What comes after framing?

The framers finished up their last little bits today and pulled out after a long 6 weeks on the job. Now the house is crawling with plumbers and tomorrow they'll be joined by the guys who will put in our air filtration/heat recovery system. Things are getting busy! Here's a look at the stairs heading up to the second floor. We'll have an open banister on the left next to the back room.


Again, the stairs to the second floor. We're really excited about the window seat off the landing - that's straight ahead in this picture.

This is the view from the upstairs hallway looking down over the landing. The window seat bench will be installed after the electricians finish wiring the house in a few weeks. This is on the south side of the house and should be a great sunny spot for a good book and a cup of tea...or a nap. Can't wait!

Max and I got started on the exterior insulation over Labor Day weekend. Now that the weather is turning we've got to hurry to get the septic system installed and the final grading and backfill done in the yard before the ground freezes. We've got just a few more days before Ron the dirt guy comes back with his bulldozer so we better get crackin!

The house is taking on a new look with these super white insulation sheets. I'm happy to see the black membrane get covered up...the days of Darth Vader house are numbered! This building technique calls for two layers of 2" foam board over the house exterior. That makes the basement walls a full foot thick! We were impressed with our very substantial door jam after the first two layers were in place. This should be one warm, dry basement!