Category Archive

With the ceiling being completed, the interior floor is now somewhat protected from the elements. We proceeded with the installation of the moisture barrier, Nudura Radiant Floor forms, and pex piping. The concrete floor contractor will then proceed after the roof is on and we have a forecast of 4-5 days without rain so that the concrete can cure with …

While the search and wait for a steel contractor crew, the insulation blankets were removed, and the sand floor cleaned and releveled. The ICF block was scored so that the floor concrete would bind to the concrete in the core of the ICF block. The pipes for transferring services (water, radiant floor pex, electrical, telecommunications and vacuum) were not correctly …

Our hunt for a new steel contractor began in earnest upon arrival in the Spring. After many “no’s” or “sure, but can’t get to your job until 6-8 months as best,” through local referrals, we found a contractor that could start at the end of June for the structural roof, and could come in May to install the ceiling/attic floor. …

2022 is flying by and we’re thrilled to say we’re back underway!  After a season of misadventures with the build project, we’re making progress with the steel work this week.  Now, how did we get here?  We had a steel builder lined up to work “off-season” – Jan-March 2022.  However, the steel, at that time and with that builder’s particular …

To permit the installation of the residential electrical panel in the utility building, this non-canary building was dried in to facilitate the continuation of construction.  Despite the winter weather, one subcontractor was able to continue work on Patient Chickadee.  To achieve and exceed required building code exterior wall insulation value, an additional 4” of ICF block was affixed to the …

Construction of the vertical exterior walls of the house continued as Fall turned into Winter through the month of November 2021. The push was on to complete the exterior walls so that a concrete pour could be accomplished before winter freeze set in.  Once the walls were completed, it became a day-to-day assessment.  After two failed pour days, two days …

The original plan for the house had provision for a 4’ covered front porch. After setting the foundation supports at 4’, it became obvious that the contemplated use of this front porch for a sitting area was much too small. So, while the heavy equipment was on site, the foundation supports were moved to the 8’ mark. This will provide …

There is an existing well on the property purchased, but some 300’ away from the build site. Originally, we were going to trench a new line from the well to the utility building, but that was abandoned due to the condition of the well.

Before the backfill process, many drainpipes are installed. These include drainpipes around the perimeter of the foundation wall, drain pipes throughout the interior of the foundation, drain pipes to daylight, drain pipes for the bathroom, laundry and kitchen fixtures. Of course, the plumbing drainpipes are all pressure tested for leaks.