Final wall was first framed up.....
Then raised into place, look at this lovely big window.... well it will be three windows, but still lovely and large (all the better for seeing you through)....
Next job he straightened all his walls, this involved a piece of orange string..
And a block of wood, no expense spared on this project.....
To explain, you have a block at each end that is the basis for each end of the string, you then use a block of wood the same width to ensure that the wall is the correct distance from the string all the way along, then you know your wall is straight - seriously if the house falls down or is leaning somewhat we will know why!
Once he was sure all his walls were straight he then put on all the top plates, so each wall has a double top plate to stiffen the walls up, keep them straight and allows you to attach the roof...
Next job was to install the hold downs. Way back when the foundations were put in, there were some large lengths of steel rod installed into the concrete, these then had a connector screwed onto the top and another length of steel rod attached that comes up through the floor and connects to the hold downs which are bolted to the sheer walls *phew and breathe*, this will stop the house from falling down during an earthquake or a hurricane, both of which this area has the highest US rating for!
That should keep us in place! Mr M has a huge trailer full of wood outside, beams, floor joists and an 8 x 8 10 foot long piece of Port Orford Cedar!! First job this week is wall sheathing, then he will be working on the upstairs!
Meanwhile in other exciting house news.... remember these?
Well we have confirmed sightings of residents, 2 of the boxes have Black Capped Chickadees coming and going, how exciting!
I'd like to claim this photo as my own, but that would be lying, I am not quick enough to capture them!
Garden is coming along a treat now that the sun has finally decided to show its face on a daily basis....
My new raspberry bed is starting to show signs of life, the raspberry bed behind is FULL of new growth and evidence of fruit! I also have some tomatoes in between the beds protected from the deer by the raspberry netting!
Tomatoes in the greenhouse are finally getting their grow on, as are the cucumbers...
Garlic is looking good enough to eat, never have too much garlic - I hope!
And finally we have been easting salad for a couple of months with one bowl being eaten whilst the other one is starting on behind it....
When we are done the FU get to enjoy the spoils....
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