Battens and inspection

Little bit overcast today but still productive non the less. As you'll recall, we called in for a framing and hvac inspection. The inspector(s) showed up before lunch. Our regular inspector and his boss came to take a look at our progress so far. After a 45 minute visit, they only found a couple of minor things that we'll easily take care of in short order. This inspection was actually called in out of sequence. I'm used to having a rough-in framing inspection, then a rough-in plumbing inspection, followed by a rough-in hvac inspection and then an electrical rough-in inspection.

Ashe County does it differently...you rough frame, then get havc installed, then plumbing, then electical, THEN you call in a rough-in for all four. Problem is, if there's something that needs to be corrected, it could be a major problem because all the other trades have installed and might have to move hvac lines, plumbing, etc in the event of a framing issue.

We came out smelling like a rose. Our next trade in is plumbing. Today was a major hurdle.

The battens are being installed and will be completed by early next week. The photo to the right shows the battens (vertical strips) that are spaced at about 16" apart. The battens and the background siding will be painted the same color and blend to create a pleasing effect.

I suspect that we'll complete all the exterior work next week and then start the interior trim work. I'll have more photos of the process.

More coming,
z

Crackling fire and the high wire

Today was another beautiful day in the high country. Not a cloud in the sky. Tim, James and I finished adding the last parts of the chimney piping. It's not rocket science but does take some care so as to make sure the fireplace works properly and safely.


This photo is at the top of the vaulted ceiling where the chimney piping exits the cabin and aims skyward. James is handing one of the 4' long sections to Tim (way up in the rafters).

We had to add support brackets to the pipe about half way up to keep the weight of the piping to a minimal on the stove itself. Good thing the instructions for the stove spell out each step in detail.

Once most of the piping was in place, Tim made his last accent of the roof. Our roof ridge is about 40' from the ground and has a steep pitch and dangerous to navigate. The last piece of piping had to be lowered from above and set down carefully on all the other pieces so as to made a secure and tight connection.

Once the last pipe was in place the rain shield and chimney cap were bolted in position. Thank you guys!!!

I must tell you that I appreciate the efforts of both Tim and James as they continually go above and beyond the call of duty. I'm just really glad that Tim has made his last trip to the summit 'on the high wire'.

Tomorrow we have our framing and hvac inspection. Once signed off we head to plumbing installation and electrical wiring. There's a bit more to finish on the outside and then Dar and I take over to complete the interior.

More coming,
z

Bark and trim

Today was one of those gorgeous days in the mountains. Absolutely deep blue sky but on the cool side...beats rain any day!

The top inside of the viewing porch is almost complete except for a few pieces of poplar siding. We ordered and used 100 sq.ft in three locations on the cabin and came up short BUT a stroke of good luck found us the pieces we need at our local lumber yard. They had some left over from another customer order. Now those missing pieces will be filled in tomorrow.

Today the guys continued to install exterior trim around the windows, corner boards, etc. Tomorrow they'll start the battens that add the finishing touch to our 'board and batten' look.

We have one more side of soffit to finish and the exterior is pretty much complete and ready for inspection. Speaking of inspection, we've scheduled our framing and hvac inspection for this Friday. The plumber has been notified to start the rough in plumbing. Probably next week is my guess.

I mentioned, in a previous post, that the underside of our walkway and viewing porch will show the slats and tin to resemble a barn interior. This photo gives you a better feel for the look. Remember, painting of all the exterior wood will be completed early spring once the temperatures moderate.

More coming,
z

Another big day on the mountain

It was another productive day on Maple Lodge. The guys finished the tin roofing and it looks great. We're leaving the underside open (so you can see the tin from underneath. This will make it feel more like you're standing in an old barn.)

Our vision is to create a year around liveable cabin with as many natural and unique amenities as possible. Any ideas are always welcome!!!

The view to the left if actually the front entrance of the cabin. You'll notice the simple 4" x 4" posts that support the porch. These will be replaced, after we get through final inspection, with two character cedar posts. Character cedar posts have all sorts of interesting texture and branches. The cedar logs are not 'graded' for strength (but they are very strong), etc. so we'll add them after all of our inspections are complete.

We are planning rock steps from the parking area to the front door entrance. The front door will be crafted from native North Carolina woods like walnut, oak, poplar, etc. The front door is in the design stage at the moment and won't be completed until the workshop is finished (soon). I can't build if I don't have access to the tools. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

More coming,
z

Cedar trees and tin roofs

I had a special visitor from Raleigh this weekend and missed getting a post out...hope you'll for give me. The boss dropped by to make sure all was going according to plan.

James has been out sick a few days but work continues. The photo to the right is of the cedar tree that's being installed. The bottom trunk supports the floor above. The top of the tree then extends toward the ceiling to create the feeling that a cabin has been built around the tree.





The weather has been a bit cold lately but today Tim started to install the tin roof on the viewing porch and walkway around the cabin. Thumbs up for the first panel being installed.

I'll have some more shots next post with the porch complete and a good chunk of the walkway finished as well.

Things are taking shape. The exterior will be complete in the next week, depending on good weather of course.

More coming,
z

They call me the cut man

We couldn't work yesterday because it rained ALL DAY LONG! Today was at least dry but cloudy so Tim came up this morning to start the ribs on the wrap around porch system. This is the last step before tin is installed. Once the tin is on, the cabin takes on a new look.










I drove to Sugar Grove this morning to pick up a clawfoot tub for our master bath. I got back around 12:30 and strapped on my tool belt and became "the cut man". Actually, I really enjoy working with wood, smelling the scent of pine and giving Tim a hard time. Tim is one heck of a hard worker both alone and with "the cut man". For those of you that don't know what "the cut man" does, then let me explain. He keeps a sharp ear out, while on the ground, for measurements hollered out by "Tim" who is hanging on for dear life on the wrap around porch. Needless to say but "the cut man" is crucial to the process!

It also goes without saying that once "the cut man" arrived on the scene, the process leaped forward at warp speed!

I suspect we'll be installing tin on Saturday. Tonight and tomorrow look 'snowy'.

More coming,
z

 Winter still hasn't dropped the bomb upon us but everyone is telling me..'just wait'. So while we're waiting, the fireplace is framed and almost ready for rock.

You're looking at a high energy, wood burning fireplace. It's the kind that you can start up, turn a few dials and knobs and create a slow burn to your wood. It also has an internal blower system that captures as much heat as possible and sends it into the room.

Just in time...we hope!


Today was a good day (before the rain and snow) so we finished framing the viewing porch. You're looking at several different angles. This porch is probably where you'll find us most of the time.

The next step will be to add the tin roof. The weatherman says the next few days will be rainy/snowy so it might be a few days before the tin is installed.





The photo to the right and below left are different views of the porch. The handrails will be installed soon.












The detail to the right is of the open gable end of the porch. The end is made of 4" x 8" timbers and topped with a decorative gable element made from dried mountain wood found on the property.









All in all, it was a good day. Our wonder dog, KD was so relaxed at lunch that she decided to take a snooze...right after she had part of my sandwich!

More coming,
z