Framing: Main Level

Cutting out for the steel I-beam that will support the porch fireplace.

Beam’s in place. Below it will be a guest bedroom.

Stairwell and entry hall. A lot of details in the framing to insure a solid structure and solid floor.

Sheathing is all plywood which makes for a stronger and longer lasting structure.

They’ll not cut out the windows and doors until the deck is completed on the next level. This will help keep the walls perfectly straight. One big downside is that not having the openings really cuts down on cooling breeze.

Trusses for the next level are ready to go.

These will go over the roof of the back porch.

A dining room full of lumber.

An architect acquaintance, when looking at the plans, noted that the plans called out 2×4’s for this wall. I asked if they should be 2×6 instead and he replied nope, that his draftsman’s eyes were simply struct by the calling out of 2×4’s instead of simply letting them do dimensioned lumber. The engineered 2×4’s will make for a stronger and straighter wall for the kitchen cabinets.

The Gehl Telescopic Materials Handler wiggles to get in proper position. Terry (chartreuse do-rag below, also seen in black, grey and other fashionable colors) noted that the Gehl is not as smooth as the Pettibone when it comes to delicately placing trusses and stuff.

Build a wall, carry it over, and it fits perfectly.

One benefit of old fashioned hammers – they don’t jam. And then come in handy for fixing the new ones that do.

One of our favorite neighbors checking out the framing progress.