This week we made the most visible progress to date.  First, the trench to the street for the electrical conduits were inspected and backfilled. The transformer pad was placed and compaction test performed and passed. This also cleared the path the real driveway will take. Next, the power panel was placed and temporary breakers and outlets installed.  Meanwhile, the building construction was started. First, half the roof trusses and purlins were constructed on the ground. Next, the side columns were bolted upright, and finally a crane was brought in to hoist the preconstruction roof assemblies in place.  Transformer Pad Power Panel Standing Tall  ...

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The crew from Clint Jensen Construction have done an outstanding job of not only erecting the steel structure, but also in framing out our window and door openings. We have had to adjust several window opening to accomodate the web trusses, chord bracing, and wind rod bracing. Take note that in a hybrid steel structure such as this, these components are part of the engineering of the structure for wind and earthquake shear and cannot be removed or modified. We had to move one window in the front  from the wind rod bracing section and several were moved to alternate locations due to interference from the chord bracing and trusses. Also the top floor windows were a challenge to fit in due to...

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This week we have had good progress. First the exterior framing for the outside is getting complete, including framing for the windows and doors. Most of the windows were installed and sealed. Wainscoting was applied on two sides along with window trim. In addition, we heard from NV Energy that the final work to place a transformer, pull wire to the house and install a meter will be done in a week, and then we will have power. We chose some engineered stone for the front wainscot and columns (16 in total) and are finding supply issues. We could have gotten the stone we chose in a few days from one supplier but would have meant a $7,000 premium. We chose another supplier and product (pictured...

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Web strusses, girts and purlins are constructed. Also window and door framing and windows are installed. Click on the photo for the video: Exterior Construction    ...

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This week construction slowed a bit the winds kicked up preventing safe panel installation. We also had some items to discuss with Worldwide Steel, the building supplier. Incidently, they are a real pleasure to work with and are always very responsive. So the concerns and answers are below. Q: Do the side panels require a "stich screw" to hold the edges down? A: No, these panels are designed to not require stich screws as the panels lock together quite well. Q: Do the roof panels require mastic to prevent water infiltration at the edges? A: No, the roof panels are on a 5:12 pitch which does not require the mastic. The 2:12 pitch panels are on the patio covers and are continuous in...

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