First step for new addition

We received our building permit this week and are good to go.
Our contractor had the area around the north and west side of the house graded and cleared in preparation for our addition. During this clearing, the bulldozer found an old discarded and buried refrigerator in the back yard. No gold doubloons or pieces of eight inside. The next step will be digging footers and pouring a slab.

Also have a dumpster on site which will be handy for the upcoming demolition material.

This back portion of the cottage will soon be demolished to make way for our new addition (kitchen dining room) behind the house.

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Cathedral ceiling for the future living room

Spent the last three days replacing old, tired, and undersized wood material that supports the future living room ceiling from sagging.  The 1x4 vertical supports were replaced with 2x4 yellow pine supports.

                                                                   Before

After

The original "collar ties" were 1x6 and although they had served well, were ready to be replaced. New 2x6 collar ties were made using the old ties for a pattern. They were attached with 1/2" bolts and will prevent the ceiling from spreading.

The entire ceiling will eventually be painted white with a ceiling fan hanging down 3' in the center of the room..