The Parts In-Between

Back to our new home project. Sun's out again, which means building can move forward! The first several weeks of a home building project seem slow to the casual on-looker. This is when a lot of the technical, structural elements are being taken care of.

Once the footers were poured and block foundation was in place, loads of dirt were brought in to bring the living space of the structure to the appropriate height for flood codes. First and last time for a bulldozer in your living room!

This part always cracks me up. All this dirt is brought in, carefully spread and packed to just the right level. Then, almost immediately other subcontractors will start digging it up to put the utilities in that will be underneath the house, primarily plumbing and drains. I mean, I know they have to make sure the soil is up to the correct height, but couldn't the next crew be more careful and not mess up the whole place? Anyway, it's all part of the process of preparing for the concrete pads to be poured. These photos show the main house area.

The clients are lucky enough to have alley access behind their home, so their garage will enter from the alley. You can also see the side area that will have a separate entry and be finished as office space.

No glamour here--yet--but all necessary to insure that the home is built safely and to code. Before long, we'll get to see firsthand construction processes that have changed due to the impact of hurricanes on Florida. A lot to learn here...for all of us!