Weather Delays

Progress was rapid and relatively on-track with the revised schedule as of this morning. Roof trusses were still being put in place around 10:00 p.m. last night and things appeared to be moving very quickly. Overnight, however, the need became apparent for additional reinforcements to fill in gaps in the scope of work and relieve crews that has already put in in excess of 12 hours or more of exhausting work. Building Specialists staff, dedicated subcontractors and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" lead carpenter and location manager started working the phones to get people on site to help. They called radio stations, the fire chief and several local carpenters to increase the number of workers on site, and apparently it worked! By 7:00 a.m., framing was complete, windows were in and shingles were being installed.

Progress continued steadily throughout the day. Insulation was completely installed, and roofing and siding were under way. The house wrap is also in place. Weather continues to be an extreme challenge in Blacksburg, Va. As of 5:00 p.m. today, weather forecasts predicted sleet or snow to begin in the late evening. To keep the schedule on pace, it was crucial for the roof to be completed with the shingles in place and to have the siding on. So another public all-call for skilled, experienced tradespeople (with their own tools) went out on local radio stations and the evening news. Again, it worked! Shortly thereafter, volunteers began to arrive and descend onto the tasks at hand.

But the weather just wouldn't hold out and the sleet started around 8:00 p.m., leaving volunteers and workers wet as well as cold. Tarps are covering the partially unfinished roof and the crews have moved inside to work on drywall and interior trim work. Progress overnight will depend on how the weather situation plays out.