The Build - Stage 12 Exterior Work: Soffit, Facia, Siding, and Stucco

This week we started doing soffit and facia.  The 2-man crew that installed the siding soffit and facia were very nice to me.  I enjoyed helping them.  One of the neatest parts of this process was learning that we were related to one of the crew!  He is my grandmother's first cousin.  Small world!  

Soffit closes off the underside of the overhang of your roof.  Most soffit is white and made of aluminum.  It actually comes in several colors.  We chose a dark bronze aluminum. The facia wraps up the drip edge which is just below the shingles to complete the magnificent look.

The siding installation was fun to watch since it helps finish off the exterior.  This is the backside with stucco, soffit, facia, and siding installed.  One side down--three more to go!  Below, is a picture of the front gables in progress.  The tallest gable has vertical siding.  The two gables on either side will have shaker-style siding.  We plan to do rock on the columns of the front entry.

Stucco is like playing in the mud!  (Literally).  The only downside is that it doesn't wash out.  Once you get it on your clothes...it's permanent.  We learned that it can dry really fast.  Once it's been applied to the wall and semi-dried, you have to texture it with a special trowel.  (We had to work especially fast on the South side of the house when the sun was shining directly on it).

Latest progress on the interior:  This is the future fireplace and custom built-in bookshelves.   More updates to come on the interior and preparation for the 4-way inspection.

The Build - Stage 11 Roofing Shingles

Putting on the shingles!  This is a big step forward, because now when you're inside the house, you are now protected from the elements.  No rain, snow, or shine inside now. 

We used shingles that came in strips. These things are heavy!  I could barely climb the ladder with six strips of shingle in my hands.  You'd be surprised how sore your ankles can get when standing on the roof with your feet in a downward tilt.  My Dad got the worst of it, working with his feet at an upward tilt.  He would nail the shingles down as I passed the sheets of shingle to him.  (Stand on your heels with your toes in the air for even a few minutes and you'll see what I mean). 

The gun that we used on the roof is a roof nailer.  It shoots small nails on the midpoint of the shingle.  The nails are hidden by the overlapped shingle and ensures that no rain can seep through the shingle.  I nick-named the nailer the "Tommy Gun" because of its round magazine. 

The Build - Stage 10 Truss Framing and Roof Sheeting

Some cool pics. I keep wondering how I took them.

Roof beginning to be sheeted. It is so cool to be inside and look up and there is a roof. Something to keep out the snow and sun. Ahhh!

We are constantly telling people when they ask which house is ours "It's the white one!" We have a breath taking view, and sense behind us is only commercial property that has no permanent buildings on it we get it all!

 The front takes shape.

Half the roof done.

The Build - Stage 9 Concrete: Garage, Driveway, Walkway, Approch

Cement trucks arrive again...this time for garage and driveway.

 

 

Spreading concrete to fill grid lines of rebar.

Really cool machine powered by something that looks like a weed wacker.  It causes vibrations to smooth vibrations quick.

It smooths the concrete even more than the vibrator.  It reminds me of a rolling pin smoothing the flattened dough. 

Finisher spins like helicopter wings. I never understood exactly what it did, but my guess is that is helps with the type of task the concrete was supposed to do. 

The skidster nicknamed "Skiddy" was a big help in preparing the ground for the concrete.  I moved dirt, poured and smoothed gravel and many other tasks.  Wish I owned one of my own, because they are so cool!

This is a small vibrating machine that smooths the gravel like the other one did for the concrete.  

Pad is poured.

 

Cutting the curb. 

This is a hydraulic saw that hooks to a track and is controlled by a lever.  It can move in and side to side by careful adjustment.  Water was sprayed onto the saw, helping it to maintain ideal temperature and cutting power.

Walkway forms for the front yard.

Gravel poured and ready for concrete.   

 
Pad cut and water tested.  They sprayed water on to see how good the drainage is.

Concrete is finished.

The Build - Stage 8 Trusses

First trusses being positioned.  Large flying objects . . . a little scary?!

This is the all-powerful crane setup.

See that hand?  . . . yeah, feeling pretty cool right now.

The first Truss was flipped on the ground, so we had to turn it around, and now that sheeting is on the wrong side, so...that will be a fun project to re-do that in the future...ha ha.

Bracing the trusses.  They look like monkeys the way they climb through those things.  (Objects in picture are higher than they appear *smile*). 

You mean people get paid to sit in a chair and play 'video' games?  (Those skills appear to have paid off).  Though if you mess up...you can't start over (pressure!)

Climb if you dare.

The amazing mountain backdrop. 

This is the garage header.  It is huge!  (The picture below shows it in place),

All giant trusses in place.