Reframing a House of Cards
July 2018
I wasn't planning on posting about the framing, but after a few requests I'm appeasing the masses. Framing has begun! Not without it's issues and modifications, but it's on.
It's a bit overwhelming to see your place missing a wall (which also serves as a ceiling in an A-frame). You realize an A-frame is basically a house of cards and nothing is removed or added without careful thought and planning. And you send a quick prayer to heaven asking for no wind gusts.
Both Babe Vila and I had a moment of shock, panic, and doubt. We questioned ourselves as to whether we should have just scraped it and rebuilt an entirely new cabin. Definitely a "what have we done?" kind of moment.
We reminded each other that it will all turn out okay and some things wouldn't be avoided even if we started from scratch.
Doubts behind us. Lots of progress is being made, with the large 2-story dormer being almost complete.
I'm not sure how a fortress is built but I can say that this cabin is a close runner up.
Over-engineering. It's a real thing.
We have new support posts, a steel ridge beam with custom steel bracket, Glulam Beams, timber beams, headers, and more I don't even know how to name.
Here are some progress pics of the front, loft, and the 2-story dormer.
The front and back walls were rebuilt and beefed up to have more sturdy 2x8 framing, which eats up a few inches from the interior but is worth the loss. And no more odd half circle window.
Speaking of windows, we've got windows (mostly). Again not without issues and modifications, which include a midnight visit to confirm the slope of a triangle window will match that of the sloped wall AND a window that was never delivered but now on reorder.
Next week they will work on the smaller dormer for the kitchen area as well as the interior walls.
As for Babe Vila and I, we're becoming hoarders. And Craigslist scavengers. And online shopping addicts. Here's the aftermath of Amazon Prime Day.
We won't discuss the garage and basement. At least I can still park in the garage....for now.
In the meantime, we're researching insulation, interior and exterior finishes, and trying to still enjoy what's left of the summer.
I wasn't planning on posting about the framing, but after a few requests I'm appeasing the masses. Framing has begun! Not without it's issues and modifications, but it's on.
It's a bit overwhelming to see your place missing a wall (which also serves as a ceiling in an A-frame). You realize an A-frame is basically a house of cards and nothing is removed or added without careful thought and planning. And you send a quick prayer to heaven asking for no wind gusts.
 |
| Wall Gone! |
 |
| Wall on right has several temporary braces to keep in place. |
Both Babe Vila and I had a moment of shock, panic, and doubt. We questioned ourselves as to whether we should have just scraped it and rebuilt an entirely new cabin. Definitely a "what have we done?" kind of moment.
We reminded each other that it will all turn out okay and some things wouldn't be avoided even if we started from scratch.
Doubts behind us. Lots of progress is being made, with the large 2-story dormer being almost complete.
I'm not sure how a fortress is built but I can say that this cabin is a close runner up.
Over-engineering. It's a real thing.
We have new support posts, a steel ridge beam with custom steel bracket, Glulam Beams, timber beams, headers, and more I don't even know how to name.
Here are some progress pics of the front, loft, and the 2-story dormer.
 |
| We don't need no stinkin' roof (or solid walls) |
 |
| Ok, maybe solid walls would be a good idea. Note the bracing in the loft on the right. |
 |
| Yay! More walls. |
 |
| That's a mighty tall wall. Totally hidden in this angle is the original A-frame that is beyond the cantilevered stairway. Also note the left side of the house is being prepped for it's dormer. |
The front and back walls were rebuilt and beefed up to have more sturdy 2x8 framing, which eats up a few inches from the interior but is worth the loss. And no more odd half circle window.
 |
| The money view. |
Speaking of windows, we've got windows (mostly). Again not without issues and modifications, which include a midnight visit to confirm the slope of a triangle window will match that of the sloped wall AND a window that was never delivered but now on reorder.
 |
| Let an engineer do this. |
 |
| Ain't it pretty? |
Next week they will work on the smaller dormer for the kitchen area as well as the interior walls.
As for Babe Vila and I, we're becoming hoarders. And Craigslist scavengers. And online shopping addicts. Here's the aftermath of Amazon Prime Day.
We won't discuss the garage and basement. At least I can still park in the garage....for now.
In the meantime, we're researching insulation, interior and exterior finishes, and trying to still enjoy what's left of the summer.
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