August 24, 2013 Work completed for 2013

   Today I wrapped up the work for 2013. I framed out the three windows installed in the loft, and trimmed out the end gable completely on the front of the garage. Next year I will install the last window on the rear end gable, trim out the rear end gable, and install siding on the front and the rear. Other than trimming out the windows in the log walls, the exterior of the garage will be 100% complete at that point. In 2014, I will have a cement apron poured in the front of the garage, and a walk path poured from the service door to the apron. I would also like to get the stairs to the garage loft installed next year. This winter I need to learn how to do stairs as I have to install them in the house as well.

  When the inside of the house is completed. I would like to install stone facing on the cement stub walls around the base of the garage, as well as around the base of the house.

   This has been a challenging year. The push to get the garage completed was very strong; I worked many nights up to and past sundown. I won't be thinking about building in Montana for a while, but when I get back to New Hampshire, I will have to start laying out plans for what I want to accomplish in 2014.

   Have a great fall and winter. See you in the spring!

August 22, 2013 Installed soffits complete, and service door

      

   Today we finished installing the last of the soffits. The toughest ones were on the sides where the soffits meet the end logs. The top ones had to be driven in from the side. It was a very tight fit.

   Here you can see the two adjustable can lights we installed on each side of the service door (Which we also installed today). We drilled a hole up through the five logs above the door so we could wire in a light switch beside the door on the inside of the garage. The wiring will be completed next year.

August 21, 2013 End gables sheeted

   Today we finished sheeting the end gables and installing all the windows in the loft, except for one in the rear. It is framed out. I sheeted over it and covered it with house wrap. In the spring I will buy the window, use a router to open the hole, and install it.

   We also cut the grooves for the splines (1/4 in X 2 in steel bars, 30 inches long) on both sides of the windows in the log walls, then pounded the splines in place before framing the windows out. The splines will keep the logs from moving for the life of the building. We then installed all five windows on the main floor. The only opening left is the service door.