Summer Cabin Project 2009

Last summer, the big project was a beautiful new, brick patio. This year, Dad drew up a brilliant plan for a porch and deck on the small cabin. Here's our "engineer," sketching his vision for this year's big endeavor.... There really is not much that my Dad can't do -- his talents and skills are amazing!

Gordy and Grayson were awestruck observers throughout the week, quietly watching the various steps to completing the porch and deck.

Surprisingly, we were fortunate enough to find most of the lumber for the porch and deck on Craig's list, all for around $120! To buy it new, Dad estimated it might have cost around $1200 from Home Depot. We are thrifty, mountain folk!

Above you can see the progress on the porch.

Below, Gordon and Grayson watch and learn....

It's great to be part of a family filled with hardworking, strong, skilled, and handy builders!

Here are our future handy men!

The Schueler/Salzman guys really know how to work and get things done! This entire project was completed in less than five days!

Next summer, a porch will be added to cover the upper deck. A porch to the large cabin is also among future plans.... Other projects to follow include further finishing the loft/room upstairs to the small cabin, putting in hardwood flooring in the large cabin (Joey already acquired some used hardwood flooring), possibly adding new carpet and linoleum to other areas in the large cabin, painting the entire exterior to both cabins...and various other renovations. These cabins are indeed "a work in progress."

Below you can see the new porch and deck. The horizontal railing on the deck is temporary for safety reasons, until the porch above it is completed. Then it will have vertical railing all the way around it, as on the stairwell now. Painting or staining is also on our to-do list.

And here are some snapshots that show us relaxing & enjoying the patio, porch, and deck.

Gary

Josh

Mom & Grayson

Dave & Myra joined us for an evening BBQ -- The boys enjoy sitting on the steps of the new deck, and appear to be worn out from watching all that hard work.

We love the new porch and deck. The porch provides nice shade from the hot, summer sun and will be much appreciated this winter when it prevents snow from collecting in the low entry-way to the small cabin. The deck is a great place to relax, have picnics, and observe the stars in the clear, night sky....