fins architecture blog

Purlins are up. Afaq Sawar, the Structural Engineer of Sawar Engineering, was at site for his inspection. The Owner was also present for our walk through. The project is being swarmed by plumbers. There are structural issues that we need to resolve, which may be lengthy due to many deviations from the plan. There are two options: one the contractor has to correct all deviations, or the contractor is to hire another structural engineer to review and perhaps approve all his deviation. If the later option is chose by the owner, we both need to be legally absolved from our responsibilities, and all burden shall rest on the other structural engineer and the contractor.

The project is looking good.

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Roof rafters are up! Now the house is starting to take shape. Indoor and outdoor spaces are starting to be more defined. I am elated. Each time I visit the site I feel more confident and hopeful. My client was there during my visit. She is very excited and surprised that her house is so big.

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There is a simple correlation that often goes hand in hand with the housing and real estate down turn that is often missed by the media, it goes like this: slow time for the construction industry means that contractors are hungry. When contractors are hungry, there is more competition which means better prices for new constructions or renovations. The “word on the street” on the Big Island of Hawaii is that contractors are having a hard time. An insurance broker confided in me that her general contractor clients in Hilo are worried about the lack of new projects. A fellow architect expressed that his design work load is also slow. Of course, my assessment of the current local construction industry is without hard economic data, but our economy is also affected by the rest of the nation.

The time for design and new construction is now for those who can afford to build. It makes perfect sense. Only a year ago, my client and I were searching for bidders for our project, most general contractors where too busy to even give us bids. When contractors are busy, they will take on more work at a premium. Throwing a high bid at a set of plans and expect to get it was the norm because they are in high demand. Times were good for them, but not so good for owners with new constructions or renovations. The rule of economics apply without bias to the construction industry. Supply and demand. The same principal also applies in real estate; a seller’s loss is a buyer’s gain.

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Large span and wall above are up at Living Room.

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Master Bedroom wall framing is up. Wall framing through out is almost complete.

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Steel columns at the garage were erected. Plywood sheathing installed at guest bedrooms.

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End walls are erected. Site is kept very well organized and clean.

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Framing has started, walls are being erected. I stopped by the site and chatted with the head carpenter, David Trusel. Things are proceeding. Overall so far, despite some difficulties as discussed in my previous blog, the construction crew is displaying good workmanship in their concrete work for the floors and the Lanai. They are shooting to have the framing completed by the end of the week, weather permitting as always.

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All concrete slabs are poured and steel columns are erected. Wall framing has started.

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