In order to frame in the first floor correctly, we taped off the center lines to do our measurements from. We used masking tape and taped off all the walls locations. We checked and then double checked before starting the actual walls.
The walls went up well and we secured the top portion to the dome with L brackets and Tap cons. We used Ramset nails into the slab.
The second floor will be more of a challenge. We are using metal bar joists which I found on Craigslist. They are reclaimed from a torn down building. I got them for a steal or is it steel? Mike, from North Texas ProFoam is also a good welder. He made us custom brackets to attach to the concrete so that we can support the second floor. Jim will be working on drilling and installing the brackets soon.
We continued the framing upstairs bedrooms, and started the music room. Still working on it since this was an already busy weekend. The upstairs is mostly symmetric which will simplify the work. Doors on angles (other than 90 degrees to adjoining walls) will take a little more time to measure and cut, but will add visual interest. We are installing antique stained glass clearstory windows above the doors (another Christine find), similar to the ventilation windows of old. We also bought 6 foot by 1 ft windows which we will install above the 8 foot level of the two front bedrooms to let in additional light from the picture window into those same rooms.
The framing of upstairs has come along. We have had the framing to 8 feet done for a while but hired Mike and Richard to help frame up to the dome. We still have a bit to do in Peter's room. After that is finished, we (well Jim) will ancor the studs to the dome. Mike and Richard also installed the doors. It was so nice to get them up and out of the way.
Jim still needs to make arches for three doorways downstairs. One to the computer room, one under the stairs to the master bedroom and one to the pantry/laundry room. Jim is also going to barrel vault the ceiling over the Jaccuzi bathtub in the master bathroom. We checked into flex trac but decided it was too high for our budget and will just use wood to frame in the arches. We have tons of scraps around.
Jim has a long list of things to do over his Christmas break from his real job. The poor man never gets to rest! He hopes to knock off alot of his list over the Holidays. I think he is down to about 90 things to do before we can get drywall. UGH!
