What a Difference a Week Makes!

Yes!  The framers did show up on Tuesday as we hoped and they are working hard.  It's a pretty big crew which means things are moving quickly.  We've been out there almost everyday either doing some clean up work, or answering questions and catching a few mistakes along the way.  It sure is better to catch them early otherwise it's a lot more involved to fix a framing boo boo after other things have been built on top or around the thing that needs to be fixed.  

Looking out the great room window...there's the river!

A magnificent maze of 2x4's.

Getting dirt prepped for the front porch

Mike and a framer friend, Alan and our two boys Pat and Travis along with Mike's brother, Pat, all showed up to our place last Sunday and got started framing the barn.  They were able to get the whole first floor done in a day and half.  Trusses were delivered later in the week and so they will go back and frame the second story this weekend.  I can't tell you how exciting it will be for Mike to finally have a toy barn for all of his toys and tools!

The barn raising crew ( missing little Pat in this pic)

The neighbors place is also going full steam ahead.  They have a smaller framing crew, but those guys work long, long hours!  Their barn, which is a big one, is almost completely framed and the house is about ready for trusses.  

The second story of P and D's barn is done.

So you can see what a big difference just a little old week makes!  There's been some talk about getting ahold of some travel trailers, motor homes, or fifth wheels etc... and moving out to the place so we could be on site for the rest of the build, but when it really started to get serious, it got nixed.  I wasn't too keen on using a port a potty for months and someone (not mentioning any names, but it's not a female) REALLY likes to take long, hot showers.  



In between our many runs out to the property, we have been busy finalizing some of our subcontractors and bids.  Plumbers will be coming in next to do the rough in, so we need to have a firm idea of what fixtures we'll be using.  



We've been comparing the big box store prices to the specialty stores. Surprisingly, on some of the sinks and fixtures, the big box stores weren't always cheaper.  

We've also chased around to the granite supplier, another floor contractor, and spent countless hours online looking at light fixtures.  One day we drove a huge 120 mile circle from Eagle to Sweet to Emmett to Homedale and back home looking at different places for our porch beams and posts.  The photos above are of this great little place near Homedale, ID.  Cade and Becca discovered this place when they were looking for flooring and a countertop for their Sprinter van conversion.  River Valley Woodworks is a small local business that sells all types of reclaimed wood and timbers, glue lams etc.. 

 
This part of building a house is pure joy for me.  Well, almost pure joy.  Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with all of the options, but it is sure fun to look at all the ideas that are out there...anything and everything you can think of to enter into a search bar.

Another week down and another productive week on tap.  Until next time!