It's hard to describe just how much effort goes into a building of this size. It all began with a 144-foot long 4.5'-deep trench and me building footing forms last fall.
The studs are 2" x 6" (rather than 2" x 4") and the walls are almost 12' high. That makes for very difficult lifting of wall sections, especially getting them up on top of the two extra block rows.
The schedule is often held up by my business commitments....sometimes by bad weather.....and occasionally just waiting for a volunteer or two to be available for heavy lifting.
I've been fortunate to have interested and willing new neighbours and two younger brothers who come by now and then. I have, however, built much of it myself.
Today, in the absence of enough bodies to tackle the roof trusses, I decided to plant the eight new trees I bought over a week ago. The property has close to 70 trees on it, but we're adding plenty more to extend the "woodland" feel to more of the site. Honestly, I forget what it's like to just sit down and do nothing for a whole day.
If I get some time this week, I'll tack up the exterior building wrap. I'll also make clear markings for each hip truss and jack truss on the top plates. Then, the plan is to bring enough people together to get all the trusses up and the 4' x 8' sheeting on next weekend. After that, it'll be tar paper and shingles on the roof followed by windows.
By then (late July), the farmer should be taking off the wheat crop next door which means I'll be able to bring in the big rigs. I'll need six tandems of sand and two of crushed stone (as fill) in preparation for the concrete floor. I'll borrow a Bobcat (skidsteer) to move the loads inside the walls, just like I borrowed the diesel forklift you see in the earlier photos.
I can have the lift for as long as I want.....and it's a monster.....capable of lifting to a three-storey building. Yessir..........small town folks are good people.
I only wish I'd had it when I was lifting wall sections and the engineered beams over the big doors.
Once the floor is poured, I'll get the three overhead doors and the "French" terrace doors hung.
Then, everything stops for final inspection approval.
After that, I'll get the board & batten pine walls stained and up, and begin the electrical wiring and lighting, followed by drywall, etc.
Plenty left to do..........like interior painting, cabinetry, etc. and landscaping, patio, small greenhouse, fencing, etc. :W
Who has more fun?
4LT GS Roadster
But one day I hope to have a Corvette Cave of my own. I've already collected lots of stuff to go in it... except the Midyear, that is.
Jane Ann
hnoes
Keep posting the pix 'cause I'm enjoying the heck out of 'em! 
