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We began the day with a dense fog.   Most of the day was overcast and relatively cool, getting up into the mid-70’s.   After another wonderful devotional and prayer, we got our assignments. 

In previous years, our two week goal is to dry-in the house.  We are almost there, but we need to wait for the windows to be delivered.   While we’re waiting, we can get a head start on some of the interior framing items that need to be done.  Our job was to cut and install a nailing surface for the ceiling sheetrock.    We used a 6 inch strip of OSB to create a ledge on all walls that run perpendicular to the trusses.

Now this is working together  (yes, I know you’re not supposed to be on both sides of the ladder…lol).  

While we were busy inside, the roofing crew was working hard at sheeting and covering the East side of the house.   It looks great!

Some vendors were busy working on some outside items:

a crew brought in a backhoe to dig a channel for the sewer line

while another crew poured the concrete for the front porch and back step.

With freshly poured concrete, we had to find an alternate way to get in and out of the house after lunch.   Our Habitat beatitude comes in handy:  Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape!

Overall, it was a successful day, and an amazing two weeks.  We can’t believe how fast this time went.   The local Habitat affiliate hosted a farewell dinner for the 6 Care-A-Vanners who will be leaving tomorrow.  The dinner was hosted at a local barn, with amazing food and fellowship.   We arrived a little early to get a tour of the owners collection of assorted John Deere toys and toy farm equipment.   Two full rooms were filled to the brim of old collectable items.   It was evident that this was definitely a lifelong passion of his.

After the meal comes the hard part – saying goodbye to those who will be leaving tomorrow.   We truly enjoyed working with everyone – it was an amazing team.   God is good!

We were blessed with another wonderful weather day for working outside.   It was cool and cloudy all day, with the highs only getting into the mid-70’s.   After an inspirational prayer from a local priest, we talked about our tasks for the day.

Joe and I were on the inside wall crew.   Our first job was to build an insulation dam above the living room wall.   This is a barrier that stops the blown in insulation from being blown right out of the house and onto the porch.   We have done this task before, so it was pretty easy to get right at it.   It was also helpful that we had the support of our expert cutting team, also known as Howard and Sandy :-).   You can see Joe in the gap of this picture that needs to be covered.

The first step is to attach nailers to the  trusses.  

Then cut OSB to size and secure.   I was very excited when the cut for the triangular piece on the end of the porch fit on the first try … whoo hoo! (Who said you would never use advanced geometry 🙂 )

While we were working on the East side of the house, the roof sheeting team was overhead on the West side of the house.  They were making great progress, and had a good portion of the West side done by lunch time.

It was a perfect time to make sure that we got our favorite picture done with our hard hats.

We decided to get a little creative this year…. awwww, so cute …

Our next task was to hep to install truss claws.   These clips were installed on the trusses anywhere that it intersected an interior wall.  We used them last year, but it’s something fairly new.   Here’s a description of what they are designed to do:

After that job, Joe installed some Wind Star bracing that ties the end gable to the first two trusses.   According to wind tunnel experiments, these extra braces make a huge difference in avoiding damage during a tornado.

While we were busy completing our tasks, another team installed the rat runs (straight runs of 2×4’s across the length of the house that are used to ensure the gables maintain their 24″ spacing).  Hurricane clips were also installed that tie the trusses to the wall.

By the end of the day, the sheeting team had sheeted and covered the West side of the house, and had started on the East side.   It looks great!

After work today, we were invited to a local Ambucs meeting.   Across the country, the AMBUCS organization has more than 150 chapters in over 30 states. Their mission is to inspire mobility and independence.  In Sullivan, they’ve built numerous wheelchair ramps and provided mobility bikes to those in need.    This group also knows how to cook!   We were treated to a delicious grilled pork chop dinner with corn casserole, cowboy baked beans and dessert.

 

What a wonderful way to end another amazing day.  God is good!

God gave us a beautiful workday today.  The rain yesterday must have brought in some cooler weather.  It was cloudy and cool this morning, getting up into the low 80’s by the afternoon.   After another wonderful devotional and prayer, we talked about our plans for the day, and the assignment for each person.   The overall goal is to set all the trusses today.

We were the truss riggers.  Our job was to attach the straps that secured the trusses to the front of the fork lift.  The first one up is the North gable end, which we had worked on a few days ago.   It’s very heavy, since it’s sheeted with OSB and assembled with fly rafters.

Here we go .. getting it off the pile.

… and guiding it to the opposite side of the house while missing the mailbox

…and lifting it in place.

Once the first one was up, the rest got easier.   Joe had the important job of making sure they didn’t hit the porta potty… lol.

The team got into a groove…

After lunch, we installed the last few rafters and then the South gable end.

Ta da… we have a roof!

We even had WAND Channel 17 news come by and do some interviews!  

After the build, we went to a Windsor Pub to enjoy their weekly Prime Rib special … yum!  What a wonderful way to end a great day.  God is good!  

Today was a little bit cooler than yesterday.  God gave us a great day to work – great cloud cover, a nice breeze and a few rain sprinkles in the morning.   We woke to an amazing sunrise.   Here’s the view from our breakfast table.

Our first task was to finish up the house wrapping.  We had a great system going.  Joe and I would both be on ladders so we could keep it straight and tight along the top edge.   

We had the ends of two rolls of paper left, and we were hoping that it would be enough …. but … we were half a wall short, so we had to run to the store and purchase another roll.

When we started to install it, we realized the roll was too long, so we cut it to the appropriate length.

It didn’t take us long to finish up.   It’s a wrap … lol.  

We still had to cover the front porch beam, so we took a small roll and got the job done.

We got numerous comments from our team saying that it was the tightest and straightest wrap they’ve seen.   So, I guess we could go into business wrapping houses … ok, maybe not :-).

We then jumped into help the other projects underway.   I helped to assemble and install strong backs on the North wall.   These are rails that will be used to support the first end gable.

The rest of the team was busy installing and securing all interior walls.

Once the walls were secured, all the top plates needed a double plate of wood.  This provides extra strength and locks everything in.   Once installed, the exterior walls were marked with the location of the trusses.

Smart brackets were installed that will provide side scaffolding to be used when installing the trusses.

We were wrapping up many of these tasks right after lunch.  So, while the smart brackets were being installed, the ladies of the build were waiting for additional tasks.

It was decided to wait until tomorrow to start setting the trusses since the weather forecast called for some wind and rain showers overnight.  So, we cleaned up the site and left about an hour earlier than normal.   It was a good thing, because a fairly hard rain started shortly after we got back to camp.   The rain didn’t stop us from gathering under the pavilion for our happy hour.   Overall, it was another productive day.   We’re looking forward to raising the roof tomorrow!  God is good!

 

 

After a relaxing weekend, we were up at the crack of dawn to Labor on this holiday.   In an attempt to beat the expected heat today, our workday started at 7AM!   It certainly was cooler to start the day, but it made the morning feel very long.   Thank God the forecast for the remainder of the week has slightly cooler temperatures, with highs in the mid to  upper 80’s.   So, we will be going back to our 8AM start tomorrow.

We started our day by organizing and stacking the materials in the shed to make room for rolls of insulation and other items in the Habitat Re-Store truck.   Joe was nominated to drive the truck back to the worksite for unloading.   With great teamwork, we were able to unload it quickly and efficiently.

Our next job was to seal all sheeting joints and bottom wall plates to the sub-floor with clear silicone.   We had four people working on it so it did not take us long to get that job done.

Our next job on our ‘to do’ list was to assist the interior wall crew with positioning walls.   Unfortunately, the wall crew team discovered that one of the fiberglass bathtubs had a crack in it.   The only remedy is to get a new one, which is not an easy task.   Not only is it difficult to fit through the door, the store was in Decatar which is 30 miles (40 minutes) away.    While they were waiting for the tub, they were able to position many of the interior walls in place without securing them.  Once the new tub was brought in, they were really able to make some progress.

Our team decided to start wrapping the outside of the house with Tyvek paper – this is a moisture and wind barrier.   Joe had the brilliant idea to start on the wall that was in the shade, which made a big difference.

By the time we got the first wall completed, we had a great system going.   It was wonderful to be working side by side with Becky, the future homeowner (in the red shirt).

Once we finished two walls, we decided to call it a day.  It looks good .. nice and smooth!

While we were busy with our tasks, another team worked on squaring all of the exterior walls and bracing as needed.

After that was completed, that team built and installed the front porch beam.  It’s a big job, but they were able to get it done today.

Overall, we had a very successful day, even in the heat.  We are looking forward to slightly cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.  

As we always do after work, the team gathered under the pavilion to share stories and fellowship.  God is good!

Today’s schedule for most of the the team was a  little different.   A small crew of 4 people needed  some undisturbed time to layout the positions of the interior walls.   They carefully measured and marked the floor.   The rest of the team was told to start at 10AM this morning.   However, our gable end team decided that we could start at regular time (8AM), since we were working in an area away from the house, and wanted to get it finished today.

The first step was to flip the south gable end over.   Well, that’s not an easy task given it’s size and weight.   We were very fortunate that a local builder loaned us their lull forklift, and that Gene was able to expertly operate it.   It’s a machine that is a cross between a forklift, a tractor and a boom lift.   The boom lift on many tractors extends up to 30 ft, making it ideal for positioning trusses and end gables.   

Once it was flipped over, we added a 2×6 wind brace to the back.  

Once we got that installed, we lifted the completed end gable to the side where we positioned it across 4 sawhorses.

Now that we have the South end gable complete, it’s time to repeat the process for the North end gable.  The steps are: sheeting, wrapping it with Tyvek paper, attach the gable assembly, flip it over and add the wind brace.   It’s easier the second time around :-).

While we were making progress on the end gables, ‘all hands’ were called to stack and stage the interior walls and position the bathtubs.

After the team completed the assembly of the North wall, ‘all hands’ were called to stand up the wall and plumb/square it with the other walls.

By the end of the day, all the exterior walls were up AND sheeted.   It is really starting to look like a house!

What a great first week!  The week went by so fast – it’s hard to believe it’s Friday already.   Next week we look forward to raising the roof!   It is an amazing privilege to work with such a dedicated and giving team.  God is good!

 

 

 

Following a big bright super moon last night, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise this morning.  The weather today was perfect – with highs getting into the low 80’s and a nice breeze. 

After our morning prayer with a local pastor and some freshly baked donuts from the hometown bakery, we went right to work.  It was ‘all hands on deck’ (literally).   While everyone was gathering on the deck, Joe helped to place some glue below the first exterior wall.

Then everyone got behind the wall for our first wall lifting.   Woo hoo!  The first wall is up!

Becky (the future homeowner) was part of our crew this morning.   We put her right to work hammering the top OSB plate on an exterior wall.

After two walls were positioned and secured, Joe and I started working on the gable ends.  The two gable ends are prepared on the ground so we don’t have to stand on ladders to complete the job after they are on the roof.   The first step was to cut and nail OSB board across the gable .

We even gave Becky a lesson on using a nail gun.

The next step was to cover the gable with house wrap.   It was a bit of a challenge with the wind, but many hands were able to keep it under control.

As the walls were ready for lifting, we joined the whole team to make the job easier.   There was one wall that we lifted before the windows were routed … so guess who got the fun job of routing on a ladder.

After a delicious lunch at a local church, it was ‘all hands’ called to the pavilion behind the church campground where all the interior walls were completed and stacked.   As a team, we carefully loaded the walls onto a trailer to bring them over to the job site.

After we got back to the church, we started back to work on the gable end assembly.  We first attached evenly spaced pieces of wood, and covered them with long pieces of 2×4 with a double 2×6 layer on top. 

By the end of the day, we had all but one of the exterior walls lifted and braced.   We have to leave one side open so that we can move in the interior walls and bathtubs tomorrow.   It’s exciting to see everything start to come together.

After a very successful day, the team decided to go out to a local Mexican restaurant for dinner.   Yum!!

I just got the Team 1 picture from a few days ago.   Here’s our crew of generous, hardworking dedicated people.  It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a great team.

We are thankful for another productive and safe day.  God is good!

 

We were blessed with another amazing weather day in Sullivan.   It was in the 50’s this morning and warmed up to the mid 80’s by the afternoon.   As always, we started our day with a beautiful prayer and our team debrief.

Our first job was to take full sheets of OSB and rip them to 11.25″.  These strips will be used for top plating the exterior walls after they are built.   It’s certainly easier to put the OSB on the wall that is laying on the ground (vs. trying to install it 6 feet up in the air).   By the last sheet, we had it down to a system.

 

Our next job was to build the front exterior wall.   Here are the plans:

We first marked out the placement of each stud and window opening.

We then positioned the top and bottom plates and placed studs in the marked locations.  

Once positioned and squared, we used a nail gun to attach them to the top and bottom plates.

We continued this process, with special focus on assuring the window header and King/Jack studs were assembled correctly.  Here’s the completed wall moved into place on the deck.

While we were assembling our wall, there was another team working on the large back wall.  They had already installed their top plate of OSB.  The cutouts for the windows and doors were covered, but needed to be cut out before lifting into place.  Joe got the fun job of using a router to get the job done.

 

By the end of the day, we had two walls ready to be lifted into place.   In addition to making some great progress, we are blessed to be able to work with such an amazing team.   Each day, we value the ‘tips and tricks’ that are shared throughout the day.

We look forward to some wall raising tomorrow!  God is good!

We woke up to another cool morning … after an amazing night of sleep ( I guess that’s what a day of hard work will get you…lol ).   Our morning routine is getting a little easier, and we were off to the job site at 7:30am.  

After an inspiring devotional from a local pastor, we talked about our goals for the day.   As we said often at our last build – ‘same as yesterday, but a bit different’.   The interior wall team returned to the campsite pavilion to finish up the assembly of the interior walls.   Our floor team got right back to work installing the sub-floor.   

Joe and I got right to work putting glue on the floor beams, but ran out of glue after about the first hour.    Fortunately there is a local hardware store close by, so we were quickly back in business.  The really good news was that this glue was soooo much easier to dispense, so Joe was able to do most of the remaining gluing by himself.

We continued to have challenges with leveling out the floor beams.   It was crazy how much variation there was along different points of the floor joists.    I jumped in to helping with the leveling, and figuring out which beams needed to be higher, and which needed to be lowered.  Joe helped with using a battery operated planer to lower some beams, while I helped with installing nailers to the beam to raise them.

After the initial placement of the OSB sheet, it needed to be aligned with the adjacent sheets.    The sledgehammer seems to get it done :-).

When we got to the end of the row, Joe used a circular saw to cut it to size.

As we got to the last couple of sheets, I was able to jump in and help with some of the nailing.

Yeah!   We were able to complete the floor decking before lunch!  We now have a dance floor :-).

It’s not just work … we have a good time working together.  Here’s a picture of some of the ladies on the job.

… and relaxing after work at happy hour under the gazebo.  

Another amazing day!  God is Good!

We woke to a beautiful crisp, cool morning here in Sullivan.   It’s always a challenge to get into a new routine that gets us ready to go at 7:30AM.  The good news is that it is Central Time, so it feels like a more reasonable 8:30AM to us :-).    When we arrived at the build, it was about 58 degrees with blue sky and a nice breeze, but it warmed up to the mid-80s by the middle of the day.  

Our day started with a local pastor joining us to lead us through a morning devotional.   As we do everyday on the build, everyone then joins hands and says “Habitat is not a hand out, but a hand up”.   It’s such a wonderful way to start the day.  Gene then broke us up into two teams:   The Wall Assembly crew and the Floor crew (which Joe and  I were on) .  

The Wall Assembly team went back to the campsite church to build the walls under the back pavilion.   It’s a great way to be able to spread out, and enjoy some shade during the day.   They made some great progress, and will hopefully finish up the walls tomorrow.

Our wall crew was off to a great start.   Joe and I had the job of applying floor glue onto the joists before the plywood installation.   The first few tubes of glue were extremely hard to apply – we think they were old tubes.  When we opened a new case of glue, it was still a challenge to apply, but it was much easier than the first tubes.   By 10AM, we had the two rows of plywood installed, and completely nailed down across each floor  joist … we had a great system going.

Well, I guess maybe it was going too smoothly … lol.   At the end of the second row, we realized that some of the floor joists were not level.   The 16 foot floor joists were very warped, causing a significant differences in height.   A small group of experts evaluated the situation and decided to cut out one of the floor joists and replace it.   That, along with using a plane to shave off some height along with installing some shims to add some height seemed to level it off enough for us to get a third row of plywood installed.   We were able to get about half of the subfloor installed, and hope to be able to finish it up tomorrow.

It’s been a great first day.  We had a beautiful day, worked with some amazing people, figured out how to work around some tough problems, and made some progress.   God is Good!