No Mo' Blue Overhead

We finished installing the ceiling finish this past weekend. The material is a tongue and groove pine siding called chink siding. It was a fairly simple and straight-forward process. Next up will be the drywall.

Mother's Beauty

Havoc and beauty coexisting

After a serious ice storm last night, the morning found numerous downed trees, and the ones left standing were enveloped in ice. We lost power momentarily during the early morning hours.

This afternoon we passed our rough plumbing and insulation inspection - we're 4 for 4! Next up is finishing the ceiling and interior walls.

Winter Wonderland

This past Saturday we got 5" of snow - the first of the season. I wasn't at home to experience it but Christy said it was beautiful. This is what I saw when I got home on Monday





Ben and I finished up the rough plumbing on Friday. Below is the drain system beneath the cabin.


From left to right: bathroom sink, toilet, shower, kitchen sink

While in Durham this past weekend, Adrian and I went to the Restore where I found a used bathroom sink with pedestal for only $65.


Air admittance valve. This precludes us from having to vent through the roof.


Tomorrow is the rough plumbing and insulation inspection - keep your fingers crossed.

Onsite Sewage Disposal System...

...also known as the glorious Septic System[sic]. We've been on hold for the last two weeks while we worked out the logistics and planned the design of the plumbing system and waited for the septic tank to be installed. This week we got finally got started. The septic tank installation has begun and Ben and I got going on the plumbing.




Septic tank with line in (foreground), inspection/pumping line (top),
line out with clean-out in background.



Leach field chambers

When Christy and I were planning our homestead we wanted to implement a grey water system and composting toilet. Because of the county health department code we weren't able to do either. Although the county does allow composting toilets, they do have to meet certain requirements. Unfortunately our sawdust toilet doesn't qualify. So, our only realistic option was to install the septic system. We do plan on incorporating the sawdust toilet and, at a later time, circumvent the septic system by diverting our gray water to a, you guessed it - gray water system! Something similar to this:

A Plumber, A Parrot, and a Rotweiler

A plumber in Floyd arrived at his next job only to find his client was leaving. Worried about the client's Rottweiler the man asks if he could come back later. Noticing the plumber’s concern the client says, “Don’t worry about the dog he won’t hurt you, but whatever you do don’t talk to the parrot!”.

Heeding the client’s warning he walks into the house and into the kitchen.
Feeling more confident about the Rottweiler he starts working on the sink. Barely after starting he notices the parrot sitting by the Rottweiler. All of a sudden the parrot bursts out with a slew of insults. Halfway through the job the plumber starts to get angry and tells the bird to be quiet. The parrot initially obeys and then very quietly says, “Sickem' Toby.”

And so begins the next phase of construction - the plumbing. Mind you, I have no experience with plumbing with the exception of using a plunger. So, needless to say this should be an interesting experience. Fortunately, as was the case with the roof, our friend Ben will be helping me - phew!

This morning I went to see the local building official to get a couple of plumbing questions answered. Then it was off to Wills Ridge for the plumbing supplies.

Weather permitting, the septic tank work will begin late this week.




Someone had posted a comment on the last post about how the ceiling finish would attach on the gable ends. Here's an image of how that was addressed. I oriented 2x6's with the wide side facing vertically and attached them between the ridge plate and double top plate.

Those jeans sure do look good on you.

This weekend, Christy and I, with the help of her dad, Jim, finished insulating the interior of the cabin. I'll tackle insulating the floor later in the week once the rain stops.

Before installing the insulation I had placed venting baffles in the ceiling. These are installed to minimize condensation on the insulation.


Venting Baffles

The insulation we opted to go with is natural cotton batting from Bonded Logic. It consists of 85% post-industrial recycled fibers (denim scraps). We're using 3 different R values - R30 for the ceiling, R13 for the walls, and R21 for the floor. The insulation is treated with a non-toxic borate solution that provides Class A fire rating, mold/mildew resistance and pest inhibitor.

The only issue we had early on was cutting the batts. Most people recommended using a utility knife and making repeated cuts. That was just too time consuming and laborious. So Jim and I took a drive to our local lumber/hardware store and came up with the perfect tool - a machete. It worked like a charm. It was like cutting a loaf of bread. We made quick work of any cutting that was needed. The insulation was easy to work with and didn't cause any itching like fiberglass. Wearing glasses and a mask wouldn't be a bad idea as there was quite a bit of fiber dust. Fortunately it was harmless.

Once the insulation was in, you could really tell the difference. The first thing you notice is the sound muffling qualities. It was even possible to talk in the loft and not be heard down below. The second thing we noticed was the ability of the cabin to hold in heat (imagine that).



Cotton batts


Coincidentally, we all wore jeans.

Ooh, it's so soft!

Watch your fingers, daddy.

Machete made in Brasil


So, a good weekend's work yielded a nicely insulated cabin. We're very pleased. Thanks to Jim for coming up from Charlotte to help out. And of course much gratitude to Linda for sending along pumpkin bread and brownies to replenish our energy reserves.

Friday night we all went to Christy's and my favorite new restaurant - Isaacs. We all opted for a meat dish instead of our usual vegetarian. We were comfortable eating the the lamb since they're grass-fed and raised locally without the use of antibiotics.

Brrrr...

The last two nights have been in the upper 20's. That makes for uncomfortable sleeping environment. Thankfully, today has been quite warm with a forecast of upper 30's tonight.

Cabin status:

• All windows and doors are installed
• Rough electrical wiring is complete - waiting for inspection
• Recycled denim insulation has been ordered

Lucky!

Wall Residences, Floyd, VA

Christy started her new job at Wall Residences this week. She'll be working in accounting and HR. I'm jealous cuz she's got a walled office (something I've never had). Anyway, she likes the organization and the work. It's only 20 minutes away and to top it off, it's a green building. Our friend David did the solar panel installation.

We officially moved out of the tent on Friday. Earlier that day I had placed 4-ply plastic sheeting over the door and window openings and so now we're fairly well protected from the elements. It's a great feeling.

I've also started the electrical wiring and hope to have that done in the next day or two.

Terra Cotta Red

The roof is complete! Ben put the metal roof on while Christy and I were in Charlotte. It looks great. Today I finished up applying the tar paper. Next up, rough electrical and installing windows and doors. Rough construction inspection is set for Monday.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair.

After three years of letting my hair grow to the requisite length for living in the woods I've decided to have my locks shorn. I'm really enjoying this new found freedom. Ironically, I felt the same way when I had decided to let it grow. It was the freedom of not having to concern myself with what it looked like, i.e. a particular style or even if it was combed. It's surprising that opposites can be so similar.

This week Jim and I worked on finishing up the gable wall framing and applying tar paper to the exterior walls. We almost finished before having to head back to Charlotte.

The adage, "Black is slimming." comes to mind when looking at the cabin covered in black. An already small structure now appears even smaller. But, come next week, the roof will be red.

A roof over your head

When my brothers and I were little our father would regularly remind us that he was providing us "with a roof over your heads." And without argument, he did. We always lived comfortably and in a nice houses. But all of that takes on new meaning when you actually build the roof that will shelter you. Yesterday, Ben and I finished sheathing and applying tar paper to the roof. So, for all intents and purposes, the cabin is covered. Next week the metal roof will be delivered and so we'll install that then.

I'm now remembering other things my dad used to say. Things like "Don't the let the door hit you on the way out." or this when we voiced displeasure with something he said "You know where the front door is." All that talk about roofs and doors - perhaps he had secret aspirations to be a carpenter.

Next up, before putting on the metal roof, I need to finished closing in the upper gable walls; attach tar paper to the exterior walls; and then install the doors and windows. At that point Christy and I will begin sleeping in the cabin. Shortly thereafter we'll insulate the walls, roof and floors. It's all very exciting - I'm so lovin' this.

"Ben, the two of us..."

That's my tribute to the late MJ. Admittedly, I used to have a poster of him when I was 10. I remember that for one month each year we were the same age.

It's amazing what can get accomplished when you work with someone who has more experience and knowledge than you. Our friend/building consultant, Ben, worked with me on the cabin yesterday. We finished putting up the first course of 2x6 rafters (see the previous post for an explanation). It took awhile to get everything sorted out. The reason Jim and I had such difficulty last week was because the ridge plate wasn't quite centered nor was it level. Consequently my 45 degree angles were more like 43 and 47 degrees. Once we got things figured out the rafters went up pretty quick. Today we'll add the second course of rafters and perhaps get to laying down the roof sheathing.

Ain't she a beaut! (spoken w/ Aussie accent)

Prior to working on the roof, I went ahead and put up the wall separating the kitchen and bathroom. We're still deciding on what type of door to use for the bathroom. We discussed going with a folding door to minimize floor space. A narrow louvered door might also do the trick.

The loft area is visible here

Christy and I have chosen terracotta red for the roof color. We're going with a metal, standing-seam roof instead of the standard asphalt roofing shingle. The roof has the Energy Star rating; it's comprised of 50% recycled content; it offers good solar reflectance and emissivity - 32% and 87%, respectively (which equates to lower energy costs); the manufacturer offers a 40 year warranty (40 years!!!); and lastly, it's recyclable.

Ridge board is up

Without too much effort (surprisingly) Jim and I were able to mount the ridge board on the gable center studs. It's a 20' 2x12 and not too light. We were able to set in place by fashioning a 12' 2x4 into an extension pole. It worked out pretty well. The rafters will be doubled 10' 2x6 boards to make a 2x12. These are the leftover boards that weren't going to be used. It also makes for easier handling than single 2x12 rafters. We had a real difficult time getting the angled cuts (plumb cuts, seat cut and bird'smouth) to line up correctly. Given that the roof has a 12/12 slope (1/2 pitch) the angles are pretty easy to figure out; however, once we made the cuts the rafters didn't quite line up with the ridge board or the top plate. I've made the decision to wait for some guidance from our friend/consultant, Ben.



Here's how we left things today:





Check out the homemade scaffolding:

To the Four Corners

Finally, the four walls are up and fully sheathed. My father-in-law, Jim, came up from Charlotte to help out while Christy was in Charlotte replenishing our coffers. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures, and now that I'm in Charlotte that'll have to wait until I return.

Jim and I got a lot accomplished. We made a correction on a section of the south that was misaligned, and attached the sheathing (1/2" 4-ply, CDX plywood) to the remaining two walls. Attaching sheathing to already erected walls isn't an easy task especially when contending with window and door openings. It wasn't until we got to the fourth and final wall that we developed some proficiency. We also installed the floor joists for the loft and added a sheet of 5/8" plywood as a temporary floor to help with installation of the roof. We'll start on that next week.

It was quite fortuitous that Jim was available and offered to help. I certainly couldn't have done the sheathing by myself. He arrived last Tuesday, and camped out in a tent which we set up inside the cabin at night. At night, we set up my laptop and watched DVD's in what's to be the living room. So, I thoroughly enjoyed having the company and the help - thank you, Jim!
I have to commend anyone who is willing to leave the comforts of home to do manual labor, get dirty, camp out in the woods, shower with a gallon of water, use a sawdust toilet, etc.

Christy drove up from Charlotte yesterday to interview at a local business - Wall Residences. Check out what they have to say about their "Green Building" here. This would be an ideal place for her to work. They're local, they're socially and environmentally responsible; they provide a healthy (physically and mentally) work environment; and they offer a good benefits package for small town Virginia - heck, it's a benefits package that would be welcome anywhere, actually.

Now for some much needed r & r. Four days off in the big city of Charlotte. I'm hoping my carpal tunnel syndrome subsides enough that I can play my guitar.

Lately I've been telling people that I want to cross out the "good" in the "Life is good" logo on my baseball cap and replace it with "great". Life certainly is great - for me at least. But not for everyone:

Strike a Pose

There's much to be said about the virtues of manual hand tools: there's a meditative, simplicity to them; they don't require gas or electricity; they're often inexpensive; they can help keep you from getting pudgy. However, having sung their praises, there's nothing like having a power tool at your disposal. I'd still be on the first wall if all I had was a hand saw.

So the third, and east wall, was raised last night with the help of neighbors Annie and Curtis. This wall will have the French doors that Christy and I picked up last weekend. Something I did differently with this wall was to attach the wall sheathing while the wall was being built. This made for a heavier wall to raise, yet it negated having to lift the plywood in place after the wall was erected.

It's coming together!

Second Wall Is Up

Along with the east wall being erected, one of two rough window openings was made on the north wall. It's taking a little longer than expected to put these walls together. Especially now that Christy is in Charlotte working with her previous employer, The Carolina Raptor Center. Apparently her successor didn't quite work out and they're in desperate need of her help. It couldn't have come at a more opportune time given that our savings are being depleted quicker than planned.

I thought I was going to be able to lift the 10' x 12' wall by myself but was quickly shot down. Thankfully our neighbor David was available to give a hand.

This past weekend Christy and I met up in Durham for a little R&R and family visiting. We also picked up the 5 used 30" x 32" windows mentioned in the previous post. In addition to the windows, we found a pair of used French doors for $40 at the Durham Habitat for Humanity Restore. And, as an added bonus, we got a double sink that my mom and step-father were going to sell. Price - $25.

Next up: Put in the second rough window opening on the north wall; build the west wall with rough opening for the French doors; take my mind off missing Christy by working, reading and watching DVD's.

Raising Cain?

Nope, but we did raise our first wall frame yesterday. We left out the rough opening for the windows because there's some uncertainty as to the dimensions of some used windows that we're getting from Christy's uncle, Phillip. They're windows that will require new frames so that's where the uncertainty comes in. Also noticeable are the shorter studs butting up against the full length ones. These are the supports for the loft joists. The opposing (south) wall will have them as well.

Since these walls are 10' tall (to accommodate more headroom in the loft) we'll need to add what are called fire blocks or "cats". These are 2-by pieces that run horizontally between studs of a wall frame. They serve two purposes: one, they retard the rate at which a fire can spread through framing cavities and two, they stiffen the wall frame by preventing twisting in long studs.

One of our neighbors, Matt (who actually lives in Connecticut), gave us an old, used exterior door and a crank-out window. We'll clean both up and perhaps paint them and use them for the front door and one of the living rooms, respectively. Both are in the image below.


Looking southwest to Tucson...


...and northwest to Seattle


Christy and I had a fun-filled, busy week and weekend. Last week we met, Matt, the owner of the unoccupied house across the street. He currently lives in Connecticut and works as an electrician, carpenter, and industrial PV (solar) installer. His girlfriend, Teagan, who lives in NYC and works as a milliner, accompanied him. We all really hit it off. They had us over for dinner and we chatted about his history with the property and his and Teagan's future plans of moving here next year. These are the kind of neighbors I like - friendly, positive, progressive and fun.

Later in the week we went to a potluck party that they threw. Most in attendance were people that we were already friends with - how cool, eh? On Friday, the four of us went hiking here. I can't even begin to describe how amazing this place is. It's almost like we weren't in Virginia but rather out in Montana somewhere. Who knew this place, that's less than 30 minutes from home, even existed? Well, evidently Matt and Teagan did.

Green Travel Ranking

An interesting, if not enlightening, graph on the CO2 emission rating of various modes of transportation. It may be worth printing it out and keeping in our wallets/purse/man bag.


Click on graph for better viewing.

A Piece of Cake?

Not quite but we're happy with the results so far. We made some modifications to the posts before proceeding with the flooring. We decided to shorten the posts and set them in concrete in order to improve the overall integrity and ensure stability. So now there's an 8" concrete pad, anchor, 6" of concrete around the posts, and then the remainder of the space is tamped earth.

We then set Enviro-Safe treated double girders on the notched posts. That was followed by 2 x 8 floor joists set at 24" OC and topped off with Advantech 3/4" sheathing. Between the joists and sheathing we also added construction adhesive. Unfortunately I hadn't done any research on finding a low VOC alternative. I'll find something suitable for when we'll need caulk later. Before going on to the next step we'll add the header joists.

Girders on posts

Joists with bracing in centers

Sub-floor complete

Next up? Framing the walls. We'll do some calculations on what we need for wood and place an order today or tomorrow from our local lumber yard.

Things are looking pretty good from our perspective. We're really pleased with what we've done so far, especially given that we're novices at this. We're also having a lot of fun. I'm really enjoying working with the wood and building. Reminds me of when I was little playing with my Lincoln Logs. I can see why so many people do this for fun and as a career. It was cool sitting on the finished sub-floor last night while eating dinner. We started imagining where we'd place certain pieces of furniture or where the bathroom would be. What a trip.

How Boring!

This is what we have to wake up to - sunlight filtering through the trees during a quiet morning while we sip our coffee.

And then to top it off, we have to contend with butterflies using us as salt licks.

This is such a harsh way to live.

RickyFest 2009

In honor of my 50th birthday, friends and family joined Christy and me on our property this past weekend. Some formed a mini tent city while others sought more comfortable accommodations. I want to commend those who camped out and were willing to use our sawdust toilet. It's not always easy getting out of our comfort zones.

Tent City (sans Tom's tent)

It was a real treat to have my family spend the weekend and so many of our Floyd friends join in. The campers were - Adrian and Keith, Roney & Beatriz with their kids Parisa, Bianca and Micah, sister-in-law, Nancy and finally my friend Tom from Asheville. My mother and step-father, Ron stayed at our neighbor's stone barn inn while my in-laws, Jim and Linda stayed at the Hotel Floyd.

Queso!

The party itself was a potluck and so there was an abundance of food. The food that everyone brought was delicious. Pat and Dave brought a venison dish that was just incredible. Even my niece, Parisa, loved it. Keith made some really amazing lemon cupcakes in lieu of a birthday cake. Some of the guests brought me homemade jars of beans, salsa, sauerkraut, and honey as a birthday gift. You can tell we're in a rural area when many of the gifts are food that's been canned. Although certainly canning and urban living are not mutually exclusive. I'm sure plenty of people in suburbia and in the city can vegetables; however, it's just more prominent in rural regions.

"Ricky, why aren't you eating?"

I had a lot of fun and was very pleased with the turnout. The weather held out for the most part. There were some brief interludes of showers early on but they held off during most of the event. I'm lucky to have been able to celebrate twice with the people I love. We may just have to make this a yearly event. Perhaps next year Christy and I will perform some songs - Christy on the fiddle and me on guitar.

Eat up!

Follow the leader. Christy leading a tour.

Bein' a kid is the best!

Now I'm ready for another cupcake!