First of all, I want to thank the Pops for helping me load the truck, unload the truck, and get started on my project. THANKS DAD!!

Aaaaaaaannndd Here. We. Go!

The day has come. The permit is in, my plans are ready, and I finally have some (little, but some) time to devote to working on the basement. The first day on the job site was busy and hard on the body but yielded some solid results. Dad and I went to two hardware stores to gather the materials to start the project. The materials included; 3/4″ plywood, 2×4’s (treated and studs), fire block foam, XPS foam board, framing nailer, nails, screws, etc., etc., etc. After spending some time creatively loading the truck we headed to the house. Once we got there we were greeted by Mom, the Wife, the kids, and Shady. Everyone was very helpful as we unloaded the truck into the basement and we were able to get started.

The first task was to finalize the layout and design plan and verify a few measurements. Following this “meeting of the minds,” Dad and I started building the “fire block” which will live above the XPS foam board and above each interior wall attached to exterior concrete. The fire block (3/4″ plywood) will essentially reduce the “chimney effect” of an in wall fire, should it occur. After installing the first few fire blocks, it was time for Dad to head home. After he left, I cleaned up a bit and prepared for the next days work.

In the picture below you can see the work we completed on Day 1. The fire block material is the plywood installed on the floor joists on the top left of the picture. The next work day I’ll have to spray some fire block foam and install the XPS foam board with some foam board glue.

So far, so good…no major brain farts to post today.

•