February 14, 2000 - Strange things going on with Homestead and my PC... Homestead gets into a mode where my machine crashes if I try to import a photo. Right now the "fix" seems to be reloading Homestead. Homestead does not install using the Windows Add/Remove feature. Apparently when you reload, it just writes over old files and maybe adds new files...
So.... As you maybe can tell by this fuzzy picture, we have been busy. The original picture is sharp but MS Picture It 2000 does not seem to be doing a good job of compressing... Maybe its time to reload that program as well...
The T-111 plywood siding is all in place and I have placed the door and one window in temporarily just to verify fit.
My nephew, Johnny Pope came by to look at what had been done and to advise me on the types of boards and moldings that will be required to finish the roof overhangs.
Johnny spotted an issue I had not considered in this type of barn construction.... The second floor has 6' high walls and my construction method left the bottom of these walls open to the ceiling of the first floor. Johnny says that these openings must be closed to prevent fire from coming up inside the wall.... It is called a fire break.
I have cut 2x2's & some scrap siding to plug these openings.... About 6 hours work but one less possible snag when the inspector comes. ( Since this is not a residential structure, he might not care...)
The next task is to have the rough electrical installation. I have already made drawings of the floor plans showing all the required outlets, lights, switches, thermostats, telephone, alarm, etc. Location of breaker panel and power meter... Some 55 boxes in this little project!!!
Johnny has an electrician in mind to bid the job.... I hope to hear from him in the next few days... In the mean time there are many small tasks that can be done regardless of the inspection... More on that later.
