A Second Storey Floor

Despite the rain, a lot got done today! The moat is now back filled, the sub floor is down on the main level, the laundry room, mudroom and bathroom are framed in and the second storey has a floor. We received the quote for our kitchen, and we are pleasantly surprised (we are think high hope low kind of people), even the quartz countertop is keeping us within budget!

A Day Full of Action!

Today our hydro was upgraded to 200amp service, the new wiring started in the house, spray foam went on the foundation, the floor joists are coming along for the second story addition and more sub floor went down! Tomorrow they will back fill the earth and later in the week the rest of the house should be insulated as well..... it was a full house this morning with all the trucks and people there! We changed the configuration of the bathroom to allow for a third window on that side of the house (where the window has been covered up will be re-exposed and sized to match the one beside), this will also allow my jacuzzi tub to sit under the window for a view :)

On the weekend, Chris and I did a walk through and played out various scenarios to see where we would like sockets/switches/fixtures..... Example: Handy placement of a light switch to turn lights on if someone were to knock on the door at night, entertainment centre cables etc etc..... it was pretty exciting to think that the current shell of a house is going to be a livable space.

A Moat and Drawbridge

Things sure happened today! The foundation is exposed, prepped and ready for spray foam we even have a little bridge and if we get enough rain maybe a moat...... but hopefully not. The stairs have been removed and temporary stairs are in facing the new direction, some of the sub floor has been laid and we have been instructed to make decisions on pot light, fixture and outlet placement this weekend as the electrician will be there on Monday wiring the for the 200 amp service upgrade.

Schoolhouse Is SOLD!

As an aside, the schoolhouse sale conditions were waived today and the deal is firm. It is actually an odd feeling, almost unnerving if that is possible, this concept of building a permanent home. We have been sort of transients the past few years.

The eventual move to our farm will be number 7 in 11 years, 4 homes of which we have owned. When we bought our farm in Walters Falls, we thought it was "the" place, it had plenty of charm and leaving pulled at our heartstrings. We have really only "borrowed" the last couple of properties, houses that inevitably turned into homes because of the people in it and the memories made, but places that were never meant to be the real memory holders.

The next couple of months should be interesting, we will be living with the in-laws until our project is complete, we have a lot of decisions to make on finishes for the house and more important than all of that our little girl is growing and changing everyday and it is the most incredible experience.

So here is a little reflection of our homes....

"Applewood" Walters Falls, ON

Chatsworth, ON


Shelburne, ON

The Framing Has Begun.

Today we had to make the decision on the exact sizes of the shower and cloakroom/mudroom, as they will be laying out the placement of walls this week or next. The laundry room looks quite spacious and the shower in the main floor bathroom will be built for two

Kitchen Plans

Working around a small kitchen space is a challenge, these are some of the ideas.

Energy Audit Report

For interest sake I thought I would post a portion of the energy audit, the full recommendations etc. is too much to post, but this gives the general idea. This is not letting me move the images around and I am not re-uploading, take it as it is :)

Ready For Framing

Well, today's visit found framed windows, the windows being removed are covered with plywood and the floor is poured on the foundation.... looks like they will be framing the addition any day.

Prepping For Spray Foam

Well, the addition foundation is almost complete, the new sump hole is ready, gravel is laid and the concrete should be poured in the next day or two. We saw some window framing started and they have begun strapping the exterior walls in preparation for the spray foam.

We had a Certified Energy Audit performed in April in order to qualify for some of the government grants on home improvements. It was an interesting process and we learned quite a bit from the auditor. Specifically, that it is more efficient to insulate the outside walls rather than the inside walls of the foundation, in fact the grant will not assist with the cost of insulating the inside. This is so that the frost cannot penetrate the foundation walls, makes sense.

I will scan the results for the energy audit some time next week and post it, it is interesting how well the old house did, how it is broken down and what is covered and how much.

In The Nude

Well, the house is officially disrobed. With all of the siding and strapping stripped off it is ready for new insulation and re-facing. It is definitely getting a raired out and as Chris pointed out, the Melancthon winds should surely blow away the mouse poop. The concrete block walls are complete on the addition foundation and a doorway has been created ..... so no Pease children, there will not be a "secret" room :)

As a footnote, I took the crew some fresh baked cookies today, here's hoping it will make them take the high road on any possible short cuts ahead.

What A Difference A Day Makes

We have decided to take a daily trip to the house to document progress. The cement truck poured the footings for the addition today and they have begun to take down additional drywall upstairs in order to remove the old chimneys. Our heat source will be propane so we will only have a small vent pipe out the wall.

Catching Up

Well, I have decided to try and keep up on this blog, there are non-facebook users and facebook restrictions in workplaces so this is an opportunity to allow everyone to see the progress.

We have our permits and the builders came on site Monday July 6 and I must say, they are making quick work of this project so far. Here are a few shots of the "destruction"