Joists & Sills & Snow & a Wasp Nest

Lois stopped by the house this morning and took these. For me, this is one of the more exciting updates I have had. The steel supporting beams and cribbing that have been supporting the house since mid July are finally gone. The new sills are in for the most part, and it makes me feel better to see the floor joists in and the house securely attached to the foundation. 

 Good looking structure, all 2x8 construction

Carter was on-site yesterday and he discussed with Gordy and Mike the issue of the floor in the dining room. George Lowe installed hardwood in the old parlour and dining room, and the problem now is, they can't nail the new joists to the sub-floor from above without nailing though the hardwood. Toe-nailing from below will not do the trick. The best solution is to pull up all of the hardwood, replace the sub-floor with plywood, and then re-install the hardwood. It's really the only way to ensure a strong floor structure that won't bounce or squeak. Once the hardwood is put down again, you really won't be able to tell the difference. However, I am now on the hunt for old hardwood to match the original to have enough to fill in where the chimney, china cabinet and closet were.  If I can find enough reclaimed hardwood I'll finish the new parlour at the front with it too.

 Lois found this old wasps nest in the wall near the front door

This is looking up into the kitchen. When the house was lifted, most of the kitchen floor stayed behind. It has been completely removed and will get a new plywood sub-floor. The finish floor will be cork tiles.

Lois said the ground is now frozen and it was snowing a little. It's a race against time now to get the house enclosed for winter.

Thanks again Lois for checking in on the place.