Workday this Sunday the 22nd 8am!

be there or be square

call/email with questions!

We've got ramp!

Despite the heat and August sun beating down on us yesterday, we managed to get 90% of the framing for the ramp completed-and I only had to go to Lowe's twice! I don't think I am going to miss transporting hundreds of pounds of lumber in my car and on my roof-rack down 29 once this project is over.

We still need to install 8 more joists, attach the guard rails, lay down decking, install the handrail and pour the concrete pad, but things are looking good! The obstacles that we have managed to overcome in these past two weeks alone gives me hope that this ramp can and will be done by the end of September.

We still need to acquire decking material for the ramp and are looking for donations! Please e-mail me with any suggestions for places to find affordable decking in and around Charlottesville, or someone willing to donate materials to this worthy cause!

Another big thank you to Tommy and to the new additions to the FBD crew, Nathan, Sally and Kate (who traveled all the way from UNC to help out)!

Next (mini) workday will be this weekend (time and day TBD) to complete joist installation and prepare for concrete slab pour.

Look forward to seeing you at the site soon!

FBD, Back in Action!

Hello again Freedom Friends!

So I know it's been a while since our last project update...but I come bearing news of serious progress! Yesterday, our small yet determined build team set all but four remaining posts, framed the lower and upper platforms, installed the ledger board at the house and fixed many issues that had cropped up throughout the construction process. With the ramp finally taking form above ground, it is much easier to envision how the family will be able to use the ramp as both a means of access to their home and an outdoor gathering space for friends, family and neighbors.

A HUGE thank you to Tommy who, with his construction knowledge, work ethic and impressive tool collection, enabled the team to achieve the day's goals.

Another big thank you goes out to our commuting manual labor, Lars and Mary, for giving it their all as honorary Freedom by Design members. Couldn't do it without you!

Life Lessons Learned:

1. a square deck/ramp is a happy deck/ramp

2. appropriate tools = more efficient construction and fewer headaches

3. running two saws at the same time can and will blow a fuse
4. epoxy glue sets faster than you thought possible

5. fresh bagels and ice cold water make for a happy build team


As summer break comes to a rapid close, the next few build days will be critical to getting the project done by a tentative September deadline. Time to rally the troops so Mary can ride in style up and down this ramp ASAP! Next build day: August 8, 2010!