Starting Front Windows

Work on the front windows has started. You can see here where the new window is being framed out. There was no windows in the front so studs have to be moved and new windows framed out.


All the lawn side windows have been installed. The second floor door has been removed and the hole patched.


An inside view of work on the front corner.


This is the back corner of the second floor in the middle is where the door was, now patched.

First Windows

The windows are finally being installed, here are some of the first ones put in. We now have to figure out what to do with the area around the windows. The house is getting to look a wreck now, I guess it will get worse before it gets better.


You can see here where the workers are removing what was the original window area and re-framing to be accommodate the new windows. You can see how big the openings are in comparison with the workers.


The back of the house has two windows, one on each side of the second floor. There will be a garage eventually so only two can be installed; too bad it would have been such a nice view.


Two of the second floor windows.

Back Wall Done/Siding Coming Off

The Back Wall is finally fully sheeted and Tyvek applied, and none too soon; five inches of rain is expected the weekend.


A view of the inside of the back wall from the second floor. No more tarp!


With the framing out of the windows the siding has to be removed. We decided to go with the existing wood siding. We like the look much better than vinyl. But, we have a lot of scraping to do. Actually, the siding is in fairly good shape since being hidden from the weather for the last 30 - 40 years. We are trying to decide how to frame out the windows now. We are thinking of putting wide trim to meet the existing trim from the original windows and put a panel between the top and bottom. Any ideas?


Siding being removed from the other side of the building.

Start of Back Wall Sheeting

The back wall on the second floor is almost completed; just a few final touches.


Sheeting is replacing the tarp on the back of the building. By tomorrow the wall will be completely sheeted with plywood.


Tony let us know yesterday that he needed the holes patched in the chimney. These holes were for stoves and the old furnace. I guess he thought it prudent to patch he holes before he closed it up in the wall...go figure. Luckily, we called a company in Torrington, CT who came right out. Before they patched the hole they inspected the chimney and found the clay liner had some cracks, so they put a stainless steel replacement liner into the clay liner as well as patching the holes and installing a clean-out. A cost that we did not count on but it is much better than causing a fire down the road...safety first.

We see what is under the tarp

We finally see what is under the tarp; some nice beams! No sign of the bats...yet. We are entertaining the thought of just leaving the large beams and go right up to the roof in the Greatroom. We have to work out how to insulate the ceiling. Stay tuned on what we decide.


A lot of progress was made today, this is the decking that was installed on the second floor today.


The work crew making good progress.


This is the view from the second floor looking to the front of the house.


The first floor is coming together; the walls will be framed out shortly.

We are ordering the windows tomorrow, we will need 22 windows, 8 per side, 4 on the front and two in the back.

Framing Has Begun

The framing of the walls has begun. This view is from the Great Room, behind this wall will be the stairway going to the second floor. This wall is very wide to accommodate the steel I-beam; they need wood to nail to on the second floor.


The joists for the second floor are also being installed. Today, more studs are being installed and the rest of the week the second floor joists and decking will be installed. Things will really start taking place. We have to order the windows very soon.