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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: Windpower on September 14, 2012, 09:00:52 AM

Title: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 14, 2012, 09:00:52 AM
Last week we spent getting things ready for the remodel

We had some trees taken down by pros (because the power lines ran through them) and I knocked a couple down myself

here are some pics so far


Before


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0384.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0385.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6253.jpg)


after

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6259.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6260.jpg)


The (faint) red lines are the where the new foundation for the 3 car garage is going (supposed to start digging today) eventually to attach to the house in the background



(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6263.jpg)

The 'flat roof' section on the left right (duh) will be taken off and new construction will connect to the new garage
the existing steel roof will be removed also

We are adding 8 feet to the width of the original house between the new garage and the house.

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0389.jpg)


exciting times ahead....
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 14, 2012, 01:50:02 PM
This is the elevation of the 3 car garage

We plan to use the single garage door section for a shop -- so probably no door ( just headered off for a garage door later, maybe)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6265.jpg)

it will be in foreground of this photo

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6263.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: OzarkBrandon on September 15, 2012, 07:01:09 PM
What is the plan for the 2nd story above the garage?  3 car garage with doormers will probably leave a pretty good bit of space up there.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 16, 2012, 06:49:32 AM
The plans have a 2 bedroom efficiency apartment above the garage

We may build it that way and live there while the rest of the remodeling is done to the old house

the old house will look very much the same with a 12 / 12 pitch roof and dormers upstairs

it depends if we sell the current home  and need a place to stay for a while

I think the project will take about a year overall -- but hope to have it dried in with new roofs before the snow flies

I'll post drawings later when I complete some that look decent


Other wise we may just leave the upstairs garage as a bonus room
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Toyotaboy on September 16, 2012, 09:27:23 PM
Glad to see another Wisconsinite here! Good luck with your project.

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 20, 2012, 09:10:06 PM
Thanks  Toyota
Staying at the. Farm tnite
Chilly.  40s
The dig has started

Pic to follow

Sorry for. The. Typos.   I. Haagen this. Iphone
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 22, 2012, 09:58:57 AM
Sorry for the typos -- the Iphon does not work well up there I guess

Here are some pics from thursday

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6290_zpsb123ce39.jpg)

The old cellar entrance is gone

This area will be the new foundation for the new breakfast area off the kitchen

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6292_zps81f4382b.jpg)

here is the view east from the new breakfast table

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6286_zps42259d81.jpg)

view west from the new bfast table

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6293_zpsf5d9843a.jpg)


some early fall colors


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6296_zps8c54ca61.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6307_zps05b49578.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6300_zps674b0298.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6299_zps04d658bc.jpg)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 25, 2012, 10:20:10 PM


WOW

the concrete guys were amazing

excavate thursday --we went up sunday nite -- done !

Monday-  footings


tuesday foundation walls are poured !!

pics to follow

so far this is going perfect


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/CopyofIMG_6379.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/CopyofIMG_6364.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 26, 2012, 08:35:22 AM
Yes it is amazing when you have a trade professional do things that would otherwise take a lay person weeks to complete.  Maybe money is the motivation.   ;)  Somethings are better left to the professionals to save time.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 26, 2012, 09:21:21 AM
When they were pouring the walls the three guys were working flat out non stop for an hour and 40 minutes

There is no way I could have done this myself even if I was 30 years younger

It went like clockwork

first cement truck was scheduled for 1:00 and he was driving in at 1:00

just as the first truck was empty the second drove in  and they finished the pour



worth every penny !

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 26, 2012, 07:08:44 PM


   Meyers Concrete     The best !

Thanks to Mike, Dennis, and Brian

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6403.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6414.jpg)

done !

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6418.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: kenhill on September 26, 2012, 07:48:58 PM
Looks like really nice soil....
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 26, 2012, 09:44:44 PM


soil..

never covered by glaciers, south west Wisconsin (driftless region)

heavy  red clay about 4 feet down

top soil, rich black prairie -  Glacial till according to USGS


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2012, 12:07:13 PM

This is a better perspective for the Garage elevation

This will be in the fore-ground

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6265.jpg)


of this pic

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/CopyofCopyofIMG_6392.jpg)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2012, 12:14:44 PM

View from the top of the dirt pile of the front of the house with foundation poured



(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6417.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on September 27, 2012, 01:53:05 PM
Wondering how you are going to make that transition from the old to the new with the roof line. ???
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2012, 03:06:38 PM
Good question Red

the old house roof will be removed and a new 12/12 pitch roof with dormers like the garage will be built.

the ridge lines will be at right angles and meet at about the center of the new garage roof

we added 8 feet between the old house and the new garage

The old house is basically 34 feet square -- so now it will be 34 X 42

here, hot off the drawing board, is the first floor lay out

There may be a few tweeks yet, but basically we're pretty happy with this


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6428.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: speedfunk on September 27, 2012, 07:45:33 PM
Your going to remove that nice old standing seam roof huh? Seems a shame... Does it leak?
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2012, 08:00:21 PM
It leaks a bit in some places

but basically it needs to be replaced to make way for the new upstairs

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 03, 2012, 04:08:47 PM
The foundation walls with the forms removed


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6434.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6437.jpg)


this window area in the center will be framed in and is the future home of the woodstove

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6430.jpg)


Here is an interesting picture of the foundation that will be under the breakfast area

Just below the window on the left is where I  fell last night twisting my right knee

today the knee is trying to resemble a soft ball -- orthopedic doc visit Friday

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6465.jpg)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 03, 2012, 05:38:18 PM
Quote from: Windpower on October 03, 2012, 04:08:47 PM
.... I  fell last night twisting my right knee

today the knee is trying to resemble a soft ball -- orthopedic doc visit Friday

Sorry to hear about the knee; a poorly designed joint, but we are stuck with it.  Hope they can advise on some exercise and some "do not do this" sort of thing rather than say they need to go in there with a knife.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 03, 2012, 05:53:43 PM


same page there, Don

it's a dirt bike legacy....
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: UK4X4 on October 03, 2012, 06:25:39 PM
nice project !

the knee issues yep got two of them ! just had a week in the house with the mellon knee.

I had it checked last time xray - mri the works

yep you have a busted tendon and the others are torn- but we'll wait for the ACL to break and do both at the same time !

So now I'm just waiting for my lower leg to fall off - so that they can bolt me together again !
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 04, 2012, 03:21:10 PM

Sorry to hear the problems UK

I hope to avoid surgery if possible

this is the third time I have twisted the knee backwards -- I know it will take at least a year to get back to 'normal'


bad timing

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 06, 2012, 02:19:07 PM
So just sitting here waiting for the knee to get better (MRI Monday)

I just did some ebay shopping for 3/0 copper wire.

Gulp, copper is expensive these days !   I bought 500 feet of 3/0 THWN   It should work for the solar panel/charge controller to battery  run

It seemed like a pretty good buy --- not cheap, but free shipping 

Anyway in the below picture to the left is a small building with a red door (old Pump House) -- this will be the new battery house. The solar panels will be behind the gray (40' X 80') pole barn visible behind the battery house.

I think the wire run will be something under 90 feet so I should be OK with the 150 Amps @ 48 VDC from the panels according my calcs (maybe Don could confirm that) But I will have to put the charge controllers  out by the 4 strings of panels in a protected building of some kind -- maybe a corner of the pole barn.

worst case I'll double up the wire with 2 strands of 3/0 per + and -

I can also use the wire in the gray conduit, another 90 feet of 2/0 that used to feed the wind generator batteries  (it is that thin gray curved line in front of the Battery (old pump) house



(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6291_zps9860c086.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 06, 2012, 11:40:54 PM
My EDR program gives me the following:
For 48 VDC, 150 amps, 3/0 copper wire, 90 foot one way distance = voltage drop of 4.31%.
Less than the 5% the power company uses as a cut off but more than the 3% that is regarded by many as best for alternative power systems.

Other data:
90 feet wire, one way distance, 48 VDC, 125 amps = 3.59% voltage drop
90 feet wire, one way distance, 48 VDC, 100 amps = 2.87% voltage drop

90 feet wire, one way distance, 48 VDC. 105 amps = 3% voltage drop.

But the wire won't be transmitting 150 amps all the time. Anytime there is less than 100 amps you would be under 3%.

That said, I have a question...   

Why place the charge controllers out by the modules? If you ran higher voltage through the wires and had the charge controllers by the batteries it would seem that would lower the percentage voltage drop. Of course the maximum cold weather voltage would have to be within (less than) the maximum voltage rating of the controllers.

In any event the Vmp of the modules should be at least 60 VDC in order to take advantage of MPPT... the controllers will be MPPT won't they? So, if the module voltage is 60 - 72 VDC that will lower the voltage drop too.

Good luck with the MRI!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 04:49:31 AM

Thanks for the input Don

According to the Xantrex string sizing tool each of the 4 strings of panels would need their own contoller (Xantrex MPPT 60 - 150  60 amp maximum at 150 V max). I thought the output from each of the contollers (7500 total panel watts / 50 V = max 150 Amp on a cold sunny day) would then be bussed together to feed the batteries through the 3/0 wire run to minimize wire cost and simplify the set up

The alternate would be four runs of wire (one from each string of panels to the contollers near the batteries ) -- this would be another major wire purchase that I was trying to avoid --- although I could reduce the wire size for the approximate 40 A for each string it was still more money for wire (4 runs of #2 would do it)

ebay for 750 feet of 2 conductor 2 gauge ( albeit more than I need )


http://www.ebay.com/itm/750-2-2-Gauge-AWG-Type-W-Round-Portable-Cord-Super-Cable-Wire-Flexible-RHH-RHW-/150859407345?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231febdff1

$3765  ouch !

about twice the 3/0 wire

I am starting to think there is no one best answer to what should be a simple problem but that rapidly gets to be rather complex

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 07, 2012, 09:53:08 AM
Quote from: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 04:49:31 AM
I am starting to think there is no one best answer to what should be a simple problem but that rapidly gets to be rather complex

Right on that   Many ways to skin the proverbial cat! No matter what or how lots of power requires lots of wire and as the distances grow it is more complex.

Not to make the problems more complex, but did you look at Midnight Solar's charge controllers? They have models that go as high as 250 volts.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 11:06:22 AM

I think I will try to  stay with Xantrex so the parts can talk to each other over their Xanbus network

Xantrex just came out with a 600 volt model but at 80 Amps and $1000 makes it hard to justify verses the $400 XW60 - 150

Although the latest Evergreen panels I got  from Sunelec are rated to 1000 VDC system voltage (my first 12 panels are 160 V max IIRC), I have some concerns about safety at 600 VDC (600 VDC can be quite lethal)  -- I would have to fence and/or lock up things very securely from tiny curious 6 year old fingers since the first stage will be ground level mounts as opposed to out of reach  roof or pole mounts

Hard to plan for the future when the products are a fairly fast moving target, I guess

maybe for the next setup in 10 or 15 years 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: ColchesterCabin on October 07, 2012, 11:52:44 AM
Ok, I was just catching up on this tread and I want to pass along a little bit of irony.

Windpower talking about solar panel instalations...

Just saying that was too easy not to pass up. Besides that the foundation looks great!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 07, 2012, 01:42:49 PM
It does make sense in many ways to stick to the same brand of equipment within a system.  :)

Re DC voltages. While I doubt anyone will argue that high voltages like 440 and 600 can easily be lethal not everyone may realize that 48 volts is also getting into the lethal range. OHSA, NFPA and other organizations consider 50 volts as the threshold where certain safety regulations take effect. And as you know when talking about a 48 volt DC system, the voltages are frequently going to be higher. So the 48 volt system should be treated with the same rules and respect as those very high numbers.  Lockable enclosures will be your friend for life. 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 02:05:47 PM
Good one, Colchester

The wind turbines are late next year or spring '14 hopefully.

I am working on a time frame for getting the 'bones' down first

depending on when I retire so I can work full time on this (speaking of irony  ;D

it looks like this is a 2 year project into phase one (House done, garden started, solar operational, tear down old garage (the shed roofed gray building behind the back hoe in the last posted pic) and get the shops functional -- not necessarily in that order. Oh, and somewhere in there we have to sell/rent our house and move.....

I think the shops are a top priority after the house is done and then the solar. I may work on the shops during the garage/house construction. There is one off the side of the barn (needs work) and the new one in the new garage when it gets done (hopefully before the snow flies this year. Eventually it would be nice to build a 40 X 40 'dream shop' in half of the pole building with concrete floor and heat (it would be so good to have a warm shop next winter)  There is a functional (I think) wood stove in the basement that was used to heat the house by the last tenant -- should work for the 40 X 40 shop I think

more later ......

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 02:25:19 PM

Good points, Don

I work on lab instruments -- most are 220 in from the mains (as the UK reps call them)

inside voltages run up to about 10 to 20 KV for certain circuits

one instrument has a 550 VDC power supply and although well protected, we sometimes have to read it with a  meter when troubleshooting, as the EE that designed it said in training

"Well you have to be careful, it will knock you on your ass"

Another precaution around batteries is to insulate wrenches that are long enough to span pos to neg leaving only the working end bare metal and also not wear any jewelry or rings

I have not worn a ring working on instruments for 25 years and rarely a watch
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: UK4X4 on October 07, 2012, 05:27:33 PM
I'm an instrument engineer

The only things i've ever worked on at 10-20kv although battery supplied equipment were gieger counters !

I did my aprenticeship at an atomic research center in the UK - the site is now mostly moth balled and rented to tech companies

we had over 50 active reactors when i was there- from submarine fuel cells to full reactors supplying the grid

and the favorite machine----the worlds biggest air gun !

used to test reactor wall structures- and various others things during lunch !
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 07, 2012, 08:10:12 PM


Sounds like a fun toy, UK

I shorted  5 KV once due to a bad ground --- quite a wake up -- fortunately low current -- uA


not interested in 600 VDC from panels for me or other visitors -- you only have to forget once



Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 14, 2012, 03:39:02 PM

Finally finished the front elevation -- lots of time here lately waiting for the knee to work better

MRI showed a torn ACL hopefully the PT will get me operational without surgery

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6476.jpg)


A picture of the house before.  The window in the center of this pic is the window drawn to the left of the  front door in the front elevation, the front door is about where the window on the right is now 

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0389.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Sassy on October 16, 2012, 01:08:00 PM
Your place is going to look really great, Windpower! 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 16, 2012, 02:09:41 PM

Thank you very much, Sassy

We are going up tomorrow to meet with the carpenters on the materials list and spec out the doors and garage door

weather permitting the floor for the garage will get poured

It is now a race with the weather but the carpenter says he should have the garage framed and dried-in in a week or so after they start about Nov 1

Apparently they are known for rapid builds -- he has one house to frame in before ours and 'well somewhere in the next few weeks we have a pole barn to put up too but that is only 2 or 3 days'

November is an unpredictable month up there --- It could be very nice in the 50's, I remember one deer season (thanksgiving week) that was so warm we had to ice the deer after field dressing them or one year it snowed 4 inches in the second week and stayed till April -- *fingers crossed*

on a side note we got delivery of the 3/0 wire for the panels -- all 300 pounds of it --- fortunately I had a heavy duty 4 wheel dolly my wife used to push it down the driveway while I hobbled along behind


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6481.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Sassy on October 16, 2012, 07:24:21 PM
Meant to mention your knee - hopefully you'll get by without surgery - I've had a tear in my right knee for a couple years - caught my foot on some strapping tape that had been buried up by the shop & fell onto a pile of plywood - hit my knee pretty hard  >:(  My next surgery will be getting my right hip replaced - I've put it off as long as I can...  not looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 16, 2012, 07:39:06 PM
Hang in there, Sassy

it is amazing how your life can change in split seconds

*hug*

wife and I are going up there tomorrow -- there is so much to do yet



Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 21, 2012, 04:28:32 PM


Update

we didn't go up last week because the weather was rainy and they didn't plan to pour

So I just checked the weather for next week and -- rain rain rain.

Wunderground weather predicts rain for the next 10 days with some snow in there too   

So I was getting concerned because the there are 2 support pads needed for the second floor supports in the floor -- no floor -- no garage

I called the concrete guy today asking him what the plan was

To my relief he said -- "We poured it yesterday"  (Saturday) He even cut off the old cellar door and refitted it (I was going to do that )

Then he said he was going out to score it today (Sunday) 

I feel that we really picked an extraordinary contractor

What a relief !




What a relief !!


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 21, 2012, 04:49:28 PM
Yes it sounds like you got an exception to most that are in buisness.   :)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 22, 2012, 06:51:40 AM


We are very pleased, Red

We picked him from Angie's list -- I think he has earned some very good ratings from us

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 29, 2012, 05:24:45 PM
The floor looks great -- Meyers did a great job -- very smooth

Nice !


Notice all the leaves are down now -- the next race is to get the garage dried in before the snow which could come any time

Windows should be there next week ...


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6490.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6482.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 03, 2012, 09:41:16 AM

Got the shipment of twenty  235 watt solar panels from Sun Electric

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6495.jpg)

unfortunately one was damaged --- called sunelec and they said they would take care of it

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6502.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 14, 2012, 11:43:10 AM
Went up Sunday to get generator power to the house so we can run the well pump

Heavy rain and 60 degrees turned the place into a mud pit -- made getting anything done more difficult

Monday morning 21 degrees and windy  --  10 degree wind chill -- but at least the ground was frozen making walking easier,  oh and snow too

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6506.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6505.jpg)

but by early afternoon -- power to the people  house

The reliable (so far *fingers crossed*)  China diesel lives and is very quiet --(not "Silent" as claimed in the bottom right corner blue decal) just a low barely audible hum inside the house. The well pump powers up just fine from it, too

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6509.jpg)


and is hooked into the house

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6507.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 19, 2012, 01:52:05 PM

Went up for deer season friday and there was a stack of material waiting

28 TJI's and 3   38 foot long beams

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6513.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6516.jpg)




10 minutes after season open my nephew bagged one of the local bucks

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6511.jpg)


me --- still have my tag   





Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 26, 2012, 11:54:05 AM


We went up over the weekend --- I still have my deer tags  :-[

The concrete is poured in the crawl space and the trusses are to be delivered Wednesday

The carpenters are starting tomorrow.

exciting times .....

I'll post pics later this week
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 29, 2012, 08:45:25 AM

Drove up and back yesterday -- quite nice day for late November 43 degrees and sunny

A deer stopped by to check it out here's a print next to my size 10 boot

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6522.jpg)

a pic of our 'front steps' for the week end with power hook up -- crude but functional

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6521.jpg)

here's what they have done in the last two days

no more 'front steps'

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6526.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6531.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6525.jpg)

This will be the door to the house from the garage

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6528.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6524.jpg)

They got the garage door wall up before they left for the day

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6532.jpg)

next we have to get the tub for the apartment upstairs before they frame in the stairs -- glad the carpenter reminded me

trusses for the roof should get there today
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 02, 2012, 11:40:23 AM
More progress on the garage

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6542.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6533_1.jpg)

Stairs are in

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6538.jpg)

Looking out the south west window (the one over the single garage door)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6536.jpg)

Gray day at Bricolage Farm


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6537_1.jpg)

The trusses arrived Friday but they decided not put them up due high winds forecast for the weekend

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6543.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6541.jpg)

hopefully the weather will cooperate tomorrow and they can set the trusses

With the cold coming in rapidly we/they decided not to shingle the roof since it won't get hot enough to seal them down and we run the risk of them blowing off (we are on a windy ridge top and Mike said it wasn't much fun replacing shingles on an icy 12/12 roof ) instead we are going to put down ice and water shield until next spring.

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 02, 2012, 11:52:51 AM
Hopefully you can get it dried in before the serious weather arrives.  Seems that our colder weather arrived sooner this year than usual.  But that is always the way when you have things to get done that are weather dependent.   ;D
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 02, 2012, 01:16:21 PM

The weather is starting to change .... 

Today here in N IL it is a beautiful    60 degrees and sun

According to weaher underground we should see a couple of days like this in WI over the next week or so

*fingers crossed*
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 07, 2012, 10:53:18 AM

Trusses going up

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6552.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6548.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6551.jpg)


45 Foot long  TJI's to deck the second floor were delivered -- they will go from the garage to the other end of the original house

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6553.jpg)

This 'orange monster' really speeds up the job -- the double trusses for the second floor door to the house were extremely heavy but the machine made quick work of it

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6555.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6589.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6587.jpg)

More pics later

they are trying to get the deck done and the ice and water seal down before the bad weather predicted for next week hits.......

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 07, 2012, 11:15:07 AM


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6595.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6596.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6598.jpg)

The flatness of the truss/OSB roof is remarkable

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6590.jpg)


Almost sealed in
(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6606.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 07, 2012, 12:05:36 PM
Looking good.  I would imagine depending on the weather whether you breach the old structure this year to tie the two together.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 07, 2012, 01:51:10 PM
Long range weather from weather underground (which has a pretty good record so far) says next week is wintery/ snowy thene the following week back to the 40's

Mike says he can get the old farmhouse roof off and the second story decked then  covered with plastic and tarps for the winter.

*fingers crossed* 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 10, 2012, 08:03:10 AM
We went up saturday to check things out

It is supposed to hit ten degrees tonight so we wanted to get the canned stuff into the basement where it won't freeze

got a good fire going saturday night then went to a motel

here is the latest progress -- Dried in, windows set 

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6627-1.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6626.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6622.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6612-1.jpg)


REC ran the new underground electric service (the black loop in this pic)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6614-1.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6612-1.jpg)

Then Sunday morning 3 inches of wet slippery snow --- we were not able to make it up the hill -- the plow truck didn't either

so we went home -- hoping for the best -- at least we have the structure ready fo winter -- made it with one day to spare

On the way home we saw this pair of bald eagles waiting for the storm to stop

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6633.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 18, 2012, 04:56:36 PM
Well that was frustrating and a waste of gas and time

Weather report said 30 percent chance of light snow --- wrong, we had near white out in places and black ice on the main highway two cars off the road and one poor soul with a
jack-knifed 40 foot disk trying to go up a hill

Was to meet up with the insulation removal contractor

could not make it up the hill -- the plow truck had not gone through yet and it was very slick -- I would not have tried it with 4WD -- there is a 60 foot drop of on one side of the road

I  called and we resheduled the inspection to next year

Oh well .......
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 20, 2012, 08:44:06 AM
Went up and back today  (340 miles)

Moved all the perishables into the basement -- lowest temp in the basement so far 43 degrees

everything is battened down ----- good thing too, storm coming --- 15 inches of white and 40 MPH wind

8 degree tomorrow     - 20 degree wind chill

it is almost like winter  :)










Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Sassy on December 21, 2012, 03:01:44 PM
Great progress in spite of the weather - that's gonna look really nice - lots of extra room, for sure!

Love the pic of the bald eagles!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on December 21, 2012, 04:02:01 PM

Thanks Sassy

The eagles looked almost cartoonish sitting there -- we were really glad the camera was in the car....

Last night they got 14 inches of snow and 45 mph winds, tonight they are predicting 1 degree

we didn't get it dried in a moment too soon
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on January 04, 2013, 09:24:52 PM

Went up to meet with the insulation removal contractor

A little snow ~ 12"  - plus drifts the snow shoes came in handy

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6715.jpg)

I have to admit it was a pretty day, if a bit cold

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6719.jpg)

Did some snow plowing with the tractor


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6724.jpg)

Met with the contractor and drove home --- they will get a quote to me


oh and check out this hornets nest in the attic over 2 feet wide

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6722.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Tickhill on January 05, 2013, 08:36:07 AM
WOW, hadn't seen knob-n-tube service in years. Enjoying the updates.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 05, 2013, 11:05:11 AM
Windpower looks like you timed that about right (winter or early spring) .  Those hornets would have been nasty to deal with in the summer. ;D 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on January 05, 2013, 02:16:43 PM


Yeah, the knob and tube is a bit scary

I am not sure if it is powered or not but it is definitely going away

I saw the hornets going into the facia over the summer and used probably 5 cans of bug and wasp killer on the entrance -- it did not seem to slow them down.

From what I have read the nests die off over winter --- still not sure if I want to try dragging it out myself or not.....
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on January 05, 2013, 02:55:32 PM
Quote from: Windpower on January 05, 2013, 02:16:43 PM

I saw the hornets going into the facia over the summer and used probably 5 cans of bug and wasp killer on the entrance -- it did not seem to slow them down.

From what I have read the nests die off over winter --- still not sure if I want to try dragging it out myself or not.....

I would say that you would be OK.  Even if they are alive I am sure they would be a little sluggish and you can out run them.   ;)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on January 06, 2013, 06:12:28 PM

Not sure if I could out run them or not these days ...... ;D
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 09, 2013, 04:33:15 PM
Finally got the weather and insulation contractors together

It was muddy but not so cold

overall took about 6 hours to get it all vacuumed out and bagged

they did a very good job and did not make a mess

They ran the hose out a window. (yeah it really was that foggy)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6730_1_zps8715ab50.jpg)

The vacuum truck and trailer

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6729_1_zps0eb8219c.jpg)



Off topic -- it seems there was a post about grain bin houses some where here

this is a few miles from the farm -- even has a grain bin garage

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6726_zps5ded3d59.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on May 20, 2013, 02:55:30 PM
Finally May 6 there is a stretch of predicted 3 days in a row of sun-- so off comes the roof

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/019_zps19372bc7.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/019_zps19372bc7.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/017_zps66b03414.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/017_zps66b03414.jpg.html)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/042_zps75785104.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/042_zps75785104.jpg.html)

and the 'flat roof' old kitchen area on the right in the above pic

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/057_zps468e6a07.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/057_zps468e6a07.jpg.html)

this is what we had left

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/026_zps94f43431.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/026_zps94f43431.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on May 20, 2013, 03:15:49 PM

after talking it through we decided there was only going to be 45 feet of out side walls left -- a mix of 2x4 oak studs that were rock hard and none of the window areas matched up --- and none of them were any too straight either

took all the walls down and put up new 2x6 walls that could be insulated and made straight. Overall it ended costing about another $1000 in materials and saved at least 2 days of reframing the old walls

And we now have nice straight well insulated walls for those cold WI winters

True to their word the walls were up in a day

viola !!

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/059_zps9219dc66.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/059_zps9219dc66.jpg.html)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/067_zps04095789.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/067_zps04095789.jpg.html)

the next day they had the second floor decked -- this is the cutout for the stairs up

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/111_zpse157422c.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/111_zpse157422c.jpg.html)

and the rains came again -- note the tarp ---- we pulled about 300 square feet of maple hardwood flooring (much milled from trees on the farm I understand)  to be reused later (my back may never be the same)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/113_zps80e89e84.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/113_zps80e89e84.jpg.html)

and since it was wet and rainy we lit the debris pile

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/095_zps7ae1677c.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/095_zps7ae1677c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: PorkChopsMmm on May 22, 2013, 02:46:34 PM
Do you plan to backfeed the grid or are you going to go offgrid? I ask because I see the power pull and the run from the power co.

We are offgrid but if running power wasn't so expensive I would have a feed just to charge my battery bank on dark days instead of relying on a generator.

Great build -- thank you for documenting!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on May 22, 2013, 08:06:55 PM

Thanks PCM

initially we are going on grid

BUT

when we get the 7.5 KiloWatt solar panels running the grid is going away

I think we should be self sufficient -- at least that is the plan
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on May 24, 2013, 12:03:50 PM
Lilacs are out

View from the future master bath south

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/005_zps0190d0a3.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/005_zps0190d0a3.jpg.html)

waiting for windows and roof trusses

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/001_zps9b7f4cb5.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/001_zps9b7f4cb5.jpg.html)

view from future master BR window looking east


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/004_zps93534fed.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/004_zps93534fed.jpg.html)


view from north bedroom dormer window

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/006_zps28c28b6c.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/006_zps28c28b6c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 24, 2013, 03:16:46 PM
Probably a wise decision on the old part.  I am sure that you now have it framed more to your liking than what was there.  So basicly you now have a completely new house.  That in itself is worth the extra money knowing that there will not be any problems mating up to the old and the new lay out.  Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on May 24, 2013, 04:23:21 PM
Thanks, Red

the old waqll would have been near impossible to insulate well

that and the sill plate were off level by almost 4 inches from one room to the next in places

the carpenters estimated that the extra materials were going to offset almost completely by saved labor (I am doing this time plus material)

It is great working with these guys --- the actual tear down was done in less than a day total --- their SkyTrax machine is amazing too

trusses should be there  late next week or early the following -- then they will probably rent a crane -- they are going to be some big trusses (they came in at about 7 K total but will save at least a week of labor according to Mike -- a good deal
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 04, 2013, 06:27:45 AM
A quick visit Sunday showed real progress.

The trusses and windows are on site and the second floor framing has begun

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/054_zps489fac2e.jpg)


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/051_zpsb37ba541.jpg)

Looking down the upstairs hallway from the garage

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/055_zpse4ff0558.jpg)


They found and fixed an error in my plans that added 20 inches to the width of the 'sewing room'

nice to have carpenters that think things through -- he did call me after he corrected the error to ask if I wanted the window moved over -- yes, thank you

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/056_zps9d941079.jpg)

Master bath framed in -- this is the window in the tub alcove

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/057_zps3f6a407e.jpg)


east wall -- the peak will be about 4 feet higher than he garage peak seen way in the back of this pic
the headered off section in the center first floor will be the bump out for the wood stove

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/052_zpsb09c7ade.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 04, 2013, 06:38:10 AM
I almost forgot

we found a few morels

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/003_zps2800a0a7.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 04, 2013, 10:05:05 AM
Think you need to overnight them to me so I can test them for toxicity. ;D  Nice progress on the house.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 04, 2013, 10:27:35 AM

You are invited up  next year for testing, Red -- and the accommodation should be better too

we're having asparagus soup with morels tonight 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 06, 2013, 07:53:05 AM
Progress even in the Wisconsin monsoon season (it has been a record month for rain in WI)

trusses are up -- second floor mostly framed in before the rains hit

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/003_zps9e3b3062.jpg)[/URL]

front elevation

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/023_zpsf465fb19.jpg)[/URL]

bedroom windows

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/016_zpsffaa10d0.jpg)[/URL]

bedroom/bath


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/008_zps0f31af81.jpg)[/URL]

east gable end


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/001_zpsa36e6fab.jpg)[/URL]


hopefully the rains will stop soon and they can get the roof on 






Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 09, 2013, 07:16:19 AM







it rained most of last week so the tire ruts from the sky trak are almost 2 feet deep in places
(We are going to landscape all this anyway so no big deal)

but we are dried in -- not a moment too soon, more rain for the next 3 days

ruts in the back yard


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/014_zps9a735191.jpg)

front elevation

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/009_zpsa43167d0.jpg)

back

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/005_zpsc4207ea8.jpg)


The house peak is a few feet taller than the garage but they framed it nicely matching the pitch of the garage roof


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/007_zps95f546d4.jpg)

our morning east view from MB

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/013_zps62f00491.jpg)


(this hotel internet is a pita --- I'll post more pics later

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 13, 2013, 09:02:39 AM
quick visit yesterday

almost shingled

talked to mike this morning -- they got 3 1/2 inches of rain last night --- they are working inside today

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/032_zpsc1802828.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/040_zpsf1d0531b.jpg)

this is the bump out for the woodstove

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/035_zpsbccf8606.jpg)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/039_zps126145b0.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on June 13, 2013, 09:08:47 AM
You might consider a couple of things concerning your stove location.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to wire a recepticle someplace close.  In the future (or now) you may have a blower on the/a stove.  If at some point you get too old to cut firewood ( I am almost there)   ;)   you may upgrade to a gas unit in place of the woodn burner.  Be nice to have a nippled pipe close for that purpose.  On my cabin I burn the wood fireplace now but plumbed it with a gas line "just in case".   Just a couple of thoughts. 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on June 17, 2013, 11:16:18 AM

Thanks Red I'll take that under advisement.

Interior framing and shingling is 98% done -- probably finish 'stage one' today

Then the 'fun' starts with the mechanicals .....

pics later
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on August 07, 2013, 07:36:08 PM


Soooo a lot a has happened in the last few weeks

I just saw June 17 for the last post    WHOAAA

here's the cliff notes version....

We sold our house in CL

We moved out into storage and a camper

The county decided to stop construction on the house because --why --- "just because" Really it is because they need the money --- just keep writing checks.....

We now have  a permit

We now have started construction again

did I mention we are living in a 25' borrowed camper.....

did I mention the flash flood 6/26 --the day before the appraisal for the home sale .....it worked out


Dump truck number 11 just left its load for the septic tank fill (it is 7:15 PM and I just had my "solar shower" since we have no running water

some pics:

the new septic field

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/009_zps489d2b83.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/009_zps489d2b83.jpg.html)

Front elevation  (the colors look way better than this --(thanks to my dear  wife)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/011_zpsde00ca57.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/011_zpsde00ca57.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on August 10, 2013, 07:26:14 AM

This was a very busy week

We now have an approved septic system

The inspector approved the garage for power

the power company connected the power and we now have the well pump operational (without the generator)

Running water is nice !

the next two weeks we hope to have the plumbing and Heating and AC mostly in

the same contractor that put in the  POWTS  (that's Wisconsin for Privately Owned Water Treatment System) is doing the plumbing and HVAC

They did a good job so far and even dug out the stump from the spruce tree I had to cut down last fall

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_6259.jpg)

The only problem the inspector saw for the rough-in was that the front bedroom upstairs was deficient in window area (this is the one with the dormer) The area was fine for ventilation but deficient in light  ::) --there is no place to put another window

there are 4 remedies we discussed:  a skylight (NOT going to happen), remove the closet (thus making it a "non bedroom"), put in a transome opening from the master BR to the front BR (conveniently located over the master bed) or leave the doorways open to the front bedroom and the master bedroom thus allowing more light to enter the front bedroom  from the master BR  ::)

I think we'll leave the doors off  ;)

Things may slow down in September as the carpenters will be elk hunting in Colorado

I asked them if they wouldn't rather be hanging drywall -- they said 'no'

I said "then at least bring me back some elk meat"

So I guess this will be home sweet home for another couple months (at least there is plenty of light and window area  for our 55 sq ft bedroom)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/001_zpsb04d93f2.jpg)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on August 21, 2013, 01:03:32 PM

Plumbing and H/AC starts tomorrow -- not a moment too soon --the same sub is doing both so hopefully they will play well with each other. we are trying to get the downstairs bath functional so we can have real showers and the luxury of  a flushing toilet

A couple weeks ago I woke up about 5 AM to thundershowers that lasted to about 7

when I went out to the pole barn I looked down to see a partial track about 3 1/2 inches around

there have been sightings of cougars in the area (about 80 mile west of Madison)  and an 80 pound wolf killed about 12 miles from here last week (farmer had lost several calves this spring and obtained a permit from the DNR)

So I took several pics up close in the mud

According to what I have seen on the internet the tracks have all the characteristics of a mature cougar

more round than a dog track, the hind leg pads show a definite longer inside toe, the tracks were falling atop each other as well

So with the 45 pound grand son visiting here we took appropriate 3 1/2 inch 12 GA buckshot precautions and put out a game cam

nothing on the game cam yet (except deer of course)---last year we saw lots of tracks inside the pole barn (it looked like it was squeezing under a sliding door that has about 15" of open space under it -perhaps the unoccupied pole barn gave it a nice dry den -- no one has lived here for about 20 years -- just occasional week- ends

anyway here are the pics:

that is a 6 inch Hanson square for reference

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/007_zps034353c8.jpg)[/URL][/img]

Here is the length of stride referenced to a 4 foot level

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/004_zps3ed0e596.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/004_zps3ed0e596.jpg.html)

this is not too easy to see in th epic but it is one print on top of another

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/006_zps44c064bc.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/006_zps44c064bc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: PorkChopsMmm on August 26, 2013, 12:54:45 PM
Wonderful progress. That looks like one big cat!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on August 27, 2013, 07:50:16 AM

Lots of folks have seen cougars around here -- officially the DNR says there aren't any

still waiting to get him (or her) on the game cam...........
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: PorkChopsMmm on August 27, 2013, 08:40:18 AM
I can see why the DNR does not recognize them -- if they do they have to put policies and procedures in place for dealing with them. If the population is small then it could create a waterfall affect of regulations/laws for a small population of animals.

Do you all have a specific timeframe for moving in? Also, do you have your offgrid plans solidified yet? Your house and land look great.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on August 28, 2013, 07:57:20 AM
We still hope to have our occupancy sign off by end of Sept -- we may not have everything done though


solar is on hold 'til spring I think -- it is a very big project and we have to have a decent roof over our heads first

right now we are 24-7 getting the house done

we do take time to enjoy the evenings -- the stars are very bright and it cools off nicely
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2013, 01:35:33 PM

September update  (almost exactly one year from breaking ground last Sept)

Drywall is nearly complete upstairs

plumbing nearly done

paint, flooring, cabinets and trim left

We may start the paint upstairs  this weekend

I have lots of pictures that I'll post later today if I get time
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: PorkChopsMmm on September 27, 2013, 01:38:35 PM
Did you get your occupancy permit?
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 27, 2013, 01:42:55 PM

No occupancy permit yet

we need the wiring and pumbing complete (at least a working sink toilet and shower --I think heat maybe too  :-\

another 3 weeks I think
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on September 27, 2013, 03:30:06 PM
Quote from: Windpower on September 27, 2013, 01:42:55 PM
--I think heat maybe too  :-\

another 3 weeks I think

Here the place has to be ready to occupy; completed in all respects. I have seen small exceptions made for something like the floor tile. The homeowner was wanting to tile the entire house and had a delay. The city gave him the certificate without the floor being finished. It was a concrete slab.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on September 29, 2013, 07:49:52 AM

Here it depends on the inspector

I am not sure how to take this guy yet ---- I think he will cut some slack but then he was psycho about window room light in one bedroom  ???

anyway we continue to soldier on

off to home depot and lumber liquidators this morning
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on September 29, 2013, 08:40:10 AM
Quote from: Windpower on September 27, 2013, 01:42:55 PM
No occupancy permit yet

we need the wiring and pumbing complete (at least a working sink toilet and shower --I think heat maybe too  :-\

another 3 weeks I think

Pretty much the same here.  Working sink, toilet and shower.  BTW it has to be a shower.  It can be a bath tub shower combo of course but it has to have a working shower.  Our new neighbor three miles away just found that out.  I think up here you can be ten fifteen miles away and still be a neighbor up here.  ;)  Electrical has to have J boxes covered or plated as well as outlets and switches.

We are planing to make a real run for that as well.  We really do no want to have to skirt and fight the snow in the fifthwheel and in the new construction as well.  Would like to be in there for the winter doing the finish work and the this and that.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 01, 2013, 09:25:34 AM
Finally got some pics (and a wee bit of time to post them)

first some pics of grandson hanging out -- a 6 yo doing what 6 yo's do

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/018_zpsdba5ced1.jpg)[/URL][/img]

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/030_zpsbbf953e2.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/030_zpsbbf953e2.jpg.html)

visited a cave

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/021_zpsb2ae8af0.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/021_zpsb2ae8af0.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/069_zps9b4f0f02.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/069_zps9b4f0f02.jpg.html)

drywall going in Note semi-circle window in garage, too)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/046_zps5a570d2c.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/046_zps5a570d2c.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/036_zps028c564a.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/036_zps028c564a.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/045_zpse2149fca.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/045_zpse2149fca.jpg.html)

master BR -- sure looks different with drywall

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/058_zpsbf1ed224.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/058_zpsbf1ed224.jpg.html)

light deficient BR closet

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/065_zps0d2cfbc1.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/065_zps0d2cfbc1.jpg.html)



more later, have to go to work










Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Patrick on October 01, 2013, 08:04:24 PM
So is your lack of windows an egress situation or is the inspector telling you how your house has to look aesthetically?
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 02, 2013, 07:20:33 AM
No problem with egress no problem with ventilation (it has a 4' X 3' ) casement window

it is strictly a 'sunlight ' issue

d*
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 02, 2013, 07:47:21 AM
Just wonder what that inspector would do with an underground house. ???
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on October 02, 2013, 08:38:00 AM
Quote from: Patrick on October 01, 2013, 08:04:24 PM
So is your lack of windows an egress situation or is the inspector telling you how your house has to look aesthetically?

I have had an inspector tell me the very opposite

I handed in a set of plans to our inspector two years ago.  A real Arts and Craft - Craftsman Style home we designed.  Today - I still love that plan  (We never built it after it was engineered and drawn.)  $3,000 down the  [toilet].  It was just too expensive to build. 

The inspector red lined the windows in the bedrooms big red X over each one.  They were double hung egress windows.  He wrote we had to change them to sliders.  I went in to orbit with him - his stand was it was so a fireman could get through them with an air pack.  (I could see his concern.)  However building it on the ranch as we would be.  And being so the closest organized fire district is an hour away and they cannot even come up here............  Further I doubt we would / will ever have an organized fire district up here with a hand full of families and at best two hundred people on the week ends around the forth of July.  We might have fifty full time people and they are scattered more than a hundred square miles.  There are no air packs I doubt there would ever be any air packs.  So I asked him per code show me where I have to use sliders.  He said something like that was my job to research it.  He wanted sliders.  I demanded he show me the code in Elmore County, State of Idaho or IRC I have too use sliders.  And they look like crap in that type home.  He would not back down but kept using phrases like - I want you to do this.  I don't care how it looks it is how it should be.

The the inspector would come back to the slider issue every time I would see him around the country or in the Planing and Zone office zoning office he would come back the window issue.  Latter he got fired or quit before he got fired jury is still out on that one.  We had another plan engineered and are building it now and it has single hung bedroom windows the new inspector never has said a word......
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 02, 2013, 02:03:33 PM
The IRC is specific with rules on that. I know WI does there own thing and may differ.....

IRC  R303.1 Habitable rooms.
All habitable rooms shall have an aggregate glazing area of not less than 8 percent of the floor area of such rooms. Natural ventilation shall be through windows, doors, louvers or other approved openings to the outdoor air. Such openings shall be provided with ready access or shall otherwise be readily controllable by the building occupants. The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated.

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_3_par081.htm

There are exceptions listed as well
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Patrick on October 02, 2013, 04:04:07 PM
So then his 3x4 window should be good for 150 sq. ft. room? I dont know about everyone else but I only use the bedroom to sleep and the darker the better .I think me and this guy would not get along.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on October 02, 2013, 06:03:36 PM
room darkening shades
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 08, 2013, 07:00:41 AM

rough in plumbing is done (including the rough in for the  - maybe someday-  future apartment)

So we are "waiting for the 'inspector' or someone like him" (-- any Firesign Theatre fans here  ;D

A little 'theater of the absurd' seems apropos when dealing with building inspectors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I2PjLna4C0


but I digress......


anyway the tile is going in upstairs in the laundry and bath

we have ordered the flooring (6500 pounds of bamboo hardwood) but haven't picked it up yet since they want it to acclimate for a week in 70 degrees of heated (or cooled I guess) space to eliminate warping or expansion or shrinkage etc and the upstairs furnace is not hooked up and working.....but the propane hook up is coming today too

a busy day and since the sun is coming up I am 'burning daylight'

more later..........
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 16, 2013, 06:44:47 AM


Lots of  milestones this week so far

Sunday we picked up the 6400 pounds of bamboo flooring --- that was a job to unload but I did have a neighbor to help

All the drywall is mudded and ready for paint

Upstairs is nearly painted (all by my hardworking wife)

the wood-stove is operational and warming up the downstairs quite nicely during our brisk fall weather  (the valleys got frost a couple nights and ago we were in the mid 30's)

Anyway the stove is drying out the drywall mud ---

New propane tank hooked up and operational

the second floor furnace is working (via a jury rigged extension cord  ::) ) but heat none the less


I got the water heater hooked up and running yesterday

last night we were really looking forward to a nice hot shower

but guess what--  the water coming into the shower was only slightly warm even with the water heater turned up near its maximum temp-- no adjustment of the Kohler 'rite temp' mixer made any difference    ???

I even read the directions !!

I gave up finally and we ate a late dinner and no shower (since the health club was closed by then too

So this morning at 3:30 I woke up determined get the *$##^& shower working

turns out he downstairs shower does the same thing

!!!! two defective mixers ?!?!?    ??? ???

At this point I was thinking I hooked up the water heater wrong somehow

Then I saw it --- the plumbers that were here to 'help' get the water lines working, instead of capping the stub-outs for the first floor vanity they coupled the hot and cold stub-outs together  --- this equalized the hot and cold line pressure so that no hot water would mix in the shower valve

d* d*

thanks guys

thanks alot

so I installed shut off valves on the hot and cold stub outs for the downstairs vanity ( like they should have done) and viola the showers work -- man is that going to feel good this morning

Next I am going to learn how to do hardwood flooring


Oh I almost forgot -- we took delivery of the custom cabinets Monday -- they look beautiful even just sitting in the garage
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Redoverfarm on October 16, 2013, 07:09:44 AM
Sounds like you are nearing the home stretch.   ;)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 16, 2013, 07:56:42 AM

There does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel (hope it isn't the headlight of the on-coming train)

We may be able to 'camp out inside the house this weekend

I am going to jury rig a kitchen sink (since ours is on back order)

the inspector hinted that he might give us a sign off with a kitchen sink



Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 24, 2013, 06:54:34 AM

Temporary kitchen sink is working

I has been really nice for cleaning the paint sprayer since it has been in the 20's every night with highs in the low 40's during the day

We fininshed the interior painting yesterday  ! thanks in large part to my wife the painting maniac
(I think the total was 30 gallons primer and 22 gallons of finish coat) most sprayed on with the Graco sprayer but a lot applied the old fashioned way with brush and roller

it looks great

doors delivered yesterday

after this brief paint delay I will be back at the flooring today

good thing the wood stove is working downstairs since the downstairs  furnace is still in-op (heck it is still sitting in the garage)

The furnace guy showed up for a couple hours tues and hooked the gas line into the new clothes dryer --- but did not have the vent pipe --- needed to go back to the shop (isn't vent pipe a normal thing to have for a dryer hookup ?!)


maybe he'll show up today  ::)


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on October 27, 2013, 11:27:24 AM
Sunday morning, sunny and beautiful


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/003_zps6838cc38.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/003_zps6838cc38.jpg.html)

We have finished the dry wall priming and painting

(we joke that we would get the downstairs primed 'if it kilz us') --it didn't (quite)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/015_zps4c8d9702.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/015_zps4c8d9702.jpg.html)

We have started on the flooring -- we like it but it is slow to put down -- (OK I am slow)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/006_zps22cbb2ae.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/006_zps22cbb2ae.jpg.html)

Our venerable wood stove has been keeping the house warm (for a while it was heating the whole house but now we have the upstairs furnace operational but not complete

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/019_zpsfa04acd7.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/019_zpsfa04acd7.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 12, 2013, 08:38:16 AM

The HVAC guys finally completed the installation of the downstairs furnace yesterday

not a moment too soon either as it was down to 12  degrees F last night

also we have  fully functioning bathroom now -- (well the door isn't on ...)

electricians should be here this week to finish the power downstairs....it will be nice to get rid of the 5 or 6 extension cords and multiple power strips

we are doing a Green Acres "You can't plug in a 2 with a 6" re-creation here   

We can't plug in the microwave with the toaster oven....

I should get some pics .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL5z3UXcMK8


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on November 12, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
AHH Green Acres back when TV seemed to be a heck of a lot more entertaining - well that was if you had enough power to run the TV at the time.  As you know it is all based on sevens.  A six and a one - six being the small black and white TV and the one the can opener.   ;)  Thanks for the morning lift... [cool]

By the way we went through a Green Acres moment when we moved the big fifthwheel down to the valley to get it repaired.  It was the telephone, grab the phone go over to the drop - check for messages - make the call unhook the phone.  One day I got sidetracked and forgot the phone.  A driving rain and snow storm hit - soaked the phone.  When I found it.  It sort of sounded like an aquarium pump and bubbler.....       
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 12, 2013, 10:56:32 AM
OK, it isn't pretty, but it works (as long as you don't forget and start the microwave with the toaster oven -- they both must be 7's)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 23, 2013, 06:02:00 PM

Opening day deer season

in a word cold

12 degrees and 20 mph wind -- wind chill   minus 6

I still have my tags .....
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on November 24, 2013, 01:07:57 PM
Update:

This morning it 'warmed up',  the was temp was 4 degrees, wind chill only minus 3

I was just about ready to come in and warm up when a spike horn buck about 120 pounds walked by -- should be good eating

pics later after breakfast and check in
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on January 28, 2014, 09:23:05 AM
The last couple months have been challenging

I started the bamboo flooring and it is almost done

We are getting the tile finished this week (hopefully)

The new appliances are supposed to be delivered today -- I just barely got the plumbing ready for the dishwasher and ice maker last night

It will be nice to have a real kitchen after 7 months without one

maybe I will have time to post some pics later   
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 09, 2014, 03:51:05 PM
We are nearing completion.

A bit of trim, a couple doors, a couple sinks and we are ready for the movers 

The floor is done -- this was the last room

(//URL=https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/134_zps7365a201.jpg.html%5Dhttp://%5BIMG%5Dhttps://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/134_zps7365a201.jpg)[/URL]][/img]

Foyer and stairs (that is the kitchen in the back of the pic)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/131_zpsfad99d5e.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/131_zpsfad99d5e.jpg.html)


We have been using the wood stove more since the last propane was $3.88/ gallon   (!!)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/128_zpsefd9c138.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/128_zpsefd9c138.jpg.html)


The kitchen for our first Christmas

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/010_zps3afb67e2.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/010_zps3afb67e2.jpg.html)


Our "custom sink' 

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/fde7ddf3-b92c-4759-aaad-e3fec83a99c7_zpsb70111be.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/fde7ddf3-b92c-4759-aaad-e3fec83a99c7_zpsb70111be.jpg.html)

Here is the kitchen with a few cabinets ( and another 'custom sink')

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0274_zps137fdbdf.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0274_zps137fdbdf.jpg.html)



This was a pain in the neck. The drain for the upstairs furnace froze (it was minus 24) and overflowed -- I now have heat tape on it

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/038_zps0c6712fa.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/038_zps0c6712fa.jpg.html)


the laundry is done

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/012_zps7323dd85.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/012_zps7323dd85.jpg.html)







Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 09, 2014, 05:59:28 PM
The kitchen is almost done. the vent hood and one cabinet to go.

The kitchen today:

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0302_zps3dfccfa7.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0302_zps3dfccfa7.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0310_zps5a1cacaa.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0310_zps5a1cacaa.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0298-Copy_zps37ee7861.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0298-Copy_zps37ee7861.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: MountainDon on February 09, 2014, 08:00:22 PM
That's looking real nice.

Happy homemaker   :) :) :)
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 10, 2014, 06:12:10 AM

Thank you, Don

we are quite happy with it


Minus 12 this morning and I am reluctant to go outside for more wood for the stove --thank goodness for propane (even at $3.88 a gallon) --- next winter I will have the wood supply better organized (I hope)

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: mwhutch on February 10, 2014, 07:35:22 AM
Wow looks great! I really love your stairs and newel post! Do you mind if I ask how did you attach them to the stair treads? We are getting close to installing finished stairs, and most of the videos show round posts with dowels on them.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on February 10, 2014, 07:59:38 AM
Looks great - I have to chuckle your kitchen cabinets look a lot like the ones Ellen picked out.   ;) 

Floors turned out very well.

Enjoy, please keep us updated.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 10, 2014, 08:49:58 AM


MW

the square balusters have round ends on them -- they drilled holes into the treads (using a jig) and glued them in place

the Newel post goes through the tread with a square hole and is bolted into the floor joist below


Rick

Thanks, the cabinets are custom built locally (they were cheaper and better than big box off-the-shelf ones) Tam did the design (maybe it is a quilt/sewing thing   ;)

It is good to be retiring from the flooring bizz
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: new land owner on February 10, 2014, 05:16:24 PM
Nice job, Looks great.
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 12, 2014, 04:19:15 PM
Thanks, NLO

yesterday we got a bit more trim and kitchen cabinets done

still need toe kicks and knobs


(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0312_zps7df34506.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0312_zps7df34506.jpg.html)

(https://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/Crockette/IMG_0315_zps71547a95.jpg) (https://s55.photobucket.com/user/Crockette/media/IMG_0315_zps71547a95.jpg.html)






Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: astidham on February 13, 2014, 09:48:56 AM
I really enjoy following your build!....looks great!
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 13, 2014, 10:18:57 AM
thanks, astidham, glad you are enjoying the build

it has been a journey

we looked at each other yesterday after noticing that one step was done wrong (again!) and
I said "you know I am getting tired of being patient"

she said "that is exactly what I was thinking"

but we are getting close -- it is interesting when contractors arrive that haven't been here for a month or two -- they are very complimentary about the build and the progress

I guess when you are living with it everyday it just sort of blends in

tomorrow we may get the rest of the trim done and we can call the movers and get our stuff that has been in storage since last July

*fingers crossed*


Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 20, 2014, 09:17:49 AM

We have a date

The movers are scheduled to bring our long-in-storage furniture and stuff next Tuesday

yesterday we  measured some spaces for furniture everything is looking good

except----

we did plan the master bedroom around our furniture

but when we looked at it yesterday we discovered that while the bed and headboard will fit, the open door will come within inches of the bed side table on one side and covered the trim on the walk in closet door on the other side. This was because the carpenters moved entrance doorway over about a foot   (I did not catch this until it after it was wired and dry walled d* d* )

ETA
I just remembered another factor that was changed by the inspector -- I had originally planned a 2' 8" entrance door -- he said it had to be a 3'0' door this cost another 4 inches of clearance for the side tables -- oh well

after a long discussion we came to the conclusion that we really don't like the bed anyway and it takes up too much space (leaving only a cramped space at the end of the bed for a couple chairs and there is no under the bed storage

so we went shopping and found just what we wanted with 6 under bed storage drawers and a well laid out headboard with a few shelves that are just right for our radio alarm and a few books -- perfect, and it is in quarter sawn oak too, that fits in with the rest of our furniture plans


and we now have plenty of room for a couple chairs and a small table near the windows which is what we had planned about 4 or 5 versions of floor plans earlier


 

Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on February 21, 2014, 12:16:06 AM
So glad to hear we are not the only ones with misplaced doors and clearances.   ;)

Wish we were there to share in the excitement. 
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 21, 2014, 07:42:38 AM

Rick

I guess there are no perfect houses, even when you try to plan everything out, things change or go out of your control ....

but it is exciting and we are enjoying the trip

it will be nice to take some time off and enjoy a 'normal' life again



Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: rick91351 on February 21, 2014, 08:05:09 AM
Quote from: Windpower on February 21, 2014, 07:42:38 AM
Rick

I guess there are no perfect houses, even when you try to plan everything out, things change or go out of your control ....

but it is exciting and we are enjoying the trip

it will be nice to take some time off and enjoy a 'normal' life again


Being homeless for a couple years now.  So looking forward to  ???  Gee I don't know - seems almost natural......

I / we have caught a couple places where you wonder why you put the light switch there - why didn't you put one there?  Why was there not an outlet put there?  Most of those have been changed do to our leaving the bottom bare for wainscot.  I do wish now we would have changed the 'center' of the room for a couple ceiling fans. 

Hope the weather gets better for your move in date.     
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on February 23, 2014, 03:24:09 PM

single digit temps for move day, but no snow storms so they will likely be able to climb the hill

we are finding quite a lot of things to get done before the furniture arrives

cleaning and cleaning and more cleaning

and emptying a few rooms of tools and debris too (I guess we should get the power tools and tool cart out of the dining room .....)

will it ever end ?
Title: Re: Wisconsin Farmhouse Remodel
Post by: Windpower on March 01, 2014, 10:52:41 AM

We got moved in on Tuesday

long cold day --they finished up about 9:00 PM after trouble with the truck, getting here at 3:30 pm

it is very nice to have furniture for a change

the house is not 100% yet but hopefully it will be by month end.

Then we can start on the outside -- landscaping, putting in the garden, pond, shop, solar panels,  tearing down the old garage, putting up a wood shed....

I have been reading a lot lately about permaculture: Sepp Holzer and Ben Falk

this book is great IMO.

Ben Falk took a 10 acre Vermont farmette that was severly abused by over grazing and abandonment and has created a viable permaculture homestead. Lots of practical hands on experience. He is even growing rice !

http://www.amazon.com/The-Resilient-Farm-Homestead-Permaculture/dp/1603584447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393688443&sr=8-1&keywords=Ben+Falk