Overall – this week was terrific. Celebrated a mini-milestone with the stem walls for both buildings virtually completed
Monday – Nelson Oliver and his crew arrived to begin conctruction of the comcrete block foundation walls. Carole and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Kansas, so Kermit was onsite to answer any questions.
Tuesday – Shop walls nearly complete, began the same effort for the house. Oliver neglected to order 6 inch CMU’s last week. 6 inch CMU’s are needed for the top course, and will be delivered on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday – a long day for Nelson and crew, but they were able to complete the stem wall for both buildings. Once we have backfilled both building footprints with the appropriate amount of gravel fill, will have Nelson build the east wall for the house and the 2 pillars between the three garage doors for the shop.
Thursday – using the day to catch up on paperwork and contacting a variety of people. Example: called the plumber and electrician so we are on their schedule to bury utilities within the building footprint. I need to order the materials for the hydronic heat system. Went to Menards to puchase drainage tile to go around the foundation perimeter. Ordered a load of crushed stone to surround the drainage tile. Reserved a skid steer loader for the weekend to backfill the stem wall.
Friday – Spent the day talking to Kevin about drawing updates, called a couple potential contractors, then mowed grass at the site, Paul Fitch’s property and dad’s lawn.
Saturday – Spent the day at the site after arriving at the site with the skid steer loader. Spent the afternoon and early evening, moving crushed stone into the footer trenches where drainage tile had been placed.
Sunday – completed drainage tile installation for the other building, then focused on backfilling the flexible black plastic pipe. The idea is to provide a large drain source wherever there is a gutter and downspout. All of these tiles are below grade until they reach 15-20 feet west of both buildings with a dramatic downhill grade.
Completed that task mid-afternoon, so changed focus to moving a number dirt piles as the result of footer excavation. All of them are near exterior walls, so need to be removed and normal grade established. Also moved piles of dirt that will hinder the plumber where he needs to trench the main sewer line.
