Corner Sketch

Quick sketch model of exterior outside corner. The siding is tongue and groove western red cedar.Instead of corner trim board I am thinking of revealing the corner and using metal (stainless steel?) to protect the ends of the siding and corner of the sheathing.

Structural Mark-up

This is a mark-up from the structural engineer, Joe Fullone. I have some work to do to incorporate some of the requirements of Joe's analysis. The 8'-0" doors have a large tributary area that is transferring into the jambs. I will need to increase stud spacing from 16" OC to 8" OC in areas.

I continue to work on the construction drawings...

Excavation

I removed the layer of topsoil and grass this past Sunday morning. I removed a large piece of concrete, it is to the left of the shovel in the foreground.

I need to add compacted fill to the center.

Steel Column

These are some images of the steel column and plates that support the corner. I purchased the steel from Metal Supermarkets in Tampa. I had a welder named Bob Ryan put the plates together with the column.

I asked Bob to use 1/8" welds and he looked at me funny. He asked if they should be 1/8" long strangely. I told him they need to be 1/8" fillets and he laughed at me and called me a "college kid". He is a good guy and did a good job.

Sketch

No new construction news this morning so I am posting a preview image.

I have to go pick up the steel column and plates this morning. I am dropping the steel off to be welded before I go into the office today.

I used Google Sketchup to model the project. It is very easy to use and since this is a rather small project I was able to put a lot of detail into it. In fact, this is somewhat a true virtual model, since all of the stud framing, sheathing, siding, etc is represented. I can use the components function of sketchup to help estimate the construction cost.

Mockup

Cladding mockup with pressure treated 2x2 on furring strips over building felt.

Some research has informed me that cedar will be better for maintenance and durability. I intend to reclad the mockup with some variations of cedar.

Foundation Excavation

These are photographs of the beginning of excavation for the accessory structure that is being built in my backyard. The footprint of the structure is 12'-0" wide by 16'-0" deep.

The top photograph is a view from the west looking east.

The bottom image is a view from the south looking north. I was up on the deck that is connected to the north of the primary structure.

The foundation will be a 6" reinforced concrete slab with a thickened edge.