I had already installed the flooring for the conditioned attic when I assembled the ductwork of the house, but now it was time to throw up some walls and air seal it. I would also need to install some baffles …

Step 22a – Complete the Conditioned Attic Read more »

Trim siding is used primarily for visual purposes, but is also a great tool to use when it comes to weatherproofing corners of the house. You want the corners to match up tightly with each other so they form a …

Step 21a – Install 4/4 HardieTrim Read more »

Installing ductwork properly is quite a bit more difficult than running pipes for plumbing or wires for electrical.  It is, in fact, so difficult that “more than half of new HVAC systems in U.S. homes do not perform to their rated …

Step 19b – Install the Ductwork Read more »

With the house completely wrapped in a cozy layer of polyiso foam, I was now prepared to add the water resistant barrier.  The Tyvek WRB comes in a 9 foot roll, and should be stretched taut across the surface of …

Step 16a – Attach the WRB Read more »

The roof has been doing a fine job protecting the house, but as there is a ton of wind in my area, the walls are just as vital to preventing water from damaging the house.  The plywood sheathing has been …

Step 16 – Complete “Dry-In” Read more »

With the roof underlay on, the structure is now safe from direct rain, but there is a ton of wind here in Point Roberts thanks to the proximity to the ocean, so wind blown rain is still a threat. Installing …

Step 12 – Wall Sheathing Read more »

I’m tantalizingly close to reaching that glorious step where rain will no longer be able to harm the OSB roof sheathing or subfloor but a few key steps remain.  Most importantly, there is currently no roof sheathing on the gable …

Step 11d – Inspection, Bargeboard, and Gable Overhangs Read more »

Working on the roof definitely has its perks when it comes to sunset!  Doesn’t show up as well in the picture but I had a beautiful view of a snow covered Mt. Baker from the roof ridge (top center of …

Step 11a – Frieze Blocks and Baffles Read more »

You can see how I’ve been trying to keep the OSB flooring dry with a tarp but with the walls going up it is difficult.  Luckily, I spent some extra money on Weyerhauser EdgeGold OSB subfloor and according to their …

Step 10 – Frame the Second Floor Read more »

Flooring is pretty basic, and if you’ve ever noticed how a deck is built then you have the gist of it.  Long boards called joists are laid out parallel with each other and on their sides so they won’t bend …

Step 9 – Frame the Floor Read more »