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I’m at the GarageDominium  on June 8 and the low voltage guys have started installing many wires.  There are wires of all types, sizes and colors.  This wiring is for the security system, fire detection system, audio/video system, and the computer network including hardwired data points and wireless access points.  It is amazing in this wireless age, that there is more wiring in homes now than in homes built when I was growing up. 

We are installing a robust Wi-Fi system, but it still takes a lot of wire to make it all work.  There are hardwired network connections for all the TV’s and hardwired data connections in each bedroom.  Network wiring is all CAT6.

We designated a small hall closet as a media closet where much of the wiring comes together.  This closet will be the hub for the security system, A/V system, and computer network.  I described much of this equipment in an earlier post. More equipment detail is coming when we install the actual components. 

Contractors installed the “missing” garage dormer window which completes the window work.  However, they will need to fix the broken windows and replace the damaged sash.  They will do that work closer to completion just in case they need to make more repairs or adjustment as a result of the construction activities.

A crew has started installing the stucco board and battens.  Rather than a flat stucco wall, the stucco walls will all have vertical battens to give them more interest.  More on the stucco system later, but we are using a synthetic stucco system rather than the traditional 3-part cement based stucco.

We received a quote from the insulation contractor.  It was a big surprise.  I thought the builder included the garage ceiling insulation in the contract, but they didn’t.  This was a misunderstanding between me and Turnkey Builders.  I did not spell it out as clearly as I thought. He only included insulating the garage and shop walls. 

So, we asked the insulation contractor for some options including using fiberglass for the roof insulation.  Further research and discussions with the insulation contractor resulted in ruling out the fiberglass.  The vaulted ceiling in the garage requires insulating the actual roof deck.  Using fiberglass for this application can be problematic, see this link from Desert Skies Energy Services for more information.  

I decided to go with open cell foam on the garage roof deck but reduced the thickness to save cost.  It should still be plenty thick to provide insulation for the garage since it is unconditioned.  The workshop will have foam insulation in the walls that separate the shop from the living area. Fiberglass goes in the remaining walls and ceiling. 

The storage area is above the workshop and the storage area roof deck will have foam insulation.  Therefore, the entire roof deck will have foam insulation, living area walls will have foam, and the garage/shop walls will have fiberglass insulation.  The workshop insulation will facilitate future air conditioning.  We’ve set it up to easily add a small heat pump dedicated to that room down the road.