-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
The Log House Project
- Thread starter NancysToy
- Start date
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
There are several variations, but ours will be the closed-loop variety. Liquid is pumped through tubes buried in the ground. A heat pump extracts heat from that liquid (much more efficiently than from the air) or gives up excess heat to the liquid. The systems give off three to five times the energy they consume for their pumps and fans.
Frank G
New member
The Bottom line.
The bottom Line. We have a 2600 sq ft Full Log House, Total Electric with Geothermal. (Pond Loop System) 14 years old. 3 Adults and 2 children. We average $225.00 per month electric in northwest Ohio. First Energy is the Local and have a locked in rate with someone. Best system we ever had. Comfortable.
Scotty should do even better, He will have a better insulation package, and the newer systems have a better efficiency rating. You also get free hot water during the cooling season.:thumbup:
Back to the construction zone
The bottom Line. We have a 2600 sq ft Full Log House, Total Electric with Geothermal. (Pond Loop System) 14 years old. 3 Adults and 2 children. We average $225.00 per month electric in northwest Ohio. First Energy is the Local and have a locked in rate with someone. Best system we ever had. Comfortable.
Scotty should do even better, He will have a better insulation package, and the newer systems have a better efficiency rating. You also get free hot water during the cooling season.:thumbup:
Back to the construction zone
Last edited:
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
Slow Going
Today they started applying the logs to the back wall. It is slow going! The windows and doors are mostly a foot apart, so each piece must be carefully cut to fit, then half beveled at the ends. There is also added trim where the logs meet the deck, and under the doors. Even with two miter saws right there, and four carpenters, it went very slowly. It looks like we may have underestimated the time until the logs are done.
The geothermal installation came to a screeching halt. The boring machine broke a large steel block attached to a hydraulic cylinder. It isn't easy to crack a 1 1/2" x 5" portion of a larger steel block. The part is on order, but it is hard to tell whether the arctic cold and snow or the part will arrive first.
I chased chimney parts, moved materials, cleaned up, and cut and fit some blocking for the shower. Nancy stayed home to try to get started preparing for Christmas and our daughter's upcoming baby shower. I wish there were more hours in a day!
Today they started applying the logs to the back wall. It is slow going! The windows and doors are mostly a foot apart, so each piece must be carefully cut to fit, then half beveled at the ends. There is also added trim where the logs meet the deck, and under the doors. Even with two miter saws right there, and four carpenters, it went very slowly. It looks like we may have underestimated the time until the logs are done.
The geothermal installation came to a screeching halt. The boring machine broke a large steel block attached to a hydraulic cylinder. It isn't easy to crack a 1 1/2" x 5" portion of a larger steel block. The part is on order, but it is hard to tell whether the arctic cold and snow or the part will arrive first.
I chased chimney parts, moved materials, cleaned up, and cut and fit some blocking for the shower. Nancy stayed home to try to get started preparing for Christmas and our daughter's upcoming baby shower. I wish there were more hours in a day!
Attachments
Bob Denman
New member
Try to remember: "Patience is a virtue"
But it may just be one of the annoying ones! :banghead:
Hang in there; progress is being made each day! :thumbup:
But it may just be one of the annoying ones! :banghead:
Hang in there; progress is being made each day! :thumbup:
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
No work on the logs on Friday or today, I'm sorry to say. Today (and tomorrow) they were pulled off for another job, and nobody knows why they were missing Friday. I figure we have 5-8 days more of log application, so at this rate it could well be Christmas by the time they get done. We did make some progress, however. Friday the electricians were there for more rough-in. They have another day or two before they finish. They would really like to have the HVAC system installed so they can wire that...at least temporarily.
We got about 5" of snow overnight, so we had to deal with that and the cold. It was windy, too, so that made things a bit worse. We were all quite cold by the time we knocked off for the day. The part came in for the boring machine and they worked on it for a while...until they ran out of welding gas. They have a cap screw that locked into place in the cold, so they needed their heat wrench. They also had to find a machine shop, since the new part had a different sized eye than the bigger old one. With luck they may be boring again tomorrow. That should be quite a mess, as they have to use lots of water and it is very cold. Another 2"-5" of snow expected tomorrow, too. Actually, we expect snow all week.
The roofing crew was back to put up the porch ceiling. They were blind-sided by the builder, who told them it was all ready to go. In actuality we had to install some strapping first. They did not bring the tools for that, and there were no materials on site, so I chased to Home Depot for some strapping and a hand saw. When I got back I had to show one of the young guys how to use a hand saw. They are seriously spoiled with their power tools. Their pneumatic tools froze up in the cold, so they also had to resort to using hammers. :yikes: I helped out and we got things handled, including trimming a 4x4 that was in the way. That wasn't fun! The ceiling looks real good. On the way out the driveway they sideswiped my truck, damaging the side of the box and the rear wheelwell trim. Some days you fight it all the way! Terrible time of year to have to visit the body shop.
Nancy went to the hand doctor today, to check out some pain she has been having. A couple of years ago she had to have the trapezius bone removed from the base of her right thumb, and have it replaced by a rolled up piece of tendon taken from her wrist. It was badly deteriorated from arthritis. Today she found that the left side is even worse...bone on bone and in jeopardy of collapsing and becoming unrepairable, if not addressed soon. They wanted to do surgery Thursday morning, but we have to get a Christmas tree this week and decorate it, and she is giving a baby shower for our daughter Saturday. She may have to have the surgery next week, however. That will sure make wrapping Christmas presents difficult. I guess I won't get any more shoveling out of her for a while. I hope she is fully healed by the time we move. The last time it was 9-10 weeks before she was out of the cast permanently. It's rough to get old!
We got about 5" of snow overnight, so we had to deal with that and the cold. It was windy, too, so that made things a bit worse. We were all quite cold by the time we knocked off for the day. The part came in for the boring machine and they worked on it for a while...until they ran out of welding gas. They have a cap screw that locked into place in the cold, so they needed their heat wrench. They also had to find a machine shop, since the new part had a different sized eye than the bigger old one. With luck they may be boring again tomorrow. That should be quite a mess, as they have to use lots of water and it is very cold. Another 2"-5" of snow expected tomorrow, too. Actually, we expect snow all week.
The roofing crew was back to put up the porch ceiling. They were blind-sided by the builder, who told them it was all ready to go. In actuality we had to install some strapping first. They did not bring the tools for that, and there were no materials on site, so I chased to Home Depot for some strapping and a hand saw. When I got back I had to show one of the young guys how to use a hand saw. They are seriously spoiled with their power tools. Their pneumatic tools froze up in the cold, so they also had to resort to using hammers. :yikes: I helped out and we got things handled, including trimming a 4x4 that was in the way. That wasn't fun! The ceiling looks real good. On the way out the driveway they sideswiped my truck, damaging the side of the box and the rear wheelwell trim. Some days you fight it all the way! Terrible time of year to have to visit the body shop.
Nancy went to the hand doctor today, to check out some pain she has been having. A couple of years ago she had to have the trapezius bone removed from the base of her right thumb, and have it replaced by a rolled up piece of tendon taken from her wrist. It was badly deteriorated from arthritis. Today she found that the left side is even worse...bone on bone and in jeopardy of collapsing and becoming unrepairable, if not addressed soon. They wanted to do surgery Thursday morning, but we have to get a Christmas tree this week and decorate it, and she is giving a baby shower for our daughter Saturday. She may have to have the surgery next week, however. That will sure make wrapping Christmas presents difficult. I guess I won't get any more shoveling out of her for a while. I hope she is fully healed by the time we move. The last time it was 9-10 weeks before she was out of the cast permanently. It's rough to get old!
Attachments
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
We fully intend to be in there by Spring...in fact we have to, as the construction loan will have expired by mid-Spring. They only give you nine months. I am not complaining about anything but the fact that we are behind schedule. I worked construction for several decades and I fully understand. In the "old days" work would stop soon after the snow flew. These days the work goes on almost all year.
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
Before anyone sends out an all-points bulletin again, I thought I would check in. I'm afraid there has been precious little progress for a while, for a variety of reasons. The boring rig for the geothermal system is still out of business being repaired. Earliest possible return is the end of the week. Meanwhile the ground has frozen harder and we have had over a foot and a half of snow while the machine was down, so it may not be able to finish the job until Spring. They are looking at the possibility of a jackhammer bit attachment for the drill head, but they are also looking at the possibility of a temporary furnace as pPlan B if we can't achive the geothermal. Neither sounds good, and neither sounds cheap. Stay tuned for further developments.
The carpenters have not been on the job for the last 12 days, so the log application is stalled, too. I hope to have them back tomorrow, but we are expecting snow again and it could scare them off. For December, this year has been more like January. Normally we would not have seen this much cold or snow...especially as a steady diet. I figure we have 5-8 days more for the logs, plus a few punch list items on the framing. Getting the shell completed before New Years seems remote at this point, with more down time expected for the holidays.
I have been spending much of my time shoveling. The driveway is 300 feet long, and I have no equipment out there as yet...and no available help. Geezers really shouldn't work this hard!
Today I took a break and and ran audio wires. Friday we chased to the other side of Michigan and found a dandy reclaimed barnwood mantle. :clap:
On a brighter note, we passed the electrical rough-in inspection. The porch ceiling was finished last week...with one casualty. The fireplace is also installed...except for the cap. We will leave that until Spring when it is safer to work on the roof. We have a few loose ends to complete the main floor mechanical and then we can get the mechanical and plumbing rough-in inspections and the framing inspection. At that point we can insulate and then begin the plastering...if we get heat. Unfortunately we are 2-4 weeks behind schedule, stuck in the middle of the holidays, and stalled on the heat and the logs. Things are going painfully slowly, but when I started in the construction business many years ago, we shut down completely for several months each winter, so this isn't as bad as it could be.
More about that casualty I mentioned. When the roofers were leaving the site they sideswiped my truck, creasing the side of the box and killing the wheelwell molding. My insurance says theirs has to cover, and theirs says it is mine's responsibility. I am stuck in the middle and will probably end up with nobody paying for it. Needless to say I am not happy. I expect to park in the road and hike in from here on out.
Nancy has to have hand surgery next week (two days before Christmas). She also gave a baby shower for our daughter last week and has been ambushed by Christmas. As a result, she hasn't been to the property since Thanksgiving or so. Now because of the upcoming surgery she is working feverishly to try to finish a baby quilt for our daughter for Christmas. It is mostly hand quilted and appliqued, so she needs that thumb. The surgery is just like what they did to her other hand a couple of years ago, before she retired. They will remove the trapezius bone from her left thumb, and replace it with a rolled up piece of tendon they will swipe from her wrist. 9-10 weeks in a cast after that, so she won't be helping shovel for a while. I have missed her on the road trips each day, and to bounce things off of at the job site. It's looking like a long winter.
The carpenters have not been on the job for the last 12 days, so the log application is stalled, too. I hope to have them back tomorrow, but we are expecting snow again and it could scare them off. For December, this year has been more like January. Normally we would not have seen this much cold or snow...especially as a steady diet. I figure we have 5-8 days more for the logs, plus a few punch list items on the framing. Getting the shell completed before New Years seems remote at this point, with more down time expected for the holidays.
I have been spending much of my time shoveling. The driveway is 300 feet long, and I have no equipment out there as yet...and no available help. Geezers really shouldn't work this hard!
Today I took a break and and ran audio wires. Friday we chased to the other side of Michigan and found a dandy reclaimed barnwood mantle. :clap:On a brighter note, we passed the electrical rough-in inspection. The porch ceiling was finished last week...with one casualty. The fireplace is also installed...except for the cap. We will leave that until Spring when it is safer to work on the roof. We have a few loose ends to complete the main floor mechanical and then we can get the mechanical and plumbing rough-in inspections and the framing inspection. At that point we can insulate and then begin the plastering...if we get heat. Unfortunately we are 2-4 weeks behind schedule, stuck in the middle of the holidays, and stalled on the heat and the logs. Things are going painfully slowly, but when I started in the construction business many years ago, we shut down completely for several months each winter, so this isn't as bad as it could be.
More about that casualty I mentioned. When the roofers were leaving the site they sideswiped my truck, creasing the side of the box and killing the wheelwell molding. My insurance says theirs has to cover, and theirs says it is mine's responsibility. I am stuck in the middle and will probably end up with nobody paying for it. Needless to say I am not happy. I expect to park in the road and hike in from here on out.
Nancy has to have hand surgery next week (two days before Christmas). She also gave a baby shower for our daughter last week and has been ambushed by Christmas. As a result, she hasn't been to the property since Thanksgiving or so. Now because of the upcoming surgery she is working feverishly to try to finish a baby quilt for our daughter for Christmas. It is mostly hand quilted and appliqued, so she needs that thumb. The surgery is just like what they did to her other hand a couple of years ago, before she retired. They will remove the trapezius bone from her left thumb, and replace it with a rolled up piece of tendon they will swipe from her wrist. 9-10 weeks in a cast after that, so she won't be helping shovel for a while. I have missed her on the road trips each day, and to bounce things off of at the job site. It's looking like a long winter.
Frank G
New member
If I remember correctly you are going with a thin coat plaster system in the house. We used this system in the first house we built in 73. The plaster contractors brought in there own personal heating system for the process including a 7 to 10 day drying period. The rough in for the cold air returns should have a removable cover on them to prevent construction dust from entering the new heating system. This would also prevent you (by design) from using the Geothermal System until the construction process is finished and they return to do the system start-up. You really do not want all that construction dust in your new system.
As a thought you could set a low end propane forced air unit, and have the mechanical crew vent it out a window opening. When you are through with it, sell it, as a free standing heating unit for an out building.
We wish you the best with your project. Enjoy reading the updates.
As a thought you could set a low end propane forced air unit, and have the mechanical crew vent it out a window opening. When you are through with it, sell it, as a free standing heating unit for an out building.
We wish you the best with your project. Enjoy reading the updates.
MarkLawson
RT-S PE#0031
Scotty, I'll certainly keep Nancy in prayer in the coming week. Would appreciate regular updates on her surgery any recovery.
I'll wish the two of you the merriest of Christmases with all the blessings the Christ Child promises.
I'll wish the two of you the merriest of Christmases with all the blessings the Christ Child promises.
Phil
Mod Monster
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
Thank you for the update Scotty. You and the missus are in our thoughts and 
ray:ray:
ray:ray:
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
The temp furnace idea, vented out the window, is what we are leaning toward. We could fire up the gas fireplace, but even with R-30/R-49 insulation in place the 20,000 BTU's would unlikely be sufficient. Plaster contractors here not familiar with using their own temp systems, so it will be up to the HVAC contractor. The covers are in place on the returns, so we are covered there, thanks for the tip. Now to find a window we can use to vent. The awning/fixed windows in the great room are not suitable. Leaning toward a basement installation, but not sure if we can get enough heat carried upstairs. Not sure how to make propane available, either. We need sitework before we can set a tank, and the ground is frozen and snow covered. Stay tuned...
Thanks for your insight.
Thanks also for all the good wishes and prayers for Nancy. This should go fine...same talented doctor as the other hand. I only hope he doesn't have to search for a usable tendon again. On the right side the ones normally chosen were too deteriorated. Arthritis takes a toll...that's why she has needed surgery in the first place. It's rough to get old, but it beats the alternative.
Carpenters finally back on the job today. They made good progress in thge morning. They back wall above the deck may even be completed, but I left after lunch so I'm not sure. I shoveled all morning, so I was tired, and they were in the way of the other job on my agenda...running some audio wires. Besides, they were using my ladder. I expect they will start on the front by tomorrow. Worried about the weather forecast for Friday through Monday. We'll see what happens.
Attachments
Frank G
New member
Insider Information..... XXXXX XXXXXXX is running 20% bonus packages of insulation for distribution through Home Depot. We will try to get more specific information of sizes. Not sure when they will be available in the stores. All the major building supply company's are stockpiling inventory for an anticipated building boom in 2014.
You may have chosen the right time to build. We all know that increased demand leads to higher prices.
We wish your wife the best of luck with her surgery.
You may have chosen the right time to build. We all know that increased demand leads to higher prices.
We wish your wife the best of luck with her surgery.
DynamoBT
New member
Praying Nancy's surgery goes well. Bummer about all the delays on the house. This winter has hit hard early. Can't imagine trying to continue construction when it's cold. Hope you solve the heat problem in the house while geothermal on hold so inside work can commence. Sounds like Nancy won't be cast free until spring. I hope the surgery solves her thumb issues.
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
Well, we got the carpenters for a couple of days and made some progress. They have completed applying logs to 5 of the 7 walls. They finished the back wall above the deck, and did the front of the garage yesterday. Unfortunately, the weather kept them away today...or at least the threat of weather. There was freezing rain a couple miles north of the house, but just rain at the site. The rain is no fun, but it beats the two feet of snow I shoveled these last two weeks. Hopefully Monday will be better, and they can finish the front facade before they take an extended break for the holidays. The walkout wall below the deck will have to wait until January.
Have a great Christmas!
Have a great Christmas!
Attachments
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
Nancy's surgery went well. She is in considerable pain, but her fingers are not very swollen, so the pain should improve fairly soon. The doc said it went like clockwork. Last time they had to open up a second incision on the opposite side of her wrist to find a good tendon to steal. Thus time they didn't. Thanks for all the good wishes and your concern. She should be ready to ride again by Spring. The family survived my cooking tonight...first of many times to come, including Christmas Eve and Christmas. We did our grocery shopping before heading to the surgical center, so I am pretty tired. I'll start the baking for Christmas tomorrow, instead of tonight as I planned.
We are among the more fortunate for this Christmas. Thousands in the area are without power due to ice storms from Thursday through yesterday morning. They are saying most power won't be restored until Friday or Saturday in our county. Folks are scrambling to adjust their Christmas plans. Having to adjust who does the cooking is a very small divot, by comparison. Our prayers go out to all affected.
I don't know if they worked on the house today. I hope to get there after Christmas. I'm hoping that they did so and finished the logs on the front facade. The remainder will have to wait until January, when they return...if they do. Our lead carpenter is considering going to work in a trailer factory. If so, I may need to bolster my inventory of tools and finish the logs myself. I may also have to do the T&G, trim, interior doors, and cabinets. He is our trim carpenter, too. If he leaves us, I will miss him and his family greatly. He and his son and nephew are fine craftsmen...and nice people.
A Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy your holiday and remember the meaning behind the day.
We are among the more fortunate for this Christmas. Thousands in the area are without power due to ice storms from Thursday through yesterday morning. They are saying most power won't be restored until Friday or Saturday in our county. Folks are scrambling to adjust their Christmas plans. Having to adjust who does the cooking is a very small divot, by comparison. Our prayers go out to all affected.
I don't know if they worked on the house today. I hope to get there after Christmas. I'm hoping that they did so and finished the logs on the front facade. The remainder will have to wait until January, when they return...if they do. Our lead carpenter is considering going to work in a trailer factory. If so, I may need to bolster my inventory of tools and finish the logs myself. I may also have to do the T&G, trim, interior doors, and cabinets. He is our trim carpenter, too. If he leaves us, I will miss him and his family greatly. He and his son and nephew are fine craftsmen...and nice people.
A Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy your holiday and remember the meaning behind the day.
Last edited:
MarkLawson
RT-S PE#0031
So grateful for the good news on Nancy. She is a queen, so treat her like royalty during her recovery and afterwards.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Similar threads
