Finally we get that Southern Exposure.

July 24, 1996

The chimney chase and south wall were framed in today. I kept asking my builder when he was going to do the North and South walls of the house. I suggested that if this was some new way to guarantee his contract payment I wasn't amused. Apparently that was not the case, although I made sure he did get his last payment on time.

For some reason WLH does not provide the materials for the chimney chase so as the acting general contractor I had to run to the lumber store with my little red 1/4 ton pickup truck and purchase 16 foot 2x4's for the chase. Let me tell you, loading 16 foot lumber in a little truck is quite a trick! I managed by extending the 2x4's over the roof of the cab, a technique I wouldn't recommend if you are driving a Lexus or even a halfway nice looking truck.

Would be general contractors make a note: expect to make LOTS of trips to the lumber/hardware store. I opened accounts with two local lumber stores so I could get their "new account" 10% discount. A trick that saved me $200 dollars. I also watch for sales every week and have purchased several things in advance, i.e. whole house fan, interior doors, attic stairs, etc.

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