Progress Report

Demolition moves quickly - it's amazing how little time it takes to remove walls, a roof, and a swimming pool ! It's fun to watch as the big machines weighing many tons are expertly handled so that certain parts of the building are taken down but some walls are left standing - just as was planned.

The weeks following demolition are filled with building - interior walls can be framed - it's now possible to walk the hallways, understand the size and shape of each room, look up to see the ceiling height, identify closets and bathrooms. Worries appear, too. Will that kitchen be large enough? Will it have enough storage space? Can my family fit in it? Countless hours are spent trying to anticipate the problems. Counting sheep doesn't help the sleep of the homeowner.

Meanwhile, second floor trusses are laid in place and a floor set down. The frames for the sides of the house are built flat on the floor, then a crane is brought in to hoist the sections into place. Until this moment, the house existed as a single story for over 50 years. Now, within the space of an afternoon, it takes on life as a two story home.

Once the exterior walls are in place, some time is spent on interior framing, but then comes the happy day when the roof trusses arrive. They are set out ready for the return of the crane and its operator. Everyone on the job feels the excitement. Huge roof trusses go flying up and over the roof. Working from morning to late afternoon, the crane operator and the crew lift trusses up, maneuver them above the second story walls, and set them in place. Voila! a two story house!