Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A gray and wet day here, but temperatures did reach into the 40s, so a lot of the snow has melted, leaving puddles and mud in its wake.

Yesterday morning...

This afternoon...

Despite the messy weather, the crew from Central Virginia Builders made good progress on the south portico today.  The first phase of work on the exterior of the Main House involves replacing the south portico columns which were in various stages of disrepair.

One down, seven to go.

The carpenters discovered that the original columns were simply hollow boxes with no main, solid core--a major surprise to everyone.  The new columns will be constructed with interior steel core posts, wrapped with custom material designed to match the original columns in every architectural detail.

Out with the old, in with the new! Three new steel supports in place.

The existing roof, which was sagging badly, has been leveled with hydraulic jacks, and the new steel posts are already bearing the load successfully.

Steel posts supporting new beam.

Other work aside from the portico construction included Sherry and Geo being on site doing their regular tasks, and Stephen coordinating workers and completing some office work for the farm.