Remember That Tree.....

Remember from one of my first posts that before the contractor could start we had to remove a large oak tree from the front of the cottage.  Even though it was cut down it still caused problems for the crew. While attempting to excavate the trenches under the west side of the structure the remaining portion of that tree was still in the way.  Pat, John and RJ spent an hour or more this morning removing the very large stump that was left by the tree removal contractor.

Once it was removed the crew was able to excavate the entire west side of the cottage far enough to get both cribs installed. Now all four cribs are in place and ready for--as I understand--the first two beams to be placed.  Once those are in place a second layer of beams will be put perpendicular to them. The guys also spent some time with a sledge hammer making openings in the north foundation wall to allow the second layer of beams to be inserted.

The guys dug around the stump and cut many large roots.

A chain and the large end-loader provided "muscle"

Finely the last of the roots give way.

It was a very large stump. Now out of the way.

The Beam Plan. Main Beams run East-West and sit on the cribs.
The other beams will rest on top of them. I believe a third layer will also be installed.

This is the crib on the northwest corner of the building.
The last of the four that will support the main beams.

These are the openings in the north foundation through which beams will be inserted.