The much needed and sought after roofing contractor came on site to install the shingled roof and the PVC roof on the curved roof over the conference room.  It was a hectic few days as there were a few issues and questions but we got through that.  Phase 1 was to roof over the classroom wing, 1/2 of the roof over the Narthex and roof the fellowship hall. 

 The entire roof was covered 1st with ice and water shield and then a layer of felt paper over that.  Wood had to be cut like a wedge to be installed at the ridge in order for the ridge vents not to leak as the roof pitch is not very steep.  Plywood had to be put down on the top rows of the fellowship roof as the existing insulation was insufficient to nail into.  That was a change order but we had to do it or the roof would fail.  

Roofers worked long days and completed phase 1 in 3 days which was really impressive.  Take note of the roofer carrying a sheet of plywood up the ladder with the plywood on his back!

Based on product availability (color and style) we insisted that all materials be purchased at one time and be delivered on-site.  So there will be no product issues when phase 2 takes place.  Plus we locked in the current rate for the materials. 

The HVAC contractor was on-site for the first time and started installing duct work in the attic.  We expect more work in the upcoming weeks.

BGE was on-site and installed  all new power wires from the pole to the building. Made all of the connections inside the building and installed a new meter. Power was restored to the building. 

​The building team has not stopped working I just fell way behind on the weekly blogs.
We accomplished a lot during December and January in spite of the terribly cold weather outside and inside!  It’s difficult to work with so many layers of clothes on and wearing winter gloves but we pushed through.  

Running water became a real issue in spite of turning off the main water supply and draining the pipes the lines still froze in the walls. So we rented a porta potty for us and the contractors. We began the process of removing all of the existing copper pipe. 

Lots of the cinder block walls were repaired where they had broken during demolition.  We built the attic entrance in the classroom wing.   

The masons were on site to begin the work of cutting a doorway into the new bathroom and installing a concrete header.  They also did the same thing for the rear storage room.  
Next they cut out one of two pass through into the warming kitchen and the new doorway.  Installing headers in both locations.  This project has been a low priority to the contractor as our work hasn’t been urgent so when the weather is bad they show up to work.  It’s worked great for us and them.  The building was there daily to haul away truck load after truck load of block rubble and to board up openings that left us vulnerable to theft.  

Many contract estimates were requested, reviewed and some signed during this time period.  This is probably the most time consuming part of managing the build process.  No one calls you back.  No one replies to your numerous emails. Contractors are just crazy busy with work. Very frustrating at times.  

Thanks to the building team for all of their efforts building your church and doing a lot of very difficult demo work!

Thanks
Steve