Trusses Scrape the Sky

This is the exciting part. The barn is really taking its final form with the addition of the roof trusses. The trusses were so tall that they could not ship them in one piece and so have the top triangle (not yet installed) as a separate part. Here you can see the outriggers that will form the eves having been placed.
The office is almost completely framed, even the skylight holes are in. The only thing missing is the decking over the bathroom ceiling.
Here is the end wall of the barn with the cutout for the diamond peak window. This was quite a problem. The truss manufacturer designed a truss for the end wall that would not properly accommodate the window. They want to just slap the window over the truss so you would see the truss's metal webbing right in the window. They were forced to abandon the truss and frame the wall. This was a difficult project due to the rain and the height. They ended up building a platform at the top sill height from which to put their 12' ladder on to reach. But I got my window. We will just slap the peak window outside the truss on the other side where it can't be seen as well.
The roof trusses from the inside.
The inside of the office looking back at the door.
The office bathroom sans ceiling decking. Some plywood up there will allow us to use it for storage.
The carport is almost done framing except for the final posts. The ones shown are temporary awaiting the concrete supports for the real ones to be installed upon.
Going back in time, here is the office before the trusses where covered.
And an earlier picture with the sunset over the whole project.
Carport framing was just starting here.

Loft Floor Installed

The 2x6 T&G flooring has been installed on the barn loft's floor. It actually looks quite good, especially when viewed from below. But it offers the ability for me to take pictures from a higher elevation now. So, although not much has changed this week, I am putting some new pictures up that where previously un-takeble.

Office Progress

We are now seeing progress on the office framing. The walls were all done in two days. The plan was to get the framing to the point that the trusses could be installed, then the framers would take a break and work on another project until the trusses arrived.

The window holes were placed 6" too low. We had told the general contractor to raise them, but that was a couple months ago and it had been forgotten. (Just another problem caused by the slow foundation contractors.) We could have made them take it apart and fix it. But, we didn't want to slow them up. Plus, we were sympathetic to the fact that they have had to work in poring rain for 10 days. They are from Eastern Washington were it rarely rains. It was quite a shock for them. I don't think they will be coming back.

The truss company took measurements yesterday. The contractor had paid them a deposit in order to keep our place in line, then as soon as we were ready, had them come out and measure the actual structure so there would be no errors in the trusses. Or, if there were errors, they would have to fix them.

I put my ultra wide angle lens on today so I could get the most in the picture as possible. Here is a shot that takes advantage of it to show the back side of both projects in the same picture.

Toni has put the acid stain on the concrete floor of the office before they began framing. It was easier then because it requires washing with lots of water. So she is cleaning the floor up to try to keep the scratches to a minimum. You can see the color of it now. It looks a little like rust.
They haven't made any more progress on the barn. But here is a shot of the back side with the ultra wide lens. You can clearly see the window door holes.
You can also see a significant error made by the foundation contractors. See the notch in the concrete in the corner. Several feet is inset by 1-2 inches. This is poor workmanship. I complained, but what are you going to do. Its concrete; it is very hard to change.

Not to get off on too much of a rant, but a got to say how much a hate foundation contractors. Every one I have dealt with is a jerk. They delay and do sloppy work. They are pretty stupid and arrogant and generally nasty people. There communication skills are far below the average in construction. Now, add to that, the part they do has to be done correct the first time and you have a major problem.

When we did the house, the foundation people were also the major problem. Many of the issues we had stemmed from errors they had made. In fact, I had such a hassle dealing with them, that that was the major reason I did not want to be general contractor on this project. I thought I might come to blows, have a breakdown or both. Unfortunately, the general did not seem to have much better a hold on them then me.

I don't think the errors will be as much of a problem this time, mostly aesthetic, but we will see.

Pot 'O Gold

I snapped this one following a brief but intense hail storm. The Pot 'O Gold under the rainbow appears to be my barn project. It certainly costs enough.

Framing is flying by. The schedule was changed and they are trying to finish getting it ready for trusses by the end of the week. It turns out the framing crew are family of one of the contractors employees and are working on our project as a favor. Normally they work for a framing company.

You can really start to see the shape of the building forming. I like that they are using plywood instead of OSB for the sheeting. It is much less moisture dependent.

We're Framing!

Framing is great. It really gives you the feeling that things are moving. In two days of framing, you can already see the shape of the building.

Here is the barn at the current state, a couple hours into the third day of framing.

Here it is a couple hours into the second day of framing.

It is quite amazing that they have been able to do this with only ladders. the four double beams are very heavy. They had to work their way up a few feet at the time, bracing as they went. Despite the warning labels, they stand on top of the very top of large step ladders. The side walls are 16 feet tall. So it is quite precarious.

The only real problem so far is that the supports under the beam structures are so wide that it will be difficult to wire through them. I requested that they puts a few holes int he supports before they are completely assembled as it will be difficult for me to drill through later.

The plan is for them to work three days (today is the third), then 4 days off, then 3 days on again. supposedly this is OK as other work will happen in between.

They have not started framing the office building yet. The only progress there is that Toni has acid stained the concrete as it is easier to do it now then later. It will probably require some touch up after construction.

I am glad the foundation is basically over. It was a very stressful time.