The Final Stretch

Week 4 began with getting the roof finished with soffits and fascia. The original idea was to have grey soffits to match the roof, but due to supply shortages, we opted to match the soffits to the trim color.

Metal roof installed
White soffits
Completed roof

Before more help arrived, siding was started solo, meaning, as far as J could reach.

Fiber cement siding on front of cabin
Getting head start on woods side of cabin

One purchase that proved to be essential was a pair of Gecko Gauges. These are designed for fiber cement board siding installation to help set the boards perfectly on each row, and acts as an extra set of hands when nailing full 12 foot pieces.

$40 well spent!!
Hazy sunset

With help arriving, we quickly got to work back to the siding. One to cut, one to install and one to operate the telehandler.

Level up
Corner trim
Add heavy equipment operator to my resume

We run a tight ship, but all crews need breaks. We had an opportunity to do a bit of biking as well as some kayaking and fishing at McComb Lake down the road.

Aye aye Captain
R & R
Smooth as glass
A little pike action on the rods this morning

By the end of the Saturday, we had accomplished our goal of completing one full side.

Goal met

With friend leaving Sunday morning, that left time to paint doors, install hardware and contemplate house colors.

Painting doors
Installing doors with hardware
Doors installed and color choices considered
Colors in the sun. Which one will we choose?

After locking up, we cleaned the site and closed up camp. Telehandler was picked up. The concrete for the attached garage pad will be poured when the weather is drier, later this month. Second floor framing and more siding will be attacked in the next few visits this fall.

Goodbye old friend

In one month, we removed and reinstalled subfloor, framed a whole house exterior and first floor interior, installed roof, soffits and fascia, built stairs, installed windows and doors, arranged concrete contractor for garage pad, and sided 1 and 1/2 sides with fiber cement siding. All of this was made possible by extreme planning, reviewing construction methods, project management, budgeting, and the invaluable help of family and a handful of good friends. Time to go home for a rest!!! Hooha!! J + M

J + M
Work hard, rest harder.

While the Cat’s Away, the Mice Will Play (and work A LOT)

After the handoff, there was some time for fun. Almost daily bike rides, exploring the beautiful groomed trails in the area, helped balance the work load.

North beach at Grand Island National Recreation Area
Enjoying the trails

Working with a friend who could handle heavy equipment made putting windows in quite easy.

Like a Boss
Window installation
Rooms with a view

Doors were then put in.

Knock, knock

Roofers arrived and sheeting went up

Halfway there

In order to have concrete pad poured for attached garage, a couple of stumps needed to be removed.

Stubborn stumps
Roots run deep

While we had the excavator, we decided to move some boulders as well.

Don’t waste an opportunity
Giant boulders!

All in all, a very productive week, sprinkled with a bit of fun. Next week, goals are to get roof completed, concrete pad started or scheduled, second floor framing and siding started. A few days alone, then will be joined by another friend as well as M to help tie loose ends and get to a good stopping point. Hooha!!

Sunset