Big Picture: Where are we?
Inside, *FRAMING INSPECTION COMPLETE*. We are ready to start insulation.
Outside, Painting still underway. This weekend, we were supposed to adjust the scaffolds so they can work on the second floor, but that didn’t happen. This will have knock-on effects in the schedule.
Goals from Week of Aug 30
- Painting Completed on Mintwood. {Nope. Still underway}
- Source replacement trim for Mintwood. {Not yet.}
- Electrical inspection complete and schedule rough framing inspection. {Overachieved- completed framing inspection also.}
Accomplishments
- Electrical inspection completed on Tuesday (Sept 7). HVAC was completed a few weeks ago, and plumbing was done in July. We were able to expedite the framing inspection, (which we passed on Friday, Sept 10), so we are ready for insulation.
Corp Update
- I was sick one day this week (slept the entire day), but I seem to have bounced back OK.
- Mom will arrive Sept 27th for a ~10 day visit.
- No update on the WC audit. I’m assuming that no news is good news.
- I need to complete the tax request for our CPA to file out 2020 taxes.
Mintwood St
- Demolition: Work is complete. See blog post
- Roofing. Painting team is more on target now. They bought a generator so they could work without power on the building. I’d rate the painting a “B” overall. Our big delay at this point is getting the scaffolds adjusted. The platform needs to be lowered from the 3rd floor to the second floor so they can work on those windows. Unfortunately, the scaffold guy didn’t show up this weekend, so I’m scrambling to see how I can get the scaffolds adjusted on Monday. (This is a side gig for him, and he’s generally not available on weekdays.). We have 2 good days of weather this week, and expect rain on Wednesday, so I’m doing what I can to get it done.
- Carpenters *Framing inspection passed on Friday*. This was a big deal. The actual inspection was pretty simple. I booked an “overtime inspection”, so that we could get one scheduled for Friday. Inspector arrived ~7:00am. We reviewed the plans, and he then looked at construction. He was mostly focused on the load paths, which makes sense. He had a couple of comments (wanted squash blocks in the basement, and also wanted the fireproof foam done on all three floors.). We were able to make some runs to HD and get the work done in time for him to stop by later in the day to sign off. This allows us to move forward with insulation next week. We also got the subfloor installed in the kitchen, which is VERY exciting.
I do have the carpenters doing a few touch-up items that will make sheet rock easier (padding out some studs, etc.). That should be done on Monday, 13 Sept. - Windows: (no change since May 16) Windows were installed this week on May 13-14. This actually included the odd sized window in the kitchen, which was good news.I haven’t inspected the final results yet, but will review on Monday.
- Insulation Spray foam is scheduled for Sept 14. NCI (fiberglass batts) scheduled for Sept 15-16. We passed framing inspection, so we are ready to start on schedule!
- HVAC (No change since Sept 7) Inspection passed for rough mechanicals. We will set the actual furnaces probably once the insulation is in place, perhaps before the drywall (as it would help dry the mud).
- Plumbers: {No change from Aug 30} I have downloaded the completion certificate from the county website and submitted that to the City of Pgh as part of the “closing docs” for the framing inspection.
- Electrical: We had a follow-up inspection on Sept 7th, which we passed. The team arrived that morning to get the AC power installed and clean up a few other items. (Added a light by the front door, outdoor outlet, etc.). This ended up being a formal scheduled inspection, so I’m glad I pushed for clarity.
Reconnection of power to the building was scheduled for 26 Aug, pushed to Sept 8, but I’ve pushed that off again because the scaffolds are still up. No date has been set yet. - Masonry {No updates from Aug 30} Once again, Normandy Masonry came through for me again this week. The roofers pulled the fascia off the front of the building. Rob was able to come out and point the front of the house under the box gutter, so they could reattach the fascia.
- Plaster: We have requested drywall for the week of Sept 29th. Jim Lamont was out on Sunday to look at the building, and will return Monday. We are anticipating a surcharge for stocking (carrying sheetrock up to the second and third floors)
- Finish Carpentry Still need to line up trim. I have a lead on a place in Mars PA and potentially a guy to help. I’ll try to get up there next week to meet with the mill. {no update from Aug 30} I dropped off 10 doors at Dip-n-Strip to have the paint removed. it’ll take at least 4 weeks to get completed, which is fine for our schedule.
Next week, we need to get serious about finding replacement trim for the rest of the building. - Design: (No change from Sept 7) After some consideration, we decided NOT to add new cabinets in the kitchen to cover the incoming vent ducts. the HVAC team was able to tuck them in pretty well, and we will extend the soffit a bit to cover. However, we will be switching to open shelving for the last 12-13″ of space on the upper run. The issue was that the powder room was encroaching on the primary wall space in the kitchen, and the cabinets no longer fit quite well. So, out they go and we’ll put shelves/ wine rack up in there. Design board is available here, though we made some slight changes after this board was produced.
Next Steps
- Complete repainting of trim on front of house.
- source trim for windows & doors.
- Install insulation (foam and batts)
Pearl St.
- I’ve brought back a painter who worked on the house previously. He’s going to handle the porches (front and rear) so I don’t have to spend a lot of time thinking about paint. Slow progress, but that’s OK. This week he put primer on the railing so it doesn’t rust when it rains. I also installed the trim on the back porch, which is my last bit of woodworking out there.
Next Steps
- Paint railing out front.
- Paint rafter tails and door post on back porch
- Paint door to Zoe’s room.
- Finalize electrical inspection, close building permit.
Goals for Week of 13 Sept
- Painting Completed on Mintwood.
- Source replacement trim for Mintwood.
- Install insulation.
Entropy Properties LLC 