Phase almost complete!

The framing phase is nearly done - at this very moment, in fact, it is possible that it is all done. At the house last night, my untrained eye saw only one wall on the second floor not yet up, but it was mostly built and resting on the floor, ready to be raised into place. This is the wall between the laundry room and the master bathroom. I'm sure there are other small bits to be done (I think we noted the linen closet in the kids' bath, for example, was missing). But the major parts are complete. This is great news.

Also yesterday, they delivered our trusses, so as soon as the framing is complete, they can move on to the roof anytime. We're told we won't be able to appreciate the scale of the project until the roof is on. But as I already noted, the roofers probably won't be done for a couple of weeks: the roof is more than the trusses. I'm not sure how they divide it up, but it my mind it has trusses, then decking, then shingles. I know there are other parts to it (felt paper or whatever they use, drip edges, etc), but I'll stick with the three... They've also delivered one inch strapping for the ceilings, but I don't think they put that up until the rough plumbing and electrical are done.

Tom, Tom, Adam, Karen, and I all met for a birthday party for me at the house site yesterday. OK, it was just a meeting that happened to be on my birthday, but I can call it a party if I want. Anyway, we discussed a few things. First, we've decided to add one window in the master bedroom. It will be the only window on that side of the house, and will offer a nice east-facing view. It will be in the corner of the room by Karen's closet. We also discussed options for the fireplace - the big choice was basically should the hearth be flush or raised? We decided to have it raised. We discussed the shed idea a bit more - Tom needs a decision on it soon because it requires pouring a concrete slab. He wants to pour the driveway soon, before it gets too cold, and the slab should be in place before the pavers come. Doing some rough drawing, I think 10x10 would work best for what I want to store in there: lawn tractor, snow blower, five bikes, optionally the motorscooter. I guessed at the equipment sizes, but even if I'm off by 25%, 8x8 would not work. 8x10 could work, but 10x10 works best. I think I will ask for prices for both, and take it from there.

Tom noted that he likes our layout a lot - it is unusual and it has features you don't find in other houses. He was mostly talking angles and layout - the stairs, for example, being on the interior the way they are, rather than directly off the foyer as one would expect. The half-octagon shape of the family room. The space afforded by the sunroom and breakfast area. Karen likes to hear things like this, so she was happy. That's always a good thing.