The Windows have Arrived

Below are a few shots of the windows, which we've all been eagerly awaiting. By all accounts, they are big and heavy and to make matters even more challenging, Tim and Co. have had to unload and install the windows in blisteringly hot temperatures (100+ degrees!). With the help of a man-lift (see 4th pic below) the windows are being installed. We are super excited to check them out on our next visit to the Valley!

This first photo shows the recently installed TPO waterproofing membrane over the deck. The deck is now ready for the cement pour.



Here are few shots of the windows by the front entrance and the lower level.



These are pics of the back of the house with the windows installed in the kitchen area and almost fully installed in the bedroom.



This is an interior shot looking out the windows in the kitchen.

This is an interior shot looking out of the bedroom.



Plumbing, Electrical, and Cement

Big Valley and the subcontractors have been busy over the last few weeks. While not the most pictorial phase of the project, all of the pieces have been coming together. 

These first shots are of the front approach to the house. Once the steel I-beam was delivered and installed, the remaining portion of the roof and overhang were completed. We were very happy with how this piece of the project turned out.

The electrician has been running wire for the radiant heat and installing the boxes/wiring for the recessed lighting, pendants, and ceiling fans:



The plumber has been roughing-in all of the fixtures. We are looking forward to putting that tub to use.



Once the electrician and plumber were done, the cement contractor was able to pour the cement floor for the lower level. The floor turned out great! The joint lines appear to be working--no other visible cracks yet. We have an idea who was in charge of the pour...

With the cement floors poured, Tim and Co. started framing the lower level:

Last but not least, the windows are on the way. When they arrive, this should set off a flurry of activity. Looking forward to it!

May Visit

After way too long, we finally made it back to the Valley. It was amazing to get a chance to walk through the house. We have been looking at pictures and dreaming for some time, so to really experience the space made this entire project more real.

Below are a few shots of the interior and exterior of the house. Most of the framing is done and the trades are starting to converge on the project.

The next two images are of the living room and kitchen areas.

This is an image looking through the breezeway into the living room.

This is a photo of the lower level. The plumber had just roughed-in the guest bath.



We also got a chance to explore the Valley. It was a little early for hikes up in the mountains, so our outings were limited to lower elevations. Below are a few shots taken from Sun Mountain. The sunflowers were in full bloom.



Taking Shape

We have a roof! Well, sort of. Almost.

The below photos show the progress Tim and Co. have made framing the roof and overhangs. It is amazing how the form of the building is slowly emerging. Next up, the excavator will be back on sight to back-fill and grade the property. In the meantime, Big Valley Builders will start framing the few interior walls.

We are looking forward to getting out there for our first proper walk-through!

Framing Continues

The weather in the Valley has been great, which means that Big Valley Builder's is making excellent progress. The majority of the framing materials are on-site and there is a real push to get the roof on. Below are a few images of the recent framing work. We can't wait to get out there!

The first photo is of the master bedroom looking west towards the mountains.

This is a shot looking across the long expanse of window from the kitchen to the living room.

There is still a bit of snow on the west portion of the property.

This is a shot looking from the north.

A crane was needed to move the large trusses into place.

This truss alone is more than 18' long and spans the width of the house from the entrance to the large bank of windows on the west side of the building. You can see the framing for the future front door.



Back to Work!

After a long winter and a late snowfall, Big Valley Builders is back to work!  As you can see from the below photo of our driveway, the Valley was hit by a number of storms in late February and early March. We were in the Valley for a long weekend in late February and thought work would begin before March...apparently not. 

However, warmer temperatures have brought a ton of work. Tim and company were able to start back to work mid-March and real progress is being made. Framing is underway and the house is starting to take form.  

 

Wrapping up for the Winter

Although the pictures below don't show it, the Valley is now covered in snow. As such, we are closing down the project until the spring. Fortunately, the cement work was finished in the nick of time. The snow started just days after it was completed.

The photos show the extensive cement work, as well as insulation and footing drains. The foundation will be back-filled a few feet to keep the insulation in place and to cover the drains. The cement looks really good and everyone is excited to get back to work once the snow melts. Until then, we will be working on interior selections, daydreaming, and skiing!