With the roof on, shell framed and windows installed we are able to break through from the existing house to the addition. Security and air temperature are always a concern with additions and renovations so waiting keeps as much of the noise, dust and discomfort out of the home until as late as possible. An unexpected surprise was the original hardwood flooring under the old kitchen linoleum. It will finish beautifully to match the rest of the house and save some budget for other areas.
A Pile of Lumber becomes a Garage while the basement gets a very important final inspection after some incredible rains...
We are now filling in the areas around the outside of the foundations. If the area is to be finished as a walkway, driveway or patio we use pea gravel to avoid settling in the future. Soil that has been excavated can expand by as much as 30% which means you can expect quite a bit of sinkage in areas where that dirt is used as fill. It will be nice to clear out some of the mud and clean up a messy site...
Just back from an intense 4 day Round tables session in Austin, TX coordinated by Remodelers Advantage. Focused discussions on budgeting, estimating, growth, leadership and ethics with companies from all over the country. Made some new friends and strengthened some existing relationships. Thanks to Jim Strite for moderating our lively group.
The foundation footings were poured yesterday and the forms for the foundation were delivered to the site. The recent snow, depth of the dig and wet ground have made the dig pretty messy- rain overnight did not help. Too much water and the concern becomes the possibility of a partial collapse of the dirt wall. Warmer temps and sun in the forecast is most welcome.
This is (was) my backyard- excited and anxious at the same time. The half circle shell in the center of the lower area is an old brick lined grease pit. Older home used to have the kitchen sink drain-lines empty into a grease separator pit before the water went out into the sewer system. I managed to find that little gem with my left leg halfway through the dig- hip deep in 80 year-old grease...
During the interior demolition phase of the renovation I found some live knob and tube wiring- pretty standard for a home built in 1929. It was actually in really good shape but not something up to current electrical code. Just to the right of the cloth wrapped wire you can see the EMT tubing that is used for modern electrical wiring distribution in our area.
Our very own Founders Award Chapter Above and Beyond generated a whopping $2,048,761.00 in referral business from Jan-Dec 2014. Congratulations Above and Beyond for breaking the 2M$ barrier!!
The BNI Above and Beyond Chapter meets at Lamb's Farm in Libertyville on Thursday Mornings.
At a recent visit to BNI Above and Beyond, Alana congratulates Bryan Slowick of BDS Construction, Inc. for a grand total of 163 referrals he gave from Jan-Dec 2014. -Bryan's Thank You For Closed Business was $581,817.00.
