Big Giant Window made it out of the truck.

DSC03566, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Not sure what the next step is.

Noe attacks the concrete with the wrecker bar.

DSC03565, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Cutting Concrete for footings for the new front stairs.

DSC03564, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Frosty glass for the bathroom.

DSC03562, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Windows Windows everywhere!

DSC03561, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Where there was once a garage door . . .

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there will be a wall. Much to my surprise I walked into the garage (expecting to be able to exit to the street) and found a wall. Here they had it open temporarily to load in the windows.

The slider for the back yard.

DSC03559, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

This door will be added to one of the upstairs bedrooms for essential mid-house entry into the back yard.

We have only been able to get to the yard from the north end and that makes us under utilize the whole back yard which is really quite nice. The hot tub will be installed down the yard to the left.

The Windows are here!!!

DSC03558, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

That is our big window for the living room. It will replace a GIANT single pane of glass. That window in the picture weighs 270 pounds and will take at least 4 guys to get into place upstairs.

We are excited, even tough it is hard to beat the viewing properties through the current giant pane'o glass, the new window will give us important insulating properties for sound and climate, as well as the ability to pen it and get a breeze in the living room in the spring and summer.

No railings make for a free and clear view.

DSC03556, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

That is where the stairs used to be connected to the house.

DSC03554, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

This window . . .

DSC03553, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

is to my office/temporary studio. The stairs were right in front of the window and you could only open the casements a couple inches because the stairs were in the way. We will now be able to have a better view and ventilation in there.

No front stairs . . .

DSC03552, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

The support poles (steel rebar surrounded by rickety cosmetic tubing . . . classy!!) are going to be cut out.

Snuffleupagus the Japanese Maple has to go . . .

DSC03549, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

the new front stairs will be coming down very near where he lives. Look for him on Craigslist.

The front demo begins

DSC03547, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

The tear-off of the front stairs and demo of the balcony begins. Most of the existing joists are in good shape.

Bo, the Thinker

DSC03546, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Bo our site manager, foreman, jack of all trades and all around great guy keeping things in order.

The Cantilever

DSC03545, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

We will have 24" of cantilever beyond the concrete wall.

Studs and joists + a new dumpster!

DSC03544, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Now the window openings will fit a proper window

DSC03543, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

reverse window trimming

DSC03542, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Noe uses a hammer and a chisel to properly size the window openings in the concrete wall.

More headroom

DSC03541, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

I get 3 - 4" of new headroom in the studio! Also the AC piping, and electrical conduit will be tucked nicely up inside the ceiling.

All new joists

DSC03540, originally uploaded by robisonpdx.

Brand new pressure treated lumber, perfectly graded to provide adequate "runoff" of water. Key step in the waterproofing of the new patio.