We're Skylit

By week's end 7112 Kauffman was starting to look more like a house than a chunk of Swiss cheese, at least when seen from the street.  Kyle and Dave had all east- and northside windows installed, including the skylight.  For the skylight Kyle had to build a frame, place the window, and then flash and shingle the opening — all while working high above the ground on a steeply sloped section of roof, and without a net.

The house is starting to look a bit more homey.

The finished skylight from outside...

...and inside.  This window is fixed, i.e., non-opening.

As previously noted, the windows for the south and west sides, which have special glass, are on order and not expected before mid-November.  This includes the large window for the bedroom.  Kyle is mulling how to get this fenestratus giganticus into its opening when it finally arrives.  Actually it's the same size as the window in the living room below.  The problem is that this one goes quite a few feet higher!

Dave works in front of the large master bedroom window.

The guys also made progress on the garage, which is now wrapped and has its windows and service door.  R.J. will install the big doors and their openers, possibly this weekend.  Kyle and Dave have sealed the doorways on the house, so the structure is now secured against casual intrusion.  Of course, the door and window openings on the south and west are sealed with plastic.  Someone wanting in would not have to work too hard.

The sealed-up side door, with the garage's service door
in the background.

Kyle learned this week that the white oak he purchased from R.J. will not produce enough tongue-and-groove flooring for the project.  We started out with a huge load of wood, but as it has been milled, the amount of usable board feet has been much reduced.  Some of this "waste" oak will be retained and used for finish carpentry.  However, we need more flooring.  Kyle's solution is to cut white oak trees on property he owns near Grand Haven.  He will then haul the wood to the mill.  This, he says, will still be less costly than buying commercial white oak flooring.

This week I also learned that in order to qualify for the energy tax credits, I must have a certificate of occupancy by Dec. 31st, or Congress must extend the credits for 2011.  I doubt that the new Congress will be in the mood to do me any favors.

I plan to head downstate Sunday to take care of business in Grand Haven on Monday, vote on Tuesday, and make a trip to Detroit on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, the plumbing, electrical, and heating subcontractors are expected to be here starting mid-week.  The building is sufficiently enclosed for these people to do their work. •••