Carpentry at last!

Using the a little Pythagorean math, the diagonals of the house are calculated.  Two tape measures create 2 legs of a pre-calculated triangle.  The intersection of the tapes locate the exact spot of this sill plate corner.  The sills are all adjusted using this technique and then they are bolted down. 

The first floor joists are placed.  We are using a manufactured floor joist that does not require the cutting of large diameter trees.  There is a little more labor and cost involved, but the end result is a better floor and less ecological impact.

Clamps are the solo builder's best friend.  Since there is no one else to hold large components during assembly, quick gripping clamps provide an extra hand or four!  This joist is doubled and reinforced with a 2X6 to carry the load from the 2nd floor staircase.

There will be no work progress for the next 6 days - builder vacation!