House Roof Project 2011

This summer we decided to tackle a huge roofing project. It was our plan to take the entire roof off and set new trusses. It was quite the ambitious project no doubt but with the help of our contractor, Brett Pierce, many unbelievable friends and our family, the dream was realized!

We originally were to begin the project on Saturday, July 9th (my birthday) but on Tuesday, July 5th I began my day by looking up the forecast and quickly called Craig. I told him that the window of opportunity had changed. The forecast called for mega amounts of rain during the originally planned time frame and I explained that the best chance for completion was to start the next day (6th). He gave me a "WHAT?" and then panic ensued! We quickly lined up the lift
and asked Brett if he could start the following day. He agreed so we went ahead with the plan.

Back of the house - pre tear off.

Wednesday, July 6th they began tear off of the roof. It was amazing to watch them take that roof off a section at a time. I actually got a facebook message from the neighbor across the street and she said her mom looked out the window and said, "OMG what are they doing to their house?" Never a dull moment around here that is for sure! I think the entire town was watching and wondering what on earth the Nelson's were up to again! If nothing else we are always able to provide construction entertainment for everyone! I did go to worked during this project but was called away once on day one to go get the skid steer and bring it back for them. Otherwise my job was to keep the boys fed and that was the easiest job by far!

This is the beginning stage - tear off! What a mess!This was towards the end of day one (the date on the camera was off by 12 hrs so don't look at that!) More destruction!Tarp in place for night one. They didn't take any chances!

This is when it finally hit us, we were at the point of no return!

July 7th, Day two wasn't quite as impressive to the eye as it was spent leveling the sidewalls so that the entire house was one level. It was very tedious work but needed to be done. The only comment I heard was that no board was cut exactly the same so it needed it! I think Craig was a little disappointed in the progress of day two but that was because of the high he was on after seeing the entire roof come off in one day! All in all it was a great progress day and set the tone for day 3!

July 8th brought day 3 of the project. They began setting trusses today! I was called home in the AM to take the dump trailer out to the landfill and unload it. I think Craig just wanted me to see the progress as he was a very happy man! This process seemed to go really well!

Our awesome contractor, Pierce Construction! THANK YOU!

Still day 3! They were setting the plywood sheeting at this point. Day 3 - North Side is completely sheeted and they are beginning to roll out the paper for shingles! Holy Smokes!
Day 3 north side shingled.. This was the Husman's doing.. They are one heck of a shingling crew!

South Side is sheeted!

Saturday, July 9th (MY BIRTHDAY) and day 4 of the project. They shingled the south side!

They were able to get all the exterior foam insulation on.

Micah helped with that! ;)END OF DAY 4 - COMPLETELY WATER PROOF!
At this point we considered the project a success!

The days were long and the nights were short for everyone involved. We could not have pulled this off without the generosity of our friends and family. It was amazing to see them just show up day after day. We can not thank everyone enough, we owe you all so much! Craig and I were completely humbled by help we received! I also have to say, Micah was awesome during all of this! He did an great job of staying out of the way and understanding that mom and dad had their hands full. Thank you little buddy!

I have to give thanks to the Lord for allowing this project to get done without one single drop of rain! We had a chance every night! There was a night where the clouds were rolling in, but parted right around Madison. Wentworth (8 miles away) got rain, but we didn't! It was amazing and we appreciate everyone who took the time to pray for us! We prayed along with you for 4 days! The late hours of the 9th (4th day) we were showered with 4 inches of rain! Yes, I said 4 inches! We believe God stored 1 inch a day for us! The power of prayer is amazing!

After the house was enclosed, we all took a deep breath and crashed! Craig and Brett worked on the soffit and fascia the following week. They finished all of it except the back porch overhang. Craig and Micah finished that! A few weeks later the guy came and put on gutters. Oh how wonderful it is to finally have gutters!!! Craig power washed the entire house and garage and it looks awesome. It was filthy from tall the 100 year old dust that come out of our roof! Here are a few pictures of the completed project. Again, we thank everyone for all they did!!! We all know who to call when you need something!