skin

Hugo and the siding crew got to work this week and got some siding on but could not finish as we ran a little short of material and of course it is special order and of course he had to go start another job.  So now the material is in and awaiting Hugo's return.  We are scheduled to complete the siding on Monday.  You can see in the photo the batten strips on the second level and it looks kind of like candy stripes but they will get painted the same color as the siding, green. The trim is going to be a lighter green and the eaves and deck brown.


My friend Joe Burkett is coming over in the next day or two to see about making concrete countertops for the kitchen and bath.  Joe does really beautiful work as you can see in these photos from another job.  I love the heavy look of concrete counters and the lightness of the "Japallachian" vanity base which we will use as a model for my bath. He uses reclaimed heart pine for the base.



 Today I got to ride my tractor which is always a treat.  I spent a good part of the day cleaning the job site of debris, burning combustibles, saving what may get reused and piling up metal, plastic and cement products for a trip to the dump.  Then I was able to grade ruts and add some fill next to the house.  It looks great.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Just in time

The roof got put on this week and just in time as we had a good rain and now a forecast of snow.  I didn't have any snow yet in Asheville but did get a very brief hale shower.  Pedro and his crew did a good job.  This was the first crew on this job that I trusted and seemed to really know what they were doing.  With these guys, one thing leads to another.  One of the guys helping Pedro is a landscape contractor and wants to do some rock work for me.  They have another friend to do the sheetrock work.  These guys came to me as a referral from one of the framers.  They have quite the referral network going on here, and most of them hardly speak English.  I think they are on to something in the business world.
Pedro and the roofing crew

Other progress being made is in plumbing and electrical.  Both of these contractors are long time locals and speak English pretty well.  They are on the job and I feel safe in their hands (as far as plumbing and electrical go that is).  The plumbing rough in is complete and is holding a hydrostatic pressure test.  Electrical rough in is in progress.
hog panel handrails
The hog panels are up.  One of the roofing crew asked as he watched me install them if I had some animals that I was going to keep on the deck.  I think they came out nicely and was a fraction of the cost of the stainless cables.  While they are not as slick as the cables they do the job and look kind of industrial/farm style.
The awning roofs over the south windows
I have abandoned my idea to use a combination air conditioner/heater window unit installed in the wall.  It was just a little too ghetto and if I ever decide to sell this house one day, I am sure it would not help the process.  I am instead getting quotes on a split heat pump system where I'd have one coil for each floor.  This will be a lot more expensive but I am sure I will appreciate it next August and September.  I also have insulation contractors bidding the job.  Open cell foam under the house and in the vaulted ceiling and fiberglass in the walls and attic.  I hope to have photos of completed siding by the middle of next week.