Project Grab Bag: October
It’s been a busy month in projects - including one that I wasn’t thinking about at all back in September - so here’s a round up of what I’ve been up to!
Progress!
The month opened with the completion of rough inspections and insulation work at one of our Needham projects. This is a major turning point in any project, before inspections progress seems very slow with little change visible from week to week, but afterwards insulation, drywall installation and plaster goes quickly and before you know it finishes are going in.
You never know what you’ll find.
Around the corner framing on an addition has progressed to the point that it’s time to integrate into the existing second floor framing. This led to the uncovering of an unexpected assembly of a 7 1/4” LVL beam (which we knew about) resting on a previously unknown steel beam running deep into the house, and an 18” LVL that will be in the way of a new doorway on the second floor. This has lead to many calls to the engineer and now we think we’ve got it figured out.
An unexpected reunion.
Back in 2023, while still working for another firm, I designed a child care center that included a family play space for use on weekends. It was a nice project, but unfortunately for various reasons it stalled and I hadn’t heard anything about it for some time. Then a call came through from the client and it’s time for final inspections! It was great to see the space in person and reconnect with the owners.
Plaster!
This week I was back at the Needham project to see all the board installed and plaster underway! Things are really moving now and I can’t wait for tile install next.
Hidden treasure?
One fun and unexpected find was this (empty) bottle of Summerfield Whiskey, which was found inside a wall that was opened up as part of demolition for a bathroom renovation. The whiskey was bottled by the Cobb Hersey Company in Dewey Square “Opp. So. Station, Boston Mass.” probably in the 1906-1916 timeframe and might’ve retailed for around $1.00. Now just the bottle is going for $20 on some websites! I’m hoping that this was a some hard working persons reward at the end of a long days work and got left behind rather than something they were sipping on throughout the workday!
October has been a busy month, which is good of course, and I’m looking forward to November!
