February 22, 2014

WHEN GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH

WE'RE MAKING THE MOVE INTO THE HOUSE



Although it is not completed, we have decided that we can make the move into the house! We have completed enough construction to make it work, and have made ready this bedroom to live in in the meanwhile.
The walls are made from pine tree slices. It lacks flooring and some trim, but it is insulated on all sides and will do for now. This is our son's room, and once the main space is completed, we will sleep in the loft (until we eventually do another addition on the house).

This is definitely a happy milestone we are proud to reach...it wasn't without it's doubts, challenges and sore bodies- but, here we are! Thank God! We are currently still in the process of moving things out of the rented trailer and into the home...and it feels so amazing to finally be in this space!



In addition to getting the room ready, Adrian Santos came back out to help us install this antique wood burning stove in the living room. This stove and other furniture was kindly gifted to us by Jamaica's uncle.

February 14, 2014

FROM THE LOOKS OF IT...

THIS HOUSE IS FINALLY COMING TOGETHER


Three of four exterior walls have cedar siding mostly complete and lack trim work.  After researching options for moisture barrier, we decided on the tried and true method of roofing felt laid under the siding.  Tannins in the cedar are thought to erode modern Tyvec material, so we went with "tar paper" which has been used for such purposes for over 100 years. We have temporarily placed Tyvec on the long east wall until we get the cedar material here from the sawmill. 
Wood, when unsealed and exposed to UV rays, turns gray, and yet unlike pine, cedar is naturally resistant to rot by weather or insects, making it ideal for exterior siding. It is our desire that this home have a raw and rustic aesthetic to it, so we have decided that we would like the cedar siding to naturally gray.