Deck Expansion Gets Started

The expansion to the screened-in portion of our deck got started today.  Two men showed up and started taking down the screen, railings, and all the exterior trim that had been on the deck previously.  In addition to extending the screened-in portion about 8 feet to the left, they are also replacing all the pressure treated posts above the deck with cedar.  They will also be installing a new type of screening system when they are done.  The first picture is the "before" photo.

This photo was taken this afternoon after they had stripped the screening, trim, and railings.  The cats will not be able to enjoy their open air bird watching from the deck until the construction is complete, so that will be a lifestyle change for them.

The photo below shows the three holes they dug for the new support posts.  On the steps, you can see a small boulder they had to dig out of the hole on the left.  The lower hole is very close to one of the rhubarb plants, so we may have to move or sacrifice it.  It really has not a very productive plant.  The steps will have to be relocated as they will soon be underneath the new deck.

Maybe the construction noise will keep the bears away.  We had another bird feeder raid yesterday.  The bear was convinced to leave before destroying the feeder, but he left under protest as he snorted all the way up the mountain until he was out of sight.