Update on this Summer's Big Project

Sherry
Jun 30, 2018
2 min read

Updated: Dec 30, 2019

Our big project at the homestead this summer was to build a new and bigger roof over the cabin. We wanted a larger roof for two equally important purposes: water and insulation. Our water source is catchment, so in order to collect enough water (especially in drought years), once we are at the homestead full-time, we needed more square footage of roof. Currently the cabin is about 400 sq. ft. and the new roof will be just shy of 1000 sq. ft. Most of that square footage will be outdoor living space as covered deck. But we are adding a utility room of about 100 sq. ft. for the batteries for our solar system, water pump, on-demand hot water heater, freezer, etc. which are currently taking up most of our living room space. Insulation is the other reason for the expansion in the form of shade. As I write this update it is about 90° in the kitchen, which is typical in the summer afternoons. We will also add additional insulation to the roof attic space—the current roof has no attic space (or even sheeting under the metal in some sections as it turns out). Jim finished cementing the piers for the new footprint and added additional beam supports under the current floor, nearly completed the deck, framed the wall for the utility room, and is now working on framing the roof. Jim is such a hard worker. I really don’t know how he is able to work a full day in the sun and heat 7 days a week. I am only able to put in half a day before have to get out of the sun and rest. You will notice that he has an excellent shade hat he bought in Mexico that really helps. If you have some time, take a moment to click the photo album to check out all of the hard work and progress: