This past week we were redirected to the warehouse to help finish construction on the Fencl. The Fencl is a 130 square foot house on wheels that has been sold to a couple in California. The house is slighty behind schedule (and by slightly I mean a month) so the two of us were sent to the warehouse to try to help catch up. Our deadline is the 30th of this month and we are racing to finish it.
Working at the ware house is way different than working for Jay. We miss working with him! The head carpenter is slightly obnoxious, and slow. We don't mean to dis, but it's because of him that the house is a month behind. He will spend 20 minutes looking at a wall trying to figure out how to do cabinents. He also asks us over and over what Jay did in his house then, will proceed to call Steve to ask him. Frustrating! We are warming up to the other carpenter, Adam. However, we found out a few days ago that he is quiting this week. This is going to put us behind even more!!!!
Right now we are in Washington, DC for a workshop. We flew out on Thursday the 14th and had Friday to prepare. This workshop is the largest one that has ever been held. There are 73 people in addendence for today and about 50 for tomorrow. We will post another blog on Monday to let everyone know how it went!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
2nd open house
Today was the second open house and Cassie’s first. This is the first time people got to see the new Box Bungalow finished. There was a huge turnout. We still had the Popomo and the Fencil at the warehouse that people could visit but most people were at Jay’s new house. The Popomo was actually supposed to be shipped to New York yesterday but the driver wants a bigger truck to pull it.
Since the Gifford is done, we were going to begin the Cad and Revit work, but are now sent to build the Fencil. We are going to try to have it done in three weeks which is going to push it because not even the roof is complete and we don’t have any interior elements finished. But we are going to give it hell.
With only three weeks left we are trying to continue to get the most out of this internship which has turned out to be amazing. We will keep everyone updated with the Fencil progress.
Since the Gifford is done, we were going to begin the Cad and Revit work, but are now sent to build the Fencil. We are going to try to have it done in three weeks which is going to push it because not even the roof is complete and we don’t have any interior elements finished. But we are going to give it hell.
With only three weeks left we are trying to continue to get the most out of this internship which has turned out to be amazing. We will keep everyone updated with the Fencil progress.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
What an adventrue
We learned firsthand not to trust anyone at Kinco/Fedex, but they will reprint a $600 order. Cassie and I had to ship the workbooks, 10 sets of construction drawings, grid layouts, books, and pencils to the workshop in Olympia, Washington. We sent the 40lb package Wednesday and it was planned to be there by Friday at 3. We asked multiple times to the cashier if it will get there by Friday if we ship ground rather than overnight. He said yes and assured us many times. So we did it.
The bad news came to us while in Santa Rosa shopping. Steve called from Olympia and said the order was not there so we checked the tracking of the package and it was only in Sacramento, CA and was not going to arrive until Monday. So right away we went to Kincos to see what we can do. They looked at us like we were crazy and that we couldn’t do anything but call Fedex. After talking to Fedex, they said nothing could be done either because it was on ground and they cannot track a package.
So after almost crying (Shelley) and claiming that they are going to cause us to lose our jobs, which was not the case. Cassie was basically yelling at the manager and they decided to reprint the order and send it to the Olympia Kincos to reprint. Steve would pick it up in the morning. So in the end it turned out alright, but was a huge headache. And come to find out, Brett the other Tumbleweed worker, tried to send something as well and the same thing happened to him. Needless to say Tumbleweed will not be going to Kincos in Santa Rosa anymore. A glass of wine was in order after that day.
Since then we have begun our computer drafting of Jay’s new line of houses. It is a work in progress because Jay changes the drawings quite a bit and most of them are not ready yet. However, we are very excited to be one of the firsts to see the line.
The Gifford is not complete yet but MUST be by Tuesday because a photographer is coming from New York to take pictures of it. The house is getting very close but we have thought that when we came here and thought it was to be done weeks ago. I am fairly confident it will be done, but I do have my doubts.
Some recreational things we have done so far is gone to San Francisco: The Academy of Science, Fisherman’s Warf, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Factory, and Golden Gate Bridge Park; Armstrong Redwood Forest; Russian River; Wine Garden at Santa Rosa Market; Petaluma Fair; Berkeley: Ikea; Bodega Bay: surfing.
The bad news came to us while in Santa Rosa shopping. Steve called from Olympia and said the order was not there so we checked the tracking of the package and it was only in Sacramento, CA and was not going to arrive until Monday. So right away we went to Kincos to see what we can do. They looked at us like we were crazy and that we couldn’t do anything but call Fedex. After talking to Fedex, they said nothing could be done either because it was on ground and they cannot track a package.
So after almost crying (Shelley) and claiming that they are going to cause us to lose our jobs, which was not the case. Cassie was basically yelling at the manager and they decided to reprint the order and send it to the Olympia Kincos to reprint. Steve would pick it up in the morning. So in the end it turned out alright, but was a huge headache. And come to find out, Brett the other Tumbleweed worker, tried to send something as well and the same thing happened to him. Needless to say Tumbleweed will not be going to Kincos in Santa Rosa anymore. A glass of wine was in order after that day.
Since then we have begun our computer drafting of Jay’s new line of houses. It is a work in progress because Jay changes the drawings quite a bit and most of them are not ready yet. However, we are very excited to be one of the firsts to see the line.
The Gifford is not complete yet but MUST be by Tuesday because a photographer is coming from New York to take pictures of it. The house is getting very close but we have thought that when we came here and thought it was to be done weeks ago. I am fairly confident it will be done, but I do have my doubts.
Some recreational things we have done so far is gone to San Francisco: The Academy of Science, Fisherman’s Warf, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Factory, and Golden Gate Bridge Park; Armstrong Redwood Forest; Russian River; Wine Garden at Santa Rosa Market; Petaluma Fair; Berkeley: Ikea; Bodega Bay: surfing.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Time Flys!!!
We just completed our 4th week here in California and with Tumbleweed. It's so hard to believe! We have gotten to do so many things it seems like we have been here much longer. Yet, at the same time it seems we just got here!
This past week we spent working in the Gifford trying to get as much of it done as we can. It is getting closer and closer every day. We now have all the major components installed (ie. kitchen, bathroom, shelving). This week we got to build the shelving that goes on both sides of the big window. We also primed and painted the bathroom, installed trimming as well as some other miscelaneous jobs. I will add photos as soon as I can!
Probably the biggest obstacle we had to face this week was space. It's starting to get difficult to have all four of us in the house working on different tasks. We are always saying "excuse me" and stepping out of someone's way. Next week we are going to start working on the computer drawings which will get us both out of the house and open up a little more room for Jay and Zeke to work.
This past week we spent working in the Gifford trying to get as much of it done as we can. It is getting closer and closer every day. We now have all the major components installed (ie. kitchen, bathroom, shelving). This week we got to build the shelving that goes on both sides of the big window. We also primed and painted the bathroom, installed trimming as well as some other miscelaneous jobs. I will add photos as soon as I can!
Probably the biggest obstacle we had to face this week was space. It's starting to get difficult to have all four of us in the house working on different tasks. We are always saying "excuse me" and stepping out of someone's way. Next week we are going to start working on the computer drawings which will get us both out of the house and open up a little more room for Jay and Zeke to work.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wonderful Weekend
This weekend was the Tumbleweed Tiny House workshop which we were so excited to help out with! It is a two day workshop and this one was located in Berkeley, California. The first day (yesterday) was entirely lecture that covered the how to’s for the construction of a tiny house. We both got to help sign people in and then helped answer any questions anyone had. We also had to take Emerson because Marty, Jay’s wife was working so we took turns watching him and keeping him occupied.
Last night after the workshop, Jay opened up the warehouse for people to go too. They were able to see both the Popomo and the Fencil. This was definitively beneficial because they were able to see approximately what size they had to work with.
Today, the second day of the work shop, was spent focusing on design. This morning Jay covered basic design principles and then this afternoon let them apply what they had learned. This morning, we actually left the work shop and went to IKEA to look for general staging items for the company. IKEA is now officially our new favorite place to shop! It is a huge warehouse of furniture, bedding, kitchen supply, and general home décor. And the best part is that it is all very inexpensive!
This afternoon, Jay turned the class loose to design their own tiny house! He provides a plan of the different trailer sizes (on grid paper) and allows them to customize the interior. He also has several of his plans available for them to look at and to get ideas from. We were really surprised at how quickly some of them caught on! Some of the plans were very neat! It definitely got us excited to design our own tiny house!
We both really enjoyed the design part of the workshop because we got to interact a lot with the whole group. Shelley took her computer and drew up 3D plans on Revit to help those who were having trouble visualizing. I got to go around and help with the space planning. We were very impressed with the workshop and look forward to what this next week will bring!
Last night after the workshop, Jay opened up the warehouse for people to go too. They were able to see both the Popomo and the Fencil. This was definitively beneficial because they were able to see approximately what size they had to work with.
Today, the second day of the work shop, was spent focusing on design. This morning Jay covered basic design principles and then this afternoon let them apply what they had learned. This morning, we actually left the work shop and went to IKEA to look for general staging items for the company. IKEA is now officially our new favorite place to shop! It is a huge warehouse of furniture, bedding, kitchen supply, and general home décor. And the best part is that it is all very inexpensive!
This afternoon, Jay turned the class loose to design their own tiny house! He provides a plan of the different trailer sizes (on grid paper) and allows them to customize the interior. He also has several of his plans available for them to look at and to get ideas from. We were really surprised at how quickly some of them caught on! Some of the plans were very neat! It definitely got us excited to design our own tiny house!
We both really enjoyed the design part of the workshop because we got to interact a lot with the whole group. Shelley took her computer and drew up 3D plans on Revit to help those who were having trouble visualizing. I got to go around and help with the space planning. We were very impressed with the workshop and look forward to what this next week will bring!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Well we got pulled over today!
Well that night ended with a quick visit with a policeman. We did not do anything wrong but we did not have a front license plate. However we were nervous. Today was spent doing the photo shoot for the Popomo. We shot exterior pictures at two locations on the coast. The adventure out to the coast was interesting because there are lots of curves and bends in the road and Jay is not very cautious around them, but we made it.
The first was at Bodega Bay and the second and most beautiful place was Goat Rock. It was so beautiful and the waves were huge which created a breathtaking background. The sun was just right for the locations. The exterior did not fully rust but I think it is at a very interesting stage that will still intrigue the client. The shoot took longer than expected and lasted almost 4 hours. Keep in mind this is only a 170 square foot house.
Overall we were pleased with the interior. There are many things we would like to change not only in the plan but also in the decorating. We need to put a second coat of paint on the walls for sure. Next Monday the Popomo is going to be at Petaluma until it is sold. A man that also builds tiny house has a lot where he is willing to help us sell the Popomo because the person who ordered it backed out.
Our next step in our journey is the workshop in Berkeley this weekend. This will be the first one that Cassie and I have attended and we are very excited. We are going to cheek everyone in and help with the scheduling, breaks, organizing, and possibly even babysit Emerson. The first day of the workshop is how to build a tiny house which is very basic. The second day is all about design and the principles. On the second day is when people actually get to design their own house using pencil and grid paper. This is one thing I think needs to change about the workshop, because Jay says some people are not interested in this part of the workshop. I think it is because some people cannot visualize that way. I think if we find another way to help people design, there would be better feedback.
Another very important aspect that we have learned is how communication can have a huge impact on a company. This issue should be brought up in every company and should be worked on. In Tumbleweed is in the process of fixing the communication problems. We believe that if Tumbleweed fixes the communication issues, they will be even more successful.
The first was at Bodega Bay and the second and most beautiful place was Goat Rock. It was so beautiful and the waves were huge which created a breathtaking background. The sun was just right for the locations. The exterior did not fully rust but I think it is at a very interesting stage that will still intrigue the client. The shoot took longer than expected and lasted almost 4 hours. Keep in mind this is only a 170 square foot house.
Overall we were pleased with the interior. There are many things we would like to change not only in the plan but also in the decorating. We need to put a second coat of paint on the walls for sure. Next Monday the Popomo is going to be at Petaluma until it is sold. A man that also builds tiny house has a lot where he is willing to help us sell the Popomo because the person who ordered it backed out.
Our next step in our journey is the workshop in Berkeley this weekend. This will be the first one that Cassie and I have attended and we are very excited. We are going to cheek everyone in and help with the scheduling, breaks, organizing, and possibly even babysit Emerson. The first day of the workshop is how to build a tiny house which is very basic. The second day is all about design and the principles. On the second day is when people actually get to design their own house using pencil and grid paper. This is one thing I think needs to change about the workshop, because Jay says some people are not interested in this part of the workshop. I think it is because some people cannot visualize that way. I think if we find another way to help people design, there would be better feedback.
Another very important aspect that we have learned is how communication can have a huge impact on a company. This issue should be brought up in every company and should be worked on. In Tumbleweed is in the process of fixing the communication problems. We believe that if Tumbleweed fixes the communication issues, they will be even more successful.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
OPEN HOUSE and more
Wow what a tiring day!!! The open house was today and man there were a lot more people than I thought there would be. I had people showing up at the house an hour before it started and not leaving until an hour after. I was actually stationed at the warehouse with the Popomo and the Fencl. I feel like I was not prepared for the open house. There were so many questions about everything. I had ones on how
much the trailer could hold, what are the required heights, square footage, prices, styles, where was this where was that, how long it takes, what is required in the plans? Those were the most common questions. But I learned a lot and it was exciting to see so many people interested in tiny houses.
There were a few people that wanted to build a community. Steve, the business partner, says that people are interested in building a community out of small houses, but the reality of it actually happening is low. However that is Jay’s dream in the end and it a possibility.
We also sold Jay’s book at the open house and sold many of them. Next weekend is the workshop in Berkley. Both Cassie and I will be attending and I believe we will be helping organize and be present for most of the classes, so we are prepared to learn a lot.
YESTERDAY’S BLOG
We almost finished painting the Popomo for the photo shoot next Wednesday but ran into a small problem in the kitchen. Cassie and I believe the orange color we picked out will be too much color for such a small space. Jay is going to come to the house to see what he wants to do because he wants the house to represent him. There are a few things we still need to shop for like a framed picture or mirror for the living room. We were hoping to have everything done by yesterday because Cassie left for Denver today and will not be back until the night before the photo shoot.
The exterior of the Popomo has seemed to go backwards in the oxidation process after we did a second coat. The rust look is disappearing, so we decided to do no more coats and hope it will rust on its own. The interior still needs help because the cabinets and finishes don’t match Jay’s image or even the modern style of the exterior. We won’t have time to change everything so there will be a lot of photoshop editing after the pictures.
The Gifford is coming along nicely, but it will not be finished by tomorrow for the open house. I think it will be okay because people that come can see the progress and we might have the Popomo there for them to see as well. I will be in charge of the book sales and tours at Jay’s house.
This morning, I took Cassie to the airport and we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and it was beautiful. Even the land was amazing and the grass had a great gold color. I can’t wait to go there again. I hope San Francisco will be one of our first places to visit and see the discovery center and possibly the zoo. California is truly a beautiful place!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)