Blocks Are Done!

AM

The block work was completed in one day, wow! I don't know when the guys arrived, but they were there past six o'clock and finished the job in one day. And on a Saturday too!

PM

Block Day

The cement blocks were delivered today.

They will be installed on top of the footers and more dirt added to make the floor
slab raised above ground level.
The builder said
I'll be "high and dry"
== ha - I hope's he's right!










My attempt at photo art! (a stack of blocks.)

Footer Time!

Yea! It's been raining the past few days and there was water in the trenches. But, I suppose it was dry enough to pour concrete today. Luckily, I arrived just as the second load was being poured.

Thanks guys for keeping the homeowner's association happy. Yes, they are actually shoveling the dirt out of the street!

Hey, Heather, this Mimosa tree is 2 lots down! Maybe I can get seeds from it or dig it up when they are not watching! (Heather voted for a Mimosa in the back yard and some fruit trees too.)

The Floor Plan

Here's the plan that took over 6 months to develop. There were lots of back and forth changes to make everything work.

(Double click on the image to enlarge.)

There's a covered front porch as you enter into a small foyer that leads to the open space of the great room and kitchen. I've provided a big center island in the kitchen with lots of seating since no one ever leaves the kitchen anyway! - - Even if there's a nice big comfy couch in the family room. Mmmm - what's up with that? Maybe it's the food and drink or the company of the fabulous cooks!

The garage is on the side toward the rear of the house. The studio is behind it. I can't wait to get my kiln installed and begin playing in the mud!

Back to the garage entry: this area begins the accessibility to those with walking difficulty. There will be a ramp along the back wall to enter the house. (Since the front porch is raised and will have 2/3 steps.) The house plan is pretty open with 4 foot hallways that are wider than the standard 3 feet. The shower in the master bath will have a "roll in" entry with no ledge that requires one to lift their leg. All the toilets are a little higher than normal and the master bath area has room to maneuver. I decided to make the house accessible just in case I may need it, or someone who visits may need it. Also, it's a plus if I ever decide to sell. Or, hey, I could break my leg skiing!

Foundation Time

Finally, they just started digging the foundation today! ( Wednesday, May 19,2010 )

This whole process is a real test of patience. The county has been giving the builder grief over getting permits. The lot is actually close to the Intercoastal Waterway so there is a no build easement on much of the land. It's been there for over 80 years, but they are still enforcing it! - - Just in case they want to dredge the waterway. Not to mention there are still several acres between my land and the water. They made the builder redraw the site plan and the whole house had to be moved forward about 6 inches! Picky - picky!

The orange lines are the outside walls.

.
See the zig-zag theme?

Well, I told the architect that I didn't want a boring rectangle house! I'll include the floor plan on the next blog. It's kind of an L shape with the deck and screened porch in the corner of the L.

Wild Flowers and Water Meters

Yes, it takes as long to get a water meter as it does to grow a wildflower! I didn't realize that I had to pay a big fee for the county to come install the meter. Thank goodness it didn't take 30 days like the nice lady at the county office told me! I asked with the best sweet southern drawl and big smile for her to ask for a quick install. Guess it worked since I just paid last week. Or maybe the water guys just weren't busy!

Anyway, now there is water for making concrete for the block foundation. I thought they brought their own water on the concrete truck. So much for my building knowledge! I am learning quite a bit during this process.

The wildflowers are growing toward the back of the lot. I'm hoping that I can keep that area natural as possible. I'll be planting more trees and trying to avoid having too much grass that will just need cutting. Yes, Willow, I plan to put in a willow tree. I also want to plant a redbud tree which was one of Stuart's favorites. Of course I have to have a palm tree to pretend I'm in the islands! Any other suggestions?