Change in Front Dormer

The window(s) in the front dormer have been removed and new framing was installed for a new window. The original siding was recycled from another part of the house and used on the dormer. The new window is much nicer and fits into the original style. The contractor which original did the roofing have done a wonderful job of refurbishing the dormer. They have also framed and restored the back of the house including the installation of windows and doors.

The curb appeal of Zelda is increasing by the day. The makeover of the dormer compliments the new roof.

I am not sure of the previous window configuration that was in the dormer and currently in the hall way of the second floor. As we continue to remove the aluminum siding and expose the original siding, those will be removed and a more period window or windows will be installed. This will most likely happen in the spring of 2008.

Included below are some pictures of the dormer taken on the first look at the house back in May of 2007. I like the change.

Screwing Around at Zelda

The installation of the flooring has begun such that there was a lot of screwing being done this past weekend. Brent's parents were in town over the weekend and Brent put his dad to work, operating the newly purchased drill. This drill has an extension, automatic feed and clutch system that allows the operater to stand while installing the screws in the subfloor. If you have a large amount of subflooring to install the investment in the drill is well worth the money. After our roofing contractor, Ray Jr. showed us how to operate the drill, it worked like a charm.

So the weekend was spent installing the flooring and insulation. After some trail and error the best way to install the insulation turned out to be chicken wire. Yes -- chicken wire. Brent purchases the wire in 24" width and the cuts the length to fit each of the spaces between the floor joists. He makes a basket out of the wire for the insulation to lay on. The chicken wire is attached to the joists using a pnuematic stapler and 1" long staples. At first Brent was installing 4 foot wide sections from the bottom but found out it was easier to install the wiring from the top. With the insulation laying in the chicken wire between the floor joists, it looked more like an attic than it did a floor.

At the end of the day, Pa Pa Neal was exhausted from all the screwing around he did at Zelda. He just celebrated his 76th birthday and showed the stamina of a younger man.

Three and One-half Months

We are now closing in on our fourth month of work and ownership of Zelda. Brent's parents are arriving this weekend and were warned to bring their work clothes. Brent is going to start laying down the subfloor and his dad will operate the new drill, which has an extension and automatic screw feed to not make a person's back sore.

The plumbers were at the house today and installed the gas line. Brent was called to set-up an inspection with KM for Monday. Below are two pictures that show the current status of the back of the house and the before. Just a little bit of difference.

The work was performed by the roofing contractor, which is a family owned business, who live in the neighborhood and do framing, roofing and sheetrock.