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