House Day 35 - Monday We Closed In The West Wall

Gary and Joe Shiver spent the day putting plywood on the west side of the house. It rained today but we were under cover.

This is the first view of the west side showing the wall covered.

This is the dining room looking west.

This is the kitchen.

The fireplace from the living room looking toward the dining room.

Looking down the back porch.

The bottom 2 feet of each wall is covered by 3/4 inch treated plywood. The top 8 feet is covered with CDX quality 3/4 inch plywood. The studs are 2 x 6  nailed on 16 inch centers.

The house from the street. Tomorrow the plywood will be on this wall.

The plywood must be nailed every 4 inches with ringed alloy nails.

House Day 34 - What To Do With This Giant Attic

What to do with a 60 x 20 x 10 attic?

Friday - Lulu is certain that her two-sided fireplace will be the focal point of the house. I am convinced the most unusual feature will be the giant attic. Lulu says that if it is so important - it could be my man cave. Not just a place to go - but a place to put ALL my stuff including me.

Both the framers and the two AC men continued working on their projects. Things have slowed down prepping for the next big step. 

On Monday - the plywood for the sides of the home will be delivered. Right away they will start by putting a row of pressure treated 3/4 inch plywood on the bottom two feet of the walls. In many homes this area often receives splash and the moisture rots it out. Even though the entire home is going to be covered with hardiboard - the concrete based siding - we are not taking any chances. This is called constructing for the Florida environment. 

The thousand dollar question is what are we going to do with a 60 x 10 x 20 - 1200 square foot attic. We are deciding how far we want to finish it. The house is 2400 feet of heat and air conditioned space. We will not be taxed on the 1200 foot attic if it is not air conditioned - no vents - etc. It  will be insulated from the Florida heat with 6 inches of open cell foam insulation overhead. We will probably cover the insulation with drywall - put put a few lights and outlets - put that will be the extend of the development up there. The builder says with the insulation overhead - the attic should stay about 10 degrees warmer than outside. 

What is ironic is that our old home in Tamaqua PA had 1000 square feet of  living space - that included the basement - the attic - and the main floor. Now we will have 1200 square feet that will virtually be unused. The main floor of 2400 feet of air conditioned space and 1200 feet of porch is more than enough area for two gray heads. 

When we were designing the house - I approached an 87 year old architect friend - Charlie Yates. c

Charlie took me on a tour of his home - a beautiful two story colonial north of here. He said he designed and built it 10 years ago. That means Charlie was 77 years old when he built it. I asked him why he built a house at that age - he said it was cheaper than hiring a divorce attorney - his wife wanted a new house.  Next he asked if I would like to see his old home. I said sure. He said look out the back window. There was his old home of 40 years. So I guess wackiness is all in the eye of the beholder. 

We have the cash and the time - we love this neighborhood - so at 65 I am building our dream home. Besides - you all know that Lulu and I are married 40 some years - we married when she was 5. So at 45 years old - she will have a guy magnet when I am gone. Who cares - I'll be gone. 

Lastly - I asked the engineer that designed the trusses - what kind of weight can they hold. He said conservatively - the floor can hold 50 pounds per square foot. Doing the math 1200 square feet can hold 60,000 pounds or 30 tons. If the average person weighs 150 pounds - the attic can hold 400 people. So it could be a church - a dance hall - a gym - a basketball court - a workshop - or a place to store our camper - with a nice ramp up the side.  :-) Someone suggest a marijuana grow room.

House Day 33 - Hurricane Strap and Clip Day

Lulu was absolutely bored by the metal clip job today. It seems that anything you can't see is a waste of time to her. 

THURSDAY - In 1992 - Hurricane Andrew with its 150 MPH winds ripped apart Miami and Homestead on the southern tip of the peninsula. In a panic the legislature passed some very stringent laws to beef up home construction. Even though we live 500 miles north of Andrew's path - the same laws apply to builders up in the Panhandle.

All day today you could hear Gary and Joe's nail guns banging away like a machine gun.

150 clips were used - each requiring 15 nails to hold it in place. Wherever a truss crossed over a wall - a clip had to be placed. Also every 4 feet - a strap had to be placed to join the studs with the overhead plate. It is certainly overkill - but this house with all the clips - the 2 x 6 wall studs - and the 3/4 inch plywood on the roof and walls - will be virtually hurricane proof. Windows must also be tests for 150 MPH winds.

Our present house was built in 1980. I went up into the attic looking for metals clips and straps - nothing. Two toenails from the truss into the plate is all that holds our roof on. Still it has survived 33 years just fine.

Each truss is clipped along the two north/south walls and also along the two beams on the perimeter of the porch. When the porches are completed they will each have 6 - 8 x 8 fiberglass columns also holding the roof down or holding the roof up - your choice. There will be steel straps inside the column connection the roof to the concrete foundation.

House Day 32 - Framed the Gables - Put in AC Ducts

The attic room will be 60 x 20 x 10 - with two windows on each end.

Wednesday - Now that the house is closed in - weather can't beat us. It is so much nicer working in the shade. Gary and Joe were framing out the gable ends. We are delighted with the spacing. The sides of the home have 6 windows - two up top and four downstairs. The windows are stacked one over the other.

The AC men were busy constructing ducts and then insulating them. It looks like one more day of AC work.

This is the major supply air duct. A vertical duct goes to each room from it. 

This is the north gable end. Someone looking into one end of the attic would be able to see out the other end - no walls - the windows lined up.

Lulu's focal piece of the house will be this see-thru fireplace. This is the view from the front door. The hearth will be raised so the fire can be seen from the living room on the east and the dining room on the west. In the dining room - the table will have the fireplace at one end and a window at the other end. 

This is a view of the fireplace from the back door. While sitting at the dining table - one can look through the fireplace and see the street. People on the street will be able to see the fire - if the shutters are open. Lulu is planning to cover the fireplace with stacked stone - this fireplace is her baby.

House Day 31 - More Interior Frame Work - More AC Work

Gary and Joe put in a full day framing out the the walls in the attic.

They also framed out Lulu's two sided fireplace. You will be able to look right through the fireplace from the dining room to the living room. The fire will be visible from the street if the shutters are open.

The AC men were busy installing air ducts and insulating them. All of the air ducts are galvanized steel.  They are then surrounded by 3 inches of fiberglass insulation and covered will foil. Each room has entrance an air duct and an exit air duct. Even if a room is completely sealed - air can enter and exit it. This includes the closet - the pantry - and the laundry room. This prevents doors from opening and closing when the AC turns on. It makes for a much quieter system - it is also more energy efficient.

Presently - the roof is covered with 3/4 inch thick plywood. Gary said in his 38 years of business - he has only covered two other roofs with 3/4 inch plywood - both of them were carpenter's homes. The plywood is covered with a thick layer of Titanium underlayment. Lulu prefers fiberglas shingles instead of a metal roof - although the metal roof would fit in with the Florida Cracker House motif. Robert Nelson Roofing will be applying the shingles. It should be a very easy job because there are no breaks in the roof - no valleys - no ridge vents - no pipes - no wires. The 6/12 roof is easy to walk on - not like the 12/12 roof on our chalet back home in Tamaqua. 

Yesterday we removed a pile of debris that was blocking the view of the home. Now people driving by can see the home from 3 sides and also see Gary's calling card. 

On site all day were 2 carpenters and 2 AC men.

House Day 30 - Installing the Heat / Air Conditioning / Ventilation System

The air handler sits in the northwest corner of the attic. A giant 18 inch duct runs the entire length of the house - about 60 feet. 

Monday morning - things slowed down a bit. Now that the house is closed in - we do not have to rush to do anything. Gary and Joe continued to work on framing and preparing the walls for closing. Gary Wayne and Josh went to do finishing work on the other house they are building. We have been going at a torrid pace and I hope we keep going that way.

House Day 29 - Attic Floor and Attic Steps Are Complete

Friday was the first day we worked under complete cover. The weather was cooperative - still no rain and a nice breeze. What a difference it is being out of the scorching sun - I only had to change my clothes once. 

The attic floor was completed. It is made of 3/4 inch - smooth one side - tongue and groove. It is nailed and glued on 16 inch centers - directly to the roof trusses. There is an 18 inch space under the floor and above the ceiling for air ducts - electrical wires - and black steel gas pipes - that will go to the range - fireplace - and water heater. The floor is rated for 12000 pounds - about 60 people :-)

We will use Icynene liquid foam insulation overhead on the entire roof. We were going to leave the insulation plain but the city said we must either coat the insulation or put drywall over it. We will probably do the latter. This attic is like a dance hall - 60 feet x 20 feet x 10 feet - this space alone is bigger that our whole Tamaqua chalet where we lived 30 years. 

Gary laid out the steps. Since they must climb 10 feet - there had to be a landing on them. My original plan had them going straight down - thru that pantry - and out to the back porch. Lulu wanted a pantry there - so that is the way it is. 

From the street - the house sits about 8 feet above pavement level. The driveway will go up the left side - to a garage that will be behind the house. To the right of the house will be gardens and citrus trees to take advantage of all the sun.

House Day 28 - Why Is Builder Gary Smiling Today?

1st Reason - Today the house was closed in. Hot sun and pouring rain cannot slow him down. 2nd Reason - He is enjoying what likes the most - laying out the steps to the attic. 3rd Reason - He got paid today.

Hereis the back of the house - looking down from the metal barn. The roof is done - and a full coat of Titanium Underlayment is attached. When people ask Lulu what the house will look like - she says Cracker Barrel. 

Today was a beautiful day at the project. The weather was nice - sunny - breezy - and no rain. From now on it does not matter. We are officially closed in. We have been very luck with the weather. We only lost one day in 28 to the weather.

The rough plumbing and gas lines are in.

Gary was busy laying out the step to the attic - Josh and Gary Wayne and Joe got about 1/4 of the 3/4 inch plywood floor in the attic complete. Supposedly - tomorrow - the steps to the attic and the attic floor will be done. 

After 28 days of work - we are ahead of schedule and under budget. The crew had shown up every day - no phantom workers. They are there before the sun comes up at 7 - and stay until around 3. 

 Rick Hall - Jamie Elkins - and Stephen Brown of Bubba West Plumbing came by today and did all the rough plumbing and gas lines for the house. 

This will be a double vanity in the guest bathroom.

This is a drive-in shower in the guest bathroom. It is really big - no door - and wheelchair accessible. Yes - there is a window in the shower - it will be covered with louvered plantation shutters. 

The two showers are lined with this shower pan liner. It is presently filled with water and must stay that way for the inspectors.

Behind this window is the freestanding tub. That is the Rennai tankless gas water heater holder on the right. Instead of having the water heater sticking out of the wall - it is recessed and hidden. the shower is to the left of the window. 

From the street - you see a 60 x 10 porch - 8 windows - and the main door. There will be no dormers - vents - pipes - sticking out of the roof. The roof is completely sealed - just two planes. Today area of the roof is 4608 square feet.

Day 27 - Top Hat Trusses Installed

Before dawn - the crane was lifting the top hat trusses into place.

The Top hat trussess completed the roof line.

the crane lifted trusses into place.

This is the attic - a 60 feet by 20 feet by 10 feet open space. It will have a plywood floor and liquid foam insulation overhead. 

Special Stinger nails and washers are used to fasten down the Titanium plastic sheeting.

Gary Wayne cross braces the top hat trusses.

The front porch

The attic or bonus room.

Gary getting ready to lay out the attic steps.

House Day 26 - Ben Giddens Was Designing the Heat / AC / Ventiltion System - Roof Sheeting Continued

Ben Giddens - AC Man

While Gary and his crew continued closing in the roof - Ben Giddens was busy deigning the AC system. We have decided on a Trane Heat Pump - with a SEER rating of 18. The air handler will sit in the attic in the northwest corner. Because we left an 18 inch gap between the attic floor and the main floor ceiling - all ducts will be able to pass through that space and be hidden. 

Each room will have several air outlets and air returns. That way a room is fully air conditioned - even when its doors are closed. All the ducts will be in insulated space - not being exposed to intense attic heat. 

The main unit will have a variable speed motor. When the heat or AC goes on - the motors will start up slowly. The speed will vary with the amount of service needed. the system should be virtually silent - very important to someone that is hard of hearing. 

Because the house is going to be insulated with Icynene liquid spray foam in place insulation - a 3 ton AC unit will be adequate for the whole house.

We expect the home to be closed in tomorrow.

House Day 25 - More Roof Plywood Sheeting

Cousin Josh and Gary Wayne just starting the front side of the roof

Cutting off the trusses - for 2 foot overhang

At the end of Day 25 - 2/3 of the roof was done

Florida Hurricane Code requires steel support straps all over

Monday was hot again - but no rain. The crew installed another third of the plywood on the roof. Maybe tomorrow the roof will be completely closed in. Gary said today as soon as we get the roof done  - we will be able to work under cover - out of the rain and sun.

The next undertaking will be the attic floor and steps. With the exception of the liquid foam in place insulation - the attic will be complete except for the ends.

Big Bend Truss came to take their truck away today.

We will have one more visit of the crane. It will be used to raise the top hat trusses in place.

House Day 24 - Roof Plywood Sheeting Day

Gary Wayne had to lift the sheets - then turn and place them where he wanted them - then they had to line up the tongues and grooves. Finally they had to drive 60 Roundrive ring nails into each sheet. Florida Hurricane Code - requires so many nails per board. 

You have to admire - Gary - Gary Wayne - Josh - and Joe. Today was unbearably hot and humid. The sun was burning holes in flesh. And they were up on the roof. Josh was down on the ground passing 3/4 inch plywood sheet up 10 feet to Gary Wayne. Gary Wayne had to fight a 6/12 slope - all that sweat - and then lift upward the same 75 pound sheets. They were very professional - no complaining - just hard work. 

Like father like son - except the son is a lefty. 

Gary Wayne had to lift the sheets - then turn and place them where he wanted them - then they had to line up the tongues and grooves. Finally they had to drive 60 Roundrive ring nails into each sheet. Florida Hurricane Code - requires so many nails per board. 

The roof is pitches 6/12. That means for 12 feet horizontally - it goes 6 feet up. The house I built in Tamaqua had a 12/12 roof. When they hammer next to each other - it is like looking in a mirror - a before and after mirror  :-)

Notice the edge of the 3/4 inch sheet of 7-ply plywood is tongue and groove. When you walk on it - it does not budge. They got about 1/3 of the roof done today. What a job!

Ring nails are like fish hooks. They like to go in - but can't come out. The green colored part is a plastic that melts from the pressure going in - then it cools to act like Superglue. It comes out to around 3 cents a nail. 

This is what the 10 x 10 x 60 porch looks like in the shade. You could park a big motor home under there and it would be well-protected and hidden from the street.

After this picture was taken - the crew had to roll out Titanium sheeting to waterproof the area - and protect the plywood. Again - it is a peaked roof - the top hats will go on once they have a good place to stand.