MEP Rough-in is progressing rapidly

Windows are delivered and installed

Roofing Starts 10/16/06

This photo was taken on 10/17/06.

Framing Substantially Complete

Two weeks for framing. It rained almost every day and snowed yesterday. For the past two days the wind has been gusting to 30+ mph, which doesn't make for easy handling of 4x8 sheets plywood. Yesterday, Tim had to wait a couple of hours for the snow to melt off the roof deck so he could finish. The framers worked hard and got the job done.

Rich set-up a MEP coordination meeeting today, which went well. Pack a few walls out for pipe chases and finalize a few dimensions and that's it. Al, the HVAC contractor, arrived early and we decided on the locations of the two furnaces, duct routing, etc. Don, the plumber, gave me some homework for the weekend: septic line location through the foundation wall, washer heights for the guy grey box and cabinet layouts for the entire house. Plumbing rough-in starts Monday so hurry up . . . . The cabinet guy is faxing me his dimensions, so I can do the layout Monday morning - no problem. Washer height - start shopping. Septic line - call Kevin with Carl's Septic Monday morning for this. As usual, I'm holding up the job . . .

The Roof is Decked + First Snow

When I left the house this morning, we were in near white out conditions. So much for "flurries". The lads pressed on and finished the roof deck despite wind gusts up to 31 mph. Rich said after the snow stopped, the roof was covered. There was even some minor accumulation inside when I arrived at 6pm this evening. Pella called to confirm the window delivery for next Wednesday (10/18/06). Roofing will be done by the end of next week = ENCLOSED.

I had the fireplace delivered today. Ok, maybe it was a bit early. These guys claimed they have never installed a fireplace before the roof was done . . . We wanted the framer around to make any changes and of course changes were needed. The chimney chase was raised so we won't have 4 feet of flue sticking up, etc. The fireplace guys were the first of the "trim pus?i!s" to arrive so I had to explain how to "access" through a muddy site. Some things are the same for commercial and residential construction.

Construction Loan Jihad: Fatwa is Issued

Somehow, the loan approval process is complete. The amount of signed paperwork has got to be in direct violation of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
www.cio.gov/archive/paperwork_reduction_act_1995.html

If you are unsure of how to reduce your paperwork obligations to the federal government, please read the link below:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/gpea2.html

Anyway, more importantly, loan draws will start soon . . . .

Could this be cause for a topping out party?

Bank Update

Due to a few requests, I must give a quick loan update (a.k.a. Construction Loan Jihad). We did in fact have the closing on Thursday, October 5, 2006. There were a few problems/concerns with incorrect Sworn Statement amounts, additional paperwork for the builder to sign and payout procedures, but after a phone call to the title company's constrution loan department manager we appear to be nearing the final phase. We are currently in the "3 day waiting period" mandated by Illinois state law. The money should be wired to the title company on Tuesday, October 10, 2006; at which time . . . . the spice must flow.

Happy Owners

Framing Continues

Framing is moving along nicely. They are doing an excellent job. Tim and Rich are asking tons of questions, which I appreciate. Most of the time they know the right answer, but I appreciate their concern for keeping me involved. I have not heard then say once, "Stay in the truck!" Tom, I'll have some nice photos for you on Sunday of the double floor joists that Tim, the framer, is doing for the cast iron tubs. He'll double-up for the entire master bath!

First Floor Interior Walls

The wide photo is a crappy panoramic. Tom, the walls and beams are NOT bowed.

Panoramic of the framing of the Breakfast Nook & Family Room

Framing Starts

Tim started the framing yesterday, 10/2/06. He's full of questions, which is good. Matt from Pella stopped by today to give the window rough-opening dimensions to the framer. The window delivery is scheduled for 10/17/06. Even though it got up to 80 today, the snow will fly anytime. Time to get enclosed.