05 Jan 08 The new year begins

It has been a few days since the last entry and a few changes have taken place. Of course Christmas happened in there too.

The framing is largely done and while we wait for the windows to arrive there is plywood covering most of the openings. This leaves a few areas to finish indoors and the front and back porches to build.

The front porch went fairly well and we managed,, well actually Alex managed to lift the beam into place with a ladder. The roof is pretty well all framed and we can cover it up in the next couple days.

The rear porch is designed with a clear span roof beam which means it is taller and thicker and hence HEAVIER. We explored some options but in the end called in the expertise of our friend Matt who helped set up a temporary crane to lift the back beam into place. The lift went well... we spent just under two hours setting up to lift the beam, about 15 minutes lifting and setting and then about a half hour taking the crane back down. All in all time well spent with no injuries, close calls or really any risky activity.

Windows are still over a week away... but in the meantime here are a few pictures. the house just after Christmas, a Christmas day photo, setting up to lift the rear beam, the actual lift and a test of the handiwork...