Week 6

Many loose ends were tied up this week. We were able to finish the last bits of priming on the siding. We also finished the majority of the shoring and pier building. A total of 6 piers on the Forstall side and 4 piers down the middle of the house were constructed. Work on the windows continued, and we took the final photos for the blight lean.

1 Month Update

So it's been a bit over a month on the site, but I figured an update was in order. Here's a list of what has happened so far:

Exterior:
-Scraping, Nail/Staple removal, Siding Preparation
-Siding Replacement (gathered from green project, a recycling center)
-Drip edges added on windows
-New Hardy siding on Rampart Elevation, Wall fixed as well

Interior:
-Window casing and sill repairs
-Window repairs (scraping, priming, glazing, etc..)
-Some demo (drop ceilings, TNG-tongue and groove-wall removal)

Foundation:
-Sill replacements (entirety of Rampart side, 75% of Fortstall side, 75% of middle section)
-New pier construction, 12 total
-Leveling of subfloor (as much as possible)

Most importantly, we have successfully met the requirements of the blight lean that the city imposed, thus lifting a huge weight off of our shoulders. Instead of focusing on exterior appearances of the house, which is typically on of the last steps in the process, we can now move on to more important issues at our own pace.

On a non-construction related note, this month has been an incredibly eye opening experience for me. Working in the Lower Ninth Ward, an area that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, I have not only witnessed first hand the damage that has occurred and has yet to be fixed, but I have also had the opportunity to hear first hand accounts from folks who pass by in the neighborhood. The stories are incredible, and there is still a huge need for help in this city. Several people a week stop by asking where they can get help to rebuild their homes, 5 years later.

While the past and future may seem bleak, there are many exciting things happening in this area, not only including our work but that of other non-profits such as Make It Right (Brad Pitt). It may also seem like a slow rebuilding process, but that fact is that it is happening, and I truly believe we are part of an important process in not only the restoration of the city but the fulfillment of it's complete potential.

Weeks 4 & 5

Week four's primary focus was work on the original windows. Inventorying was required to identify where each window was located. Scraping, priming, pane replacement and glazing followed, and the windows will be installed in the near future. Meanwhile, shoring continued underneath the house in preparation for sill replacement and pier construction. Exterior sill was eventually replaced at the end of the week, with some interior sill replacement began as well.

Week five saw no visits of volunteers to Rampart, as Noelle (construction manager) and myself continued the process of leveling the house. The soffit and facia were also repaired, and the siding on the front elevation were completed.

Week 3

Still concerned with the blight lean, this week focused mostly on siding work. Scraping was wrapped up as priming of the original siding began. A fresh coat of paint has began to create an image of what this house will become, which is very exciting. The Forstall (long street side), rear, and other side of the house were all fairly straight forward painting jobs, with a bit of siding replacement and puttying.

The front, however, required a bit more work. We were not able to retain the original siding as it was beyond repair. The wall was also far from plum and level. After tearing all the exterior skin down, we were able to begin the process of at least moving the joists to a more plum condition. We're still a bit off, but it's better than where it was. After this difficult process, osb (particle board), tar paper, and siding were put on. The siding was a bit tricky due to the existing concrete staircase on either side of the front elevation, but we were able to work out a few tricks (see photos on flickr).

Week 2

First week on the site by myself as the Worksite Manager. Already feeling the pressure to get off to a good start on the site, the discovery of a break-in on site didn't help ease any of that. We left our tools in the shed over the weekend, and when we returned monday someone had broken in through the window, taken the generator and air compressor, and then kicked their way out through the door. On top of that, another break in happened the following Wednesday, but thankfully nothing was stolen.

Even with those set backs, and lots more concerning the foundation and shoring process, a lot was still accomplished this week. The house was fully scraped under the direction of my NCCC assistant, and window sills and framing were begun. On the side, I worked on more shoring, pier construction, and sill replacement. Photos of the process and volunteer group available on flickr!

Week 1

First week working on Rampart with a group of Volunteers. Kate Christina and Alex, all fellow "worksite managers," joined me on the site to get things rolling and continue my training. One of the initial tasks on the site was to get rid of what is known as the blight on the house. Essentially, the city has deemed the property abandoned and in a unlivable condition, imposing a hefty fine on the property due to lack of upkeep. The city has waived the fine for us if we are able to make the house presentable by the end of October. This means the volunteers primary task is to do some cosmetic repairs, starting with scraping, which will eventually allow for priming.

Aside from this, Noelle (construction manager aka boss) did some investigative work and highlighted all the foundational issues. Alex and I began the process of replacing a rotting sill, as well as a couple of the piers that rest under the sill. This whole process can be viewed on flickr. More to come!

Rampart

Today we scoped out the site that I will be spending my first few weeks working on. Located on North Rampart street, the house is a traditional double shotgun that we will convert into a single. Typically the houses already have owners associated with them, but this is the first house the Project Homecoming will take on, fully restore, and sell at a low price. What this means for me is that I will get good experience starting early in the process, working with framing (which happens to be balloon framing.. good thing I got an introduction with that at Jonathan and Colleen's house). Lots of work to be done on this one.. check out the photo stream on flickr to get a better idea of the house, and the plan of the finished stage.