Moving on up!

Thank you, Minnesota weather, for finally allowing work to continue.  In one short day, the majority of the 2nd floor joists were installed.  No crane, no pullies.  Just two brothers who flexed their biceps when I asked how they got the joists up to the 2nd floor.  Impressive, guys!

Standing in the entry looking down the center of the house. 

View from the front, notice how the 2nd floor is cantilevered over the first floor.

The way the guys walked around on 2nd floor joists is insane. 

The algebra

It was a regular math meet in the DeMaster household last night.  We had to figure out how wide windows would have to be to have 3 equal-sized windows (w/ 6" between them) centered on the back wall AND the left-most window would need to be centered on the hallway.  As a couple that both likes symmetry, we didn't wan't to chance that the view would feel out of whack.  At one point, Andy said, "I have the first equation!"  I said, "So, I have the second one, too!"  

For my fellow nerds, here is the equation set:

          2x + 3y + 2(6) = 168

          x + y/2 = 45 1/2

          where: 

          x = length of the wall on each size of the windows

          y = width of the window (rough opening)

That meant that the windows would only be 32 1/2" each as opposed to the 36" ones that we ordered.  In the end we decided we prefer bigger windows to symmetry in this case.  Please assure us both that the windows look great once they're in - and COMPLETELY balanced.

And for the record, I won the math meet.

Walls in the dark

Even with the darkness, I have seen my kitchen window for the first time.  I am so excited I might pee my pants.  Things were looking a little sketchy at the end of last week.  Xcel still had not connected the power so the carpenters were using the neighbor's temporarily...  and then their circuit blew.  The guys quit early on Friday because they had run out of "unplugged" work to do.

To our surprise, walls appeared today!  I'm guessing they used power and didn't hand nail each 2x4 into place.

The kitchen window is in the center, powder room to the right.

Barely visible view of the entire first floor.

Word is the second story floor joists arrive tomorrow.  I can't wait for the opportunity to walk around in the space and get a feel for it.

Happy, Happy, Joist, Joist!

Material delivery!
Today the floor joists and related materials were delivered, tomorrow the carpenters will start their framing magic. The floor joists are a testament to the mighty triangle.  Because of this style of joist, we won't need any posts in the basement.  It will be a wide open space for bikes, roller skates and any other madness that the kid(s) can dream up.

Floor joists.

Plywood and other floor materials.

Framing goodies - if you're looking to steal some, now's your chance...

Kid & work-free progress
Over the break, we had 3 WHOLE days to run house-related errands while Lucy was in daycare.  It was a very productive few days:

• Met with Mike (designer) to rework the mud room, fireplace area, and a desk near the kitchen.  Very happy with our new direction!  The mud room will now have bountiful shoe storage, something that we were missing.
• Chose a fireplace unit - going a little modern with a Heat n' Glo Cosmo - pay no attention to the price, a contractor discount is an amazing thing!
• Took delivery of washer, dryer and stove, all of which need to be replaced due to major damage while stored at ApplianceSmart.  The good people there are really making the situation right and replacing all of the units with ones in perfect condition at no additional price.
• Met with John (contractor) and Dan (lumber yard) to order the windows and make exterior door choices.  Nothing that a 3+ hour meeting can't solve!