Great weather continues to cooperate

Just a couple of days since the last update and the first floor wall framing is done. Today the sheathing is being applied, along with a weather barrier where the porches will attach to the exterior walls. Framing for the porch floor has started, too. Nice, sunny weather and cool temperatures are really helping move things along!

These openings will lead to the first story porch through a pair of narrow french doors.

Gaining momentum -- framing has begun!

We arrived in Charleston last night and can finally see the progress on our home up close and in person. Things are really picking up speed! This week the laminated beams, i-joists and sub-floor were placed, and construction of the first-floor wall structure has begun!

A nice surprise when we pulled up -- framing has begun!

Here's the back of the home from the southeast corner. That's the kitchen in the middle of the photo, and family room along the back wall, to the right.

A view from below -- that open area above is for the stairwell.

Bonnie is checking placement of french doors in the dining room, and imagining the staircase that leads up to the front porch, as you walk under the tree canopy.

Looks like it passes inspection!

Oh yeah, pay attention to where you're walking!!

The Tree

Here's our Grand Oak tree after pruning this week. See the "before" picture below. We had to make room for the southwest corner of the house, which will be built right into the edge of the tree canopy.

This beautiful tree is quite a monster -- the trunks are 33" and 35" in diameter at chest height, and the canopy spans 80 feet across. To get to this size we estimate it's about 175 years old - Abraham Lincoln would have been about 30 when this tree took root!

Foundation piers complete!

This is what a boat-load of concrete piers looks like! Hard to get a sense of the foundation footprint without being there in person, but we'll get a first-hand look in about a week.

Week 2

November 4, 2016 - Week 2; the footers have been poured and the block piers are being built (41 in all)... these will keep the first floor of our home elevated at around 18' above sea level when finished.

Breaking Ground!

October 28, 2016 - Week 1 of actual construction... exciting to see some earth moving. Trenches for footers have been dug and rebar is in place. The weather has been dry since Hurricane Matthew blew through a couple weeks back. No sign of rain to come for the next two, so hopefully we can make up some lost time!

Welcome

Welcome to our blog!

After months of planning we are finally breaking ground for our new home on Rushland Island. We will use the blog to document the home building process and share our experience with you.  Enjoy.

Ron & Bonnie