so cool

This is so cool. Seriously...very cool project but also VERY cool inside. We now have no insulation in the family room and baby, it's cold outside. It's exciting though to see the worst of the mess gone. The yucky nasty insulation and who knows what else (don't want to think about it) has been hauled off and the joists are exposed.



You may or may not notice from the photo that we have TWO sets of joists in this picture. The top one is much newer wood. Hmmm... That's because when hubby, son #1 and hubby's brothers redid the roof, hubby planned ahead. The back half of the house had a "newer" addition. I say this hesitantly as the house is over 100 years old and who knows when the back half was added. Sadly, like many additions it just did not match the house. A very low pitch roof when the front part of the house had a steep pitch. My amazing man ordered new trusses and built up that roof so that it looks MUCH better from the outside.

This leaves us with two sets of trusses and the originals, are just not needed any longer. The lower ones were basically just there, hanging out and holding up the drywall ceiling. Enter the vaulted ceiling idea. How cool is that? It's going to add about 3 feet to the center of the roof and I think it will make the boring room look lovely. Architectural details are always SO cool. I can't take the slightest bit of credit for this idea. It's all hubby's. He's the brains as well as the brawn. I provide the food and back rubs. Oh yes. I brag a little bit too. Isn't he a keeper?!

Here's one of our fabulous helpers in her very fashionable outfit borrowed from daddy.
And oh look! That lovely faux brick behind the gas fireplace is gone!

As the original roof was just built over, it all had to come down with the original rafters.

It's also a wonderful learning experience for the kids. I passed this one selflessly by so that they could learn. Wonderful mother, am I not?
I'm glad my job was photography but shh....
don't tell.

The original rafters are starting to be cut down.

OK. At this point me and my camera were banished from the area. I'll have to try and sneak in again today for some more updates. Last night they worked well into the wee hours. I can't believe how different the room looks. It's getting exciting!

And just a quick disclaimer here. This project was professionally engineered and hubby has worked in construction for 20 plus years. This is not a basic DIY project. Do not try this at home.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Julia