Foundation, plating and trenching

The foundation has now cured enough for the post tension cables to be tightened and that completes the foundation work. This past week the crew has begun measuring and snapping lines for interior and exterior walls and double checking that everything looks right.

This coming week they will put down the wood plates that the walls will rest on and then framing comes next.

The concrete contractor has also given the walkway a light acid stain and cut grooves in that part of the concrete. All of that has been covered with a protective foam and plywood to protect it from construction traffic and wear and tear.

In parallel with the foundation work, te site work has continued with trenching for both electrical and plumbing. They have also set the fire hydrant.

Trenching up to water tank.

Trench down to the fire hydrant.

Trench for electrical service.

Water tank and well pumps

In preparation for the framing to begin next week, our 2,500 gallon water tank and pumps were installed a couple of days ago. The county building code requires access to water before beginning the framing work. Most of the plumbing by the tank has been completed as well and two pipes will lead to the house. One for the fire sprinkler system and one for potable water.

The big pour

Today represents a big milestone on our project. Yesterday all the inspections were conducted and passed and today the concrete slab was poured. Today at 7am the concrete trucks started lining up on the street. The crew of 24 folks arrived soon thereafter and they began work immediately.

The work started in one corner and then they worked their way from the office, the walkway, the depressed flower-bed, the main house, the garage, all the way through the house.

The big concrete rig/dispenser in action. Pretty impressive toys these guys showed up with...

Ulla spoke to one of the concrete guys, and he said he had never done a job this big and with as thick of a slab as this in his 30 year career.

Here is a short video that shows the crew in action early in the day.

As soon as the concrete is dry, we will post some pictures and video of the finished slab.

Ready for foundation slab inspections

Yesterday the concrete crew finalized all the plumbing, electrical and tension cables in the slab. There were a few changes and tweaks as we reviewed everything, but now everything is ready. In the pictures you can see all the pipes, conduit and the blue tension cable sleeves that will be used to apply tension in the slab after the pour. That creates a very stable and strong foundation.

Here is a shot of the drain, electrical and plumbing running to and from the mechanical room.

 The main house and main living areas over to the right and plumbing for the kitchen island.

 

Reviewing everything and making sure everything is in the right place...

Getting ready to pour...

This past week was spent on finishing the in-slab plumbing and electrical work and laying plastic to be ready for the concrete pour. This week we have various inspections lined up and the post-tension cables will be installed. We are really looking forward to getting the foundation completed.

Forming the foundation

The foundation form is almost complete now and that brings exciting times for us. Now we can see the perimeter of the house and get a sense for what the finished floor elevation will be. This is seen from just above the driveway - you can also get a sense for the finished concrete retaining wall.

The trenches that are running through the foundation are for the in-slab electrical and plumbing that will run through and serve the first floor.

Here is a view of the second unit outline to the left (right by the blue shading tent), the garage in the middle and then the main house to the right. And you can see the pool location where it has been dug out over to the right.