Doorways, plumbing, and more

new ceiling framed in

More stuff is happening and I finally was able to take some photos. They have started to widen the entrance into the new area-- and they are also raising 4 inches it so it will match the opening into the living room.  They widened the new doorway into the dining room (it will be wider still, by about 2 inches on either side) and have started to frame in the former entryway from the kitchen and dining room.  They have removed the wood framing around the former entry too, for reuse on the new doorway.  They also have framed most of the new ceiling.  It will be a slight drop from before, to about 8' 4" in the new kitchen space to hide the two beams we had to put in.  The ceiling height in Will's office will remain at 9' though.

The plumbers have come and gone. We are plumbed in for the loo, the sink, and the fridge.  We also have a proper gas line to where the stove will be. 

sink plumbing and new window opening

gas line and meter

The electrician is in today and has removed most of the old wire hanging out of the walls and managed to decipher a few more curious wiring issues.  When I left for jury duty, he was measuring for junction boxes for light switches.  Apparently we have high switches: 56" off the ground; most houses have them at 48".  It just means more wire in the end. 

fridge water line

starting to removing the wall in the foyer to open up that space more

new doorway into dining, minus the studs.  It will be wider still.

wood frame has been removed from former door into the dining room for reuse on new door,
and it has been framed (behind the dust barrier).

So far it has been an accident-free day; not the case on Monday.  The mason was cutting out the new window opening and perhaps he forgot that the bricks he was cutting out weren't toothed in, but once the mortar was cut and he removed a few bricks, the rest of the bricks in the opening slid downward.  His saw took much of the brunt of the falling bricks, but the mason's arm was still crushed.  He was rushed to the hospital and had to have surgery. The ulna was crushed and the mason has to have two plates and pins into his thumb.  Very very scary but he seems to be alright now.  Will and our project manager managed to remove the rest of the bricks and boarded up the opening so at least it was closed in for the night.  The mason has a partner who will be out to finish the window and remove the brick pillar.  All in all, not a way to start a Monday.  We are just very thankful that he is alright and continue to knock on wood that nothing else bad will happen.