Alright, let’s talk about the Hogan Residence project. It feels like ages ago now, but I still remember the sweat and sawdust like it was yesterday. Folks see the finished thing and think it was smooth sailing. Let me tell you, it wasn’t quite like that.
It all started with just a rough idea, sketched out on a napkin, believe it or not. The main goal was something sturdy, something that felt connected to the land around it. Simple enough on paper. Getting started, though, that was the first hurdle. We had to prep the ground first. Spent days just clearing out brush and leveling things off. Thought it’d be straightforward, but we hit this patch of stubborn roots and rock that just wouldn’t quit. Felt like the earth itself was fighting back.
Getting the bones up
Then came framing. We decided on using mostly locally sourced timber. Good idea for the environment, maybe, but a headache for logistics. Finding enough quality wood, the right kind of wood, took way longer than planned. Lots of phone calls, driving around to different suppliers. Some days felt like all I did was chase down materials. We finally got what we needed and started putting the main structure together. Raising those first walls, that felt good. Like okay, this thing is actually happening.
Weather was another character in this story. We had a week of solid rain right when we were trying to get the roof sheathing on. Everything turned to mud. Covering the exposed frame with tarps, battling the wind… not fun. You just gotta push through that stuff, though. No choice, really.
The details make the difference, and the headaches
Inside work was a different beast. Running wiring, putting up the walls. We went for a more natural finish inside, lots of exposed wood. Sanding. So much sanding. My arms ached for weeks. And getting those corners just right, where different materials met? Took patience. Lots of measuring twice, cutting once, and sometimes still messing it up and having to redo it. That’s just how it goes when you’re doing it yourself, mostly.
We had some help, neighbours pitching in here and there, especially lifting heavy beams. Couldn’t have done it without them. But coordinating schedules, making sure everyone was on the same page… sometimes it felt like herding cats. Everyone has their own way of doing things, you know?
Finishing Touches
The final stretch felt like the longest part. Painting, fitting windows, putting in the floor. Little details you think will be quick, but they always take time. Choosing fixtures, deciding on colours. More decisions! By the end, I was just ready for it to be done.
Looking at the Hogan Residence now, yeah, I see the spots where things aren’t perfect. A slightly uneven board here, a paint smudge there. But honestly? That’s part of its story. It wasn’t built by robots in a factory. It was built by hand, with effort, dealing with whatever challenges popped up that day. It’s solid, it’s got heart. And that’s what we aimed for from that first napkin sketch. It was a journey, a tough one sometimes, but definitely worth it.
