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.