Design

Just to give everyone some reference, here are the floor plans and elevations for the house. As we get further in the final design, we'll update the material choices and colors. I am sure there will be some discussion on the later. (Click picture for larger image)

Vital Specs: 1700 sf
3-4 bedroom,
2.25 baths
One-car garage

on solid ground

Our plans are now set in stone…well concrete. The footer was poured yesterday and is now a lovely shade of “green”. We were blessed with a cloudless sky, warm temperatures and a perfect combination of friends and family to get this first pour completed.

I found it amusing that the six of us ‘workers’ waited patiently for the concrete truck to arrive only to realize that we had forgotten the simple tasks that need to be completed before the pouring begins. Extension cords for the stinger, wheelbarrow routes, assigning tasks, ect.

Even still, the pour went very smoothly and with smiling faces and good conversations. Dad only sprayed me once in the face with concrete from the vibrator. I am, however, beginning to really notice the years weighing upon me as I literally could not stand up straight after bending over finishing the surface for an hour or so.

After a hard day of concrete work we met with the plumber to discuss what we needed to keep him moving in the process. He is “squeezing us in” between other projects to complete the underground work so we can prep for the slab on grade foundation. So, rather than kicking back and watching a lovely Sitka sunset, we coerced Grandpa into babysitting and spent the hours of our evening shoveling D-1 gravel into place so the plumber could begin this morning…. The calluses are already beginning to form. Two more pours to go.

Permitting

Spring finally showed her stuff today. Sunny and 28-43 degrees. The waters along the shore are green with herring spawn. All the birds are back, sea lions and whales are close to town.

And now is the time we picked to start our next home project.

The 'Foundation Only' permit was approved earlier this week. Despite the three week Planning and Zoning variance process, the development of the design drawings, and the expense, the permit is still waiting to be picked up. If it sits too much longer, I may never see it until it is obsolete. We are scheduled for the reinforcing inspection first thing in the morning, Monday. The cement truck will be idling in the driveway by the time it should be done.

A few photos of the foundation forms should be posted later. Hopefully none will be of me digging shot rock with my bare hands.... Pays to pay to make sure the lot is perfectly level!