Day Two – Tuesday, June 6, 2006

The alarm sounds a little later this morning. Everything stayed on schedule Monday and my prediction was nearly exact. Returning to 2555 N. 33rd Street at 6p.m. last night, I find the home fully framed, roofed and the siding about half finished. Still, with Tyvek sheathing over the framing, the home is protected from rain. Hence we didn’t need to rise at such an ungodly hour, just early.

It’s overcast today, raining on and off, so we’re doubly grateful for yesterday’s good weather. At 6 a.m. Triple T Electric is roughing in electric…by 7 a.m. Horsch and Miller are on the scene to begin HVAC and plumbing rough in. The plan is to have the electric, HVAC and plumbing completely roughed-in by 11:30 for inspection. These crews are efficient! They finish ahead of schedule and the inspectors approve the work; everything is up to code. Hallelujah!

Wisconsin Insulation delivers insulation and the next three hours are slated for installation. Insulation-Installation…. Schedule is KING every step of the way. The insulation must be in so that drywall can be loaded, hung and finished by the end of the day; a huge undertaking. Drywall must be finished in order to prime and paint tomorrow.

Meanwhile, siding is being finished and soffits and facia clad.

I make another trip to our site mid-afternoon - once again awed by what’s being accomplished. I stop to chat with my husband, president of Carmel Builders, Inc. who actually seems relaxed. Without going into detail, this has NOT been his frame of mind recently. The ease with which we are moving from one phase of the build to another is awesome. I, for one, am impressed.

The new homeowner of 2555 N 33rd Street, Shenita Horton is also impressed. For the last two days, Shenita, along with her sister Tamanga, have been attentively watching construction and attending to the needs of the workers; making sure they have snacks, drinks etc. The other new homeowners are doing the same at their homes. Shenita, Tamanga and I have fun together. Their bright smiles and easy manner make them fun to be around. We stroll the neighborhood to see how the other homes are progressing. They are all beautiful….but I’m glad Shenita likes her home best! I’m delighted to meet Shenita’s parents, Janice and Larry who pull up to the front of her home just before I leave. They are all smiles!

I find myself wishing I could do some of the work…but know I can’t. This build is for professionals. Only professionals could do this much work this fast! I plant a quick kiss on my husband before I take off.