Roof and walls

The predicted weather forecast was calling for rain/ snow and both carpenter’s wanted to get the roof installed. They did so and in a big hurry. It took them just under two days to remove and install a roof, and frame some of the walls. That’s not a misprint…just under two days! They made it look easy and effortless. Here’s a bunch of photos to bring you up to date. Enjoy.    

 

A section of roof was removed and the sill plates were installed. Some vertical posts were installed and the scaffolding was assembled.

Sorry, no photos of the roof removal. We were in Hasama all day

Framing the walls...

Framing the roof

The entire corner of the house will be removed to allow access to the unit bath and utility room.

Joining the roof to the wall framing

Roof sheeted and covered before the rain

Some of the walls on the first floor will be removed after the exterior walls are constructed.

The far window and wall will be removed to allow access to the utility room and bath. The near window will be replaced with the far window and moved towards the center above the new kitchen sink

Joining the roofing structure to the logs

The wall with the door will be removed to allow access to the rest of the house from the master bedroom.

Framing the windows

To be continued...

Up next: Finshing up framing the exterior walls              George

Out with the old, in with the new

A lot of progress has been made since my last post. Inagakisan removed the cross bracing to gain access to the foundation logs. The logs overhead were supported by jacks and the vertical logs were removed. Inagakisan accomplished all of this by himself and very quickly! Before Erika had a chance to grab the camera, he was done. (When using a chainsaw to remodel, things get done in a hurry).The rotted areas in the corners of the house will be removed and replaced with new lumber. The sill plates were replaced with hinoki. Lap joints were used to splice the sill plates together.

A jack was used to support the upper beam

The carpenter removed the cross bracing...



...then removed the vertical supports

After the bracing and supports were removed, the rotted foundation log was removed



Not much holding up the upper beam

The first half of the foundation log was removed...

...and then the second half was removed

The plumber drilled a very large hole in the foundation

The plumber drilled a four inch in diameter hole in the concrete foundation. Erika said that it took him about 30 minutes. I think the hole is for the drain line from the master bedroom toilet. 

Erika asked me,"Aren't you sad to see the logs removed?" I quickly replied, "You mean the rot? Heck no!" I think the house looks open and new since those ugly cross beams are gone. Nope. I don't miss those rotted logs at all. I wonder if the carpenter could do the same to the rest of the house? Dreamer...      

These logs were given to a neighbor for firewood

Remodeling projects create a pile of debris that requires removal. A trash container will be brought in, filled, and removed when the project is completed.

The logs are made of spruce. Spruce is not a great wood for burning because it is less dense than hardwoods. That means spruce does not produce the long lasting coals needed to heat the house. Spruce can be used in the cooler seasons (spring and fall) where the house can be warmed with a less heat producing wood such as spruce. Creosote isn’t a concern since I can easily clean the pipes each year if needed.

Up next: framing walls and the roof

The rot will be removed with a chainsaw and replaced with an 8x8

The opposite side cross bracing, vertical supports and foundation logs are removed. Hinoki sill plates are installed.

Remember the rotted log that was here? It's gone!

This transformation was completed in one day!

Scary!

 

Hang in there!

After the carpenter removed the trim pieces, this is what was left. Scary! He was right when he said, “Those logs are for decoration. I can replace them with 4x4’s with no problems.” He will be replacing the sill plate with hinoki. He uses hinoki wherever there is a threat of rot and insects.  The logs will be replaced with 8x8 timbers.

 

Humm...something doesn't look right. It's no wonder this hasn't fallen over. The gas pipe will be removed after we switch to all electrical appliances.

I can’t wait to see this eyesore go away.    George

Wood is wood

The cement has cured and the forms have been removed.

 

The plan was to build the exterior walls first to support the roof and create a shield from the weather. The interior walls would then be removed. However, to proceed with the roof, one of the interior walls will require removal. This will allow access to a rotted foundation log. The foundation log rests under a major structural member supporting the entire house. This is the most difficult part of the remodel…and the most dangerous. I’m not exactly sure how this will be accomplished, but it should be very interesting. The logs are 12 to 18 inches in diameter. A few hydraulic floor jacks will be used to support the load while the lumber is installed. More on this later... 

The master carpenter, Inagakisan is the person in charge. We are very lucky to have him.

This is how to make a round log...flat. A wall of windows will be installed here.

 

The power planer is difficult enough to operate right side up. It's extremely difficult to use upside down. It's painful for the neck and shoulders. Amazing work for someone who has reached retirement age. Ganbatte!

The carpenter's assistant (Konosan) is marking lumber for mortise and tennons. Each carpenter has 40+ years of carpentry experience. Their skills are amazing to watch. They make it look easy.

Each mortise and tennon is cut or chiseled by hand

 

I’m anxious to see Inagakisan use a chainsaw to remove the logs. There is nothing more nerve wracking than to see your home being dismantled by a chainsaw. This is where 40+ years of experience comes in. He’s never worked on a log home, but for him, wood is wood. I agree with that philosophy and that’s one of the reasons why I chose him.

Lumber has arrived

The wooden forms are in and the concrete has been poured.

Master bedroom

Bath and utility room

The first shipment of lumber has arrived. Yeah!! The 8”x 8” vertical supports are made of cedar. It’s a good choice because it’s strong and insect resistant.

First shipment of lumber. Lots more to come.

The berm is ready for plants. The concrete Erika placed will be covered in gravel. She worked very hard to create her work of art.

 

I wanted to mention that the contractors went out of their way to give us great service. They moved a huge mound of dirt and built a berm to prevent erosion on the backside of the garage. They used some of the extra concrete to make two piers for a bench that will be constructed later.

Concrete piers for a future bench. The leaky water pump has been temporarily fixed.

 

They crushed the rest of the extra concrete to make road base. How much did all of this cost? Nothing! I think they like Erika...

Crushed concrete makes an excellent road base. Prevents weeds too!

 

Jobsite cleaned and leveled. Fantastic job!

 

Up next: finishing the foundation              George

 

Concrete Pour Part 1

 

The foundation will require two separate applications. First the slab is poured and then the sides are constructed.

 

 

The concrete is poured into the scoop. The scoop is moved and the workers shovel the concrete into the forms.

 

This area is lower because of the bath. In Japan, the entire bath (shower and bathtub) share one drain opening. This allows the bathtub to be filled to the top without the worry of spilling water onto the floor.

 

 

The next step is to build the forms for the sides. The final application of concrete will be applied in a couple of days.   George

Up next: forming the sides