Trying new things

With each project we like to expore new things. It is a great way to learn.

As I did my research to learn about the latest and gtreatest new techniques in home building I found a new way to build footing forms  for the house. We could use a plastic fabric to line the forms. This fabric would perform a variety of functions. First we could use less lumber. That would save money. The fabric would protect the lumber from the messy concrete meaning the lumber we did use was reusable with virtually no work required to clean it off. The fabric also meant less concrete would seep under the forms and be wasted. That would save more money! The system was designed right here in British Columbia. Joey from Fab-Form http://www.fab-form.com/fastfoot/fastfootOverview.php came out this morning to teach our crew the proper techniques to put this great system to good use. THANKS Joey!! 

The waterproof forming system also stops ground water from being wicked up into the concrete walls. With our high water table in Yarrow this was an important consideration to building a dry and comfortable house.

It didn't take long for Ryan and Colin to get up to speed. The carpenters finished up the footing forms and tied in all the rebar. Before quitting time today we were ready for the engineer inspection tomorrow morning bright and early. 

Today was also a banner day in that the city finally issued our building permit late this afternoon. Our first inspection is tomorrow afternoon. Concrete is scheduled for 7:00 am Thursday. :)

-grampa dan

Day one.

Today was the first day of actual construction on our new house. Harold and his crew arrived just before seven thirty. The lumber delivery truck arrived a short time later and the crew was off and running. I headed into town to try and convince the building inspector to release our building permit. Tomorrow we should be legal to proceed I'm told. In the meantime it is full speed ahead.

By the end of the day tomorrow the footing forms should be ready for concrete. The structrual engineer makes his first visit Wednesday morning, the building inspector shortly after that. Thursday morning the first of the concrete flows into the new house.

Actual construction has officially begun!

-grampa dan

Gathering the building blocks

Today was a pedal to the metal day from the get-go. I got up bright and early to lay out the house before the surveyors arrived. They came early, just as we finished. While they set up Janis and I 'toured' the house one last time, just to make sure everything was right. The surveyors surveyed the site and then pounded in the pins on each of the corners of the house to make it official.

Then it was time to hook up the trailer to the truck and head to the local plant where they make the LOGIX Platinum Series ICF block. We will assemble these large blocks, much like LEGO, laying in rebar as we go, then fill the 8" cavity with a special mix of concrete. 

Monday morning the contractor begins building the forms the footings. Once they fill those forms with concrete it will be time to begin stacking up the blocks to form the walls. I can hardly wait!

-grampa dan