Most years I feel an increase of pressure at this time, but this year if anything I feel something of a relief. Relief because the bewilderingly long list of things to do has been shortened to things that need to happen before the snow and frost –Which is really only firewood, closing in the doors and other openings and building a chimney. Of course all work is easier in the warm weather so there is pressure that way, but we should be able to get the wood stove barkin' once we get the other doors and trim on, and frame in the ceiling, and so hopefully by the time it gets really cold we'll be able to work in relative warmth.
For the chimney there are still decisions to make. We're committed to using some sort of thermal mass wood stove. But there are different ways to build these things.There are some kits like this one you can buy for a $5000 and up that go together easily and seem really well-designed. We also have a few friends who use these and say they work great.
Then there are different ways to build them yourself. Here's one set of plans. One way I've only learned about this week is called a rocket stove. It's a little screwy but could be made beautifully and would only cost about $300 or so.
So I guess the masonry stove can wait until next year. Closing in is going to be enough of a project with three doors, all the trim, and the ceiling upstairs and so on. I was thinking it was a priority because it would be easier to frame wood around a chimney than to build a chimney in between walls. And it's getting closer to time to frame in the interior walls. And then you can't build masonry very easily in the Winter.
But there is plenty to do until Spring thaw. And I'm grateful to have the time to learn more about these stoves.
Sorry, no new pictures of the house. But this one of the boys at black rocks on one of those warm September days we had.
Nice! The picture is great, and so the anticipation to close it all in - what a true feeling that will be. Is the floor down atop the sub? I'm gonna go back and look at those stoves/chimneys.
ReplyDeleteThe sun here has turned from relentless to welcome, happens fast. The switch, that is, not the ongoing months of relentless hot sunshining.
The priciest one does look pretty pro, and ease of assembly is worth something. In the long run, is that a lot of money? The plans link didn't work, and the last one is super fun. I mean, that guy - I want one just because of the bucket of crazy. I am not studied, so pick whichever one works best, warmth is important, just like the walls and ceiling, and love.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention that now-welcomed sun is the only heater that came with our house? It's different here, but our house is quite cold for a few months when I plug in little electric radiators. Brr!
I hope you are encased in fall and love,
Nora