New Front Entry!

It has been a very busy week. Last week the new front door came in and we installed the new front entry. First we removed the old windows and door, and then we reframed the front wall to house our new door. Originally we were not expecting the new door until the 30th, but they called and told us it was ready for pick up the same day that we started the work!
Here are a few shots of the old wall coming down.


After pouring a new footing and installing a 4X12 header over the entire opening, we fit the door and the new front window into place. Then we framed the old doorway to hold the new window there.


I was alos able to pick up the new beams from the mill. the first time around, the strange January heat wave and change in humidity caused the hemlock to bow and twist, but this time they were assembled perfectly. We put up the new beams using lag bolts, and then covered the bolts with oak pegs. I sized the pegs as 1 inch to make it seem as though they were wood pegs used in the assembly. Here are the new beams in place.


The front porch remains covered in case of bad weather until we finish the first cement coat on the outside wall before the stucco. We also need to pick a stain color for the door and treat it before it is exposed. Here are a few peaks under the tarp. No shots yet from the front yard showing the whole new entry...

This week we have been finishing the plaster and drywall work inside. I added the drywall to the new front wall and built up the posts that support the beam. I also started sanding down the glued in wood pegs on the beams. (Note: The hardware on the door is temporary and was borrowed from the old front door.)

I also added a new vent hose in the laundry corner for the dryer. We had almost forgotten about the vent, but I was still able to route the vent under the house and the output will be mounted to the side wall after the stucco.

We also poured the cement in the bathroom shower and floor, and our tile was delivered, so we can start the tiling soon!


The last few days have been all about the final touches on the plaster. Tomorrow I am on a commercial (two to go after this one!) but Javier will be at the house doing the repairs to the subfloor by the main front window and installing the last two side windows which came in today! Then, after a little more sanding, the interior will be complete and ready for painting, and the wood floor guys start work on refinishing the floors on Monday!

-G