tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341912482024-03-19T06:35:29.074-05:00ICF HomeA diary of our journey in building an ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) Home in southern OklahomaVeggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-56665722259314032272015-08-07T09:53:00.002-05:002015-08-07T14:48:35.466-05:00Our house is For Sale!We are moving .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c9ePy2-MmL7WSh71BIm1N6lINF_KonxgCXVNYwlyehzweY1L2pqrCyMgyfoancioLpSZ47zf6ezjItX10WZSAmgcQOo7tK_FCqFR5VbB7Y70uAqJuCqZujDZIgu4WLp9uqXYkg/s1600/11830088_10206331874689274_642210607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c9ePy2-MmL7WSh71BIm1N6lINF_KonxgCXVNYwlyehzweY1L2pqrCyMgyfoancioLpSZ47zf6ezjItX10WZSAmgcQOo7tK_FCqFR5VbB7Y70uAqJuCqZujDZIgu4WLp9uqXYkg/s320/11830088_10206331874689274_642210607_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.greenhomesforsale.com/listing/view/united_states_oklahoma_ardmore_73401_19982" target="_blank">Click on this link to see our listing</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.greenhomesforsale.com/listing/view/united_states_oklahoma_ardmore_73401_19982" target="_blank">https://www.greenhomesforsale.com/listing/view/united_states_oklahoma_ardmore_73401_19982</a><br />
<br />Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-25986114308282689562007-11-16T09:23:00.000-06:002015-08-07T09:55:52.990-05:00What is a Green Build?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qf7TAYlmVlJJL5r4PpcG97Y3hyphenhyphenQgstRIYbydqu0k5m25dDSwnjeSZPs0CDMVb3EXk8dakvZpSHP4pozgzzK_f_gGSCj0kQSnX9LTZqPWItpSxLnYLo5GtqIIQ3Gef1lH5MJsqg/s1600-h/DSC00508.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133981181432495426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qf7TAYlmVlJJL5r4PpcG97Y3hyphenhyphenQgstRIYbydqu0k5m25dDSwnjeSZPs0CDMVb3EXk8dakvZpSHP4pozgzzK_f_gGSCj0kQSnX9LTZqPWItpSxLnYLo5GtqIIQ3Gef1lH5MJsqg/s320/DSC00508.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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I don't claim to be an expert on green building, but I have found on the internet websites that explain what a green build is.<br />
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The information below is excerpted from <a href="http://www.builditgreen.org/">http://www.builditgreen.org/</a> and <a href="http://www.buildinggreen.com/">http://www.buildinggreen.com/</a> <br />
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What Is Green Building?<br />
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Green Buildings are sited, designed, constructed and operated to enhance the well-being of occupants, and to minimize negative impacts on the community and natural environment. <br />
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<b>Green Buildings</b>:<br />
<i>Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment<br />Improve long-term economic performance<br />Incorporate energy and water efficient technologies<br />Use recycled content materials in their construction<br />Reduce construction and demolition waste<br />Bring higher resale value<br />Are landscaped for water and energy efficiency<br />Include renewable energy technologies<br />Improve indoor air quality<br />Reduce environmental impact<br />Are easier to maintain & built to last </i><br />
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<b>Even in the greenest of projects it is likely that many products will be used that are not themselves green—but they are used in a manner that helps reduce the overall environmental impacts of the building. A particular window may not be green, but the way it is used maximizes collection of low winter sunlight and blocks the summer sun. So even a relatively conventional window can help make a house green. Creating a green building means matching the products and materials to the specific design and site to minimize the overall environmental impact</b>. <br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">We achieved a green build with our house by using:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhQk8k0a1msKW5oisToDN9ruwtMoz_kSwPj2Asr3zvqdUI9yIUX5M-KIUNj5ZZN94xcEqf3UC4M6hDMv_-0N0SackMlZPxyuNkKudxs3a23ZMpTBJUtx8hI9NlZz9JUPQbRXjTw/s1600-h/ICF+BLOCK.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133509301965618450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhQk8k0a1msKW5oisToDN9ruwtMoz_kSwPj2Asr3zvqdUI9yIUX5M-KIUNj5ZZN94xcEqf3UC4M6hDMv_-0N0SackMlZPxyuNkKudxs3a23ZMpTBJUtx8hI9NlZz9JUPQbRXjTw/s320/ICF+BLOCK.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<b>1. ICF-insulated concrete forms for our outside walls structure</b>. <br />
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a. While building, we had reduced disturbance around the perimeter of construction site and less construction waste . Plastic ties in icf blocks are made of recyclable material and blocks are lightweight (like lego blocks for adults) and easy to install<br />
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b. Well insulated, sealed building envelope, with significant savings in heating and cooling costs.<br />
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c. Safe and strong, 10 times stronger than stick built, fire resistant and tornado resistant (see this information at <a href="http://www.buildblock.com/">www.buildblock.com</a> ).<br />
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d. Permanance, will neither rot or rust, a solid investment.<br />
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e. Healthier air quality, reduced air infiltration by 75% compared to stick built, no gas emissions from styrofoam or concrete compared to wood.<br />
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<b>2. Simonton Windows - Energy Star rated</b><br />
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<b>3. Pex Radiant Heat on 1st floor only. Tubing in our concrete foundation fills with hot water from hot water tank to heat rooms.</b><br />
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<b>4. Steel Joists (between 1st and 2nd floor) made of an aluminum steel (recyclable) </b><br />
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<b>5. Spray foam insulation, open cell foam blown onto the underside of roof about 5 inches thick, much higher r-factor than traditional fiberglass insulation and much safer, long life too</b><br />
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<b>6. American Standard 14 SEER heat pumps and ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Efficient heating and cooling and ERV air exchanger for better air quality and lowers humidity</b><br />
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<b>7. Concrete bricks (Novabrik) on exterior, less waste than traditional brick and mortar, easy installation, installed in any temperature</b></div>
Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-72967645200641260532007-10-09T11:48:00.001-05:002008-05-23T13:23:04.674-05:00Finally Done!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4vnmGO3oa5rd7UYm5-rvRIfWXNOTOO7POaY2Qwe9Xjd62W6g8N0IVVfk2qBwrabqaIxqp3Enf2bfU4chMNxyY53G8E7qa-nH0sgSYHHM2hXksmCtg0j38Z_nUT5Q5ypD2adAIg/s1600-h/DSC00463.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119411235174842786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4vnmGO3oa5rd7UYm5-rvRIfWXNOTOO7POaY2Qwe9Xjd62W6g8N0IVVfk2qBwrabqaIxqp3Enf2bfU4chMNxyY53G8E7qa-nH0sgSYHHM2hXksmCtg0j38Z_nUT5Q5ypD2adAIg/s320/DSC00463.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Though we've gone through DROUGHT, ICE, AND RAIN this past year, we're done, at least until we have more money for a paved driveway ,and a finished carport and bonus room in the back.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Our certificate of occupancy was issued on July 31, 2007 by the city of Lone Grove. We had Mike Hammitt come one more time to do a punch list for us so we could move in. We still needed bathroom mirrors and shower doors installed and a several other small odds and ends that if he hadn't done these things it would have taken us forever to do after we moved in. We officially moved in the week of August 5. We were so glad to be out of our apartment. The kids now have separate rooms and have alot more space to run around, and no more crickets (we had tons of crickets at our apartment building)! We are now living in a 3000 sf home with 4 bedrooms and 2 3/4 baths. We, also, have two eating areas, an office/spare room, living room, and a big kitchen!<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0n5nROaeWmI6QwjplxSrVC3USJcSqu9FceS3WUWW1anpToBtBNkr9nPHMn0V7RQngQ0g9BZPuQQATMTydX3xLGHmwuLcKxiuD8cG3OrGxcRkpaXCDcUkpadMSRVglcoVSlkl4A/s1600-h/DSC00461.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119398088279949682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0n5nROaeWmI6QwjplxSrVC3USJcSqu9FceS3WUWW1anpToBtBNkr9nPHMn0V7RQngQ0g9BZPuQQATMTydX3xLGHmwuLcKxiuD8cG3OrGxcRkpaXCDcUkpadMSRVglcoVSlkl4A/s320/DSC00461.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our bay window has become a stage for our 3 girls.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMIEYs-VzCkmm0Rn9Rs5pSvTFxC1cF7ZaWApQaB5G8TGvMgdndwNJE6Mmp8Zjcv2Slb9KsbUKtoJiCQVeDIgGjxSUBMioXq2JR4IGoCQJaz-m_N6rHdlOtYlUPrdjaBhszRzM1Q/s1600-h/DSC00481.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119449511923384754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMIEYs-VzCkmm0Rn9Rs5pSvTFxC1cF7ZaWApQaB5G8TGvMgdndwNJE6Mmp8Zjcv2Slb9KsbUKtoJiCQVeDIgGjxSUBMioXq2JR4IGoCQJaz-m_N6rHdlOtYlUPrdjaBhszRzM1Q/s320/DSC00481.JPG" border="0" /></a> We special ordered a 8ft x3 1/2 ft storm door and had Mike install it. See how wide our door jambs are, both girls can fit in between the storm door and the front door?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'd like to make a few notations about our heating and cooling in this ICF home. One of the reasons we built this type of home was to save on our utility costs. So far we've been very pleased with our American Standard 14 seer Heat Pump's performance. It does feel very comfortable in the house at all times. We have special humidity sensors on our thermostats. We have a 2 zone system, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. We have an American Standard Accu Exchange ERV (energy recovery ventilator) in the attic which helps the humidity come down in our house since we have such a tight, well insulated house. It also pulls in fresh air. The biggest difference I notice is when I walk upstairs there's no or very little difference in temperature and the air doesn't seem heavy upstairs, but fresh.<br /><br /><br /><div>As far as cost savings in our utility bill, we've seen moderate savings, but we've only lived here two months and we're getting used to what thermostat settings are the most comfortable for our family. </div><br /><br /><div>We've been really impressed with spray foam insulation in the attic, too. There's hardly any difference in temperature in the attic as there is in the rest of the house.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I'm including some photos of the features I've just mentioned.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrfrqmZw4WMaI_ho6CzbVeQfOtJrZCzPl9H4WDWLVCSbfsvi5v6NvpwNPAI3PDGegci2i5hdO8N8B6n0zBboEghDHtQrwj_jO-M7wux5_2BvQhJSItczaf8NKSL43PbciTjEhGg/s1600-h/DSC00515.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134968989550837074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrfrqmZw4WMaI_ho6CzbVeQfOtJrZCzPl9H4WDWLVCSbfsvi5v6NvpwNPAI3PDGegci2i5hdO8N8B6n0zBboEghDHtQrwj_jO-M7wux5_2BvQhJSItczaf8NKSL43PbciTjEhGg/s320/DSC00515.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is our digital thermostat that tells temperature, time and humidity.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcIVjfBMjwDQVyJsPpEE28qTzD0iqeZEU_PnxuOeVV6GNhcgoXruS2bjMGYWdajI3gb3sotS9zzycs-D3OQzP7uL0k6AWhXYqJTgG1dZtr0XZXwSwImfyX_yMqhUiqhFHxS6EaA/s1600-h/DSC00478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119396546386690402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcIVjfBMjwDQVyJsPpEE28qTzD0iqeZEU_PnxuOeVV6GNhcgoXruS2bjMGYWdajI3gb3sotS9zzycs-D3OQzP7uL0k6AWhXYqJTgG1dZtr0XZXwSwImfyX_yMqhUiqhFHxS6EaA/s320/DSC00478.JPG" border="0" /></a> ERV in attic , air exchanger<br /></p><br /><br />You know this was our first time building this type of house, let alone building any kind of house from scratch with no contractor. We met many great people along the way. And I, especially, know alot more about the steps of building a house than I ever thought I would ever know, or that I would even want to know in my lifetime. There are many things we could have done differently and done in a better order, especially with painting, but in the end all the praying and mental and physical excerise we had to go through to get to end was well worth it.<br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1</div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVq_amuHHFYU5ElJDMPOmrgGJVTZSN-WU20bhguNo59sgq7hsuQ3fMZyGy0uXep4InQq0wSQ6cs1wkt1McHJgwaSbwd2xsc88wkeXJ5eBzxDHBqJk9QGlWHb2x3sYjgL7E8wrCA/s1600-h/DSC00406.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119409139230802306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVq_amuHHFYU5ElJDMPOmrgGJVTZSN-WU20bhguNo59sgq7hsuQ3fMZyGy0uXep4InQq0wSQ6cs1wkt1McHJgwaSbwd2xsc88wkeXJ5eBzxDHBqJk9QGlWHb2x3sYjgL7E8wrCA/s320/DSC00406.JPG" border="0" /></a>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-43520608968099910042007-10-08T13:46:00.000-05:002007-10-09T11:47:49.955-05:00July 2007 Final Countertops, Cabinets, FlooringWhen I look back it's amazing how many final items were completed in July compared to all the other months of construction where maybe two construction details would get done. We were also dealing with several rainy days, but at this point of construction most of our items were inside details that it didn't matter the weather.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYS7dhN74kH_nd3frPHquzFkTHch_tKcZiaBkWQw4WKBjtZCVA-MoNZsGjQPOjDN3WJctU2rM-fxIn2H8BUgvR7Ip98Z3ryu5swbTpAmbKpMFUdw-WHtW-_hQDS9t0NnKK9ReTA/s1600-h/DSC00431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119042185814966434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYS7dhN74kH_nd3frPHquzFkTHch_tKcZiaBkWQw4WKBjtZCVA-MoNZsGjQPOjDN3WJctU2rM-fxIn2H8BUgvR7Ip98Z3ryu5swbTpAmbKpMFUdw-WHtW-_hQDS9t0NnKK9ReTA/s320/DSC00431.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a picture of our temporary power outlet that supplied us power for almost a year, it was our lifeline to build our house. It was like losing an old friend that served us well.<br /><br /><br />On July 18, we finally no longer had to rely on temporary power, but now we had power right at the meter attached to our house. I was crying tears of joy on that day. I finally felt like we were near the end. The same emotion came over me the day (July 30) the portable toilet was taken away. It had been a little over a year since we started this journey, and we were finally seeing the end to our labor mentally and physically.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha135RnkDDZ9e1WsYwbWozwixWXOe9OZCjVr_128rq-uhI3NBFgO2gtoJcvb7EUfP2232MmhkLEIvDalLlB9e9_rUmQriamr9pDn0cLdGvKm2LRZJUxdf5Cpmp-kdqlQof3FDnw/s1600-h/DSC00411.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119044097075413186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha135RnkDDZ9e1WsYwbWozwixWXOe9OZCjVr_128rq-uhI3NBFgO2gtoJcvb7EUfP2232MmhkLEIvDalLlB9e9_rUmQriamr9pDn0cLdGvKm2LRZJUxdf5Cpmp-kdqlQof3FDnw/s320/DSC00411.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>We finally cut down the tree that was so close to the bay window. We had decided several months earlier to cut it down because it blocked the view from that part of the house and it would be a problem to grow grass in the front yard. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br />Dave installed all our kitchen cabinets, which was quite a challenge , because of the 45 degree angle in the kitchen, just to get everything to line up like it was supposed to. But, he prevailed and the trim carpenter installed all our trim for the kitchen cabinets. Then, Steve from Counter Act came and installed all our cultured stone countertops in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. He even came on the weekend to install them. We were very pleased the countertops and his work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uv-UC6bCsr4VTneT_EcNDJZrNrCD4-FA5ft0ybZpmYY7AmoYysa4ra3w1OuRVpkixYtr0yMZ_nxfpkpDcHanhVW68s8-sEHCXrm2iMn0fqSFT1a57tFcAZp0CQYqn3NI8l_VyA/s1600-h/DSC00428.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119046386292981970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uv-UC6bCsr4VTneT_EcNDJZrNrCD4-FA5ft0ybZpmYY7AmoYysa4ra3w1OuRVpkixYtr0yMZ_nxfpkpDcHanhVW68s8-sEHCXrm2iMn0fqSFT1a57tFcAZp0CQYqn3NI8l_VyA/s320/DSC00428.JPG" border="0" /></a> Deanna reclining in the kitchen with our newly installed cabinets, counter tops, and appliances.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHcSxl5cDnyPj6uMs_JJYHvIHWzYpPY1DZKRCi1hwWLBl29WfaXWhtKUj_42rmm6z_H_7_W6ORjiyZir5qdsSF9U9QDgrVzK8ensibgCvVm_llakf0aFxdKrGFmHhd7_EWsrOuA/s1600-h/DSC00463.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119046729890365666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHcSxl5cDnyPj6uMs_JJYHvIHWzYpPY1DZKRCi1hwWLBl29WfaXWhtKUj_42rmm6z_H_7_W6ORjiyZir5qdsSF9U9QDgrVzK8ensibgCvVm_llakf0aFxdKrGFmHhd7_EWsrOuA/s320/DSC00463.JPG" border="0" /></a> The kids bathroom newly installed lights, mirrors, cabinets, countertops, and sinks.<br /><br /><br /><br />Our air conditioning was turned on officially July 23, right when our flooring was beginning to be installed. Which was perfect timing, it made their work conditions so much more comfortable. We hired Mike Blomberg to do all our flooring, which we had a combination of ceramic tile, laminate, and carpet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSuKBW0JwI2F0ctj0zxJSmqgHWdpXFLIJ55vz_6DkKBYWKXBsrbECYRAn-GaQ302pokrqqutU29dA3Es9_aiggC3y8ZYmerGRFtrijJhdckY1AAhhSvU0fG3JwU3GnneL0aDKpA/s1600-h/DSC00447.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119365510953009410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSuKBW0JwI2F0ctj0zxJSmqgHWdpXFLIJ55vz_6DkKBYWKXBsrbECYRAn-GaQ302pokrqqutU29dA3Es9_aiggC3y8ZYmerGRFtrijJhdckY1AAhhSvU0fG3JwU3GnneL0aDKpA/s320/DSC00447.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is looking from kitchen into breakfast nook. We have ceramic tile in the kitchen and laminate in the nook.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-noJ7JhKNBNyr9i_n50RlL22Q_y9CMMgyvHJfF2a30_wOyRDTomO3Qh_0UYwm9pxQGlH6KXXXRzynffpgz3ftUTJ1Y9coGClPQDrPG2kskU7MBKHf9BBRdCMrOCGCSECBSboPg/s1600-h/DSC00459.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119364901067653362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-noJ7JhKNBNyr9i_n50RlL22Q_y9CMMgyvHJfF2a30_wOyRDTomO3Qh_0UYwm9pxQGlH6KXXXRzynffpgz3ftUTJ1Y9coGClPQDrPG2kskU7MBKHf9BBRdCMrOCGCSECBSboPg/s320/DSC00459.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is looking from the living room into the entryway and kitchen. That little step up into the kitchen took alot of extra work and creativity to get the tile work straight, since some of the concrete was damaged behind the door and not perfectly straight. But, Mike was able to work with these issues and do beautiful work. In the middle of the entryway is a medallion that Mike recommended to really set off our entryway. We're glad we took his advice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-_2bGIrLEN4smEXqC8oGuaqMRAVt0HFSqL_b5ub4DFXuhA1Ex5SxVRbF1yh6Fe7QpGwPt5ZEB4ftAgjkhHUyWcU1gUt6HqG9uTrMt3TmkHNRQHFVkvkARNwhrUEPprg7BfRNxg/s1600-h/DSC00473.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119371502432387362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-_2bGIrLEN4smEXqC8oGuaqMRAVt0HFSqL_b5ub4DFXuhA1Ex5SxVRbF1yh6Fe7QpGwPt5ZEB4ftAgjkhHUyWcU1gUt6HqG9uTrMt3TmkHNRQHFVkvkARNwhrUEPprg7BfRNxg/s320/DSC00473.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's a closeup of the medallion.<br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVMi4Htm9Zv5uR7vjpW9yRgrwMuRjZEqQYwYd4S9cLMurSKS8gzz70aTJ8yFI8i1lElK8nBR0vBiQ3iXOfn10QVFJH4e4W7QAUbz7WRVEuTUcg3nbHUT-ujiI_OIkq18WuCzdmQ/s1600-h/DSC00464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119372142382514482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVMi4Htm9Zv5uR7vjpW9yRgrwMuRjZEqQYwYd4S9cLMurSKS8gzz70aTJ8yFI8i1lElK8nBR0vBiQ3iXOfn10QVFJH4e4W7QAUbz7WRVEuTUcg3nbHUT-ujiI_OIkq18WuCzdmQ/s320/DSC00464.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tile work Mike did around our jacuzzi tub.</p><p><br /></p>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-38490997253014234592007-10-04T13:59:00.000-05:002007-10-09T13:57:30.417-05:00July 2007 Final Stairs, Painting,Septic,GutteringThings really got crazy the last two months of construction that I didn't have time to update this blog or take alot of pictures. In July we were in our final countdown of getting all the last of the interior done and finally getting our septic system installed. God was faithful, all those last things fell into place. We finished before our building permit expired (8-6-07) and before our 12 month construction loan would have ended in August, also.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CVmLobsjtqQo75s8xIgrLj6vHlxwK10T4s6UTvuNBvd77JCU-QutzH5crh_ZqodyFvxG6o370SBLDEAOtnKrlGuwYK0IObBu-urY3tAp07RJ9QPru4g3RB0dmAsaXjCx4nh4tg/s1600-h/DSC00468.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117563432869920802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CVmLobsjtqQo75s8xIgrLj6vHlxwK10T4s6UTvuNBvd77JCU-QutzH5crh_ZqodyFvxG6o370SBLDEAOtnKrlGuwYK0IObBu-urY3tAp07RJ9QPru4g3RB0dmAsaXjCx4nh4tg/s320/DSC00468.JPG" border="0" /></a>Since, my last posting on June 24,2007 , getting our stairs finished was the next step. This picture shows our stairs completed with carpet. Our trim carpenter, Bill Hunt, did the caps and side wall trim out of mdf and used the iron balusters and oak posts and railings we had picked up from Latham Stairs in Sanger, TX. He was an excellent carpenter and we were very pleased with his work. We found out there's not too many trim carpenters who like to tackle these kinds of stair parts. But, the beautiful end result was well worth the effort and cost ($$).<br /><br />Here's some more pictures of our stairs and the walkway above the entry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbkB6-ndtCg7TghgM-s1yuLHUtVPBng3khTTUT05fpuTsR5N5IGGiRwI2x8kylpdcRrXdCnzXpCXZYTAvF4At0ZpR9DBOD_Awf6TInCxzB8BNEBLRwUzfQ6yYUqjYfmDzD_Dckw/s1600-h/DSC00472.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117565421439778882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbkB6-ndtCg7TghgM-s1yuLHUtVPBng3khTTUT05fpuTsR5N5IGGiRwI2x8kylpdcRrXdCnzXpCXZYTAvF4At0ZpR9DBOD_Awf6TInCxzB8BNEBLRwUzfQ6yYUqjYfmDzD_Dckw/s320/DSC00472.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fq-ympLGpwmD3dv0gTh1vHVxTDuL6MRMHbsOon7ZkMx3irEF_hacZ5juaxdVo0Ka10-N4XBNbECOK3-d3ce8q1Z3aTM8fLdQZX7nOZXxZ2eAjX0BhJzeEKZ5482ANlJDstPJ8g/s1600-h/DSC00469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117565412849844274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fq-ympLGpwmD3dv0gTh1vHVxTDuL6MRMHbsOon7ZkMx3irEF_hacZ5juaxdVo0Ka10-N4XBNbECOK3-d3ce8q1Z3aTM8fLdQZX7nOZXxZ2eAjX0BhJzeEKZ5482ANlJDstPJ8g/s320/DSC00469.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />These next series of pictures is when Carla Milligan, an art teacher from Kingston, came and painted murals on Dillon and Danae's room. We had been having trouble figuring out the final colors of the kids' rooms, when I came upon her ad in the classifieds. It was perfect timing. God did it again! We were so pleased with the results!</p><br /><br /><p> </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJA3yK2G9J_9UZmq23tu2EhjqzalKY6c4DLjtHNoHyTb_LVb78kTOs7yvrZgwx78SlumwtTtjFXRyBfRawn5oh4b3bMphdGj9_KiVeJKBXcU-N-2W-ygTWB7tBoku-v8I6R9biw/s1600-h/DSC00432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119001714338136146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJA3yK2G9J_9UZmq23tu2EhjqzalKY6c4DLjtHNoHyTb_LVb78kTOs7yvrZgwx78SlumwtTtjFXRyBfRawn5oh4b3bMphdGj9_KiVeJKBXcU-N-2W-ygTWB7tBoku-v8I6R9biw/s320/DSC00432.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>Danae and Dillon are sitting in the windowsills (they make great seats since our windowsills are almost a foot wide) after Carla had painted Danae's room. She has horses on every wall of her room. Danae had told me several months ago she wanted a horse scene in her room. Her prayers were answered.</p><br /><p></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgInZfAjw68pSy2kUEjUDjp84iVL0Cb-ZLP6xtjRp1103VQTJ5MPUXrTTt5dik4WK19qqLofJfF_Ss8Zmnoh9VQs_e5d6A9OyK8z9R7oUTfIoDhO6L9WzEGldngU3As9Im9cakA/s1600-h/DSC00443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119003539699236962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgInZfAjw68pSy2kUEjUDjp84iVL0Cb-ZLP6xtjRp1103VQTJ5MPUXrTTt5dik4WK19qqLofJfF_Ss8Zmnoh9VQs_e5d6A9OyK8z9R7oUTfIoDhO6L9WzEGldngU3As9Im9cakA/s320/DSC00443.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Dillon's room. Since Dillon's room was already painted a turquoise color, an underwater scene worked out well. Dillon had her paint sea dragons and ocean coral, but he asked her to also incorporate his favorite bird, the bald eagle. Not pictured are also a golden retriever and a cheetah , which also wanted painted. Carla was great at incorporating all the ideas the kids had and make it all blend. It was so hot the days she painted, too, which didn't bother her. I would highly recommend her. We'd like to have her come back in a few months and do the other two bedrooms. </p><br /><br /><p>While all this inside work was going on, we had work going on on the outside, too. Our septic system was installed by Chickasaw Nation free of charge. I started the application process with the Chickasaw Nation Office of Environmental Health a year ago July, just so we could get on the waiting list for the septic system. In October 2006 we made it on the approved list. Then they said the installer would come when we were within about a month from being finished with the house. Back in October of 2006, I don't think we ever imagined that we wouldn't be ready until the next July. I, also, found out once they were here installing that they could have dug and installed our water line from the street, but I would have had to request it with my original application. Oh well, hindsight is always clearer. Anyway, we are very thankful for the work they did and for the septic system. It was a great savings on our construction budget. </p><br /><p></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7s38BTup_ZbbEsHL8vK1Qztku7Y0fGZmSb-bV4eEPmPoMnkhn1pkIQHO_TAJdF_0AMskCnG1bWWmqN8muvoGPBnDd_27h2NN5PL-kb9CgmB1R5tFmuoMLeMU4S6acgkMrE5H0A/s1600-h/DSC00421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119009509703778418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7s38BTup_ZbbEsHL8vK1Qztku7Y0fGZmSb-bV4eEPmPoMnkhn1pkIQHO_TAJdF_0AMskCnG1bWWmqN8muvoGPBnDd_27h2NN5PL-kb9CgmB1R5tFmuoMLeMU4S6acgkMrE5H0A/s320/DSC00421.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the contractor smoothing out the site after they installed the septic tank and lines. We got a nice sprinkler system out of the deal, too. Look closely and you'll see Deanna standing next to one of the workers. Here she is making friends again.<br /><br /><br /><br />We had our guttering on our house completed in July, also. One of the days they came, we had a terrible thunderstorm come through. The day it came through, not only were the guttering workers there, but also, the electrician, the HVAC workers, and the bricklayers. We all stood on the front porch or watched out the windows as it downpoured outside. Here's a picture of the aftermath of that storm. A truck of one of the workers got stuck in the mud near our newly installed septic tank. Fortunately they didn't damage anything, just made big ruts in the ground.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIFgsgqdrYqHj8UDBDjVZ5PwUbWBmtBDKlJuck2iuOVGfMGhYSeefDlTW-WZpmGzukskK2Y3chSabskTXi_pxLexB9NfWlQ0UZpU11awaRtwdRQZS9EZ0WeUUSHS9TDrwQckQKQ/s1600-h/DSC00448.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119036134206046354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIFgsgqdrYqHj8UDBDjVZ5PwUbWBmtBDKlJuck2iuOVGfMGhYSeefDlTW-WZpmGzukskK2Y3chSabskTXi_pxLexB9NfWlQ0UZpU11awaRtwdRQZS9EZ0WeUUSHS9TDrwQckQKQ/s320/DSC00448.JPG" border="0" /></a>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-49917462341715392872007-06-24T10:00:00.000-05:002007-06-24T12:52:28.964-05:00Novabrik Done, Still Painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDk1UsPwrd6Y3m_4v2xDbankAn88qGl4jvfKcRs9EQ8ItDenWL74UlF1i0BMuWjPTMfi5dCqu8rZ3yDnwFTZS2kmwkDeqxeDkafhxtULkFwEtvVHimePaerQ6Wka8ZQK4ygF3mQ/s1600-h/DSC00406.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079650619579028322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDk1UsPwrd6Y3m_4v2xDbankAn88qGl4jvfKcRs9EQ8ItDenWL74UlF1i0BMuWjPTMfi5dCqu8rZ3yDnwFTZS2kmwkDeqxeDkafhxtULkFwEtvVHimePaerQ6Wka8ZQK4ygF3mQ/s320/DSC00406.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE6zjWvpJqN8biVfid3s-U_CcmGcp1UAVDaHjMaRyhuIVGpdyMBpdjlEs0ip9xocJOmgePRKjxvG7gyQyIv074LZPzZ7zd2F_EVITSfVQFFo15mBr13prWh58FwnzxAoNYdcOjg/s1600-h/DSC00405.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079650623873995634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE6zjWvpJqN8biVfid3s-U_CcmGcp1UAVDaHjMaRyhuIVGpdyMBpdjlEs0ip9xocJOmgePRKjxvG7gyQyIv074LZPzZ7zd2F_EVITSfVQFFo15mBr13prWh58FwnzxAoNYdcOjg/s320/DSC00405.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs34QCgUNsrwWTMcP5cMek-rch7DNjtt6HsBIBRBzbxjMK1B4gE9a2SauCYFiyQru_4hl5TXLwgLJyqrvWKBLA4ZpUhPGQWSezz8_m_lJQjsh6xE3UuKMEwsIwhaw_34PaOaIfBg/s1600-h/DSC00390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079650628168962946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs34QCgUNsrwWTMcP5cMek-rch7DNjtt6HsBIBRBzbxjMK1B4gE9a2SauCYFiyQru_4hl5TXLwgLJyqrvWKBLA4ZpUhPGQWSezz8_m_lJQjsh6xE3UuKMEwsIwhaw_34PaOaIfBg/s320/DSC00390.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHqca7x2ilVLObq-PKWuspYqMdSHTJEHDavEZufaEd8Cxfl35x_fRYNSs42VGpcXxoeWlRQtXYEJSlBPOv0yzVvSZAtPuwYcITv5QwNXoLHcfxrFm5zMHYCARRQErg-_4J1fbYw/s1600-h/DSC00387.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079649855074849602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHqca7x2ilVLObq-PKWuspYqMdSHTJEHDavEZufaEd8Cxfl35x_fRYNSs42VGpcXxoeWlRQtXYEJSlBPOv0yzVvSZAtPuwYcITv5QwNXoLHcfxrFm5zMHYCARRQErg-_4J1fbYw/s320/DSC00387.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiCttXCSyPA5GqAWN8X3DdTs0qSsoqbNDriJBUL6iAWaBCFCkufTwcm-CQKKS9ej6DPD67XfkhYeSyZlBbYDU7TjlunQw1RGrgKtiqgcWaX0Wa7_-29FzCVeWa5UFWsm4f0qTVQ/s1600-h/DSC00383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079649859369816914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiCttXCSyPA5GqAWN8X3DdTs0qSsoqbNDriJBUL6iAWaBCFCkufTwcm-CQKKS9ej6DPD67XfkhYeSyZlBbYDU7TjlunQw1RGrgKtiqgcWaX0Wa7_-29FzCVeWa5UFWsm4f0qTVQ/s320/DSC00383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdqs5xcUEEoFB8ccAO1Njcc_ctMB1Bikk3KLxbDqJpvCLRAGNB890MoQ1xKMeONuzchV6Ji1RD9HwpPOH00yLcMhJXKukk9NQ0fZHI0bVj1wHObimbdosOsixY33BHIj4sPtSsQ/s1600-h/DSC00379.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079649374038512418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdqs5xcUEEoFB8ccAO1Njcc_ctMB1Bikk3KLxbDqJpvCLRAGNB890MoQ1xKMeONuzchV6Ji1RD9HwpPOH00yLcMhJXKukk9NQ0fZHI0bVj1wHObimbdosOsixY33BHIj4sPtSsQ/s320/DSC00379.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQuWZ__7L23wJXUizIQ92Ov2zMerC0MouTmtD4KeMtwo6L55jGRsnkOMHWYxFZhuLqBtJsVYTeIMH0rT0feprkzlLen3CHgexu1At-ZZxnj87ZtVRJC14VT7jeai3ZCF3p5FF-A/s1600-h/DSC00376.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079649382628447026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQuWZ__7L23wJXUizIQ92Ov2zMerC0MouTmtD4KeMtwo6L55jGRsnkOMHWYxFZhuLqBtJsVYTeIMH0rT0feprkzlLen3CHgexu1At-ZZxnj87ZtVRJC14VT7jeai3ZCF3p5FF-A/s320/DSC00376.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWx3u9H37NRCcYSE1U9jQKzK-1lp3EAmfnduZ7hQOLmM5hczyN_5R26RH0axknOq4ZVvny0GeBl1xKR-yGVm21TOZlB-XtPvlx96cv2KJLuiQ3GIe1WgNV9Tai_fBjLfZlEihiw/s1600-h/DSC00369.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079648583764529922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWx3u9H37NRCcYSE1U9jQKzK-1lp3EAmfnduZ7hQOLmM5hczyN_5R26RH0axknOq4ZVvny0GeBl1xKR-yGVm21TOZlB-XtPvlx96cv2KJLuiQ3GIe1WgNV9Tai_fBjLfZlEihiw/s320/DSC00369.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0aUCpTkRPdr2JslJDGoj3qtyjWzxq_Ae4ymGBBe_y87WwGWd2HPK28fvs9Bc3uw9NvL9a8f9YlrT2mmLXZbyMzhitRn7FNSiNtBzzJ2kgXRl-pdCeSgSuqkga_CiB-TjFmkrqw/s1600-h/DSC00370.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079648588059497234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0aUCpTkRPdr2JslJDGoj3qtyjWzxq_Ae4ymGBBe_y87WwGWd2HPK28fvs9Bc3uw9NvL9a8f9YlrT2mmLXZbyMzhitRn7FNSiNtBzzJ2kgXRl-pdCeSgSuqkga_CiB-TjFmkrqw/s320/DSC00370.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm going to have alot of pictures in this update. The novabrik system is really interesting, so I'm including several shots of the procedure.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-63763000069172575222007-06-07T17:24:00.000-05:002007-06-08T10:17:14.442-05:00Novabrik & Front Door Arrive!!After almost 3 months of waiting our front door is finally ready. Dave picked up our front door on Monday, June 4th. It's 8 ft tall and 42 inches wide. It's a solid core door with mahogany veneer. We ordered it from Norman Door and Plywood in Norman, OK. They had the best price around for the size of door we needed. Needless to say, we're very pleased with the door. Dave has stained it, now we're in process of varnishing it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEs776W6kJ42-xrwbFFE-y79WNCbenwUhyphenhyphenZYPvQnTzeP_rYBcvUP-TI_v0IoeQQlzP_872Lphu0LGuXyJENjpQKjWnyEEWzRFr-D7_XFdsHeVPhaoL9kZ8kLYsOKn_KmWtKjvdg/s1600-h/DSC00365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073544524703847122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEs776W6kJ42-xrwbFFE-y79WNCbenwUhyphenhyphenZYPvQnTzeP_rYBcvUP-TI_v0IoeQQlzP_872Lphu0LGuXyJENjpQKjWnyEEWzRFr-D7_XFdsHeVPhaoL9kZ8kLYsOKn_KmWtKjvdg/s320/DSC00365.JPG" border="0" /></a> The brick layers have started to brick around the door. Here's Daria showing off her cheerleading shirt. You can see how massive the door is compared to Daria's size.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuHS3Cp1iPqc5BDTYBVoVBodSaLPGB8udQAeXB06jPvU-me4RNc9v0SELk2q8fCPAev7umjrHYEMqNYF4H_1HrK190RAAryW8HANrVieIor9YbZp_kZTTG4GZtZ02CflhJTjW_Q/s1600-h/DSC00366.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073544533293781730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuHS3Cp1iPqc5BDTYBVoVBodSaLPGB8udQAeXB06jPvU-me4RNc9v0SELk2q8fCPAev7umjrHYEMqNYF4H_1HrK190RAAryW8HANrVieIor9YbZp_kZTTG4GZtZ02CflhJTjW_Q/s320/DSC00366.JPG" border="0" /></a> Deanna's sweeping up the sawdust next to a pile of leftover baseboards. Notice the baseboards, crown molding and the color of the walls.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qg-hqvhub0i2h6O4tIN7ey5vY4NBlUerHsqVijwoSl6hBVDpEVmy-mvhs3x8qanBwzMo0BoasW_CQ8uxXV0IWnB7ganA1bH_9U65QYyTa4enLvUozUzP6ZmNqkwcJtd-BEWIxA/s1600-h/DSC00367.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073544537588749042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qg-hqvhub0i2h6O4tIN7ey5vY4NBlUerHsqVijwoSl6hBVDpEVmy-mvhs3x8qanBwzMo0BoasW_CQ8uxXV0IWnB7ganA1bH_9U65QYyTa4enLvUozUzP6ZmNqkwcJtd-BEWIxA/s320/DSC00367.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Dillon drawing on the styrofoam wall in the dust that has accumulated on the wall. You can see the Novabrik is starting to go up, too.<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The kids strike a pose on Dave's truck. We're all excited about our Novabrik arriving and our front door!<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGpawpcxiTZcB87exOOW76PZQgc8DCzD82JfbEA7HKPq8pnNrovgUSyfCjFKf5o82KVfj5vDCe_th3_U1Ek6j1sAr3X06LJ-oI9SF0NX7cdcyJW1cNOQYGleal-u0PfLNLVUBgQ/s1600-h/DSC00362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073453175044428482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGpawpcxiTZcB87exOOW76PZQgc8DCzD82JfbEA7HKPq8pnNrovgUSyfCjFKf5o82KVfj5vDCe_th3_U1Ek6j1sAr3X06LJ-oI9SF0NX7cdcyJW1cNOQYGleal-u0PfLNLVUBgQ/s320/DSC00362.JPG" border="0" /></a><a> </a></p><p> </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmIJ_XmWT-adZwXxNazVfFOAVdnvjcxrYg9V9trLTLx0yjQUmkblstsB-PCK52yOiQPIA_Ifmb8oiezUNJnPp7QgE-eQvO5IB3mLInUh7BE4kTjhTDkUP65rpwGxoYJvcOmXsdg/s1600-h/DSC00357.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073452505029530258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmIJ_XmWT-adZwXxNazVfFOAVdnvjcxrYg9V9trLTLx0yjQUmkblstsB-PCK52yOiQPIA_Ifmb8oiezUNJnPp7QgE-eQvO5IB3mLInUh7BE4kTjhTDkUP65rpwGxoYJvcOmXsdg/s320/DSC00357.JPG" border="0" /></a> Going backwards in my photos. This is when our 14 pallets of Novabrik arrived on May 30, 2007. We ended up hiring a truck through OK Steel & Wire , where Dave works, to deliver. It was less money than using one of Novabrik's trucks. We, also, hired a friend of Ronnie Nichols, the Novabrik dealer in Wilson, to use his forklift to unload the truck. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjGLBrAFE-c79oJqSXgEu_wkxNL9rXXbOE1x7cW3Air2pXLEIiY2poXmqGAFAeav7zEPmOPFIWasqeJ0VEM6iKYO99jWU6LIyIrSMTScPWJUc9NAozJuXCdUHxycIAOpgeImdpw/s1600-h/DSC00358.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073452513619464866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjGLBrAFE-c79oJqSXgEu_wkxNL9rXXbOE1x7cW3Air2pXLEIiY2poXmqGAFAeav7zEPmOPFIWasqeJ0VEM6iKYO99jWU6LIyIrSMTScPWJUc9NAozJuXCdUHxycIAOpgeImdpw/s320/DSC00358.JPG" border="0" /></a> Deanna became fast friends with the truck driver and even got to blow the horn a couple of times.</p><p> </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBv6H0cFR9aVfON35IC5hNfurGwQNFyQNC_eyeHnfBckysY7XVqJ_dAAc4Q09AKRTTTfhXmwOexdU0Y215cA1nI-iVPgZsfKfDDTceZ_rhlCMhiq-Jaq09QFDss5ZIEWyq2yq_w/s1600-h/DSC00359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073453166454493874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBv6H0cFR9aVfON35IC5hNfurGwQNFyQNC_eyeHnfBckysY7XVqJ_dAAc4Q09AKRTTTfhXmwOexdU0Y215cA1nI-iVPgZsfKfDDTceZ_rhlCMhiq-Jaq09QFDss5ZIEWyq2yq_w/s320/DSC00359.JPG" border="0" /></a>The west side of the house partially covered with Novabrik.</p>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-88531490453168956312007-06-07T16:44:00.000-05:002007-06-07T17:23:04.345-05:00Interior Trim Work & Painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWu_wKyIP9U6XLtxfS96_mNo7yWkTHZZSqmqntpqbht0v5E7nUVSjv1PxT61iiR0Ge9UC8dAON6QbOYI68Sp8TDTq2bkV1KhT4gP32mvRcehJUg5aGqk8cy9DFXcw-pPPcaT0wg/s1600-h/DSC00342.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073444198562779762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWu_wKyIP9U6XLtxfS96_mNo7yWkTHZZSqmqntpqbht0v5E7nUVSjv1PxT61iiR0Ge9UC8dAON6QbOYI68Sp8TDTq2bkV1KhT4gP32mvRcehJUg5aGqk8cy9DFXcw-pPPcaT0wg/s320/DSC00342.JPG" border="0" /></a> Painting, painting, painting that's all we've been doing for the last month. We realized in our construction budget that we had not allotted enough money for a professional painter to do the painting. My dad used to be a painter many years ago, so he has been helping us paint a few times a week. It's taken us the last month just to prime paint the entire house. We rented a sprayer to do all the ceilings one weekend. As of June 2, all of our baseboards and crown moulding have been installed. All we have left is our stairway and entryway to be trimmed out with crown moulding.<br />The kids have helped us do the priming. They enjoyed helping. Above is a photo of Danae painting in our dining area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i-_kJ9QaLBZ8r3eMJnkqBheUXSl1W0lbsxZKGZAGL8VNTovQnqbvvUNTMJmfmudmt2sdvOUj9bSukTPdQ6VQyhTTWe7ZqV5gPhUsd9V2pqn0XbVvReI9vngK_HP-PnHZ4lZIMQ/s1600-h/DSC00350.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073444585109836418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i-_kJ9QaLBZ8r3eMJnkqBheUXSl1W0lbsxZKGZAGL8VNTovQnqbvvUNTMJmfmudmt2sdvOUj9bSukTPdQ6VQyhTTWe7ZqV5gPhUsd9V2pqn0XbVvReI9vngK_HP-PnHZ4lZIMQ/s320/DSC00350.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a photo of all the boxes holding our kitchen cabinets. Notice the color of our kitchen and dining area now. It's called Bungalow Gold. All our trim work will be painted white. I won't use such a dark color if we ever do this again. We found out the darker the color the more coats of paint you need to get an even look. We're happy with the color , though.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytuP0_k792LJE24rAGFCpamvU3Ma58Uwt0h5RmBddtmy_11ds-EJRWgp7nPIDWb8rRfjL0aLg_mPxcx6fMHhCkV-uVcoFlDG3D5jXTqzNMh7ttto44oxi_6F8NlmWbDKH5rvhEQ/s1600-h/DSC00344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073443369634091602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytuP0_k792LJE24rAGFCpamvU3Ma58Uwt0h5RmBddtmy_11ds-EJRWgp7nPIDWb8rRfjL0aLg_mPxcx6fMHhCkV-uVcoFlDG3D5jXTqzNMh7ttto44oxi_6F8NlmWbDKH5rvhEQ/s320/DSC00344.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mike Hammitt returned to our house and built us closet shelves and installed our closet rods. We wanted simple, but an efficient use of closet space. He used MDF for all our shelving. We used oil based white primer on all our closet built ins. As recommended by a professional painter. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cR5xl7RP2SAYKu-xFoyPXe-mt7XslgE8u1JwJqhjOCQP8ojKVuBzQdPQsHs9ixDCExYz-r2_8La1CUzQmD0ElXRxU3bep2nBR_npl0dMP9McehLfcUvgaYZwTEnG8s_fn0Oj6g/s1600-h/DSC00347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073443373929058914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cR5xl7RP2SAYKu-xFoyPXe-mt7XslgE8u1JwJqhjOCQP8ojKVuBzQdPQsHs9ixDCExYz-r2_8La1CUzQmD0ElXRxU3bep2nBR_npl0dMP9McehLfcUvgaYZwTEnG8s_fn0Oj6g/s320/DSC00347.JPG" border="0" /></a> It's hard to take a picture of an inside of a closet. This closet is in the shared girls room, Deanna and Daria's . We have double rods since the clothes are smaller right now and you see the shelving to the left. They each have identical closets in their room. This picture doesn't show it, but all baseboards are installed now.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkM2tZm9hnVc9-T1LbmpoApgO91E4EPvCogKoMLZX0V4UM1VkOdmcyy7BwYQ4Jvvl9EJ8CZ0en4QCFd4jTSytOh8JyDIDsUIqfwBD_jswfxyPO_LpQ7VVJPxVPPfo4JGr_1U8OQ/s1600-h/DSC00353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073442832763179586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkM2tZm9hnVc9-T1LbmpoApgO91E4EPvCogKoMLZX0V4UM1VkOdmcyy7BwYQ4Jvvl9EJ8CZ0en4QCFd4jTSytOh8JyDIDsUIqfwBD_jswfxyPO_LpQ7VVJPxVPPfo4JGr_1U8OQ/s320/DSC00353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We got an idea from my brother , David, that we should pre-prime all our baseboards before having them installed to save some painting time. Here's Dave using an oil based white primer on all our baseboards. It only took about a half day to prime 800 linear feet of baseboards, not bad. Now , that they are installed we'll have to lay on the floor to do the second coat or use a sprayer. I'm leaning toward the sprayer option.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-17123861467304519102007-04-24T14:19:00.000-05:002007-05-19T11:21:04.437-05:00Spray Foam Insulation & SheetrockHere's Deanna sitting in some of the spray foam insulation pieces. They were so lightweight and cushiony. Deanna loved playing around in them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EQnE244T3xbIZ37-W4vmTJ_rNz593YiMgahr7ebQhQqy9vHW5imQLjRRehR0jz-eqlnruHVhgfLByd0FkR3a2263VyDs0j9BWA_T0yHrYDSrRLswd7SfB0_sDTUmfZ2dZq6CNA/s1600-h/DSC00259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066302033612485442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EQnE244T3xbIZ37-W4vmTJ_rNz593YiMgahr7ebQhQqy9vHW5imQLjRRehR0jz-eqlnruHVhgfLByd0FkR3a2263VyDs0j9BWA_T0yHrYDSrRLswd7SfB0_sDTUmfZ2dZq6CNA/s320/DSC00259.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm behind in updating this blog again. It feels like we're moving at a snail's pace. This is when I need to "walk and not faint". In March we had our spray foam insulation done by Absolute Insulation out of Ada. It was rather expensive, but I believe it's going to be well worth it. We had all the underside of our roof sprayed about 5 inches thick. Absolute insulation uses open cell foam so if there's any leak in our roof in the future we would know about it, because the open cell allows water to come through the foam. Closed cell foam , which is more commonly used, does not allow water to penetrate so if you had a leak in your roof you wouldn't know about it, which could cause alot more damage to your roof. We can already tell a difference in the temperature in our house especially when you walk upstairs there's hardly any change in temperature, (as long as the windows are closed of course). </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR8Psg17Rs6yKYqBtPXzEeXwLWqTStyIT6BTXaremhusL7jrdQlyDz7d5T8MmarNh5aAq_cE9b1bfkQWXn-4_S97hcDQDveRDLl9InZ59f5Fe3NgqcT82FLkC_w0yTZ8J0NKkyg/s1600-h/DSC00269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057079808120452178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR8Psg17Rs6yKYqBtPXzEeXwLWqTStyIT6BTXaremhusL7jrdQlyDz7d5T8MmarNh5aAq_cE9b1bfkQWXn-4_S97hcDQDveRDLl9InZ59f5Fe3NgqcT82FLkC_w0yTZ8J0NKkyg/s320/DSC00269.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is looking up toward the roof into the attic area. See the "clouds" of insulation.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz04UW82ZF7VGrVZgWHea6u6yjAjb42LJhM2LIwirfRJizTmKX2MCP7KGF19LuX4praTDvnOPHCoaSeilzJXUiouaBXVn17wB_w3uzL9IyWl29hLG1T2H11cXD18S-Fy_0Nu4YA/s1600-h/DSC00274.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057079816710386786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz04UW82ZF7VGrVZgWHea6u6yjAjb42LJhM2LIwirfRJizTmKX2MCP7KGF19LuX4praTDvnOPHCoaSeilzJXUiouaBXVn17wB_w3uzL9IyWl29hLG1T2H11cXD18S-Fy_0Nu4YA/s320/DSC00274.JPG" border="0" /></a> Daria crawling on the walkway above our front entrance. Be careful Daria. Notice white insulation above her. </div><div><br /><br /><br />In April, our sheetrock and tape, bed , and texture was done. I certainly enjoy meeting all our different subcontractors and their individual personalities. Getting to know these people is part of the journey in building this house. Each one brings their own unique skill to our construction site and leaves a part of themselves in our house. I feel very blessed by that.<br /><br />Ronnie Stidham and his brother took about a week to hang sheetrock, then John Campbell and his crew from Coalgate did the tape , bed , and texture, which took almost 2 weeks because of the wet weather we kept having. They all did an excellent job.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ16BO6hz26WdLweQCaVIAvncykFx8PxGqHxKgGCSTBXTgjSu8DW-5d2qzpQ2UGbIwOLepbCLRFkxoRVl8ODRoY8pChfsjiA268BfwUfU59ZGoRxUpxI7-EMpJGWkgBvRovpqYQ/s1600-h/DSC00300.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057081238344561810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ16BO6hz26WdLweQCaVIAvncykFx8PxGqHxKgGCSTBXTgjSu8DW-5d2qzpQ2UGbIwOLepbCLRFkxoRVl8ODRoY8pChfsjiA268BfwUfU59ZGoRxUpxI7-EMpJGWkgBvRovpqYQ/s320/DSC00300.JPG" border="0" /></a> Photo of front entryway and stairs after sheetrock. It's weird not to able to see through walls anymore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCfvodnljM-l85coPDlyUHbkCquWE-LQysx2BUWiIsA7BFPf9Hp0YeEuG7FDHusAXOdYjt_GuyurY4dL0Mj6KYZ2j6nsUigwOAmXM8UsYRzfYpvibgegD4m6obSEAqNBhK2Tx_Q/s1600-h/DSC00302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057081246934496418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCfvodnljM-l85coPDlyUHbkCquWE-LQysx2BUWiIsA7BFPf9Hp0YeEuG7FDHusAXOdYjt_GuyurY4dL0Mj6KYZ2j6nsUigwOAmXM8UsYRzfYpvibgegD4m6obSEAqNBhK2Tx_Q/s320/DSC00302.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking from kitchen area. See the start of tape and bedding.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AIEqml-SU9J2ovP-IHQtHepdYkabJlNgVoeB7MavVe1_zL7JZl71E_VF_uaYSIbQrAsDtXCzCONxI1E4T8fQ5gUVsOcyBevoC079hyLCHLeNY946IGYcBSNVlcZfouB-VN_RJA/s1600-h/DSC00294.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057080632754173042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AIEqml-SU9J2ovP-IHQtHepdYkabJlNgVoeB7MavVe1_zL7JZl71E_VF_uaYSIbQrAsDtXCzCONxI1E4T8fQ5gUVsOcyBevoC079hyLCHLeNY946IGYcBSNVlcZfouB-VN_RJA/s320/DSC00294.JPG" border="0" /></a> We thought we could get away with not having to rent a dumpster, but the leftover sheetrock pieces proved to be to much for us to handle. But we had lots of little and big helpers to help us clean up. The kids loved breaking the sheetrock and throwing it into the dumpster. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw0QoL6ZKU0-XHgzXQCLqsgTC7JBIuTxOTZ8-_H79lawPsr8gmvjaI65OrxioTnFnOv_fQ0uJ-949Ejk4Di1nWenPGXWmswprfIJQiEPYX5joBB3zkFrrI5tSzNOoQnXv2xEoTg/s1600-h/DSC00296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057080641344107650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw0QoL6ZKU0-XHgzXQCLqsgTC7JBIuTxOTZ8-_H79lawPsr8gmvjaI65OrxioTnFnOv_fQ0uJ-949Ejk4Di1nWenPGXWmswprfIJQiEPYX5joBB3zkFrrI5tSzNOoQnXv2xEoTg/s320/DSC00296.JPG" border="0" /></a> R.J. and Daria breaking sheetrock.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a></div></div></a><br /><a><br /><br /></a>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-81287168474800173252007-03-19T21:30:00.000-05:002007-03-19T22:15:54.928-05:00Rough In Plumbing & ElectricalThe first half of March we've had rough in plumbing and electrical completed. They'll do their final connections after sheetrock. We've gone over budget in both of these categories, partly due to our subcontractors unfamiliarity of working with ICF construction. If we were building our second ICF home there are several things we would have done differently to stay on budget. But, hindsight is always better isn't it? Only through trial and error (and looking to God for wisdom and direction) do we learn. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRJxXJqU1sLR6rfy4Xm-KjtRcG69-n7ARTdbyW1exQFkG2SCu2yGvI90wL8mokqQfqgiDXEJj4gEryHTAFI3HgiQqWT9FEaCOlC5ViQcYV8CtUnH34xPCpT8Gb8IEJW15M1cS1g/s1600-h/DSC00250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043832813898447218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRJxXJqU1sLR6rfy4Xm-KjtRcG69-n7ARTdbyW1exQFkG2SCu2yGvI90wL8mokqQfqgiDXEJj4gEryHTAFI3HgiQqWT9FEaCOlC5ViQcYV8CtUnH34xPCpT8Gb8IEJW15M1cS1g/s320/DSC00250.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's a sample of electrical wiring in styrofoam walls. Castellow Electric used a circular saw to cut their wiring channels.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1rJ7NxAX5Vrl8uHNrvhrJf6edxKGrNHbmxeDqCYlqQn9cQHxLHXucuIdby2odEzfvVvP7yFX5TMwB-Uz9Ih0RbBJxWgy5lgddBAVKH_4LX4f9m5dz0XbtsSs4hk4JpPeP7DXJg/s1600-h/DSC00235.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043832818193414530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1rJ7NxAX5Vrl8uHNrvhrJf6edxKGrNHbmxeDqCYlqQn9cQHxLHXucuIdby2odEzfvVvP7yFX5TMwB-Uz9Ih0RbBJxWgy5lgddBAVKH_4LX4f9m5dz0XbtsSs4hk4JpPeP7DXJg/s320/DSC00235.JPG" border="0" /></a> After each subcontractor did their work, the family went to work cleaning up after them. So far, we've gotten away with not having a dumpster on site. That's another bonus to ICF, less waste.</p><p><br /> </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCBbFKQLbMBbNI_832KBMht-GwkEyHYZ1gTlLuV-VJyp0WmNY1l3blXD1vTh3eg6wfAhh3PMqexRE1tUZtUr2kf0UUODZ-BR-87drNotEczANMA_bQnlEgTdUANbWqgnyNXofjw/s1600-h/DSC00255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043831637077408082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCBbFKQLbMBbNI_832KBMht-GwkEyHYZ1gTlLuV-VJyp0WmNY1l3blXD1vTh3eg6wfAhh3PMqexRE1tUZtUr2kf0UUODZ-BR-87drNotEczANMA_bQnlEgTdUANbWqgnyNXofjw/s320/DSC00255.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's what's called an add a vent or butterfly vent in the kids' bathroom on the second floor. It vents into attic. We have only one vent through the roof that vents to the outside.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj062NMFpXl4rtkHCE2_ASVray8SshqQXVd0LDdyyyXYbfJ8Asc9R6NHculpC-LGKTmM-shX2GPHuOr503h-nF4s1ZR1lXG5HPnyHQpPx-2J0W0XZYMywyTC4E58OVta0fUEMypHQ/s1600-h/DSC00249.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043831645667342690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj062NMFpXl4rtkHCE2_ASVray8SshqQXVd0LDdyyyXYbfJ8Asc9R6NHculpC-LGKTmM-shX2GPHuOr503h-nF4s1ZR1lXG5HPnyHQpPx-2J0W0XZYMywyTC4E58OVta0fUEMypHQ/s320/DSC00249.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's a sample of plumbing (red and blue tubing and white pipes) and electrical wiring going through our floor joists between the first and second floor.</p><p><br /><br /> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5wSTUB4WhqxMGGDxRfS0ZcrP33GuwxSjzuwNACLnzTUWlWNSnnY__Qz6aw3UGPrvQSbQ6gR_VuuFyfiZZHieI_PErEHEUWmgbntpfLElvOkTZ4REUQ493JaDvJXkWghPr5bdHg/s1600-h/DSC00221.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043830773788981538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5wSTUB4WhqxMGGDxRfS0ZcrP33GuwxSjzuwNACLnzTUWlWNSnnY__Qz6aw3UGPrvQSbQ6gR_VuuFyfiZZHieI_PErEHEUWmgbntpfLElvOkTZ4REUQ493JaDvJXkWghPr5bdHg/s320/DSC00221.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the latest photo of the front of our house as of March 19, 2007.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnJ0rc4o-s8dr8s9jOXi6fnEeHKcxNcYqMnNWdPyQXuSC3BMHukRip07fHq7GxBYpSY_sVlDu1y5-byGiOTPTnNTWIGOX00W1sVkXJ7v6iIK_rsibaZ9E_yleijqb5R65Rx59nA/s1600-h/DSC00258.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043830782378916146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnJ0rc4o-s8dr8s9jOXi6fnEeHKcxNcYqMnNWdPyQXuSC3BMHukRip07fHq7GxBYpSY_sVlDu1y5-byGiOTPTnNTWIGOX00W1sVkXJ7v6iIK_rsibaZ9E_yleijqb5R65Rx59nA/s320/DSC00258.JPG" border="0" /></a> The west side of our house.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Id7T2z99KWs17qoIiHJH_ZSRTW4qHVN7Ko03nz4hxUMS1FkNz-pMMgI-HsCitTSfkq2fJN966-UefUxJnjHkPU-WcEObH2HzuaNWuVLBFVPFfhqGNcglQFGdU-aQd-TRGD6zsA/s1600-h/DSC00257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043830790968850754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Id7T2z99KWs17qoIiHJH_ZSRTW4qHVN7Ko03nz4hxUMS1FkNz-pMMgI-HsCitTSfkq2fJN966-UefUxJnjHkPU-WcEObH2HzuaNWuVLBFVPFfhqGNcglQFGdU-aQd-TRGD6zsA/s320/DSC00257.JPG" border="0" /></a> The back or south side of our house. The steel framing is for our carport and bonus room. The wood structure is the breezeway connecting the house to the carport.<br /><br /><br /></p>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-27996278958195879662007-03-19T12:35:00.000-05:002007-03-19T21:19:20.846-05:00Benefits of an ICF Home & Safety from Tornadoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV_y8Z4uziBhv8eaNHWT8Qn-oqmkUfIbtozjjqW98wWnE0iwi2SG8a6CsCgkLhP9wvmZm2zGMpH8KfThJM1J0GI6KM4oNoiA9v119nW-U3YZ4E0XdE7mo2LRCBZgzkpnIrgQSGg/s1600-h/icf+home+stoughton+wi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043704463634601218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV_y8Z4uziBhv8eaNHWT8Qn-oqmkUfIbtozjjqW98wWnE0iwi2SG8a6CsCgkLhP9wvmZm2zGMpH8KfThJM1J0GI6KM4oNoiA9v119nW-U3YZ4E0XdE7mo2LRCBZgzkpnIrgQSGg/s320/icf+home+stoughton+wi.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>This is an ICF home in Wisconsin that was still under construction when a tornado hit. Notice how the other surrounding houses were flattened. Click on link below for more information. </strong><br /><br /><div>I took this information quoted directly from the website below. Be sure and click on these websites for any additional info and to see additional pictures of ICF homes withstanding nature's worst.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.icfdirect.net/homeowner.html">http://www.icfdirect.net/homeowner.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.rfbhomes.com/ICF_HOUSE_TORNADO.htm"></a><a href="http://www.concreteresources.net/categories/76676F8A-E4B4-75B3-725C95B7846FD9AE/disaster_resistance.html#Tornado">http://www.concreteresources.net/categories/76676F8A-E4B4-75B3-725C95B7846FD9AE/disaster_resistance.html#Tornado</a><br /><br /><strong><em>ICF Benefits for the Home Owner</em><br /></strong>Buying a home can be the single largest investment of your life. If that home is constructed with concrete walls, your investment is naturally protected from the structural damage that can be caused by the effects of nature. As the owner of a concrete home, you'll benefit from lower annual maintenance and energy costs while living in a home that provides a secure haven for your family.<br /><br />The high-mass walls of an ICF home not only give it a remarkably solid feel, but they also make it safer for the family. And make it a remarkably solid and secure investment. Concrete homes have a proven track record of withstanding the ravages of hurricanes, tornadoes and fires, when all the stick-build houses around them are in ruins.<br /><br />In fire wall tests, ICF’s stood exposure to intense flame without structural failure longer than did common frame walls. The polystyrene foam used in most ICF forms is treated so it will not support combustion. Also, tests show that its tendency to transmit an outside flame source is less than that of most wood products. [Many insurance carriers are now offering a discount on a home owner’s policy for an ICF home.<br /><br />ICF Concrete building system is energy efficient and cost effective. It is designed to provide benefits for contractors and property owners alike. It can be used above grade as well as below, and is perfect for residential, commercial or industrial construction.<br /><br /><em><strong>Appearance</strong></em><a name="Appearance"></a><br />Let's squash the assumption that "ICF Homes" are either gray or painted concrete, homes built with ICF's come in all varieties of exterior finishes. The design of ICF's include recessed plastic ties that run the full vertical length of the form and are 2 1/2 inches wide. This allows you to choose whatever type of exterior finish you prefer whether its siding, brick or stucco. Driving up to your new ICF home, you probably will not be able to tell how the home was constructed.<br />The interior has the same plastic ties and is covered with standard materials such as drywall. This allows you to hang pictures just as you would with a home built with 2x6 framing. After your home is complete, the only real noticeable difference in appearance will be a 12" thick, super insulated warm wall that is apparent around window and door openings. Plant lovers and designers also seem to enjoy the added window sill space.<br /><br /><em><strong>Comfort</strong></em><a name="Comfort"></a><br />Quieter: The ICF building system provides you with superior soundproofing that greatly reduces the outside noises penetrating the walls such as traffic and lawnmowers. About one-sixth as much sound gets through an ICF wall compared with an ordinary wood frame wall. With double-glazed windows in ICF walls and beefed-up roof insulation, you will rarely hear street noises or airport traffic.<br />Warmer: People living or working in an ICF building usually notice that it just feels more comfortable. Some of the reasons for this are less air infiltration and no convection currents within wall cavities. Why are these 2 things important? Other than virtually elimating "cold spots" and drafts, they help keep the floor to ceiling temperature difference typically less than 2 degrees. Where a conventional building may vary as much as 5 to 10 degrees from floor to ceiling. And lastly, because of the much larger mass of ICF walls prevent large temperature swings within the building, you will also have a much more even temperature while enjoying lower energy costs.<br /><br /><em><strong>Environmentally Friendly</strong></em><a name="Environment"></a><strong><br /></strong>In this age of vanishing resources, we must choose our building materials more wisely, balancing the expenditure of natural resources with the benefits of a material over its useful life. Concrete draws upon some of the earth's most common and abundant minerals for its raw materials. The amount of land used to extract the materials needed to make concrete is only a fraction of that used to cut down our forests for lumber. On average home, approximately 13 trees are saved by building with Insulated concrete forms, which may not seem like a lot until you consider how many new homes are built each year.<br />Portland cement, which makes up about 10 percent of concrete, is manufactured from limestone, clay and sand. Scrap tires and other combustible waste that would otherwise take valuable land in land fills are often used as a fuel source in the cement manufacturing process. Sources of aggregates are diverse and plentiful: sand, gravel, crushed stone, and an ever-increasing array of consumer and industrial waste products - fly ash from coal burning electric power plants and blast furnace slag from steel mills. Crushed concrete from demolition is often used as aggregate for concrete. Concrete's nearly inert matrix of materials makes it an ideal recycling medium, with absolutely no degradation of strength or performance.<br /><br /><em><strong>Versatility</strong></em><a name="Versatility"></a><br />ICF houses can be completed with almost any interior and exterior finishes and can take any shape as easily as wood frame. In fact, some interesting effects, such as curved walls and frequent corners, can be less expensive to build into an ICF home. The strength of the ICF's may also allow fewer interior walls for a larger open concept space that would be possilbe with a conventional home.<br /><br /><em><strong>Safety</strong></em><a name="Safety"></a><br />When disaster threatens in the form of hurricanes, tornadoes or wild fires, your family will be safer in a home constructed with ICF walls. This strong, durable material stands up to the fury of nature...including the more subtle threats of rot, rust and termites. The standard design can withstand winds greater than 160 mph and stands up much better to "flying debris" during adverse weather conditions. In addition, the insulated concrete walls do not support combustion.<br /><br />A concrete home stands alone in the after affects of a tornado.<br />To duplicate tornado-like conditions in the laboratory; researchers shot wall sections with 15-pound 2 x 4 lumber "missiles" at up to 100 mph, simulating debris carried in a 250 mph wind. These conditions cover all but the most severe tornadoes.<br />Researchers tested 4 x 4-foot sections of concrete block, several types of insulating concrete forms, steel studs, and wood studs to rate performance in high winds. The sections were finished as they would be in a completed home: drywall, fiberglass bat insulation, plywood sheathing, and exterior finishes of vinyl siding, clay brick, or stucco. All the concrete wall systems survived the tests with no structural damage. Lightweight steel and wood stud walls, however, offered little or no resistance to the "missile." The 2 x 4 ripped through them.<br /><br /><em><strong>Savings</strong></em><a name="Savings"></a><em><strong><br /></strong></em>The insulation value of an ICF building has measured as high as R-32 by the thermo graphic test. Equivalent R values can exceed 50 due to Thermal Mass Performance. This high R value can reduce your heating & cooling system size by as much as 50%. Constructions costs can be less than that of wood or concrete block. In addition, building your house with ICF's can reduce your costs in other ways:<br /><br />Lower monthly energy bills<br />Energy Efficiency Mortgages<br />Lower insurance costs<br />Shorten construction time<br />No additional costs for furring or insulating basements<br />Greater resale value<br />Reduced size of heating & cooling units</div>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-55282621703572585432007-03-19T10:56:00.000-05:002007-11-15T10:13:07.316-06:00Updates February Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZL4BBMrb21QqDbqE3VwOMf-8OUwzmYuPesvxHy0gTOMuiwUTGV_CMW3KTOVmbkZtXvZDFvaNrvCUKMaQJ7oOffi3ybOrlV1P4ERmLCaBQX6SrTZdTUlBOEToZHmYJFaq4BzKRQ/s1600-h/DSC00220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043672358754063602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZL4BBMrb21QqDbqE3VwOMf-8OUwzmYuPesvxHy0gTOMuiwUTGV_CMW3KTOVmbkZtXvZDFvaNrvCUKMaQJ7oOffi3ybOrlV1P4ERmLCaBQX6SrTZdTUlBOEToZHmYJFaq4BzKRQ/s320/DSC00220.JPG" border="0" /></a> Photo of our water meter and water tap<br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-xgVOBKiIu4Duzyve2qBY_jvOke4bXBlf2Mm4xViSP15z1xvDmITvMRHdoW5dBH0ngAVTzXUZj4MtPTW4qS5jooWe3gle7hSfasscM1m5JGKWRsuZDG145VfOorCLMhD-xMgYg/s1600-h/DSC00217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043671121803482306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-xgVOBKiIu4Duzyve2qBY_jvOke4bXBlf2Mm4xViSP15z1xvDmITvMRHdoW5dBH0ngAVTzXUZj4MtPTW4qS5jooWe3gle7hSfasscM1m5JGKWRsuZDG145VfOorCLMhD-xMgYg/s320/DSC00217.JPG" border="0" /></a> Deanna and Daria playing in front our our bay window that now has a roof .</div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5TthfZfKLHh74pL46-kvrHHX3pTWMjkfpF2ahnqK0m2D-qgca6mxJ1-OExP0brZALyRWlvlIEh1N4E6tAqJhJDdyHsj-nJSNb0otk3ABGvHTbZt0sUTfbcOuXNprwAjL3GVUKQ/s1600-h/DSC00224.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043671130393416914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5TthfZfKLHh74pL46-kvrHHX3pTWMjkfpF2ahnqK0m2D-qgca6mxJ1-OExP0brZALyRWlvlIEh1N4E6tAqJhJDdyHsj-nJSNb0otk3ABGvHTbZt0sUTfbcOuXNprwAjL3GVUKQ/s320/DSC00224.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our arched windows are now installed</div><div></div><div></div><div><br />In February we had our soffit system installed by Taylor Home Improvements, which is our roofer's dad and cousins. They did an excellent job. With soffit installed, the roof is all closed in now and we can be ready for insulation in the attic. I met with James from Absolute Insulation out of Ada to get a price for open-cell spray foam insulation to be sprayed on the underside of the roof. This is another step to make our house totally energy efficient. It was significantly more expensive than fiberglass, but our cost savings will come in our monthly utility costs. He will come back and spray when we're done with our rough in electrical and plumbing. I paid (700.00) for our water tap with the city of Lone Grove on Feb.15. The water department came about a week later to do the tap. Now, we're ready for our water line to the house. One other event that happened is we finally got a roof over our front bay window. My brother, Jim, did a great job with it! </div>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-13607650148326945612007-03-15T13:30:00.000-05:002007-03-20T09:17:46.749-05:00March 15, 2007 Updates January/February<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorsyUlpu9IXuooTNgupcNCmwQYLfPlCpwhXFvcjbJ3nGlsacOj9FYarBQ7RsGS0iNcHgK4Wg3zvqXYZ4yzKr0squ-fPlwV4xQJyIDjTVRj2HaCk_usVICkQdn8A-sRVCnWd1SGA/s1600-h/DSC00210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042222075462574434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorsyUlpu9IXuooTNgupcNCmwQYLfPlCpwhXFvcjbJ3nGlsacOj9FYarBQ7RsGS0iNcHgK4Wg3zvqXYZ4yzKr0squ-fPlwV4xQJyIDjTVRj2HaCk_usVICkQdn8A-sRVCnWd1SGA/s320/DSC00210.JPG" border="0" /></a> As of the end of February this is what our house looked like. Going back to January I'll update what's happened.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />January was very cold and wet. Getting the roof shingled, rough in stairs, carport steel beams welded, and windows being installed, were the most significant work we had done that month. The windows, brand name Simonton Windows out of McAlester, arrived the first week of January. We have windows with grids on the front of the house and contractor grade windows, without grids, on the rest of the house. It was cheaper that way. Finally getting in the dry took the whole month only working a day or two here and there.<br />The roof is a composition roof with Atlas 35 year pinnacle shingles installed by Greg Bates Roofing. We had researched getting a metal roof or concrete tile roof, but we found out they were way too expensive for our budget. Most of the windows were installed by Jim, my brother. Also, during the month of January my brother built our front and back stairs. Because of the walkway on the second floor in the entryway being partly above the steps, Jim had to do some creative carpentry to make sure a tall person would have clearance under that walkway as they took the first few steps. Creative thinking comes naturally to Jim. I almost forgot to add that Jim , also, installed our side French doors and our back door, to help keep the cold out! Our front door we're special ordering and we won't have it until we've finished the inside of the house.<br />I'll insert some pictures here of our January accomplishments, then update on February.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKDdf34jWRmnkQ4pRmUjZB5fvlGFgfHq1mhFN4Le4pR_rV1qP2WdRAonVb5oVaFH70aHzbn7RCDGesjChUH5AZ6EPSfpYN4poZYOeyOEkxs8VyoAiSTk3JuqLPzHrXKgFcZxx7w/s1600-h/DSC00194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044008224657783186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKDdf34jWRmnkQ4pRmUjZB5fvlGFgfHq1mhFN4Le4pR_rV1qP2WdRAonVb5oVaFH70aHzbn7RCDGesjChUH5AZ6EPSfpYN4poZYOeyOEkxs8VyoAiSTk3JuqLPzHrXKgFcZxx7w/s320/DSC00194.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Fred Potter, the welder, and his crew welded our carport structure together. They used steel beams the previous owner of our land had left behind. Needless to say, it's very sturdy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pp5rV028jmvhyphenhyphenC839BuyE4DLfAAJrnoA7bI9Ehx9faPtkMw5oo3nV7AxQRdW2iK9D2anP-uV218yE06xuK9JyKPCjjfjeQExFsVs103E3CsqOr9GV8hUSeLfC-gyTiTmdsu4Fw/s1600-h/DSC00202.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042226954545422706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pp5rV028jmvhyphenhyphenC839BuyE4DLfAAJrnoA7bI9Ehx9faPtkMw5oo3nV7AxQRdW2iK9D2anP-uV218yE06xuK9JyKPCjjfjeQExFsVs103E3CsqOr9GV8hUSeLfC-gyTiTmdsu4Fw/s320/DSC00202.JPG" border="0" /></a> Simonton windows delivered into our kitchen area.<br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3fMILRVc_Bca0-qyxAamdolpz4k_Q728V4FaZRlqJE3tfmyROvQPBsb0OZi_7tF3ewz7gHTOMh8FGHt-xb0rkqip9LhIXbcKNV0rHfKKXKyOSFNab1iVUne9t4xFrjDhLp6i_w/s1600-h/DSC00209.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042227036149801346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3fMILRVc_Bca0-qyxAamdolpz4k_Q728V4FaZRlqJE3tfmyROvQPBsb0OZi_7tF3ewz7gHTOMh8FGHt-xb0rkqip9LhIXbcKNV0rHfKKXKyOSFNab1iVUne9t4xFrjDhLp6i_w/s320/DSC00209.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Danae sitting on our newly completed (rough in) stairs.</p><br /><br /><p>No more using a ladder to get to the second floor. Yea!</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir59Vb4_h-c_YVctyTgNMbhUs-8ZXKk0OGO7aVLYS-KEW2Pfn9TlvlKBpe2dYmRyKBjfQO844QcRFqOVgPLutzULwfJrnfTIZjvGj3QPiHAw-M1QLA8TLoYQL5UIOi0u7-wxM-qA/s1600-h/DSC00213.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042229063374365074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir59Vb4_h-c_YVctyTgNMbhUs-8ZXKk0OGO7aVLYS-KEW2Pfn9TlvlKBpe2dYmRyKBjfQO844QcRFqOVgPLutzULwfJrnfTIZjvGj3QPiHAw-M1QLA8TLoYQL5UIOi0u7-wxM-qA/s320/DSC00213.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Jim working on our back stairs, which will lead to our</p><br /><p>bonus room above the carport.</p><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTjz6eYqWSvmZXxrlZoVl7mDAF-P7not39z5VL_NdjRxkT1BBL8IPe3gz_flcJ54fdT7Gd1Xdp0y0aj6ZBVs1dS6Le5MgwrSi183XVtHbinxKrKNXrzUxF1QbwopX8IXlI4OCgw/s1600-h/DSC00214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042229071964299682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTjz6eYqWSvmZXxrlZoVl7mDAF-P7not39z5VL_NdjRxkT1BBL8IPe3gz_flcJ54fdT7Gd1Xdp0y0aj6ZBVs1dS6Le5MgwrSi183XVtHbinxKrKNXrzUxF1QbwopX8IXlI4OCgw/s320/DSC00214.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is picture of Jim's finger stitched up after he accidentally cut</p><br /><p>himself with his Skil saw. He couldn't believe it. He hadn't hurt himself</p><br /><p>like that in almost 30 years!<br /></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHmFuXRkIf_-HlGjUkbKsjusvEQSIgBXiS1PbWb_Kpe0kjnQxD9OvIcGkKc0gDf-Ydi709pPDW4GTv2d-uXyWgN52KBSU0qG3Bz2VNEWmP8J9T2h2nhrVoNqmaMeiB5xcaYlCqg/s1600-h/DSC00216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044010281947117986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHmFuXRkIf_-HlGjUkbKsjusvEQSIgBXiS1PbWb_Kpe0kjnQxD9OvIcGkKc0gDf-Ydi709pPDW4GTv2d-uXyWgN52KBSU0qG3Bz2VNEWmP8J9T2h2nhrVoNqmaMeiB5xcaYlCqg/s320/DSC00216.JPG" border="0" /></a> French doors on east side of house Jim installed.Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-5038365490913222262006-12-22T10:21:00.000-06:002007-06-08T09:59:16.048-05:00December 22, 2006<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkdh8HfIi9JVsuW5Ov3naZ37MCm3t6ygauXmTikLcteFw1NSFcz0wEiK8l1DSbclfEkCxtvcwKPx0TyKdGxngJIwelw0WhvfUIE4iQ1C8q3n0G5Gzx-mOWqe0gbxD35ZQJxsWjQ/s1600-h/DSC00189.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5013041992336932978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkdh8HfIi9JVsuW5Ov3naZ37MCm3t6ygauXmTikLcteFw1NSFcz0wEiK8l1DSbclfEkCxtvcwKPx0TyKdGxngJIwelw0WhvfUIE4iQ1C8q3n0G5Gzx-mOWqe0gbxD35ZQJxsWjQ/s320/DSC00189.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Merry Christmas to all who are reading this blog! We miss our out of state family and friends.<br /><br />We've been so busy since our last posting.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>ICH is totally done with the exterior walls. </li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>Second floor is now framed.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>Front porch, breezeway, and carport slabs are done.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>Roof trusses are in place, decking is being done today</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li>Breezeway is partially framed. </li></ul><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p>We've had some weather delays, but nothing major. So far, the weather is cooperating for us to keep going full steam ahead. Our framing crew has been a blessing from God. They are so honest,fair, and reliable. Those qualities can be hard to find in construction. </p><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p>Even though, our construction process is going well right now, please pray for us as we continue this journey, which can be a roller coaster ride of emotions. I keep praying the verse:</p><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p><span style="color:#6600cc;">" And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Please feel free to communicate with us through the comments box at the bottom of this blog. </span></p><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sw9zPwCXQ_Jc7Oru6kNVthN9U8xhRJSGkl9jvQI3ST7-XDIOA4SJlnBOL3CG97o2Lwg2Fuoj2nXY3bRCHGiimq4I_bsRkmyv-razGYMNU3Fh5909Q-iHg93FwLsSpwBNc0ZRsw/s1600-h/DSC00185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011395353415254098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sw9zPwCXQ_Jc7Oru6kNVthN9U8xhRJSGkl9jvQI3ST7-XDIOA4SJlnBOL3CG97o2Lwg2Fuoj2nXY3bRCHGiimq4I_bsRkmyv-razGYMNU3Fh5909Q-iHg93FwLsSpwBNc0ZRsw/s320/DSC00185.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dave putting cement into front bay window forms.</p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ6Jrhh7c9O4XCxxqEBfwZJ063GBlheiMxsNyst1YbadmDizCMpcUFGRAmnOw-ZJTk43mbLDmsUzK2VDlmXcWR7o9oEJWXwYNe2kF7KXYeSj1z07XcABJp3HCAEiZYfPA-TeSsg/s1600-h/DSC00186.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011395357710221410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQ6Jrhh7c9O4XCxxqEBfwZJ063GBlheiMxsNyst1YbadmDizCMpcUFGRAmnOw-ZJTk43mbLDmsUzK2VDlmXcWR7o9oEJWXwYNe2kF7KXYeSj1z07XcABJp3HCAEiZYfPA-TeSsg/s320/DSC00186.JPG" border="0" /></a> The back of our house, all ICH exterior walls done, breezeway, and carport slabs, and partial framing of breezeway.</p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUkNXmjz_zhzBy977nDtR4_aXy2EXDnCkaL6o7Iq1LoC-yYH1hgIgOpwtthWgHlaTYgGfdBxOtju9drR9J7qzy9pwukhTORWAAvh2QD7lW12931SfB3nEI-NGbfD8fkfYO8flsQ/s1600-h/DSC00178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011394245313691714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUkNXmjz_zhzBy977nDtR4_aXy2EXDnCkaL6o7Iq1LoC-yYH1hgIgOpwtthWgHlaTYgGfdBxOtju9drR9J7qzy9pwukhTORWAAvh2QD7lW12931SfB3nEI-NGbfD8fkfYO8flsQ/s320/DSC00178.JPG" border="0" /></a> This pictures shows carport slab being formed for the concrete pour.<br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioupilsyPS3dqXesNSVCBXaaL2ks9RtLvk2EdS9pDka5TTBCRxo4zdDzLl0ydQr4pDH8V2aiBkW8xcRIVXZFbq7jAxvOUwoJJ3Wz34dYdlHkGP-h1KLJH2lb3kvKpIbDm-3wqh3w/s1600-h/DSC00144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011393283241017378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioupilsyPS3dqXesNSVCBXaaL2ks9RtLvk2EdS9pDka5TTBCRxo4zdDzLl0ydQr4pDH8V2aiBkW8xcRIVXZFbq7jAxvOUwoJJ3Wz34dYdlHkGP-h1KLJH2lb3kvKpIbDm-3wqh3w/s320/DSC00144.JPG" border="0" /></a> Me on top of second floor before walls were finished. It's a little scary up here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pr2_9sxvY9drO3L4Lgy4vG9Q2q4JxR0q7N6jMSwS5EEp1BuRcA-k7HLSHzCWf2zrIf6naOgRr4M2CcneSio7nzzg4ezxcXQPq4VkN2CNODk8zTrB0J3SU0QoPV5aK-DOuwkkkQ/s1600-h/DSC00171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044012523920046514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pr2_9sxvY9drO3L4Lgy4vG9Q2q4JxR0q7N6jMSwS5EEp1BuRcA-k7HLSHzCWf2zrIf6naOgRr4M2CcneSio7nzzg4ezxcXQPq4VkN2CNODk8zTrB0J3SU0QoPV5aK-DOuwkkkQ/s320/DSC00171.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is bracing used by Insulating Concrete Home to secure second floor walls before the concrete was pumped into the walls.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXWfhcQlLtNtXGdxPOGa-ONB_cezEb6VTkChjyIbqDE1zPoh8nZL8piMNlSRND7ro3iOc9Vf6J9-QN5aw6iOvxxzPU17wBWYnNTMM9JkI4ekZ0JQ0rgfreY90ql9OMKWiAy0scA/s1600-h/DSC00143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043826985627826450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXWfhcQlLtNtXGdxPOGa-ONB_cezEb6VTkChjyIbqDE1zPoh8nZL8piMNlSRND7ro3iOc9Vf6J9-QN5aw6iOvxxzPU17wBWYnNTMM9JkI4ekZ0JQ0rgfreY90ql9OMKWiAy0scA/s320/DSC00143.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dietrich Metal Framing Steel Floor Joists now installed. Mike Hammitt, our installer, said it was like putting together a big erector set!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nxVeMfZBYvuWcKLpY1TJrkJxI4FpBPDdio-Un53HdyFCWe7sUkrZ-pVoae1G2Mteh8b9zSbt1Az8wDg6yCQG9I2Bi9x8pQADrbkK_BcNhdNs-PLAv0GkaLaP2t9JEoGlbUMYHg/s1600-h/DSC00155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011393287535984690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nxVeMfZBYvuWcKLpY1TJrkJxI4FpBPDdio-Un53HdyFCWe7sUkrZ-pVoae1G2Mteh8b9zSbt1Az8wDg6yCQG9I2Bi9x8pQADrbkK_BcNhdNs-PLAv0GkaLaP2t9JEoGlbUMYHg/s320/DSC00155.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kids having a good time on sand pile.Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-82395832362325367982006-11-09T14:27:00.000-06:002006-11-09T15:15:30.684-06:00November 9, 2006<span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;">I'm still getting use to how to work with these blogging templates. I can't seem to decide which template I like the best. So don't be surprised if you see the layout of this blog to change again.</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Not much has happened since my last update. What we've been doing in the past few weeks are things that can't be seen, such as: finalizing windows order, wood trusses order, and waiting for a HVAC bid. We've also been going back and forth about what materials we're are going to use on the exterior walls. We've gotten pricing on Novabrik ( a mortarless brick that's nailed into the wall), which is actually made of cement. We're also looking into siding, not vinyl, but hardiplank or hardishingle siding, which is made of fiber cement. Or, even, perhaps European Limestone, which is another form of cement. The materials we like the best for the outside of the house seem to be made of cement, not that we were looking for that, but it seemed funny that everything we liked had cement in it. Check out the links on the side to websites that have more information about these cement product<br /></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><div><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00135.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00135.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">As of November 9, this is what our house looks like. First floor exterior walls are done and interior framing is done, next step is to put up our steel floor joists , which go in between the first and second floor, and then a subfloor. After that is done then ICH will be back one more time to put up second floor walls and pour cement into the walls.<br /><br /><br />Scroll down to see more photos of what's happened on the site since my last posting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00125.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00125.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><br />This is the back side of the house. This is when cement is being pumped into the walls. Notice the bracing on the walls. This is for support while they pour.<br /><br /><br /></span></strong></div><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00132.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00132.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">This is looking from the kitchen to the entry way and living room.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></p><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00129.jpg"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00129.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><br />This looking from the entry way toward the kitchen and utility room</span>.</strong>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-25387886367529934142006-10-19T15:06:00.000-05:002006-10-19T21:27:34.190-05:00October 19, 2006<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00123.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00123.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>This is the latest photo of our progress. First floor walls are almost done and windows and doors are v-bucked </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong>It's been a month since we last updated this blog. We've made alot of progress since then and it's starting to really look like a house is being built. </strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>Rough in plumbing is done</strong></li><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>Slab has been poured</strong></li><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>First floor walls are almost completed</strong></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Completion of our rough in plumbing took a while because we weren't sure how low the sewer pipe could be for the aerobic septic system. Our septic system is being installed by the Chickasaw Nation (free of charge) and we wouldn't be on their schedule for a while. We have no control over how soon they could come out since it's free and it's first come first serve. I finally talked to the right person at Chickasaw Nation who could answer our questions about the depth of the sewer line and with a little help from DEQ. That whole situation delayed us about a week. But, I think God planned that break for a reason so we could stop for a little while and catch our breath. </strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>This past week we've had another lull in the action at the house site, but we've been using this time to start researching and ordering things that we will need in the next month. We've ordered our steel floor joists, which are specially designed for ICF. We're getting a price on wood trusses, roofing materials (we're looking at concrete tile or lamarite (plastic) slate), and HVAC systems. </strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>The crew from ICH in OKC are coming back on Saturday, Oct. 21, to finish the first floor walls. Then they'll come back Monday or Tuesday to pour. Before they pour we're going to put holes in the styrofoam walls where we want our electrical panel, and outside wall outlets to go , as well as make holes for TV/Cable into the house. Oh yeah, also, our outdoor water faucets and dryer vent. We could do all this later in construction, but it's easier to just stick pvc pipe in these holes before the pour so we don't have to drill through concrete later.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Next week we have interior framers coming to frame our first floor. Praise the Lord! We're excited about the progress happening!</strong></p></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00105.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00105.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Pex Radiant Heating tubes are tied to wire mesh before slab pour</strong><br /><strong><br /><br /><br /></strong><strong><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00108.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00108.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Final slab pour<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /></strong><div><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/1600/DSC00115.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6032/4173/320/DSC00115.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><strong>Dave and Billy look at house plans to do a double check on window dimensions before putting up 1st floor walls</strong></div><div></div></div>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-1158618743561151842006-09-18T15:14:00.000-05:002006-11-09T11:19:46.739-06:00September 18,2006<strong><span style="color:#000000;">Here's a picture from Sep.13 when Billy and his crew came back to pour concrete into the walls. The guy without a shirt on is pumping concrete into the wall while Billy uses a piece of equipment, kind of like a blender (called concrete vibrator), to get the air out of the concrete. That pumping hose was heavy. It took two men just to hold it.</span></strong><br /><br /><p><a href="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223396-M.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223396-M.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223477-M.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223477-M.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, the finished product</span><br /></span><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><a href="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223142-L.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96223142-L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Time for a little break<br /></span></strong></p><br /><br /><a href="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96222835-M.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://6doodledokies.smugmug.com/photos/96222835-M.jpg" border="0" /></a>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34191248.post-1157949018841272572006-09-10T22:28:00.000-05:002007-03-20T09:34:59.328-05:00Slow Beginnings<span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2752/3764/1600/DSC00063.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2752/3764/320/DSC00063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>We made a deposit on our 2 acre parcel in Lone Grove, OK on May 18, 2006. Then it took all summer to get our construction loan finalized. Mid Country bank out of Minnesota is the best for an owner/builder plus they are used to financing ICF construction. We hadn't originally planned on being an owner/builder but we had difficulty finding a contractor who wasn't busy plus was familiar with ICF. Over the course of the summer we concluded God was leading us (Dave and I) to be our own contractor. Actually, I, Debbie , am the contractor, Dave , the engineer, tells me what needs to be done and I do all the calling, researching, and "go-for"ing. It has been a grueling process so far, but the Lord is giving me what I need each day to make it through. As the Lord gives me a Scripture that applies to our building process I post it on our dining room wall so I can be reminded, as well Dave and our 4 children, that God is faithful to His promises and will help us see this through to the end.</strong> </span></p><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><p><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS_SazJX_rx8GCwRPCIWpgDe0ona_KN_g6Sk67-lq0M9MPlPFlsH0vfDcwrefSgOyhhyphenhyphenp6M_huJQzDHMiJ80FI8oRYukKAl6GKsF2KNVEcSRVnrjo4gi37FV6rQfZ4a-RKE_ioA/s1600-h/DSC00152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044014645633890754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS_SazJX_rx8GCwRPCIWpgDe0ona_KN_g6Sk67-lq0M9MPlPFlsH0vfDcwrefSgOyhhyphenhyphenp6M_huJQzDHMiJ80FI8oRYukKAl6GKsF2KNVEcSRVnrjo4gi37FV6rQfZ4a-RKE_ioA/s320/DSC00152.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's some of the Scriptures on our dining room wall. Click on photo to enlarge.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>So, here we are Sep. 10th seeing some of the first steps of our house being built. </strong><br /><strong>When we purchased this land it already had a footing on it and a gravel drive cut. We are using most of the footing that the previous owner had poured.</strong><br /><strong>Workers from Insulating Concrete Homes out of OKC came yesterday and today to set up the first course of Build Block insulated form blocks. We were told this is the most difficult part of the process because all the blocks have to be leveled and squared off. Our footing made this especially difficult because it was so uneven. But, Billy and his crew from ICH persevered and had it all level and square by the end of the second day.</strong><br /><strong></strong></span><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2752/3764/1600/DSC00068.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2752/3764/320/DSC00068.jpg" border="0" /></a>Veggievanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06188145639996839584noreply@blogger.com0