THE KSN DREAM HOUSE FOR THE CURE

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Framing the Dream House

by Leon Smitherman
KSN News

Derby, KANSAS -- The framing is going up on the KSN Dream House for the Cure and Leon Smitherman talks with Jim Jolly of Jolly Construction about the process.

"As you can see, we do have the walls framed up," said Jolly. "They're putting the braces on right now. We're getting ready to plumb and line it, then they'll be sheeting the exterior and the next step will be putting the floor trusses down."

Usually when we see a house being framed, the wood is in its natural color. Here everything is blue. Why is that?

"The blue is supposed to help with mold and keep the rot down on it. They've had a little problem with the mold in houses before so they're trying this new system right here."

You said you have to plumb it. Are you cutting the holes in some of the framing so you can run the lines?

"No, I'm sorry. When I say plumb and line, that's how you do your bracing -- to plumb the walls back and forth, then you line 'em straight."

This went fast. We know it's not just an overnight process but you've put these walls up pretty quickly.

"We move pretty good. I've got a very good crew. I've got men that have been with me for as long as 24 years so we're real organized. I'm very fortunate to have the help that I have."

So how long before you get the main floor in -- the roof of the basement?

"We'll probably start running floor trusses tomorrow morning. We'll have those run, then probably the following day we'll have the deck down."

Jim, we really appreciate you wanting to be a part of helping us build the KSN Dream House for the Cure. Why did you sign on?

"Well, I've been building for Nies Construction for over 15 years now -- they're one of my major builders. When they presented it to me, for that reason to begin with was a good one because they saw it as a good idea to work on this."

"Also, my wife's sister passed away several years ago in her early 40's so it's something that's in my family and I thought it was the right thing to do."

It seems that everyone on this project has been touched by breast cancer in some way or has known someone who has.

"Yes, that's true. It, unfortunately, runs deep through many families."

This is a fantastic project to raise awareness and raise money for the cause. We're glad to have you as a part of it and hopefully it'll give you something back in return.

"It's the least I can do. And I'm not the only one that's doing the framing work on this. We have three other crews that'll be in here working at different stages also."

The Dream House is coming together quickly. It's a good thing to see.

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