We are about 1 day away from starting frame erection! The dirt under the floor settled more than expected so we had a couple of extra drains sawed into the floor that weep to the exterior.

I'm so anxious to see your GH completed... can't imagine how much more anxious YOU are for it, Melissa!

Our contractor was freaking out with the 10 days straight of rain. It put him behind schedule. Our drop dead move in date is October 15 and that is pushing it if we get a cold snap in September (which we always do).

Well, I'll be keeping my for you!

You are really moving along with this one!

We changed from stairs to a ramp to make easier access. I'm a clutz. I can't tell you how many times I tripped on the stair of our other GH. Our concrete guy thinks of everything and added a drain due to the slope.

Oops. The directions for feet support were very vague and our knee wall is too far inside. However, after measuring the feet they would not have fit anyway. Brilliant fix suggested by Paul to add pressure treated cripple studs recycled from our old GH. I knew there was a reason that we spent the time to take apart the old one and save the materials. We will need corner cripples plus a stud post. Easy fix. The frame is going up!

Looking so good

I think the ramp instead of a step is a great idea! Much easier to negotiate when you're carrying things, and a LOT better if you need to move something heavy with a cart.

drdawg said:Consider a gentle ramp, perhaps as part of a pathway leading to the door. You know, something that is relatively seamless from outside to inside. In my opinion, the less abrupt change in elevation (steps) the better. I am far more conscience of safety than I ever was, and don't want to worry about being able to look down when entering or leaving my greenhouses with a load of plants in my hands. When I was 50, that was the least of my concern. At 73, it is a major concern.

This is what I built leading to my greenhouses, but I have a "flatter" elevation than you. There is a drop of approximately 18" from the concrete patio (lower, first photo) to the far end of the walkway (entrance to the greenhouse in the last photo).

I think the ramp was the right decision, Melissa.

So true, Ken -- it is definitely more of a consideration for me as I get older! (I keep trying to convince myself that I'm still "nimble as a squirrel" but unfortunately have disproved that idea a couple of times... )

You and me both, Sandy. Sometimes it is "handy" to take advice form those who have been down this road numerous times.

The guys got busy today. Frame is almost completed. The door is NICE!

Whoa! Look at that! Its starting to look like a greenhouse. And a great one at that!
I love my ramps. It sure does make transporting larger items easier. You can use a dolly, too.

Good work there!

Wow!! Things are happening fast now, Melissa!

The guys think just one more day of work to get the GH up. Then electrical and HVAC.

Melissa -- do they use oversized sheets of poly (twinwall?) and then cut it to size?

I'm really happy that everything is moving along pretty quickly for you !!

Weedwhacker said:Melissa -- do they use oversized sheets of poly (twinwall?) and then cut it to size?

Cut to size because you can either put on the ground or on a pony wall with feet.

Okay the good, the bad, the ugly. This is a SOLID greenhouse no doubt about it. However, the design for assembly rates a C from our carpenter. The instructions make it seem like it is 4' centers, however, it does not take into account the polycarb H channels. When you install those, it takes away 1 1/2" in width. This is VERY important, because EVERY side panel must be custom cut on the long end in order to fit. IF we had known that in the beginning, we would have added that measurement to create a true 4' center. We would have installed the footing, the ponywall, and the ribs based on 4' 1 1/2".

When you cut the panels, it removes the factory bevel edge and leaves a sharp rough edge. This is VERY important because the bevel is needed to get the panel INTO the H channel. With the rough edge, you have to pry it in and believe me this is a B!tch. You are up on a ladder trying to pry these into the channels and it is precarious. Paul fell off the 10' ladder and luckily didn't break anything. At that point, I went and rented a scaffold and our contractor hired two more men to help. There is NO WAY this can be done by two people the way it is engineered.

Another thing is that it is sold as a kit, but kit is a loose definition. Kit means they assembled the parts and everything you need to put it together. BUT you need some serious skills and tools to build it. I say build, because there is serious measuring and cutting involved. The curved tubing is pre-sized, however, all of the other framing has to be measured and cut. No holes are pre-drilled in the metal framing. I also say serious skills, because you have to measure 3 times. There is no room for error because it is metal. You can't just run out and pick up another rib.

You need a 4 1/2" cut off grinder, reversed-blade circular saw (to cut the poly), a BIG hammer drill and concrete bit, 2 other hammer drills for the metal (you are up high, so having 2 drills set up keeps from having to change out bit and driver), prying tools (thin-bladed scrapers worked best), 10' scaffolding, 2 10' ladders, and some serious manpower. I also recommend someone who is familiar with metal building to lead the assembly.

We are almost done (missing a part). Ready for electrical and HVAC.

It's coming along! Nothing is ever easy, but I'm sure you know that. Our "kit" was quite a chore for a very experienced diy-er to put together. It was missing parts and things had to be cut down, etc. Once it's done, you can enjoy and forget all the problems!

Hi Melissa! I can see why you didn't show up out here for the fascination of Orchids show this year! You didn't miss much. That green house is going to be really nice!