Basement Studs- and no, I don't mean Fred!

Shawn has been away supporting Theresa in the delivery of their second child, so it has been just Fred and I. I am working in Barrie Wednesday and Thursday this week to cover Christmas, so it has been a nice, long stretch here!
Yesterday the basement floor was poured. Rocky's guys worked until 2am to get it done! They are really an amazing bunch! Although it was -27 with the wind chill, we were able to work in the basement, which was toasty. My heart went out to Chris and Perry up on the roof.
Even though we had a slow start waiting for the delivery from Rona, it gave us time to lay out the lines for the walls and use up what we had on hand. Earl from Rona helped us out by passing the material to us into the basement. Daniel was a trooper being out at 9 am during the holidays.
Once we got a system in place the walls went up pretty fast. Since the cement floor hadn't had time to totally set, Fred was able to nail right into the concrete. Since there are a few interesting details in this home, we had time to discuss them. I think it will all turn out beautifully.
Merry Christmas to everyone.

Wind? NO! We have windows!!! or... How to stay warm in -20? Shovel out the house

It has been a busy couple of weeks, but seems that we are not making much headway. The snow and cold have really slowed progress. However, the windows came this Tuesday and they are slowly being installed. The addition of the front one certainly was welcome to block the wind!

We had a severe snowstorm last Friday that all but shut down Huntsville. A nice opportunity to stay home, decorate the tree and make some calls. The amount of snow did cause some extra work in that the roofers had a lot of shovelling to do before they could start with shingles.

I spent much of my time shovelling out the house- one way to keep warm as the temps dipped to -20. The basement level is sealed in and heat on to keep the frost out until the floor can be poured on Monday. That means we have hydro! They came yesterday after a long delay with lost paperwork and then cleanup after the storm.

On the weekend, after a quiet birthday party, Fred and I uncovered the windows and found a home for some. It is nice to see parts of the old Winoka being re-used.

First Snow

Monday and Tuesday, the bedroom end of the house got sheeted and the second floor and trusses were put in place. The loft will be a beautiful space. The septic tank is in place and has been inspected. I love the name of the system- Waterloo! Just too funny!

We had an absolutely beautiful day Wednesday- but no help. Shawn was ill and Andrew had an appointment. Only Fred and I were available, but we were able to get a few jobs done. We stayed until about 7:30, leveling the basement stone by spotlight.

After an early morning rain on Thursday, the day cleared. There were only three of us, but Shawn and Fred continued to work on the roof framing. My time was spent trying to get caught up on paperwork, running for supplies, gas and trying to keep the site as tidy as possible. John and his crew installed a new culvert to replace the one that was damaged by the heavy trucks. Now the water can drain under the drive, not over it!

Friday, the snow hit! It was quite pleasant to work for the most part, but the squalls were brutal. Andrew helped with the framing in the morning and then spent some time with me levelling the rest of the basement. I really felt for the Fred and Shawn up on the roof during those squalls!

John and his crew worked on digging holes for the sono tubes and Ryan dug the trench for the water line. Part of the process meant cutting some trees along what will be the path to the water from the house. It is becoming easier to visualize how the landscaping will look.

The plumbing system has been installed in the basement and is scheduled for inspection on Monday.

Although it is a beautiul cool, sunny winter morning, we are taking the day off to get some work done here then off to a party in Barrie! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Trusses

It was an eventful couple of days with the first of the trusses being put into place. On Friday, Rene used the excavator to lift the trusses onto the roof! A few heartstopping moments as they caught one of the walls and started to push it out. The plan was rethought and they were soon sitting securely on top. Shawn and Cory worked on Saturday and with their help, the bedroom section of the house now has the beginning of a roof.

Fred and I went over for a couple of hours today to put the posts in the basement to level the main floor and stop the beam from sagging. It was nice to sit in the livingroom (window) have a picnic and imagine how things would look in the spring.

Afterwards, we looked at what trees still need to come down and picked out one to use as a Christmas tree.

Rooms- I see Rooms!

Again, upon my return on Wednesday, I couldn't believe how much had taken shape! Mac came down for Monday and Tuesday and was a great help. I think Shawn was a little disappointed to see me Wednesday morning and not Mac!

It is great to walk through the space and actually see where the rooms will be. I've posted pictures of the view from the bedroom and to the back from the kitchen window.

We had rain off and on yesterday and today. Yesterday we threw in the (very wet) towel and headed into town to look at shingles, after stopping in at Tims's for a hot chocolate and change of clothes.

Today, we sent Shawn home after the lunchtime downpour, but we stayed on to clean up the basement area. The rain eventually stopped and we went back up to work on the beams for the loft area. Thomas and Daniel both came out and were a great help. The end of the day was very productive.

The garage foundation is done and I was very impressed by Rocky and his group of what appeared to be kids. They worked through the rain yesterday mixing cement, laying the block and pointing the seams. They worked together like a well oiled machine. A pleasure to see!

Tomorrow trusses????

Main level

Even though it rained most of Thursday, Fred and I stayed back and got a few odd jobs done in the basement. A productive day overall. Rene backfilled the back of the house and moved the sheds to make room for the septic tank.

We took Friday to catch up on paperwork and do some overdo running around. We came back very early this morning (2am Sunday) so we could put in a few hours today to take advantage of the sunshine.Thomas helped by moving some stone around in the basement to get things ready for the basement floor to be poured. Fred and I snapped some chalk lines to get ready for the main floor wall framing. It appears that the weight of the backfill along with the rain, caused the building to shift a bit.Not a very big deal, but discouraging when so much care is put into making everything perfect.

It is nice to be able to walk from the driveway right up to the "front door" though!

Front Framing

When we left Monday, Thomas, Daniel and Fred were leveling the stone to get an idea of how much more was needed. Lots of hard work for them. While I was in Barrie working, the laid the drainage pipe and covered it with clear stone. Sounds easy, but not when you consider that the stone had to be carried from the inside of the house in buckets!

On Wednesday, I was excited to see the front framing was done and by the end of the day, most of the floor was in place. A few glitches that ate up some time, but all is well.

Beatiful November

We have had the most wonderful stretch of weather and have been taking advantage of it, getting on site early and staying as late as possible. Lots has happened this week.

On Monday, the cement was poured for the footings.Tuesday, Fred and Bob laid the first four courses of ICF.

When I came back on Wednesday, it was a beautiful, cold, crisp morning. We finished the ICF and installed the bracing on Thursday.

Thursday afternoon the cement truck came just after the pumper truck. I love when the timing works out perfectly. The pour was delayed a couple of hours, and we were grateful to have the extra time to make some minor adjustments and make sure all the bracing was in place. I was very nervous for the first few minutes since I stood inside with screws, bracing and a drill ready in case the ICF bulged under the weight of cement. It all went smoothly.

Friday, we removed the bracing then Bob and I installed the waterproofing membrane to the exterior. It could have tested the patience, but only a bit of frustration going around an inside corner. I have never encounter a product so sticky, but overall, Bob and I made quite the team. Fred installed some of the sill plates between deliveries of extra stone that was dumped inside with a stone slinger. We had a very late night removing the remainder of the scaffolding. We had left it up until the last moment since it was much easier to install the sill plate from there. Thomas was a great help pulling the re-bar out and helping load the trailer.

Saturday, Daniel, Thomas, Fred and I went back for a few hours to spread the stone, while I made an attempt to put new handles on the wheel barrow.

Building Permits!!!! Woo Hoo!

It had been a stressful week waiting for the permits to be issued. The first application was denied, but with a few adjustments and a call, we finally have the all clear to build.

Yesterday was nasty weather, unless the sun was out. Snow, rain, sleet, sunshine, hail, it all came, but we plugged on as best we could. We did call it an early day so Fred could deal with some of the permit issues and get ready to go into town to have dinner with his family.

Today was perfect weather, but a little cold. We got a lot done and the septic area is taking shape. Tomorrow we hope to get everything in place for an inspection on Monday. It was exciting to move around the space and see where each room would be!

Long day, lots of gravel being moved, but happy to have permits in place!

Frost Walls and Foundations

Well, it is Tuesday night and I'm switching gears.

Fred has been busy- as was John and Rene. The site has been cleared of debris and the trench for the frost walls dug. Between the wet clay and sand fill under the foundation, extra excavation was required and more gravel added to provide a firm base.

We are also concerned with the number of trees that had to be cut and how much the garage is going to cut into the back hill. Fred keeps saying that getting out of the ground is the hardest part.

So many decisions to be made. We are both tired, but still need to pack the truck for the morning. With the shorter days, we need to take advantage of every bit of light.

Can you say MUD!

Fred and I tried to lay out the stakes for the foundation on Saturday, but it was far too windy- we could hardly stand. The west wind had welcomed us.

On Sundsy,we had the opportunity to visit friend that Fred had built a house for in 2006. It had a lot of the elements we planned for in this home, so it was a treat to actually walk through the space. A delightful person.

It was a beautiful day, but there was lots of mud on site! Check out the boots! We spent some time laying out the outline of the new foundation and determining the grades. Unfortunately the leftover debris provided a challenge, but we were able to make some headway.

Fred's skill with the transit sure came in handy! A man of many talents, I am beginning to learn.

Goodbye to the Old

It has been an exciting couple of days. While I was in Barrie, Fred continued to remove much of the pine siding and maple flooring. Thomas was a great help, coming after work to load the trailer of anything else which was to be salvaged.

Wednesday the old Winoka was torn down and last night the fire department came to burn what was left. I was amazed that the large pile of rubble had been tidied up to a neat pile and the surrounding area cleared. It took under two hours for the flames to subside, but I am told it will smolder for another couple of days. The fire department told us that the heat at the fire was over 1400 degrees F. We sat over 100 ft back and cold feel the heat.

The remainder of the road is in, the old driveway has been re-leveled and the space for the septic tank was cleared by Ken.

Fred has left for Elliott Lake to help Ken finish his cottage and I am left to hold down the fort!
I'm still learning how to do this. Maybe next time the pics will be in order!

A Road is Born!

With the trees down, John and Rene started to clear the space for the road. It was amazing to watch Rene work, using the equipment with as much accuracy as someone using their hand.

Fred and I spent the day taking down the pine from the second floor. We worked very well as a team, Fred taking down the boards and me pulling nails.

Each room had one of these little sinks. We have learned a little of the history which I will post next time.

Clearing the space

We have spent a few days clearing brush to make room for the road. Fred had taken down a lot of trees while I was working in Barrie and it really opened up the space. We really appreciated Ken's help and expertise with a chainsaw.

The Story Begins

Fred has put an offer in on a new property on Pennlake, near Huntsville. It is over two acres with 300 feet of frontage with an amazing western exposure. The currant cottage was built in 1903 and was named Winoka. We are excited to learn more about the history of the building.