tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096913602246884862024-03-12T21:33:28.808-04:00Holliston LEED HouseThis is the story of a family who built the first LEED "green" house in Holliston, Massachusetts. We were trying to spend no more than it would take to build an ordinary house,and maybe even succeeded. The dust is still settling.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-49949153985582427522010-06-16T10:34:00.000-04:002010-06-16T10:35:20.423-04:00Well, it's over.Project #: 3028<br /><br />Dear Philip Porter,<br /> <br />USGBC is extremely pleased to approve the certification of the LEED home(s) at 80 Mellen Street, Holliston, MA, USA built by Philip & Erin Porter, and supported by the LEED for Homes Provider, Conservation Services Group. This project received a "LEED Silver" rating. Congratulations!<br /><br />The certificates you receive for this project will be printed exactly as they appear below. If any of the information below is incorrect, please contact me ASAP so that alterations can be made. Certificates will be shipped within 4 weeks of this announcement.<br /><br />Congratulations on this great accomplishment! Look for an email shortly that will help get you started in celebrating your new LEED for Homes certified project.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-19034257125732836792010-02-05T09:56:00.003-05:002010-02-05T10:00:25.858-05:00Utility updateHere's the poop: netting out what we always paid in electrical bills, and keeping in mind that we run our well pump and our geothermal heat pump electrically, we have paid $60 upcharge to heat the house and supply water in November, $200 in December (holiday bills), $130 in January. We'll see how February goes. Doesn't look as if we'll be paying $3000 to heat this winter, however, and we definitely need no backup heat source. So it works, dudes.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-8663327792874052002010-01-29T10:52:00.003-05:002010-01-29T10:56:52.105-05:00Paperwork in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/S2MEyzzj-wI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iAh6v79HLm0/s1600-h/temp+stove+kitch.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/S2MEyzzj-wI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iAh6v79HLm0/s400/temp+stove+kitch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432190846485396226" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of the kitchen (with temporary stove as Chambers is still being converted and it's too dang cold in the barn to work on it). As you can see, we finally painted it.<br />The big news is that we finally filed the paperwork for our LEED silver, and now are awaiting news about whether we owe anything more in terms of paperwork or whether we are now just waiting.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-50519112618880770202010-01-01T08:54:00.002-05:002010-01-01T08:57:45.295-05:00Happy 2010Wishing all a happy new year. Now that the snow is here, we are more and more valuing the energy efficiency of our new home. The geothermal furnace works fine, does not need a "backup," which was implied by everyone from the building inspector to the local carpenters, and our fireplace works great—more for ambiance than for heat, but still, just great on these snowy days. Long live new technology...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-11574703772402284602009-12-15T14:57:00.003-05:002009-12-15T14:59:12.267-05:00Electric updateGot November's electric bill, $225. Base line is 130 from our old house, so I'd say about $100 to heat the house in November in spite of the electric pump for well water, added square feet and barn. And it was pretty cold. Of course, December's will be higher thanks to the holiday lights, but that's what you get for being festive.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-72900118727267081412009-12-13T10:48:00.004-05:002009-12-13T10:55:29.349-05:00One recycled trestle table, slightly slanted.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SyUM7CNInKI/AAAAAAAAAbg/0wxerJK4Zcg/s1600-h/table.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SyUM7CNInKI/AAAAAAAAAbg/0wxerJK4Zcg/s400/table.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414748335326665890" border="0" /></a><br />Seats ten, twelve in a pinch. Thanks to the left over doug fir, not a penny in lumber, just a few bucks in screws, bolts and lags. Oh, and as some would point out, time that could have been spent painting. Sweet!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-62784233006742317362009-12-13T10:44:00.003-05:002009-12-13T10:47:14.989-05:00More press<a href="http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x962895920/New-designs-touted-as-reducing-energy-costs-and-pollution">Metrowest Daily News</a>, that hotbed of suburban scoops, ran an article today on the cover about LEED houses, with us in it. The lead is a beautiful home in Sudbury with metal and concrete. I'm jealous. Madis and Eva said, "Sunday front page? Ho, hum. Can we get the tree now?"Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-19796883012825502632009-12-04T09:41:00.003-05:002009-12-04T09:44:48.562-05:00Reuse, recycle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SxkgDKAlBKI/AAAAAAAAAbY/pa3B1tlYqIk/s1600-h/table+base2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SxkgDKAlBKI/AAAAAAAAAbY/pa3B1tlYqIk/s400/table+base2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411391665860838562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The timbers for the house had large pieces of doug fir used to brace the dormers for delivery. They were about 20' long and trapezoidal in shape. With Sam's help, I ripped one down into a long board and two short for use in building this table base. Now, I'm using some of the left over ceiling stock, also doug fir, for the table top. We're getting there... when done, it will be around 7.5' x around 38" wide, plenty for seating 10.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-34731508520646520472009-11-23T09:37:00.002-05:002009-11-23T09:46:56.514-05:00Notes on open loop geothermalAfter living with our geothermal heat pump for a few months, and coming into winter, there are a few thoughts I'd like to share. Note that ours is a water system, open loop, and shares water with the house from our one standing well. As you will recall, due to regulatory conflicts between plumbing board and state we had to ask permission to use this type of system. The one thing we were asked to do at the end of all the hoo-hah was to install a backflow valve—a CYA move that satisfied everyone, although they also agreed it was unnecessary.<br /><br />A backflow valve is a safety device that sits between the intake of water to the geothermal and the intake of water to the house. It works like a trapeze artist; the balance between water pressure to the geo and water pressure to the house keeps it quiet. If this balance is affected, however, it kicks in, draining backflow from one side or the other. Things that may affect this balance include a leaky toilet, or a clogged pipe somewhere, or the pressure variation from your well. In our case, our "constant pressure" well pump is constant to within 5 GPM, which is great except that it may vary within that 5 GPM. When it does, the backflow valve drips.<br /><br />If you have a drain under your backflow valve, well and good. If you don't, however, it can cause you headaches. Our valve, being close to the floor, does not have adequate height to drain with gravity. If we put a basin under it, we'd have to pump it. If we don't have a pump, we have to empty it. You can imagine this can be inconvenient for travel.<br /><br />So if you are planning a dual use geo/house supply well, beware. Place your backflow valve over a drain, or of adequate height to drain elsewhere via gravity.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-85084744006070616542009-11-04T10:47:00.002-05:002009-11-04T10:55:01.720-05:00So far, so good.Utilities:<br />Okay, we have a 2850 square foot home, four bedrooms, three baths, an electrically powered well which supplies both our electric geothermal heat pump and our house water. We cook with propane, and use propane for the dryer and hot water heater as well.<br />We have been living in the property, had house guests, ran all systems continuously.<br /><br />So far:<br />Propane: the dryer is a big expense here, total so far is around $60 per month. We are looking to change our use of dryer with standard controls so that we don't "overdry" our clothing.<br />Electric: New electric bill just in for $201.71. This means our total utility cost for October was under $265. However, we need to look forward to midwinter, when the geothermal will be cranking a lot more.<br /><br />Solar gain:<br />We do get some benefit here. Our south-facing house, even with the low-E windows, is warming the downstairs by around 3 or 4 degrees, so that our furnace, set at 65 degrees, is not kicking on.<br /><br />SIPs:<br />The house holds heat beautifully. It also, however, holds cold. So if there is a sudden warming trend in the weather, you have to throw open the windows to get that benefit.<br /><br />Insects:<br />We recently had the annual ladybug swarm, and the exterior of the south side was Covered with ladybugs. Only a handful got inside. The leaf-footed stinkbug we have here, which likes white pine cones (and boy do we have those) has also been seeking a winter home. Again, only a few made it in.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-59601762708675211882009-10-27T16:16:00.002-04:002009-10-27T16:18:28.473-04:00Posting, not.So, the house is being painted, but you won't want to hear about that. We're waiting on some calculations to file our paperwork, but you won't want to hear about that. We're putting together a nursery garden of gifted plants from friends, but that's boring, too. I've not been posting; is there anything anyone would like to suggest while we wait for the LEED thing to wind up? Any special topics you'd like to hear more about?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-88541935204786521842009-10-20T12:58:00.005-04:002009-10-20T13:03:56.507-04:00Ducts and aeratorsNow that we've had our blower test, we have a few things to get to the rater: a duct plan (be nice if you did it when you did the ductwork), and a couple of other things. For a LEED house, water efficiency is key. 45% of your water receptacles need to have low GPM, even if, like us, all your water is kept on site (well + septic). You can find cheap aerators for lavatory faucets to bring down the gallons per minute to as low as .5, but you'll only need it under 1.5 for LEED. Also, shower heads need to be under 1.75. For the aerators, I found two for $5.15, so you know that's not bad, and shower heads go to around $17.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-69466108854121714282009-10-16T15:14:00.002-04:002009-10-16T15:18:41.875-04:00One house, certifiable.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGfBXVUoI/AAAAAAAAAbM/3FAcN_eyg0g/s1600-h/final+house.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGfBXVUoI/AAAAAAAAAbM/3FAcN_eyg0g/s400/final+house.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393278790020715138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGehYDS-I/AAAAAAAAAbE/I-Y-1aSqqGw/s1600-h/final+house+2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGehYDS-I/AAAAAAAAAbE/I-Y-1aSqqGw/s400/final+house+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393278781433793506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGeGN4bAI/AAAAAAAAAa8/9J7VrKmEKmA/s1600-h/final+den.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGeGN4bAI/AAAAAAAAAa8/9J7VrKmEKmA/s400/final+den.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393278774143380482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGdgZXdQI/AAAAAAAAAa0/zZ20DsO2mBQ/s1600-h/final+liv+rm.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/StjGdgZXdQI/AAAAAAAAAa0/zZ20DsO2mBQ/s400/final+liv+rm.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393278763991004418" border="0" /></a><br />Well, Will D'Arrigo came and spent the morning, did the blower test, pressurized the house, tested the air flow in the fans, went through the check list, told me what further papers I need, and made it official — we will be a silver certified LEED home. We are actually close to gold, but with the points cushion, we have room to lose a couple if the USGBC takes issue with any of our points. In any event, we're good for Silver, thanks to all of everyone's hard work. Here's the house right now, with one room nearly painted...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-53295789635518292582009-10-13T15:49:00.003-04:002009-10-13T15:51:18.437-04:00D DaySo our final LEED exam (blower test, etc.) is this Friday morning, and I have a few pieces of paper still to round up. They tell me it takes around a half day, so it will be interesting to see what happens.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm painting trim in the fireplace room, which has decided me on building a house with NO windows next time. There's always CFLs. But I'm nearly ready to start walls, which will, as Eva points out, allow us to call that the "done" room.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-39363785655590218102009-10-06T10:37:00.003-04:002009-10-06T10:39:47.736-04:00Painting prep 101<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWY5n7U5I/AAAAAAAAAas/1mzfGeMvs00/s1600-h/to+do.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWY5n7U5I/AAAAAAAAAas/1mzfGeMvs00/s400/to+do.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389496364864066450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWYuFfEqI/AAAAAAAAAak/rutH2iwraY0/s1600-h/not+to+do.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWYuFfEqI/AAAAAAAAAak/rutH2iwraY0/s400/not+to+do.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389496361766818466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWYGOmFcI/AAAAAAAAAac/UfjS7lUy650/s1600-h/alternative+uses.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SstWYGOmFcI/AAAAAAAAAac/UfjS7lUy650/s400/alternative+uses.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389496351067608514" border="0" /></a><br />At top, what your nail holes filled should look like. Use Ready Patch or similar, sandable product. Center, what your nail holes filled should NOT look like. If they do, sand the crap out of them until they look like the first photo.<br />Lastly, alternative uses for that old note paper someone gave you ages ago...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-64970842462662446682009-10-06T08:14:00.003-04:002009-10-06T08:19:56.966-04:00Paint and primerBenjamin Moore has a "green" product they call Aura. It is expensive, but it is also called "self priming." Here is our experience: I loved not having to prime the master bath, but noticed as I moved the ladder around that it ding-ed easily, even after two coats. When I consulted my painter friend, David Stoffregen, he said "paint's paint and primer's primer." His point is, I think, that primer is designed to soak into plaster and seal, while paint is designed to cover easily—in other words, to sit on the surface.<br /><br />On raw wood, this is not as big an issue. But on plaster, which sucks moisture from the paint, it doesn't wear as well as painting over plaster. My new experiment is using the self-priming on the trim (except those places with knot holes, which will bleed through), and using the same paint on primed walls.<br /><br />The LEED points you will get for low-VOC paints is minimal; I believe you can get a half point or something comparable. Why you would wish to continue with low-VOC is for it's ability to age without "off-gassing," or leaving pollutants in the air.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-87090471635926355522009-10-01T08:40:00.002-04:002009-10-01T08:55:58.705-04:00LEED PaperworkA quick overview: LEED paperwork does exist, but if you keep a building file as you go it's not horrible. There are a few things that will be required particularly, but if you look at the green book as you're building you can be sure you collect them along the way. In our case, we involved our rater early and he told us first, keep this blog as it helps to document the process, and second, keep him in the loop with questions and he would help us. If your rater doesn't say the same, get another one!<br /><br />Here's where I am:<br /><br />Innovation Design: I have a list of team members, capabilities, meeting dates, meeting notes. The durability planning checklist has all been signed by the responsible parties (many of them us and Lloyd) except that I forgot to get the plumber's signature when I saw him so will have to make a special trip.<br /><br />Location & Linkages: Most of the location information we need for LEED is either public record (look up flood plains, etc. at town hall) or it is on site drawings (calculations of perimeter area, etc.). With a calculator and a few moments, it's do-able.<br /><br />Sustainable Sites: Here's where we need various certifications. We will need signed accountability forms demonstrating no invasive plantings, a list of trees and plants installed, a list of invasives of our area, details on the type and quantity of turf, drought tolerant plants and stormwater runoff information. We are not eligible for a couple of points here having to do with irrigation systems, as we don't have one.<br /><br />Water Efficiency: This is where you will need to have back up on high-efficiency irrigation systems, again.<br /><br />Energy & Atmosphere: This can be tricky. If you've done what we have, and reached first for the Energy Star label and then for LEED, using the same rater for both, you can skip several steps as the items needed will be on file already. Ask your rater to help you. Primarily, before your paperwork is done, you will need room-to-room load calculations for your HVAC system and lots of back up data on the type of system you have. Also, you will have a final "blower" test which will demonstrate how air-tight your home is.<br /><br />Materials & Resources: We gained points in this category by having SIPs and shipping them precut to our location. There was very little framing waste and this is verified. Keep your dumpster weight slips after they are picked up.<br /><br />Indoor Environmental Quality: Keep in mind that if you have a masonry fireplace, as we do, you will need doors on it. If you used an insert, keep the documentation. For air circulation venting equipment (like our low-watt auto airflow fan) keep the paperwork. Document your radon protection program with photos. Note the dates of your flush of ductwork pre-occupancy.<br /><br />There is a checklist that your rater can give you for what needs to be submitted. There are a number of Accountability forms that your rater will need at the end. If you keep proper backup, you should be fine.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-20033521073030607802009-09-27T08:05:00.004-04:002009-09-27T08:14:03.779-04:00Sweet rainSorry, folks flooded down south, but we have been preparing for this day for three weeks. Days of digging trenches at a 1/4 inch drop per foot, and hand-perforating drain pipe with a drill (since it was a gift from a friend and thus, free). Finding and retrieving lots of coarse gravel and stone. Planting the perennials my generous friends gave me. Going around the ground with a pitchfork, putting holes in the hard ground. Six pickups full of loam/compost mix shoveled by hand and raked in, more <a href="http://pearlspremium.com/">Pearl's Premium</a> eco-lawn seed, lots of lime, and now, finally, rain.<br /><br />Our site took a beating from all the June and July rains before we had groundcover established. Raw, hard, reddish tan and hard as concrete, with exposed rocks and pieces of root, with the grass struggling through and a sheen of red or green moss was all we had. Soil improvement is a hard, dirty, and generally difficult job where the payoff is long-term. There are lots of reasons not to do it.<br /><br />Now, hopefully, the payoff will come; with a healthier site, happier plants, and maybe next year, an ability to dig holes without a pick-axe.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-16500520002355034992009-09-25T07:07:00.004-04:002009-09-25T07:12:26.147-04:00Poor lawn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrylFZFpwqI/AAAAAAAAAaU/CDRaUSbo4rI/s1600-h/soil+and+lawn.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrylFZFpwqI/AAAAAAAAAaU/CDRaUSbo4rI/s400/soil+and+lawn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385360766480794274" border="0" /></a><br />It is not the seed, but the soil that washed away with the spring and summer's torrential downpours that made this terrible patchy lawn. To see the poor struggling grass through the "concrete" that is all that remains of our beautiful soil is heartrending. However, because of these same downpours, we were in a race to stabilize the hillside with this eco-lawn seed.<br /><br />Now that the hill is staying still, as it were, I have been bringing compost in, truckload by truckload, and shoveling it over the grass, raking it in, and augmenting the poor soil as best I can. Although I plan to lay in garden beds, first things first.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-41803919557631562192009-09-21T08:07:00.008-04:002009-09-21T08:41:18.132-04:00Open House report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdzNwnlp3I/AAAAAAAAAaM/Yno1nkGUKbA/s1600-h/scene+kids.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdzNwnlp3I/AAAAAAAAAaM/Yno1nkGUKbA/s400/scene+kids.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383898559771158386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdzNfa-kKI/AAAAAAAAAaE/bEoOg-AG8ek/s1600-h/scene.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdzNfa-kKI/AAAAAAAAAaE/bEoOg-AG8ek/s400/scene.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383898555154862242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtOgol96I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/1oQ8bvjdb6w/s1600-h/credits.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtOgol96I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/1oQ8bvjdb6w/s400/credits.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383891975590508450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtOBgGqPI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/nRiSjNQFScM/s1600-h/red,david,paul,lloyd.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtOBgGqPI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/nRiSjNQFScM/s400/red,david,paul,lloyd.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383891967233403122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtNrlAEUI/AAAAAAAAAZs/cLZ07YQeTwQ/s1600-h/bill+lights+first+fire.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtNrlAEUI/AAAAAAAAAZs/cLZ07YQeTwQ/s400/bill+lights+first+fire.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383891961348362562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtNM1iOpI/AAAAAAAAAZk/iS5qn3ywzCY/s1600-h/bill,john,dean,red,lloyd.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrdtNM1iOpI/AAAAAAAAAZk/iS5qn3ywzCY/s400/bill,john,dean,red,lloyd.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383891953096211090" border="0" /></a><br />At various times, groups came and went—we probably had around 60 or 70 in total, with about that many children (or it seemed that way) the whole time...<br /><br />From top, some party scenes, the credits were posted, but we ran out of room for "gratuitous advisors," there were too many to list. Second, Red from Doug Paddock's crew, David Stoffregen from Natural Lines Painters, Paul Cook and Lloyd. Third, Bill Anderson (the mason who built it) lights the ceremonial first fire in the outside fireplace; we ended up needing it. At bottom, Bill with John Larter, drainage consultant Dean Schofield, and Lloyd.<br /><br />All in all, a lot of people, a lot of yacking, a lot of kids running around, and a lot of fun. Today, a little cleanup (thanks everyone). And then, I will put in some of the wonderful plants people brought and sit still on the porch for a bit.<br /><br />Some new faces I was glad to see: the Hamms, Ray Finn, Gordon Maxfield back from traveling, the Colantonios. New lessons learned: make more chili than that, don't use that eye hook to hang a swing from, and it's great to have a party before painting. Now I don't have to wipe up finger marks.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-14299019684464539502009-09-17T08:21:00.003-04:002009-09-17T08:32:41.644-04:00Ground gutters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrIrukBMO6I/AAAAAAAAAZc/MsPU9sz5Ktw/s1600-h/drainage1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MPQtk4mOPPw/SrIrukBMO6I/AAAAAAAAAZc/MsPU9sz5Ktw/s400/drainage1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382412583603813282" border="0" /></a><br />The last few days, I have been digging holes. First, along the porch where there is no gutter, water runoff from the roof has been cutting arroyos into the lawn area on the east side of the porch. Solution? I dug a drainage ditch so that runoff from the roof will strike a gravel trench with a large plastic pipe which I opened up at grade, then perforated with a drill as it went further under ground. Then, with Lloyd's advice on the proper angle, I run the water north to the drive where it meets the upper cut in the driveway, carrying the water over the east side of the drive.<br /><br />In this way, I can bring around 15% of the water runoff to a different place than the other areas of the house, putting less stress on the swale we built on the south border. But boy does it hurt, the day after.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-8157783020101949502009-09-12T09:03:00.007-04:002009-09-12T10:27:37.304-04:00OP Party Sunday 20 SeptIf you...<br />Built it, shingled it, roofed it, trimmed it, poured it, decked it, engineered it, framed it, supported it, plastered it, ducted it, heated it, photographed it, cooled it, caulked it, guttered it, managed it, dug it, bricked it, painted it, nailed it, planted it, plumbed it, wired it, designed it, advised it, graded it, finished it, floored it, admired it, trouble-shot it, reported or wrote about it, or just plain tolerated it...<br /><br />Please come with your family (or potential clients) to celebrate your work on our home<br />Sunday, 20 September 2009 at an open house<br />noon—9 pm<br />rain or shine<br /><br />Regrets only to Erin & Flip Porter 508-429-7110<br /><br />Building team: It would be great to get your picture together if you can manage to overlap here close to 5 p.m. while it's still light.<br /><br />Invited are you, your spouses and children and loved ones, your prospective clients, anyone you want to show off to. We'll have beer, wine, soft drinks and a truly welcome atmosphere with maybe a hot dog or hamburger thrown in if you get here before we run out. (Also, don't expect completion: painting will be in progress for the next ten years.)<br /><br />We have an occupancy permit, and so...we have a party! Apologies to our Jewish friends, it's the only weekend that works so come as early as you can.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-31759217960389441542009-09-11T08:03:00.005-04:002009-09-11T11:13:14.243-04:00We Live HereOkay, now I can state unequivocally that we live here. And how sweet it is.<br /><br />We're planning an open house next Sunday the 20th* for those involved in the project. If you're following the blog and were part of our team, mark it on your calendar to come and show off to your family or potential clients, and please tell those I don't have email for (see below). Even if it's not painted, it's still swell and y'all did a fabulous job under very strange circumstance.<br /><br />Emails missing and invitations include Doug Paddock, Bob, Red, Jason, Scott; from SCPB Todd, Matt, Mark, Tom; from Native Structures David Kessler; from Holliston Jeff Heavner and Bill Anderson; from Hopkinton John Larter with his son and nephew; from Richardson Wells Mike; the guys from Paradise Plaster; Jimmy and Steve from Erickson; and probably several more I will remember later on. Pass the word!<br /><br />I'll post a bit later with details. *Note Date changed to Sunday due to Rosh Hashana!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-89459118831278364172009-09-09T16:28:00.002-04:002009-09-09T16:31:14.256-04:00Legal at Last!The paperwork is in: We're legal.<br /><br />Unfortunately, instead of swilling champagne and dancing on lawn, we will be wolfing down turkey sandwiches and listening to the elementary school principal and teachers at Back to School night.<br /><br />I'm still mad at the building inspector, though: he stalled as long as he could.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-809691360224688486.post-7327619025633772722009-09-09T08:43:00.003-04:002009-09-09T08:50:36.501-04:00Verification on two frontsWell, we have the document that states the following Electrician's code determination:<br />"If the equipment is prewired and is approved by a recognized testing laboratory the Artesian Well contractor may install it into the well only." From 1986.<br /><br />Pretty clear indication, but as I say, I'm not fighting today. I'm preparing LEED paperwork, which I will post in the order in which I complete it.<br /><br />First section is Innovation Design, for which we are going for extra points under ID 1.2 Integrated Project Team, ID 1.4 Design Charrette, and ID 2.3 Third Party Durability Management Verification. Note that the prerequisites have been met (Preliminary Rating, Durability Planning, and Durability Management) but I must verify those as well. There are eight sections in total, some larger than others.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225165458992824406noreply@blogger.com0