At the end of the last cottage update we were left with something looking a little like an under ground bunker – because of the slope on our land the foundation for the cottage needs a lot of concrete to achieve a level floor. The next challenge was to get the framing done – that's the main core of the construction ending with something that looks like a plywood box.
And once again I decided that given my ongoing work in the rental property and the hallway and the fact that I have never done anything even remotely like this before, I would call in the professionals – Cyrus and his crew from Elevated Construction.
So lots of lumber is ordered and arrives on a large truck from Slegg lumber, and the guys come and start nailing it together into somethings that looks a bit more like the plan, which is great to see. After a Christmas on Saltspring with friends and family we head out for a long weekend skiing in Big White. Coming back to find that the framing is all but done and we have a shiny new metal roof is a great feeling. Thanks to Colin Beamish and all the guys at Accent Exteriors and Roofing for making the roof happen – they also did the roof on our rental and Colin is one of the most professional contractors I have ever met! Now I think we are getting closer to the original design.
Inside its still lots of raw woodwork, there are no windows or doors, the wind blows through, but at least the rain stays outside now and things are drying out. Its great to see the room layout and have some sense of the finished structure – it feels like a huge step forward, but there is still a long (long) way to go.
And we have this lovely stamped concrete deck – it looks like tiles, but its actually completely waterproof coloured concrete with a pattern stamped on it - one of Cyrus's suggestions – and we think a great one!
We get the framing signed off by the inspectors with no drama which is fantastic. The only downside is that now its up to me to get from this to the end game – that's windows, doors, building envelope, rain screen, siding, electrical, plumbing, insulation, vapour barrier – deep breath – drywall, tiling, painting, kitchen, fixtures and fitting, trim and finishing. Should have that knocked off in no time…