The Heat; It Hindered

I had planned to complete three projects this summer:

1) a 3x4 meter tool shed
2) concrete steps with a concrete brick barrier wall for the main entrance of the house.
3) a full renovation of the old, dilapidated pig barn that juts out from the back of the house

I managed to complete the first two projects, but the third, the pig barn, remains a work in progress.

To quote Meatloaf, I "don't feel bad because two out three ain't bad."

I’d say the pig barn conversion is about 40% complete at this point. I gutted the old building, poured a new concrete floor, added two wood frame back walls, and the new roof rafters are all in place.

Here’s what I still need to do:

• Install the OSB sheathing and shingles for the roof
• Fit the windows and door
• Plaster the external and internal walls
• Hang drywall inside on parts that won’t be plastered
• Have the electrician do the wiring and install the lighting fixtures
• Put in some kind of flooring

I knew I wouldn’t complete the whole thing in the summer, but I had hoped that I would at least have the roof and shingles up, which means I am about a week or two behind my estimated schedule.

I normally don’t like to affixblame to externals for my shortcomings, but as I reflect over my progress this summer, I can’t ignore how much the prolonged, excessive heat this season hindered my work. Even today it was 32 degrees centigrade!

Thankfully, slightly cooler weather is on the horizon; however, I recently returned to my job, which means this project will become a strictly weekend warrior affair going forward.

In all honesty, I’m not too bothered by that. Once I have the roof in place, I can alternate between internal and external work as weather and time allows. If all goes well, I might have the whole thing done in the next couple of months.