Filtered sunlight, numerous bird and wildlife visitors, spectacular snow
scenes and melodic wind songs as well as sunrises, sunsets and moon
shows are some of the benefits in living at the edge of a forest.
Dumps of pollen in Spring, showers of tiny male pine cones
(resembling
rice krispies) in early Summer, conifer sap drips in the
heat of Summer,
pine needles rain down 3-4 times late Fall, pine cones
plummet 365 days
and nights, broken branches hurtle down in wind storms
and of course,
rain and snow arrive seasonally.
A handy rake, wheel barrow, garden hose and snow shovel can deal with
most of the "fall
out" on the ground.
The impact on the vehicles is a different story.
With the motor home gone, a large empty driveway stood vacant and we
decided to erect a garage. Chris ordered a "Garage Kit" which as the name
suggests, did not come in a very large box with many tubes of glue. There
were many steps involved to completing the building and we were very
satisfied with the commitment and skill level that each group of workers
hired for the project. Thanks Tom Sinnet and his team Jim, Clay and Sean
who applied their great skills in completing the bulk of the work.
The shed was too close to the garage site so the construction crew pushed
it over a few feet. A week later, we learned that it had to go over another
meter so Chris, Linda and I moved it using a hydraulic jack, blood, sweat
and tears.
Chris began the project by making a 3D, scale rendering of the garage using
the "Chief Architect"computer program.
After the building permit was
acquired the decision making began: choosing
size, design, siding and
roof colour, door design and colour, addition and
placement of windows,
lighting and heating, to insulate? to drywall? to paint
the drywall?
Chris spent hours on the internet and phone "You-Tubing" designs and advice,
touching base with the various contractors and tracking down essential
tools
and parts from "Covid-locked down" hardware and building stores in the
area.
December 8, the Bobcat pushes the shed over.
upper driveway asphalt gets broken up
old asphalt is removed
Chief Supervisor looks on
When I take him his morning coffee I am amazed at the progress!
Chris expresses his joy with the project so far.
January 7, roofing sheets up
Jan.8/9 tar paper & shingles completed
insulation delivered
Thanks to the team: Jim, Clay and Sean
Home Hardware team install the garage door
Throughout the project, Chris was the electrician, installing receptacles
for interior and mounting the exterior lighting, power panel, timer
switches, attic access, door openers and locks.
Jeff from Wise Energy installed a gas heater and ran a line from the garage
into the crawl space under the house. The line is now buried under the new
garden, and future walkway to the backyard.
Charlie Greidanus, self employed, installed a gutter and downspout along
the roof edge next to the house to divert runoff away from the house
and walkway. It is great to be in a small community where contact
with reliable and expert tradesman are easy to find.
We have both been busy moving earth around in preparation for the
completion of the garage ramp and new garden. The vacant area between
our current backyard garden and the back of the garage will eventually
become a new garden.
Chris struck a deal with neighbour Dave to chop up and remove the top
section of the driveway's asphalt to prepare for the ramp pour. Thanks Dave!
Numerous emails and phone calls were exchanged to set a date to pour
the ramp from the driveway's end up to the garage floor. That would be
the final step and allow us to actually use our new garage. Replies were
slim to none and Chris began getting other quotes to have the job
completed. As June approached, Chris decided that he would wait no
longer. He proceeded with a lot of research, purchased a few tools and
began, first sawing a straight edge on the asphalt, then drilling and
installing rebar supports into the garage floor. After building frames,
putting up protective plastic he lined up the hose and the tools and set a
date for the cement pour.
Great friends and helpers Mike#1 and Mike#2 at the ready
concrete gets directed for an even thickness
a 2 by 4 is dragged across to level everything
"Mr. Concrete" cleans up his rig, thanks!
Chris worked two hours after the crew left, smoothing the
surface with the flout and creates a broom finish to even
out the top layer.
A special thanks to Mike and Mike for their excellent help
without which we'd be up you-know-what creek!
The following day, Chris removed the boards and was pleased
with the results. A few days later he cut relief joints to control cracks.
June 22, we are slowly grasping the the reality that...
THE GARAGE IS FINALLY FINISHED!
In 30 days, we will be able to drive the vehicles inside! :):)