Well, weather has not cooperated. While snow really has not been an issue at all, maybe an inch or two on the ground, its the 20 degrees below normal temps that is. Generally, temps should be hanging in the 36-38 degree range this time of year, but of course, given we are trying to build, its been the coldest December in 80 some years - with temps having a hard time hitting 20 many days, compounded with wind chills under 10. As much as they work, framers simply can't move as efficiently when its that cold, hence its taking longer and we have missed two days simply because wind chills were ridiculous.
Anyways, it is still trucking along, much of 2nd floor is framed out and they should be a good way through the roof next week if weather holds. Unlike the first build, things appear to be laying out better. By that, I mean its simply easier to get a sense of how a room feels once its rough framed, versus trying to visualize off of paper. I only really have a couple tweaks so far, which are not anything more than bumping internal walls a few inches that way or this way. I had already tweaked the laundry room to have a pocket door entrance into the master bedroom closet to allow for easy access and more convenience.
All in all, while this is basically the same house as last time, the decision to build out the entire second floor makes it feel much much larger - - with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a laundry room and a bonus room up on the 2nd floor, it really feels big (hopefully, not too big) At the first build, sloped roofs and 2 story foyers ate up space -- now that space is usable.
Will try to update more often...however, light fades so quick this time of year, photos become impossible after 5 - which is when I am there most often.
This is the master bdr. The one thing you learn is to put side windows up high, and make them awning windows on these city lots. As you can see, the neighbors are all of 12ft away - and high windows let in light and air, but maintains privacy (to a degree). On the first build, we were the first on the block, so while it was something we thought about and did, it didn't really matter, as every house around us was small and yet to be knocked down. This time, we are the last, everyone on each side is done, so that aided a bit in window planning.
The "hole" for the stairway up to the 2nd floor. Rather than a turnaround staircase like the first house, this one has the more classic "straight" up layout. I think we (or I at least) will like this better, as we deep sixed the two story foyer (in favor of 10ft ceilings) and this layout still makes it feel open, as open railings will wrap that hole.
I was worried when I was drawing out the house that the back windows would not be big enough. My worries were for nothing, as the picture does not really indicate how big these things are, but they are big...that cut out is about 13ft wide and 7ft high. I had bigger windows in on the plans, but it would have required sheer steel wall bracing (which would have been $2000) so I cut back the window size. Wise choice. I would not want them any bigger.
Despite appearances - backyard is big enough.
So far have saved a bank of about 10 older "random" species trees which should provide a nice feel for the back yard, as they will basically canopy where the deck will go.
Patio door off of breakfast/dining room.
Those windows from the inside view. Will provide a lot of nice light.
While not exactly the same size, as this one is for the offic, this drawing is how the windows will look...transoms above a center fixed unit, with two operating units flanking each side.
Breakfast room/dining room.
That bank of 10 trees basically swallows up one of the kids rooms upstairs. Will have to trim them back some, or make it a bank of "8 or 9 trees"
