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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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