September already. And we've had rain showers, heavy rain showers, complete with thunder and lightning. There's been rivers of water flowing in the yard. And the fill around the house has settled and compacted considerably. I'd temporarily forgotten that much of the yard is covered with mud. It was dry. It now isn't.

Unfortunately we still seem to be a couple days away from finishing the middle third roof.

Marit and I went to Courtenay and picked out external doors. We also picked up some paint to cover the facia, if it dries enough in the next few days. And we put a down payment on a wood stove; a Norwegian Joetul (of course) Oslo model.

This weekend there's lots of work that I could do, everything from cleaning to shoveling and painting. But its also the Labour Day weekend, and the big Farmers Market festival on the Island. And I don't want to ignore my wife. So I'll have to balance my activities.

It's been nice having meals prepared for me again. And dishes washed.

September 2, Saturday 8:00 PM

A quiet day. A lot of cleaning up in the construction area; I even swept the roof after tossing down all the scraps. And I dug the trench for an underground electric cable out to the septic pump. I'll install a 26 foot conduit as soon I can get one from the hardware store; probably Tuesday.

And contrary to the forecast, there was no rain today.

We went up to visit some neighbours, John and Donna, who went through their house building experience five years ago. They have some very interesting innovations, including a bank of cisterns collecting the rain water from their roof.

Tomorrow is the annual fall fair here on Denman Island. It's usually a lot of fun with a farmers market, competitions, a 6 mile race,and other fun events. We'll attend in the morning before Marit leaves to go back home in Coquitlam.

PS. Marit thought this was the most accurate picture of the house so far, so we're leaving the picture for one more day.

September 3, Sunday 8:00 PM

Another quite nice day. And the annual Farmers Market and Fair. I bought several raffle tickets for 2 cords of firewood. That's a big prize here. And also bought some homemade herbal ointment for sore muscles. We'll see how it compares with A535.

I managed to paint the facia boards on the lower roof. It's now a light grey colour. (The builders had suggested I slather the paint on it now before the roofing and the siding go on). I'm sure the people seeing me perched on a ladder painting this house that isn't even completely framed yet, think I'm either eccentric or crazy. But you know better. Don't you!

Marit left today, taking the cat with her as company for my mother while she is staying in our condo. Its rather quiet here now. I miss the cat.

September 4, Monday 7:30 PM

Labour Day today in Canada. So no progress on the construction. Just my struggling efforts.

The day started completely overcast but it cleared into a beautiful sunny afternoon. It's hard to believe the forecast for drizzle tomorrow.

The hardware store was open for 3 hours this morning, so I bought conduit for the underground wiring to the septic pump and installed it.

I finished painting all the facia boards that have been installed. Those on the higher part of the roof were a problem. They're too high to reach with a ladder. I had to lay on the roof and lean over the side. It's a long way down; I'll have to measure it.

Tomorrow the guys will be back on the job. I imagine they will be primarily concerned with finishing the roof; completing the rafters and plywood on the middle roof, and finishing the side of the top roof just above it. At least, that's what I hope they'll do.

September 5, Tuesday 7:00 PM

Well, the roof is quite messy but plywood has been placed on half the middle roof. I'm hoping that tomorrow the entire roof will be covered.

Unfortunately we've run out of plywood. So if I want that roof finished I have to be on the first ferry off the island in the morning and over to Comox Builders Supplies to get more 5/8 inch tongue and groove plywood. My vinyl soffit material has arrived so I can pick that up at the same time.

Other activities are now coming forward. The plumber was here to check things over. He connected up the septic tank, so I can now fill in the trench on the south side of the house. I've been contacting drywallers and insulation installers. I'm asking for quotes now that those activities are becoming imminent. And I'm trying to coordinate the air exchange installer at the appropriate time when the plumber is on site. The roofers will be arriving either Friday or Monday, depending on our state of preparation. It will be great to have that top sealed with metal.

Even Mike Comeau from the General Store dropped in today to view the progress.

In between activities I've been shoveling dirt and modifying some of the backfill.

Tomorrow looks like the best day of the week according to the weather forecast, so we better make the most of it.

September 6, Wednesday 9:30 PM

A beautiful day weatherwise. Chaotic otherwise. I caught the first ferry off the island at 6:40 AM and arrived at Comox Builders shortly after 7:00. Got the plywood and the soffit material, and made it back in good time. Unfortunately the hangers had not been included with the soffit material, so another trip was required at noon.

Meanwhile the guys completed the roof with plywood over everything. Great! But mid-afternoon they advised me that the facia boards that remained were not suitable for use. I should take them back and exchange them (and get a few extra). So, back for a third time. Unfortunately there were none of any better quality at the lumber yard, and I was 5 minutes too late arriving at another store. Closed. So I'll have to take the early ferry again tomorrow and get enough lumber for the guys to finish the facia trim around the middle roof.

The picture shows the house as it was when I got back at 6:00 PM. I've since painted all the facia that was applied today (the white boards in the large picture). We'll finish tomorrow after I find more facia boards somewhere.

Other activities; I'm starting to get quotes on drywalling and on insulation installation. I've started with pick and shovel to dig a drainage ditch for a perimeter drain. And I'm getting frequent flier points on the ferry.

Seriously, the roof has progressed well and is almost ready for the metal to be applied.

September 7, Thursday 9:30 PM

Well, the roof is all finished waiting for the roofers. We resolved the supply of facia boards by taking a supply of the damaged remnants from Comox Building Supplies, cutting out the usable segments, and paying only for the footage we used. The guys at the lumber store are great. And this is after I checked around and found there was no other supplier that carried the specific product on the north half of Vancouver Island.

The rains held off so I got all the boards painted too. So we're all ready. Unfortunately the roofers are booked elsewhere for tomorrow and won't be here until Monday. Meanwhile the guys are busy putting up the soffits, (under the eaves).

The windows will arrive on Tuesday. The plumber and the air exchange installer are scheduled for Thursday. I'll have to order and schedule the doors tomorrow. And arrange for the siding to be shipped soon.

It's all happening. And not yet totally out of hand. Almost as complicated as a computer system roll-out.

September 8, Friday 6:00 PM

Another fun day with sun, clouds and showers interspersing every 20 minutes. The guys have been concentrating on installing the vinyl soffits under all the eaves of the house. The picture of the day shows the soffits in the angled roof above the garage entry. I think it looks darn good!

The roofer phoned and apologized for not coming up today. But they'll be up Monday to prepare the roof and put on the underlay. It will be water tight at that point. The metal won't come until Wednesday. They will also have to add some wooden ridges which they had forgotten to advise us about.

I've ordered siding for the house, and trim for the corners and around the windows. It should arrive on the next shipment the lumber store sends to Denman Island.

And I brought back some plastic lumber, 1x6 dimension, to cover the gap between the bottom of the siding and the ground. I think everything is scheduled, and reasonably in hand.

Except for the doors! I forgot to confirm the door order. I'll do that tomorrow morning!
And the bathtubs,...!

September 9, Saturday 8:30 PM

A dark cloudy day, but no rain has materialized. It's been very windy, and I've had to gather up 9 green tomatoes on the porch that the wind has blown off our plants.

Here's a picture of the house taken at 5:30 PM today, from the porch of our cabin.

I've scattered Fall Rye seeds on the steep slopes back of the house. I hope they start growing before the birds discover it. The theory behind the seeding is that the Fall Rye will grow and stabilize the soil on the slope with its long roots.

Another thorough cleaning of the work site. And more pick and shovel work out on the drainage.

And the exterior doors are now ordered. They should arrive on Friday. But I still haven't done anything about the bath tub and shower stall.

If this site is not updated in the coming days, it's because I've been called away to help my mother. She is experiencing some painful complications in her recovery and my presence may be required. I'll try and keep everyone advised of any developments.

September 10, Sunday 5:30 PM

I'm still here. I tried taking a new picture today but the sunshine gleaming off the plywood roof was too bright. It over-powered all other details. So I left yesterday's picture in place. This warm sunshine has come as a complete surprise. It's great but my Fall Rye scattered on the back slope may turn into birdseed without some rains to start germination.

I've finished digging a drainage channel almost two feet deep, filled it with drain rock, and terminated the south perimeter drain pipe into it. The theory is that the water will percolate through the soil down the slope to the shore. I'll have to monitor it closely this first winter.

The blackberries are getting smaller and "squishier". Picked a small pail full today and may make some jam. (Or else buy some ice cream; can't let it go to waste.)

Well, tomorrow should be an interesting day. The roofers arrive! I wonder what surprises are in store.

September 11, Monday 8:30 PM

Hey, the roof is water tight! Almost! The roofers put on the tar paper type underlay; tarred and torched the seams. The only area that would allow water now would be the chimney opening. On Wednesday the metal roofers will arrive to do the "real stuff". So far, no real surprises. Somewhere there must be a big one lurking.

The builders kept themselves busy today putting up soffits. A lot of it has been at difficult heights; at the top of ladders, and on scaffolds. There's only one ridge left under the last roof built. They'll have to lay on the tarred roof tomorrow to finish it.

The windows should arrive tomorrow. The manufacturers have already called me and asked to have a cheque ready for the driver. The siding should arrive tomorrow too. Maybe we'll have a traffic jam in my driveway.

Meanwhile the weather has been great. But I don't think I'll be wearing T-shirts much longer. It'll soon be long sleeve felt work shirts. Quilted maybe.

September 12, Tuesday 7:30 PM

The soffits under the roof are now completed; including replacement of one segment that the roofers accidentally hit with their torch and sort of melted. The same soffit material has to be put under the second floor overhang, but that can wait.

The windows came this afternoon. They look good. Unfortunately one unique window specially built, was incorrect. It was the right size and shape, but inside out and inverted. The company will replace it.

As the picture of the day shows, one window has been installed. (It's in the "mud" room). The builders have been installing tar paper in all the window cavities and will begin installing the other 28 windows tomorrow. (They'll start anyway).

Tomorrow will be a busy day. The metal installers for the roof are coming. And the shipment from Comox Builder Supplies is scheduled for tomorrow, including the siding. I thought it was due today, but there was some confusion.

And speaking of confusion, I don't think both suppliers can get their trucks on site. If the roofers arrive first, their fabricating equipment will monopolize the driveway. My lumber may end up on the side of the road.

September 13, Wednesday 7:00 PM

The metal roofers didn't show up today. They phoned Wes and advised him they hadn't finished a previous job and would be a day late; coming on Thursday. I hope they make it tomorrow.

At least the siding and supplies from Comox Builders arrived. And with no obstructions from the roofers, it was unloaded in a convenient location. So the deferral had some beneficial side effect.

All the window and door openings were prepared with tar paper today. And a number of windows were installed. The photo of the day shows the south side of the house, including the dining nook. In addition there has been a lot of other preparation tasks and minor developments completed. The guys have been busy.

Tomorrow if the roofers turn up, they'll have company. The plumber will begin installation at 10:00. And the Air ventilation specialist will begin installing the ducting and the air exchange system.

And more windows will be installed.

September 14, Thursday 7:30 PM

A very busy day. The metal roofers arrived early this morning. Finally. They set up their extrusion equipment and began fabricating panel for the length of the roof. It's sort of like the equipment used for continuous for gutters, only bigger. Apparently they will take about a week to complete the job.

We installed all the windows today; all except the panels around the front door. We'll wait until the current activity has finished before installing these pieces.

The plumber started this morning. He's been doing pipe fitting in the crawl space, and will be installing all the pipes through the framework.

And the ventilation technician arrived at noon and began cutting and installing ducts to each room. We are having an air exchange system installed with a heat recovery mechanism. He'll also install a fresh air duct to our wood burning stove.

And that's not all that's happening. We've been installing a perimeter of plastic wood at ground level. This is to cover the foundation material in the 6 inch clearance that is required above soil level. The siding material will begin above this plastic board. (It's actually made from recycled plastic containers, like milk jugs).

Oops, there was just a clap of thunder and the start of a shower. I'd better get off the computer soon. We're prone to power outages her.

But first, an important note. Early tomorrow I have to leave and travel home to Coquitlam. My mother will be moving from our home into the Normana Rest Home. A room has become available. I will be helping move her belongings and setting up her new room, as well as comforting her in whatever degree I'm able. It will be a busy and emotional time.
There will be no update to this site until I return. The earliest possible date I may resume reporting will be Monday night. Check back next week and see what progress has been made.

September 18, Monday 8:30 PM

We're back!Me, Marit, and the cat!

This past weekend we moved my mother to the Normanna rest home. After 3 weeks in the hospital and four weeks recuperating in our bedroom with Marit nursing her. Now Marit is recuperating. Mom is still in considerable pain, but has professional care. Her own room. Her own TV. Her own bathroom. A private telephone. And meals brought in if she's unable to come to dinner. We're still very concerned for her, but at least we can phone and talk with her every day.

Here on the island, this is what we found when we arrived at 5:30. The roof is not yet completed. I believe they needed some additional material today. Doors have been installed. And the second floor balcony in the back has been started. But no siding has been put on the walls yet. actually, not too big a change.

I haven't talked with any of the builders yet. I'll get updated tomorrow morning.

Ozzie the cat seems to be very happy to be back. After two weeks of confined apartment life, the ability to roam outside and hunt mice is a wonderful change. She's like a different animal. In fact, We're all happy to be back here.

September 19, Tuesday 8:30 PM

The roof is completed! The roofers left just after lunch. And I've just noticed they left me a gift of about 200 feet of unused roofing material laying in the yard. How am I going to get rid of that scrap?

The carpenters have been busy on various tasks. They're finishing some internal framing, working on the exterior balcony, and modifying the window openings. (Still no siding though).

We've had a "walk through" with the electrician; he's starting on Thursday. The plumber has been here working most of the day. After the electrician, I'll start the insulation, But that won't be until at least the end of next week.

Meanwhile, the cat is back to normal, behaving like she did earlier before her imprisonment in the apartment. And Marit is resting and recuperating well.

And the weather looks promising for the rest of the week.

September 20, Wednesday 8:30 PM

We tried out the roof today. There was some actual rain for a couple hours this morning, very heavy for a short time. The flow of water off the long slope was very heavy.

Marit and I were in Courtenay all afternoon looking for kitchen and bathroom fixtures. It's hard to decide on the most appropriate components. Bathtubs and sinks seem to be so darn expensive. And when we got home the quotations we were given appear to be jumbled and indecipherable.

Back on the home front, they seem to have finished with the interior framing. And they've started on the siding. There's been a fair amount of analyzing and experimenting. The siding is HardiPlank, a cement/cellulose composite with a wood grain finish. It looks like wood but doesn't handle exactly the same. There's a learning curve involved. We'll have to have a conference tomorrow morning.

Here's a view of the north side where they've started the siding. The siding material has a white primer coat; that's not the chosen final colour. Let's hope the siding can go up fairly quickly when they get the technique down pat.

September 21, Thursday 9:30 PM

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't take a new picture before darkness set in. I have to leave the photo from yesterday.

Actually the house has not changed too significantly. There is more siding up on the north wall, but I'm afraid the siding will be a slower process than I anticipated. I've slowed it down even more by asking for caulking between each butt joint. I've had to buy special masonry blades for the jig saw to cut holes in the material. The cement compound was too difficult for even metal-cutting blades.

The electrician has been working all day on the basic circuit distribution. He's put a lot of very large holes in my joists and studs. It's fortunate that I used 2x6 studs in the walls because there wouldn't be much wood left with standard 2x4's. The poor guy has spent a lot of time down in the crawl space. I guess that's why he installed the first light in the house down there.

This afternoon we've had a quote on eaves troughs. They left colour samples that will match the metal on the roof. After all the other estimates and costs, this looks like a pure bargain.

Tomorrow we're having a representative come up and measure the kitchen area for cabinets. We've had basic designs and price quotes from them before. Now we'll finalize the selection.

Tomorrow I'll take a photo as soon as the guys are finished for the day. Lets see how far up the wall the siding has progressed.

September 22, Friday 9:30 PM

The first day of Autumn. And it felt it this morning with a slight trace of frost in the yard. I'll soon need some heat in this cabin.

It's been busy all day. We've been conferring with the electrician this morning and choosing options and light placements. At noon the agent for the kitchen and bathroom cabinets came and measured the area. We discussed and selected the designs and options. Tomorrow we'll visit his shop and review the computer projections. The plumber has been working in the crawl space all afternoon. Quietly. He hasn't had to ask for any decisions or approvals. He makes life easier.

And of course throughout the day I've been a "gopher" for the builders. (Go for this, go for that..). Together with the few daily chores of cabin life, the day has seemed awfully busy.

The picture is of the north side of the house (Marit calls it the ugly side). The siding is progressing slowly. There's more siding applied in the front but I'll show that view tomorrow when the light is at a better angle.

Despite the suddenly cool nights, the days have been delightfully sunny and warm. Makes us want to sit back and enjoy the the final few days of summer that are lingering past it's season.

September 23, Saturday 9:00 PM

The frost is on the pumpkin! (Or more accurately, the squash plants.) It was on;y a light frost this morning, but summer is definitely ending.

This picture shows the house at sunrise this morning. The shadows are different than earlier photos; the sun is rising further to the south now. Notice that the siding has also been started on the garage beside the front door.

I've noticed unfortunately that the garage double-glazed window has been damaged. Not smashed, but hit and nicked. Eventually it will require repair. I guess that's part of the construction process that's to be expected.

We've been searching and shopping around from Hometown in Nanaimo (quite disappointing) to appliance and kitchen stores in Courtenay. We've finalized and ordered kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanities, and have put a down payment on some kitchen appliances. All in Courtenay.

Tomorrow there's a lot of cleanup to do on the work site. And there's a lot of trim to be pre-painted before it's put on the house around the windows. Fortunately the forecast is for several days of warm sunshine yet.

September 24, Sunday 8:30 PM

Another warm summer day, and cool autumn night. We're late, but this evening we just had our first steak barbecue of the year.

A flock of redwing blackbirds have been calling in the trees around. They have been gathering for the past week. They'll probably soon be migrating.

There's been a lot of cleaning in the house. The plumber and the electrician have contributed to quite a mess of wood chips all over as they bore through the studs and joists.

Marit has been experimenting with colours; painting and comparing. The current decision is to paint the siding the same colour previously selected for the roof trim (fascia). With the darker grey siding, we've decided not to put additional trim around the white windows. (Of course I'll have to re-paint the fascia with a different colour).

Marit has now painted all the siding that's been put up on the north wall, and the siding in front by the door. The picture shows how it looks at 6:30 today.

September 25, Monday 9:30 PM

Another busy (but sunny) day. Marit and I were into Courtenay this morning. Our main mission was bathroom appliances; a shower stall and a bathtub. I think we've succeeded in understanding and choosing our options. Tomorrow I'm going back; make the final choice, and buying the units.

This afternoon I was fortunate to have John Kirk come back with his machine. He dug the trench for the water pipe (from the well), and covered it again after the plumber and the electrician installed their pipe and electric cable. He did all the final rough landscaping; excavating in the front, filling the south side, and clearing the septic field area. I'm still left with a large pile of soil (out of the way on the side). There's an immense amount of shovel and wheelbarrow work to refine the digging. Enough to keep me in shape for two years. At least.

The electrician has been working all day. He has a few other responsibilities tomorrow, but expects to be through before the end of the week. When he (and the plumber) finish, I'll have to start on the insulation.

Today's picture looks a bit different, doesn't it. More open soil, ready to turn to mud at the first rain. I'll get the grass seed out soon.

September 26, Tuesday 9:30 PM

Well, the guys are inching forward with the siding. Here's what it looks like today at the end of the work shift. The electrician has put in a full day, working fast and steady. The plumber didn't come since I haven't yet got the fixtures.

I went into Courtenay and got the last outside door; for the upstairs balcony. And I exchanged the damage front door. No problem. Also got some extra flashing and trim material that the carpenters needed.

And the window came today! The window that was shaped wrong originally. It was couriered to the ferry landing on the other side. I went over to pick it up. Believe it or not, it looks like they sent back the same window! Wrong again! And without any nailing flanges attached. So I'll be on the phone early tomorrow again.

The eaves trough suppliers will be arriving tomorrow. Good timing because rain is forecast Thursday. The builders are grumbling a bit that the gutter work will be in the way.

I've decided I'd better get the wood posts primed and sealed before the rain starts, so I was painting tonight after cleaning the site. But it gets dark so early now, I only finished the four posts in back before I couldn't see well enough. Tomorrow I'll finish the front ones.

And sometime tomorrow, I'll take the truck to Courtenay and get a shower stall. The plumber will have something to attach.

Amid all this fun and excitement, Marit had to leave and return to Coquitlam. Reluctantly I'm sure. But leaving me to heat my own supper and wash the dishes. Poor me.

September 27, Wednesday 9:00 PM

Here's a picture from a slightly different angle. It may not be obvious from the small picture, but it does show on the larger; eaves troughs were installed early this morning. Just in time too, because the weather forecast says this great sunny weather is ending tomorrow.

I realized that he water flowing from the eaves troughs has to be piped away, or else there will be a small lake forming in front of the house. I don't dare dig permanent drain pipes because there will be a lot of settling and movement of the earth filled around the house. So I've been digging surface ditches and laying temporary pipes off to the side. Not quite finished; I had to stop at 7:30 when it got too dark. Never did find time to paint those front posts today

I bought a shower stall and brought it back on the truck today. (Still too much traffic; a one hour sailing wait at the ferry dock). We just managed to squeeze the unit through the doorway. The bath tub will be available Friday; the rest of the bathroom fixtures next Wednesday.

No plumber or electrician on site today. Maybe they'll all show up when the weather gets worse.

September 28, Thursday 9:30 PM

This picture gives an indication of the status today. There's three more trucks behind me, plus my own. The electrician, plumber, and ventilation guys are busy inside. The three carpenters are working on the exterior. I've been painting the wood posts and preparing the drainage.

The clouds have rolled in, and this evening it's raining and blowing. I believe it's called "blustery". For over a week, the skies have been beautifully clear. With no street lights, the stars have been exceptionally clear. But now the autumn weather has arrived.

Today, with little warning, Erik has come over and joined me. He'll be here for a few days. Unfortunately he has a very sore knee; most of the labour intensive activities I'd like done will have to wait for his knee to improve. Smart move son.

Tomorrow the garage door is scheduled for installation.I hope the weather is not too miserable. I suspect we'll have some complications due to the slanting ceiling in the garage. Most installations I've seen have had a flat ceiling track.

I'm really interested to see in the daylight if my drainage configuration has worked for the eaves troughs. I wouldn't look forward to re-doing it.

September 29, Friday 9:30 PM

Unlike the Vancouver area, we didn't have a rainstorm today. Just lots of cloud and some winds this afternoon.

As you can see from today's picture, we now have a garage door. It's slightly premature since we don't have a garage floor yet. But we needed it now to continue the siding on the front. We left four inches under the door for the cement floor that will be poured.

The shower stall was installed today in the lower bathroom. I had to insulate and install the vapour barrier on the outside wall first. That was a good exercise; I learned I don't want to insulate the rest of the house.

And late this afternoon we picked up the bathtub in Courtenay and brought it back. Hope to install it on Monday. (Another sailing wait coming back).

The plumber has been plumbing, the electrician has been wiring, and the carpenters have continued building (the siding and the garage door opening). Erik has been helping with the shoveling thats needed around, and the straightening up of the site. He's handy to have around as a third hand.

Tomorrow I hope we'll have an opportunity to do some painting on the siding.

September 30, Saturday 7:30 PM

Surprisingly good weather today. Erik and I gave the work site a good cleaning this morning. All those tradesmen manage to make quite a mess installing their components.

After a bit of digging, we both spent the afternoon painting. The picture shows Erik on the south side, using the scaffolds left by the carpenters.

Unfortunately we are almost as slow at painting as the builders are at putting up the siding. (We're careful not to get paint on the window frames or soffits). There's lots of painting left for tomorrow.

Ozzie came in this evening looking rather beat up. She probably had a fight with the neighbour's cat, and probably lost. I hope she gets her spirits back fast.

For the diary of previous months, select the month below.

May, 2000

June, 2000

July, 2000

August, 2000

September, 2000

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