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Yeah I purposefully wired the new AC into the old panel so that no matter what stage the new shop is in, the AC could be running. I waited until the lights were wired and everything checked out ok before insulating the attic, so once I get that done next week it will be an ice box if I want.

On to hanging the lights. I used a laser to make sure the mounting screws for each light were in the right place, and gutted one of the lights to use as a marking template. I used Toggler nylon self drilling anchors that do a good job biting drywall and are easy to use. 18 lights put up over the...

More (slow) progress. Painters did a good job given the circumstances. Work distractions pulled me away for a few weeks but I finally got to installing the lights and discovered another planning failure. I installed regular ceiling boxes for the lights and it didn't occur to me that just...

Yeah it was pretty sloppy but the inspector was ok with it and he's been very picky.

The drywall crew got the texture applied and sanded, now it's back in my hands to get ready for paint. My intention was to paint it myself, but I really, really hate painting so I'm going to let the pros do it. To help reduce the expense, I'm cleaning up the drywall mess, masking everything up...

A flurry of activity over the weekend- drywall and stucco moving toward completion. We had our first truly hot week of the year, so I feel bad for these guys working in the heat, but they're not as miserable as I would be since I'm not used to being out in it. The final stucco coat went on when...

The photos can be a bit deceiving- the outlets are 48” off the floor. My doors are 8’ tall, so it makes the windows and outlet boxes look closer to the floor. That wall is for machinery- there are 3 outlets for 220v so I’ll have my mill, pantograph, and welder along that wall, with the lathe on...

Big milestone reached yesterday- drywall has been hung. 60 sheets of 4x12' 5/8" fire X so about 3 tons added to the building. Inspection passed so taping will start tomorrow morning.

Finished up the insulation over the weekend and I'm very happy to have this job behind me. The inspector came and signed off on the bracing and fire stops required on the west wall (garage door wall) so I could get it finished and ready for drywall. I had plenty of extra Rockwool, so I decided...

Fun weekend in the books. I hate insulation and I can’t wait to be done with it. Despite precautions I think my skin will be red and swollen for a week. After a work trip this week I’ll have the changes inspected, install the last wall of insulation, then turn it over to the drywall guys...

Wow that’s quite the interesting phenomena. Having lived in central Texas for many years I’m not terribly surprised by the higher incidence of lightning strikes. I’m curious if an area like Tampa, Florida sees more house fires since I’m sure they use RBS as well and the area is well known for...

Very jealous of the spray foam. I just couldn’t justify the cost.

One wall down last night...my stack of insulation didn't shrink much though. Lots more to do.

Yeah I'm happy with the end result. Be sure and get the smallest connector that will handle the wire size you're using- they all have a range of sizes they can accommodate and bigger is not better. These are 4-14 gauge compatible and are nice and small. There were only 5 of them in stock so my...

Finally on to the part I've been really dreading. Fortunately my F150 helped me keep an eye on the tall load.

After the insulation I got to work on finishing the radiant barrier in the attics. I got it all stapled in above the hallway and started to cut the vent holes. Here's where the story gets a bit stupid and sad. I'm a very careful person and for the number of parts made and projects completed I...

Built the new attic access opening as required by my inspector. I'm sure I sound whiny, but man I just don't see the need for this. 2x12s spanning between the joists, 2x6s on top of the joists connecting the 2x12s, with OSB screwed to the outside for lateral support. I realized that wouldn't do...

It's a fairly common design feature around here depending on the house's elevation plan. The interior non-bearing wall allows the house to have a deeply recessed window ledge and inset garage doors without actually having 18" thick walls. I did this on my garage just so it matched the house as...

The inspector didn't fail me on the 230v boxes, but did want more breathing room in them. Not a ton of options and stacking 2 or 3 extensions is iffy. The electrical supply house suggested going with a 4-11/16" square box with extension ring and 1" mud ring. I think this will provide enough...

Progress has continued, albeit slower than I'd like. I've been out of town for work a lot this spring/early summer so things are bound to drag on a bit when I'm 1,500 miles away. AC guy came and got the mini splits installed. I don't like how he protected the linesets but he promised it was...