Jeff's Camano Adventure

What originally started as a 'paint sample party', quickly turned into a brief visit to photograph the progress and skedaddle! Although it was Sunday, the painters were hard at work, getting ready to prime the interior tomorrow; while Gary was working on the exterior siding. They had fallen behind due to our early winter storm last week and were doing some catch-up.

Once the primer is on we can try out our colors....

Jeff hasn't seen the house in a couple weeks and was mighty pleased with how it's looking.



the scaffolding makes the space look vast



 

the painters at work in our bedroom and in the family room



The garage has been insulated and is ready for wallboard.



the fireplace is taking shape







a peaceful day at the beach



Our first visitors to the house



Siena told her mom, "Its beautiful"!
She loves the beach



Mark and Stephanie Pendolino and their children Roman and Siena joined us up at the beach today. They have fond memories from their stay at the old house and were anxious to see how the new house was coming along.

the fireplace is back behind the wallboard

Good view of Jeff's curved wall

We were all greeted by the mess that invariably is the aftermath of drywall installation! I can't believe how far these guys have gotten since Thursday.

The house seemed so bright on this dreary wet day.

That hole in the wall is a little nook for a piece of art-
or driftwood!



Jeff was so delighted to see how things are moving along

Very little insulation remains uncovered

And Roman is looking forward to playing in the fort!

Pictorial history of the project April to Now



April - Taking down the old house



May - Replacing the foundation





June- Framing begins



July- Framing underway





August - Framing complete, roof on, work begins inside



September- Windows and subfloor in



October - Work on outside while floors dry



The progress has been steady and the end is just around the corner. This post will be updated each month until we're done!

Snug as a Bug in a Rug!

On our return to Seattle yesterday, I received an email from Jim Hall saying "...your house is insulated like a cocoon and the warmth feels like a security blanket."

Today, a blustery 50 degree day, was the perfect day to see and feel this for myself.

It was pretty amazing,  like newly-shorn wool. It's a fiberglass product without all the bad stuff. (very scientific).

The heat was set at 65, the workers had the front doors open, yet the house felt very comfortable.

 



Entry



Meanwhile on the first floor, the drywall was going in and really brightening the space.

I understand the drywall will be done by Monday. 



Here are three views taken from approximately the same spot.





Kitchen







Living Room



 And the work is also moving right along on the exterior!

Siding, soffits, and paint!



Front or Back?

The other day, I tried to open the door to the house, only to find it blocked by scaffolding. "Go around to the back" Jim hollered over the din inside.

 "Back?" I questioned, unsure I 'd be able to climb up onto the deck to get in.

But, beyond that, what continues to be a puzzle to me is,

which is the front of the house and which is the

back?

Jeff and I have debated this point for 12 years now, and we still haven't settled the matter.  I'd love to know what YOU think!

I was delighted to see that the carpenters have begun work on the deck. The curved boards are in place along the front edge and the stairs are roughed in. They are going to be a wonderful place to hang out!

Sealing the Ceiling

I'm learning a lot about insulation. For one thing, it's critical for energy efficiency. For another, it's the difference between comfy and drafty.

Makes sense, huh? But how do you build a well insulated house......

 The vaulted ceilings in the Family Room posed a particular challenge. Besides being difficult to reach, there is no easy way to establish an air layer at the top to prevent condensation on the north gable .

 
Enter foam insulation!  They started spraying in the foam yesterday, using scaffolds and long hoses. It reminds me of artificial snow.

Once this is in place, they'll roll in a layer of R14 and R30. (I think that's what Jim said!)

Today the  guys from Intech Systems were installing the security and audio wiring while I was there.

 Meanwhile much is happening on the outside as well. But that's the subject of a future post!


I always thought these calendulas were sturdy!  This one is growing among the sand, shells and pebbles of the beach