July 14, 2010
Taking shape!
The job site has been hopping! Last week, the new entryway really came together, as Tom and crew added the plywood sheathing and gabled roof. It looks fantastic! I'm excited to see the formerly "blank and featureless" front of the house start to come alive, since that was one of the main goals of our renovation. And already, the awkwardly protruding garage appears less so, since the entryway comes out and meets it halfway.
Speaking of the front of the house, check out the crazy termite damage Tom found when he opened up the front of the house a couple weeks back.
We knew from our home inspection that the front sill had suffered some termite damage, but we had no idea how bad it was! Tom found that not only the sill, but also two vertical support beams had been been literally eaten to shreds. It amazes me that the front of the house hadn't started to sag (or worse)! Thankfully, Tom replaced the damaged beams, and we were able to have the area treated to help prevent future damage. I'll never underestimate the power of those little creatures again!
(10) Comments
Comment on this BlogHaving watched every TOH show from the very beginning (30+ years?), every project is still all new and very interesting. The cameras and blogs are a dimension that make us, the viewers, a part of the project. Please keep the blogs of progress and behind the scene information coming. This winter when the snow is flying and we are viewing the series on TV while the residents are snug in their beautiful home, we’ll both have enjoyed the project.
Wow you guys sure were lucky to have Tom Silva on the scene. As your termite damage was more extensive than what my family went through. I found it while getting ready ro run wires for high speed internet. The termites we are fairly certain came from our neighbors shed which is about ready to fall down. Our pest control company said that water and a crack in our foundation helped to bring them to our house. That and dead roots from an old weed tree. So best advice get rid of dead vegetation and caulk or have caulked any places where water can get in and avoid water near the foundation.
Good progress, looks like the front is a winner! Now can you shift the rear camera to get a better view of that room going up in the rear and maybe a mini-blog of just what exactly that room and second floor will be????
Stay tuned, Gary... there will be lots of work done out back in the upcoming week! We'll be sure to blog about it, and I think the Living Room webcam will be pointed back there to give you a good look at the new sunroom that's going up.
omg. your termites remind me of my mold situation—which I am about to tackle in the next week or so with the renovation i'm starting.
so glad to follow along and be inspired by your project!
thanks!
www.bradfordavenue.wordpress.com
Watching the webcam is a wonderful addition to the project. I have even seen camera crew taping parts of what we will see later on PBS. One thing that can't be captured is the weather. How are all of you coping with the extreme weather for that part of NE?
Termites are never a welcomed visitor and we are glad you got it under control. Our bug replant benefits is just one of the many reasons why many builders prefer James Hardie because over time wood tends to rot, crack, delaminate and is susceptible to termites. James Hardie siding allows for homeowners to achieve the look and feel they desire without sacrificing quality with the product they choose. If you are on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jameshardieBP) or Twitter (@James_Hardie) feel free to visit our social sites for more information or to stay up to date on what’s happening with James Hardie!
--James Hardie Online Outreach
Interesting info! I enjoy reading these types of posts.
Termites - what a horrible situation to deal with! The picture of the vertical support is pretty bad as well. I can see the garage in your entryway picture, I'm curious, do you have any plans on renovating it and what type of look are you going for?
- Graham from Promaster.ca
Looks really good and nice site - very enjoyable.