More framing, some issues, and windows

Framing is coming along. A few weather setbacks but overall pace is good. This does give us time to look closely at construction. At this point the 2nd bedroom and master bath have framed to ceiling level. The garage was finished off today.



Actually since I didn't finish this post from yesterday, they've basically finished the main frame. As you can see in the pics the basic elevation is complete. It looks great!!! The height is comparable to the neighbor's so no issue there.



A few things come up every day it seems. The project manager has been very reassuring and listens. He's been good at diffusing someone's temper. ;-).

We had a few issues that have taken a bit more work to remedy however. We know the plans like the back of our hands so it seems as though we catch everything.
- Closet was about 3 feet short and the master bedroom was about 3 feet too big. Fixed already but meant some additional framing as well.
- Stairwell - a step was overlooked. We peaked on the second floor with the makeshift ladder and discovered there was no step on the second floor landing. Great, we thought, until we realized you can't just remove a step. Soooooo that means our first floor landing is now 7 inches taller and a step is now protruding into the walkway. Best alternative and we have the space. Better than chopping up a truss.
- Windows. Huge deal. Even had to meet the vendor over this one. They stopped production of the 3 most focal windows of the elevation. He is looking into custom options - which better happen before we blow a gasket.

Overall we are excited and can't wait. March seems like such a ling time away!



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Framing begins

Things are moving faster now! This is so incredibly exciting!!!! I think our cheeks hurt from our big ol' grins.

The waste dumpster arrived yesterday and just last night we had the bamboo trimmed  from the neighbor's property that was leaning into our property and posing a problem for the framers.  (It was shocking how much had to be trimmed!)  The landscapers finished up early this morning with cleanup and the framers arrived. 





It's certainly easier to see the shape of the main floor and the layout.  We were initially concerned about the width of the fireplace surround, but are no longer.  With 12 foot ceilings the proportion is fine. We're also very pleased with the amount of opening for the back sets of French doors and transoms.  The site manager speculates that the basic framing should be done by end of week. The shell should be complete within 3 weeks or so.  (That's when the next long wait begins!) 




Oh, and of course the port-o-potty was moved.  Looks a bit precarious. LOL.





Now the builder wants a list of all the products that we've purchased just to have as a reference.  And, apparently we need to get a doorbell - or not.  Can't people just call on the cell phone? I mean really.  No, really? Can't they.  See the things we stress over. 
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We have a slab!

After too many delays to count, days of incessant rain courtesy of Tropical Storm Hermine, and general frustration, we have a foundation poured! The forecast finally showed a window of low rain chances and the builder was ready.

The mudpit of a site needed some prep as the rain had fill portions of the form with mud and water. After several hours the first truck arrived and the pour began around 1:00 PM. The mix was very thin as it was being pumped via a hose to the back of the form. This filled the form quickly and got into all the nooks and crannies well. The first truck left and the delays began.

Assured that "it would be 5 -10 minutes" turned into 45 minute and 1.25 hour waits for more concrete. Not a huge issue other than the concrete left in the hose has a tendency to harden. We did have a quick rainshower about 3/4 through the pour, but it lasted only minute or so. No big deal in the end.

The final batch for the garage was much thicker in consistency. It poured nicely but being so late in the day it took quite some time to set. The finishing crew was great, working until after 10 pm - even finishing the garage floor to a shine.

We stopped by on Saturday morning. The forms had been removed and stress lines sawed. We also sprayed down the slab to keep it cool and reduce the hairline cracks.

Overall it looks good, we're just adjusting to the height. Soon the framing will start. Can't wait!










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Before Pics...while waiting

While we have had 2 days of dry weather, it looks like rain chances are back in store for next week.  This most likely places the slab pour on hold.  They've dug a trench from the foundation to the culvert to help drain the area.  Midweek it was all just a big soggy mudpit. Stressful! They've assured us that they'll get it all cleaned out and setup again before pouring, but it still is concerning to us.

It thought I'd post a few pics of the house on the lost before we purchased it.  It was demolished before we closed on the lot, so it was never ours, but you'll soon see that it's an extreme difference from what is planned. LOL.  Apparently the house had a colorful past in recent years - with a variety of less-than-savory activities going on.  We could tell that more than a few couples had enjoyed each other's company in the abandoned road beside the 3 lots.  Needless to say you couldn't even recognize these lots now with the completed and ongoing construction.

Side of original house, after Hurricane Ike

Front of original house prepared for demolition