Day 24-28 (28 OCT - 1 NOV)

The week started VERY slowly with no action on Monday or Tuesday.  However, we did get a commitment to deliver lumber on Wednesday morning.  It looked like we were doomed to fall farther behind schedule.  But wait--Wednesday morning at 0745 the framing crew showed up followed shortly thereafter by the GC.  Almost immediately, things started to happen.  Out came the sawsall, and off went the back eaves.  Just as the framing crew was finishing up the demo that they had to do and getting their air and power lines in place, the lumber showed up.  This framing crew was composed of the pros from Dover (well, St. George, Georgia actually).  From the time the lumber arrived to quitting time at 5 PM, the saws, nail guns, and tape measures were flying.  This team was a well oiled machine--one guy measuring and yelling, one cutting one running and one nailing.  The frame started to take shape very quickly.  The architect went overboard to ensure that this structure would not blow away--steel rods, glu-lam beams, 2X6 lumber, etc. 

We ran into two new problems with the plans.  The West wall is not large enough to accommodate all four windows shown in the plan.  After reviewing all of the options, we made the decision to scale down to two windows.  We did this because all of the windows on the adjacent existing structure are single windows vice double windows, and by reducing the West wall windows, we reduce the afternoon heat load in the summer.

The second issue was that, even with a lower pitched roof, the margin to the solar panels is too small for the roofers to do their jobs.  As a result a "Boston Hip" was constructed at the peak of the roof where it intersected the existing roof. 

Day two of framing started an hour late due to a series of issues, but the framers worked until dusk with the intent of finishing on Friday.  We were hoping to make the roof waterproof by close of business on Friday because of rain expected on Friday morning.  We got close but not quite.  There was a small amount of water that got inside the house as a result, but no apparent long term issues.

The roofers were called in on Saturday to attach the peel and stick to the sheathing and to scope out the work required on Monday.

All in all, we clawed back about 3.5 days in the schedule this week and we are only about two days behind schedule.  Windows and doors are next.  That should start as soon as the roof is finished.  The building is really taking shape as the pictures show.

We have decided to defer the concrete work on the driveway as it is not critical path and it could inhibit the flow of trades workers.  It can wait until the end of the project.  We also decided to extend the flooring from the extension into the current living room as the wood floor in the living room was pretty abused by the renters over the years.  Might as well get it done while we have the trades on site.