There's been a lot of work since the last update, and a lot of rain. The trusses and roof have been installed. Most of the doors are in and sealed. Stan and his crew are installing the exterior trim. Usually trim is installed after the siding, but with the round pine siding we've selected, the trim needs to be installed first, which requires a lot of flashing and forthought.
Laverne returned and filled in the moat that surrounded the basement walls. I wanted the concrete to cure for as long as possible before backfilling to help strengthen the walls where backfill will be present. It was a hazard to the contrators, so they are very happy to have it filled in. It looks great as well. The backfill is mostly coarse sand with another line of draintile, surrounded by rock, about halfway up the wall.
Please excuse my thumb. It is always phobombing my pics...
Ha! I caught two out of three looking at the camera.
Here's the rough grade at the front. I will add about 4 more inches of top soil if needed, but I don't think it will be necessary after the sand and clay mix after a few rain showers. It'll just need some fetilizer and tilling.
The grading at the back will be finished when we see how much of the budget is left. Options are a steep landscaped bank, retaining walls, or steps built into the grade.
The well drillers have also completed their work. They were so busy with commercial irrigation that I was very concerned about getting them to do the house. Kieth Graham and Pittman Pump & Well Drilling were very professional and went out of their way to help preserve as many trees as possible. They had the well drilled quickly and with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. It's so nice to have water on-site now. Nice, refreshing, cold water.
The tongue and groove pine log siding is being installed. I'm very excited. It looks great.
