So, a quick update…
Getting the steel fabricated and installed has been a challenge.
The structural engineer that did the drawings did a half-ass job and he didn’t include critical measurements on the spacing of the footers, so the contractor had to do them. That took a lot more time and effort than was necessary to get the caissons laid out and set. While it wasn’t perfect, it was close enough to work. Great job Cary from Backcountry Builders!
Then we had an issue with the crane company. The crane broke down and delayed the start. With the delay, the welders that were going to fabricate the steel on site decided the winter weather was going to be too much, so they passed on the job.
Then Cary had to find a new crane and someone who would fabricate the supports offsite and transport them to the job site…which he did! We’re in the process of sorting out how to get nearly 40′ big pre-fabricated support beams (see image above) up road with several switchbacks. Who ever said this was going to be easy!
More updates as soon as we get the steel figured out. Once the steel is up, it should be relatively easy going then – just like building a regular house. Except this one is 40′ in the air!
Happy Holidays everyone and thanks for subscribing to the blog. If you like it. please share with your friends and family. Thank you!
Sorry to hear about mechanical problems with the crane followed by weather impacting the timeline for your Zen Treehouse construction! Recent snow made it hard for our excavator to get up the mountain road in Deer Creek Canyon on our project, so I know how those unexpected weather events can delay projects, you’ve got my sympathy! Our guy welded spikes on the tracks of his track hoe, right there on the side of the road, and voila! He made it up and over the narrow icy road! We also had unexpected delays trying to find a survey team to mark the road to be constructed, so my hubby and I hiked all over our mountain property with our GPS device, putting stakes and painting them bright orange ourselves. I think you should video the trek you’re gonna make with those 40 ft support beams up the the switchbacks! Do you have a drone? We just bought one, but need to learn how to fly it so we can video our project too! Happy Holidays and best of luck to you and your “Zen Treehouse Family” in Bailey, from the “Fourth of July Mountain Family ” in Deer Creek Canyon!
Thanks for the comment Brandy! Do you have a blog for your project? Sounds like as much fun as we’re having with ours! I do have a drone and plan on taking some good video of the trip up the switchbacks and the process to get the steel up, as well as the rest of the building process. I’ve flown the drone before, but not the best at it. I’ll get good at it with this project as it will be the best way to show the construction as it progresses. Can’t wait to have more pics, video and content to share. Happy Holidays to our “Fourth of July Mountain Family” in Deer Creek Canyon!