Thursday, July 29, 2010

Reconstruction, Days 1-2.75

We hired a contractor to muscle the work Byron and I couldn’t handle ourselves, and I think it’s going to be worth every penny. On Day 1, they shored up the house by making temporary walls in the hall, the parlor, and in the bedroom above the parlor. I’m not sure how they managed to haul these huge 6x6 timbers in and out of the house:


When the shoring walls were up, they took out the termite-eaten beam. I had visions of them using a reciprocating saw to slice it into nice chunks, but I think all that was necessary was a pair of work boots and a good bit of stomping. I’m still flabbergasted that THIS was holding up our house…or not:

On Day 2, the new beam was installed and we all breathed a sigh of relief. They also installed a new header to support the second floor joists, and lapped new studs with those that had become termite grub. The beams and headers are of pressure treated lumber, which should deter any new pests…though we plan on spraying for termites every year. We dislike pesticides and will research using something that won’t harm the environment, but unfortunately, termite control is a necessary evil when you own an older home.

Nope, the door isn’t what’s level; the new header under it is!

Now we’re in the midst of Day 3. So far they’ve installed new, pressure treated 2x10 joists in the parlor 12” on center, replaced part of a beam under a non-load bearing wall (I think that was just to make me happy), and installed a couple supporting joists in the hall.

We also have a new drain pipe sans nail holes!

And here is a peak of the new girder under the stairs:

Tomorrow they'll be replacing both the front and back doors as we wait for three new upstairs windows to arrive. Byron and I once installed a door ourselves and that will be the first and last time I ever help do that! The roofer is coming the second week in August, and then the rest is pretty much up to us.

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