Sagebrush & Solar

Dad is back and we’re back in business. Well, as much as the weather will allow. Apparently we have some type of weather pattern that will cause cold weather into March. This whole ‘at the mercy of the weather’ thing has been our jam since October, though, so it’s really nothing new.

Speaking of March — it’s probably not going to be as speedy as we’d like. Keith has military drill out of state, two work trainings AND his regular work days. We did the math and he has about three days off for the entire month.

We adjusted the bracing on Saturday. Bracing is critical because it not only keeps the structure straight and in place for the pour, but it also prevents blowouts during the pour. A blowout would be catastrophic – messy, expensive and would require tons of fixes.

On Sunday, Dad and Keith braved the drizzle and finished building window bucks. Like most construction terms, I have no idea why it’s called what it is. Window bucks are essentially the window mold that helps prevent blowouts and maintains the shape of the window during the pour.

Up next will be finishing the last 2-3 courses of block. Keith leaves for drill tomorrow, so hopefully we can finish it next week when he comes back.

We’re still pushing for that final pour before we can put on trusses, roof sheathing and internal framing. Our windows are also hanging out at the warehouse and are ready to be delivered anytime. Windows will be installed after the roof is sheathed – and preferably after shingles, so we don’t have any stray projectiles to bust out a brand new window.

We looked back at our timeline and we’ve been saying we’re hoping to pour “next week” or “soon” for about three months now…so we are estimating that we’re about three months behind.

People often ask when the house is supposed to be done – we honestly have no clue. A builder is usually able to offer a decent estimate, but we simply don’t have that luxury. Our guesstimate? Mid-summer.

So — it’s safe to say we’ll be signing another lease at the apartment. I’m actually not sad about it — it has really helped take pressure off of a slow moving build and has kept us positive — and mostly sane.

Onward and forward!