Weeks 43-44: More Framing

The first photo here shows the beginning result of the aforementioned partial destruction to the patio due to unforeseen sewage pipe disintegration.  A trench is being dug to accommodate a new pipe, which will run the entire distance along the bedroom wing until ties into other pipes near the north fence.

Below you can see another view of the segments of concrete that have been removed.  One in the back ground leads from the toilet of the pool bathroom, through the prep kitchen, and out to the patio as shown in the previous picture.  Much of the concrete in the lower entry way also had to be removed in order to house a new HVAC connection.

We made a rather last minute change that is also reflected in the picture below.  Previously, the post supporting the ridge beam in the great room continued straight down through both levels, bisecting the doorway to the office.  You may notice in the photo that this is no longer the case? Where is the lower part of this post? And What is Holding up the Floor? We have had the engineer redesign the opening (to what will no longer be the office, but the library) so that it can become a wider opening.

Some other pictures from around the house:

A view of the kitchen and living room - taken from the dining room area.
(Pool and patio are out towards the right.)

This is the corner of the dining room by the kitchen that used to step down
to the front of the house.  There is no longer a step down, due to the basement
beneath, but the sliding glass door will still be there.

The front patio - between the laundry room and dining room - is now one
long, flat plane.  So far, the giant pepper tree seems to have survived.

This is the same view, just backed up a bit.  The front door
is on the right, the dining room is straight ahead.

A view of Timothy's room (from the front yard).  Everything here will stay
mostly the same from the outside.  We are removing the closet that was in the
hallway by the bathroom, and are adding a long linear window there (if you are
talented, you may be able to spot the opening towards the left of this picture).  

A view of the living room and kitchen from the laundry room area.

An unfortunate oversight that will need to be redone: the ceiling of the
basement hangs lower than the belly band trim.  HVAC needs to be
reconfigured for that area so that the drop ceiling won't need to be so low.

In the hallway by the bedrooms, we have retained some of
the lower cabinets, and added in a full height linen closet
as well.  Wonderful addition!

This is a picture of Melinda's room.  It used to be the "maid's
quarters" by the laundry room, but has now been dropped
a half level and will be accessed from the bedroom hallway
(across from Audrey's room).  It has a bathroom beneath and
loft space above.

The lower entry:  a glass door and window system will
be replacing the old doors to make an even more open
view through the house.

The windows (on the driveway side) of Tim's bedroom had to be made wider
in order to accommodate safety regulations.  This will make the room brighter
as well, make it a nice change.