When we arrived at the house today to await the representative from Efficiency Vermont to do the thermal bypass inspection. What we found was that the front door was installed and the drywall installers were busy putting up the rock.
Hummmmm. I didn't think that was supposed to happen until Thursday. The thermal bypass inspection was to happen before the drywall was installed. As it was it worked out quite well. Lindsay from Efficiency Vermont and proceeded to look things over. She took a lot of notes and said that everything on the main floor were ok. However when we got to the basement and told here that we were not going to finish it now she said that to get our energy star rating and our rebates we needed to put sheetrock on the exterior walls. So we now have a task for next year. The project will be kept open and when we get the walkout basement perimeter walls sheetrocked we can get the final inspection and incentives next year.
All in all I think the inspection went quite well.
Click here for pictures.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday Shopping and unShopping
We didn't go to the site today. Instead we went to the storage unit and picked up some lighting fixtures we had bought at Lowe's. They were not qualified fixtures from an Efficiency Vermont viewpoint. Our next stop was for groceries.
We next went to Lowe's and had not problem returning the fixtures. We bought a Porta Cable pancake compressor. I had sold the one we had in Virginia and wanted one so I could use a finish nailer at the house as well as keep the tires on the truck and camper at proper pressure.
When we returned to the camper we ordered several qualified fixtures from the Efficiency Vermont online catalog. We bought 3 ceiling fans, vanity lights and a chandelier for the kitchen.
We next went to Lowe's and had not problem returning the fixtures. We bought a Porta Cable pancake compressor. I had sold the one we had in Virginia and wanted one so I could use a finish nailer at the house as well as keep the tires on the truck and camper at proper pressure.
When we returned to the camper we ordered several qualified fixtures from the Efficiency Vermont online catalog. We bought 3 ceiling fans, vanity lights and a chandelier for the kitchen.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Insulation, doors and windows
Today the rest of the windows were installed and the insulation installer arrived a day early. That threw a little curve to Casey but he adjusted well. Two of the doors he wanted to install had damage so they will be going back. Casey closed the openings with plastic to keep the weather out. Yep rain again tonight.
I did get the coax run for the satellite antennas. My only contribution for today.
We called Taylors Color World to let them know that the Luan where the vinyl will be installed is wet and not to install on Tuesday. He also told us that the vinyl we had selected had been discontinued and he did not have enough in stock to do our job. So off to Morrisville to look at alternates. We also discussed the bamboo flooring and changed the delivery date by a week. That should give time for the sheetrock to be installed and painted.
We are back looking at our lighting plan. It looks like we will take some non energy star fixtures back and buy energy star. Efficiency Vermont will give a rebate of $800 if we install 10 qualifying fixtures and will also give rebates for some non qualifying fixtures where we are using CFL.
Pictures here.
I did get the coax run for the satellite antennas. My only contribution for today.
We called Taylors Color World to let them know that the Luan where the vinyl will be installed is wet and not to install on Tuesday. He also told us that the vinyl we had selected had been discontinued and he did not have enough in stock to do our job. So off to Morrisville to look at alternates. We also discussed the bamboo flooring and changed the delivery date by a week. That should give time for the sheetrock to be installed and painted.
We are back looking at our lighting plan. It looks like we will take some non energy star fixtures back and buy energy star. Efficiency Vermont will give a rebate of $800 if we install 10 qualifying fixtures and will also give rebates for some non qualifying fixtures where we are using CFL.
Pictures here.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Roof, roof, ...
On Friday we went to the Shelburne Museum to see the motorcycle display and the Tiffany glass exhibit. Of course we toured the Ti, the 50's house, rode the carousel, and looked at a number of other exhibits.
They had some neat bikes in the round barn on all levels. Some custom built, antiques, old race bikes, neat stuff. The Tiffany glass was much more than lamp shades. It's the glass and how the choices worked together as art. A good day.
Saturday we went to the Milton ski and board sale and ended up buying some modern snowshoes, just in case we have snow before we leave for FL. Then it was off to the house. Casey's parents were there and Casey and Ben were shingling the roof. The others were picking things up and handing things up.
Friday evening M.R. Satellite left a roll of dual RG6 for me to install from the antenna location to the central area in the mechanical room.
We left and went to Underhill for their annual Old Fashioned Harvest Market. We met a few old friends and even saw a Scout, John Pastore, that was on our 1987 Philmont Scout Ranch trek. We had parked at the Browns River Middle School and when we left there was a loooong slooooow line trying to get to VT15 so we headed for Pleasent Valley Rd and went back to Cambridge and 104/104a back to I89.
Today we went out for breakfast and then to the house. I wanted to seal up a few things before the insulation gets installed. I also wanted to run the coax for the Satellite antenna but my drill motor battery was not up to the task. Back to the campground to get our laundry done and watch the Dover race.
Todays Pictures.
They had some neat bikes in the round barn on all levels. Some custom built, antiques, old race bikes, neat stuff. The Tiffany glass was much more than lamp shades. It's the glass and how the choices worked together as art. A good day.
Saturday we went to the Milton ski and board sale and ended up buying some modern snowshoes, just in case we have snow before we leave for FL. Then it was off to the house. Casey's parents were there and Casey and Ben were shingling the roof. The others were picking things up and handing things up.
Friday evening M.R. Satellite left a roll of dual RG6 for me to install from the antenna location to the central area in the mechanical room.
We left and went to Underhill for their annual Old Fashioned Harvest Market. We met a few old friends and even saw a Scout, John Pastore, that was on our 1987 Philmont Scout Ranch trek. We had parked at the Browns River Middle School and when we left there was a loooong slooooow line trying to get to VT15 so we headed for Pleasent Valley Rd and went back to Cambridge and 104/104a back to I89.
Today we went out for breakfast and then to the house. I wanted to seal up a few things before the insulation gets installed. I also wanted to run the coax for the Satellite antenna but my drill motor battery was not up to the task. Back to the campground to get our laundry done and watch the Dover race.
Todays Pictures.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Power, Gas, Water ...
A lot of activity these last few days. The electrician finished his rough in as did the plumber. Today the porch roof was built and they went back to roofing. The fuel company, Jack Corse, arrived to plumb in the gas and install the tank. So now we have gas.
The power company arrived and installed the meter and turned on the power so now we can get electric bills. Oh good.
The excavation company and well company came and installed the pump, tank and line from the well to the house. The supports for the porch were installed also.
The windows, doors and some other supplies arrived a couple of days ago and are in the garage awaiting installation which may happen over the weekend.
Today's pictures.
Yesterdays pictures.
The power company arrived and installed the meter and turned on the power so now we can get electric bills. Oh good.
The excavation company and well company came and installed the pump, tank and line from the well to the house. The supports for the porch were installed also.
The windows, doors and some other supplies arrived a couple of days ago and are in the garage awaiting installation which may happen over the weekend.
Today's pictures.
Yesterdays pictures.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Rain Rain
Electricians and Plumber are working inside since it was raining. Casey and crew were cleaning up and caulking where the wall plate meets the floor decking. We stayed until a little after one waiting for the satellite guy to come and take a look at the house and recommend where to put mounting blocks for the dish as well as discuss wireing with the electrician. The satellite guy suggests dual RG-6 to each room location but the electrician only wants to run a single.
We made arrangements to meet tomorrow and at least get the location of the mounting blocks done. Perhaps I can get the M.R. Satellite to install the wiring.
Yesterday we purchased more lighting fixtures and some plumbing fixtures to replace what the plumber had speced. We should get a credit for what we bought.
No pictures today.
We made arrangements to meet tomorrow and at least get the location of the mounting blocks done. Perhaps I can get the M.R. Satellite to install the wiring.
Yesterday we purchased more lighting fixtures and some plumbing fixtures to replace what the plumber had speced. We should get a credit for what we bought.
No pictures today.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Electricians, plumbers, framers ...
On our way to the site we stopped at the storage unit to pick up some lighting fixtures so the electrician could take a look at them. From there we went to Tinkers to get some cabinet dimensions so the outlet boxes could be properly set. Wow we will have some top notch cabinets.
When we arrived Rock, the plumber, was working on installing the boiler and radiant head manifolds and zone's. Tomorrow he should begin the installation of the radiant tubing for the main floor.
The electrician's crew was bust setting boxes, drilling holes and running wire. The best looking wiring job I have seen.
Casey and crew were busy tying in the garage roof with the house roof. We hung for a while and then left to buy some groceries and fix dinner. While Suzette was starting dinner I went out to get one of our propane tanks filled.
After dinner we went to Lowe's to shop for a couple of plumbing fixtures that we wanted and the Rock was unable to get from his supplier. We also bought more lighting. Only a couple of more fixtures to get. Of course there are still bulbs to get. We have to take a count on what bulbs we have purchased so we know how many more we need.
Pictures here.
When we arrived Rock, the plumber, was working on installing the boiler and radiant head manifolds and zone's. Tomorrow he should begin the installation of the radiant tubing for the main floor.
The electrician's crew was bust setting boxes, drilling holes and running wire. The best looking wiring job I have seen.
Casey and crew were busy tying in the garage roof with the house roof. We hung for a while and then left to buy some groceries and fix dinner. While Suzette was starting dinner I went out to get one of our propane tanks filled.
After dinner we went to Lowe's to shop for a couple of plumbing fixtures that we wanted and the Rock was unable to get from his supplier. We also bought more lighting. Only a couple of more fixtures to get. Of course there are still bulbs to get. We have to take a count on what bulbs we have purchased so we know how many more we need.
Pictures here.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
House Progress
That's what keeps us busy.
Since Russell Supply is on our way, more or less, we stopped to pick up a couple boxes of Senco nails for our contractor, he paid. We can do gopher work so they can do the real work.
When we arrived at the site the electrician was there installing the meter and breaker boxes. While he was doing that Casey and crew were installing drip edge along the rear of the house. That done they were installing the ice and snow shield when the boom truck arrived with some more lumber and the shingles. Once the truck was unloaded and the shingle bundles were placed on the roof it was lunch time.
After lunch we met with the electrician and went through each room discussing switch, lighting, and outlet locations. That took longer that I thought it would but it was time well spent.
Pictures here.
Since Russell Supply is on our way, more or less, we stopped to pick up a couple boxes of Senco nails for our contractor, he paid. We can do gopher work so they can do the real work.
When we arrived at the site the electrician was there installing the meter and breaker boxes. While he was doing that Casey and crew were installing drip edge along the rear of the house. That done they were installing the ice and snow shield when the boom truck arrived with some more lumber and the shingles. Once the truck was unloaded and the shingle bundles were placed on the roof it was lunch time.
After lunch we met with the electrician and went through each room discussing switch, lighting, and outlet locations. That took longer that I thought it would but it was time well spent.
Pictures here.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Moving along
Today the plumber finished the drains and vents and was working on the water supply when we left. The power company arrived and installed the cable from the box to the house. Casey and team worked on the roof over the breakfast nook.
We didn't get there until late since we had some shopping to do. We looked at vanity mirrors, returned a utility sink to Home Dumpy and went to lowes and bought another one along with the faucet assembly. We get to return the faucet assembly since it is not the correct one for the sink.
We had a lot of discussion with the plumber, Casey and Terri on what we wanted for fixtures. Somewhere in the discussion the finish of the fixtures got lost. The plumber quoted chrome and we wanted a brushed finish. Since the tub/shower and shower are installed we will let them be chrome and the faucets will be a brushed finish. We will purchase the kitchen sink fixture because we couldn't find what we wanted in the catalog that was available.
Siding arrived today as well as some other materials.
Tomorrow the electrician arrives to do his thing. I'm sure there will be more discussion there.
Pictures here.
We didn't get there until late since we had some shopping to do. We looked at vanity mirrors, returned a utility sink to Home Dumpy and went to lowes and bought another one along with the faucet assembly. We get to return the faucet assembly since it is not the correct one for the sink.
We had a lot of discussion with the plumber, Casey and Terri on what we wanted for fixtures. Somewhere in the discussion the finish of the fixtures got lost. The plumber quoted chrome and we wanted a brushed finish. Since the tub/shower and shower are installed we will let them be chrome and the faucets will be a brushed finish. We will purchase the kitchen sink fixture because we couldn't find what we wanted in the catalog that was available.
Siding arrived today as well as some other materials.
Tomorrow the electrician arrives to do his thing. I'm sure there will be more discussion there.
Pictures here.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Plumbing Rough in
Today was the day for the plumber to begin his work. Our general worked on the smaller walls to get ready for the electrician later this week. Blocking was placed for cabinets, towel bars and related items. Also over the weekend the basement was studded out.
Pictures here.
Pictures here.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Under roof
Today the remaining roof sheeting was placed on the house section. The garage was not finished since it gets tied into the house roof. They wanted to delay this work because of work that needed to be done before the plumber arrives on Monday.
So the rafters were tied to the walls, ceiling and wall nailers were installed as well as strong backs on the gable ends.
We helped where we could, handing stock to Casey, Ben and Terry as well as removing bracing and keeping the work site clean.
We had a nice visit with Jess and Sullivan when they stopped by.
Link to Pictures.
So the rafters were tied to the walls, ceiling and wall nailers were installed as well as strong backs on the gable ends.
We helped where we could, handing stock to Casey, Ben and Terry as well as removing bracing and keeping the work site clean.
We had a nice visit with Jess and Sullivan when they stopped by.
Link to Pictures.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Rafters Up
Today was the day for the installation of the roof trusses. I helped with hooking the trusses to the crane as well as handing roofing sheets to Ben and Casey. A long day followed by a great dinner with Arleen, Tom, Jess and James.
Pictures.
Pictures.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Getting ready for rafters
Today was spent getting the gable end rafters prepared, clearing the work area, getting the scaffold up and laying out where the rafters go. Although we spent the day at LaBarron we didn't have a lot to do.
On our way to the site we stopped at Tinkers Cabinets to give them the new figures on the range hood as well as look at what they have done. Man the drawers look good. All nicely dovetailed. Many of the face frames were assembled and are looking good.
Today's pictures.
On our way to the site we stopped at Tinkers Cabinets to give them the new figures on the range hood as well as look at what they have done. Man the drawers look good. All nicely dovetailed. Many of the face frames were assembled and are looking good.
Today's pictures.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
More like a house
We went to the house site yesterday and found that the garage was framed on Saturday. I did a site survey for cell service so I could get information from 3gstore.com on what antenna/amplifier I should install.
Today we returned and the Adams were framing the breakfast nook. Taylors Color World, Jerry H. was also there when we arrived and he measured for the flooring.
Then it was time to close in the garage and basement area.
Today's Pictures.
Today we returned and the Adams were framing the breakfast nook. Taylors Color World, Jerry H. was also there when we arrived and he measured for the flooring.
Then it was time to close in the garage and basement area.
Today's Pictures.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Interior walls
Friday when we arrived they were working on the interior walls. By the end of the day all the full height walls were up. Two 4' interior walls were being left until later to allow more work space when the roof trusses are installed.
Next is to stud the garage and basement and get the trusses ready for installation on the 12th.
Friday's pictures.
Next is to stud the garage and basement and get the trusses ready for installation on the 12th.
Friday's pictures.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
4 walls up
Today the exterior walls went up. Neat stuff with the wall jack's.
Late afternoon and evening were spent at the fair, well expo, in Essex. We took in the Marine Corps Band and got our fill of fair food.
Back to the lot tomorrow.
Today's Pix.
Watch a wall being raised.
Late afternoon and evening were spent at the fair, well expo, in Essex. We took in the Marine Corps Band and got our fill of fair food.
Back to the lot tomorrow.
Today's Pix.
Watch a wall being raised.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Good news
Today we purchased our appliances and set the delivery date for 10/1. There were a number of rebates, not instant, that we qualify for and we will get that paperwork in as soon as t he appliances arrive. After lunch we visited the local propane supplier, Jack F. Corse, to set a date for the tank delivery and interior gas plumbing.
When we arrived at our house site we were greeted with a standing front wall. Also the cabinet maker, Charles Tinker, was there to review the plans and how it layout looked. Charles and Casey went over everything and made measurements on the floor and double checked dimensions.
We stayed around until a little after 3 PM while the back walls were being built. I helped carry stuff so Adam's could keep working. Suzette lent a hand pulling staples that held the wrap from the 2 by as well as move stuff.
On our way back to the camper we had a phone message that our construction loan had been approved and the closing would be as soon as possible, likely after we receive our commitment letter.
Today's pictures.
When we arrived at our house site we were greeted with a standing front wall. Also the cabinet maker, Charles Tinker, was there to review the plans and how it layout looked. Charles and Casey went over everything and made measurements on the floor and double checked dimensions.
We stayed around until a little after 3 PM while the back walls were being built. I helped carry stuff so Adam's could keep working. Suzette lent a hand pulling staples that held the wrap from the 2 by as well as move stuff.
On our way back to the camper we had a phone message that our construction loan had been approved and the closing would be as soon as possible, likely after we receive our commitment letter.
Today's pictures.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
House facts
Just in case some of you were wondering we are building essentially the same 3 bedroom ranch we had in Virginia. We changed the roof line to be more suitable to the Vermont winters but kept the same floor plan.
Last year we purchased 7.4? acres in Cambridge Vermont. A deed requirement had us expand the house to 2000 sqft. We have decided to use hot water radiant heat both in the basement slab and living floor. We are going to use 2 Velux Sun Tunnels to bring natural light into the bath rooms.
We also want to take advantage of the incentives offered by Efficiency Vermont for building an energy efficient home.
Stay tuned.
Last year we purchased 7.4? acres in Cambridge Vermont. A deed requirement had us expand the house to 2000 sqft. We have decided to use hot water radiant heat both in the basement slab and living floor. We are going to use 2 Velux Sun Tunnels to bring natural light into the bath rooms.
We also want to take advantage of the incentives offered by Efficiency Vermont for building an energy efficient home.
Stay tuned.
Moving along on the house
Yesterday the floor and rim joists were set, some grading was done and some caulking along the rim joist.
Today the subfloor decking was installed and the lumber was delivered to begin the wall construction and sheeting. I did more caluking of the rim joist and will finish that tomorrow or Thursday.
During the lunch break we went over the calendar so we knew when to have the appliances, flooring, can lighting delivered. The plan is to be ready for the plumber by 9/9, electrician by 9/14, insulation 9/16, dry wall paint and trim begins the week of 9/21 with floor covering beginning the following week. So it looks like completion will be mid October. Wow, they have an aggressive schedule. The next couple of weeks look like GOOD, no rain, weather.
Today's and yesterday's pictures.
Today the subfloor decking was installed and the lumber was delivered to begin the wall construction and sheeting. I did more caluking of the rim joist and will finish that tomorrow or Thursday.
During the lunch break we went over the calendar so we knew when to have the appliances, flooring, can lighting delivered. The plan is to be ready for the plumber by 9/9, electrician by 9/14, insulation 9/16, dry wall paint and trim begins the week of 9/21 with floor covering beginning the following week. So it looks like completion will be mid October. Wow, they have an aggressive schedule. The next couple of weeks look like GOOD, no rain, weather.
Today's and yesterday's pictures.
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