House-building is a series of milestones. Foundation done, walls up, trusses in place, roof secure. All those milestones have been met since June. And today, in mid-October, another milestone: windows and doors all in! (Well, almost — two more decorative ones still to go.)
The truck arrived at 10:30, carrying 15 windows and doors. By 5:00, all were in place. Whew! I didn’t think it could happen that quickly, but Jeff and the crew were focused. And now it looks even more like a house.
All this happened as the day turned from gray to glorious and fall colors peaked on Huron Bay. I try for gratitude every day, but some days are easier than others. This was one of them. The story follows in photos and captions.
Today dawned quietly and darkly. I was a bit nervous, since one of my biggest investments in this building project was about to arrive. Will they arrive in one piece? Will they look ok?
The sky was already clearing when the delivery truck arrived with 11 windows, three patio doors, and a front door as the dogs played in the dirt. The purchase, including a window we picked up and two still to come, was about $26,000. Delivery: $350. (I mention costs because those contemplating doing this wonder about them.) That’s about the same cost as the roof, including both trusses and shingles.
The windows and doors were all customized to match, which is why they took weeks to arrive. The heavy patio doors were tough to manage but the sturdy crew handled them well.
A 5’x5′ window on the east (water) side was first to go in, since the autumn and winter winds usually come from the NE. We need to get this place warmed up if work is to continue inside! We were so grateful for help from neighbor Bruce and Jeff’s son Josh.
The south wall has two patio doors, since I wanted a great view from the bedroom also. As they went in, it occurred to me that I might have overdone the amount of glass but then remembered that outdoor views were my priority. No point in regrets!
The triangle windows high on the east gable were last, and most exciting. The holes have been covered up by sheeting and house wrap. The first thing to do was cut out that sheeting. Wally is standing on tall indoor scaffolding while he does this. (Remember, it’s a cathedral ceiling.)
Ah, there they are! We had a lot of discussion about what size to make these and I haven’t seen the end result. I like it so far, even without the windows inserted.
Best of all, this view from inside while standing in the loft. Yay! I didn’t know until now just what I would see out these windows. And I love it, especially with the fall colors.
It was a bit scary watching this, as these two odd-shaped windows cost a lot. (Anything non-standard costs more, whether different color or different shape.) But no problem with this crew!
In go the final windows of the day….
…and there they are, taped in for security. Window trim and siding still to come.
The view from the water. The trees around the house have exploded in color the past few days. (It occurs to me that boaters might be able to see into the house, since I don’t plan to put shades on those big windows that border the patio door. I may need to re-think that. 😉 )
Since the water was calm and the temperature balmy for October (about 60 degrees), I couldn’t resist taking a row up the bay to admire the neighbors’ autumn waterfronts.
I took Roscoe with me. He was delighted too, as you can see!
I end with this photo of the road to camp, getting more colorful by the day. I know this will all change to gray soon so am absorbing all I can of this glorious season.
Need to get heating in there before winter hits…and that means electricity and plumbing and inspections and insulation. All in the works. Getting closer!
Your house is coming along nicely – so congratulations are in order. You mentioned in this post that you were re-thinking curtains (or something similar) for your windows. I can offer my services for that – have made MANY drapes for this area.
Looks great! We added curtains to our windows facing the water and only close them when we leave for the week. Just saying. Look forward to seeing how you finish up the inside.
For Many Moons 
All is looking quite lovely.. a nice fall set of pictures. A beautiful setting for your new house.
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Bet you would like to see the fall colors, though I’m sure they are beautiful there also.
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I’m excited for you, Mary!
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Wow! What a story! So happy you got doors and windows. Does that mean you’re as closed as you need to be before winter? Blessings to you and Jeff ❤
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Need to get heating in there before winter hits…and that means electricity and plumbing and inspections and insulation. All in the works. Getting closer!
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And thanks for asking!
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Your house is coming along nicely – so congratulations are in order. You mentioned in this post that you were re-thinking curtains (or something similar) for your windows. I can offer my services for that – have made MANY drapes for this area.
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Looks great! We added curtains to our windows facing the water and only close them when we leave for the week. Just saying. Look forward to seeing how you finish up the inside.
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Thanks for the thoughts!
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It’s breathtaking… I love the windows and the shape of the house and basically everything about it.
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Thank you!
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