Construction Has Started: Days 1-3

What a difference a week makes.  On September 8 we were still waiting with no clear idea of when construction would start.  By September 12 W called to let me know that the sub-contractor would be here the following week.  Later in the day he called again to tell me that work would begin on September 15 (Tuesday).  We spent Monday running errands, finalizing the building permit, and trying to stay calm.  Okay, the last part was mostly me.

The yard on Monday before construction started. 

At the end of Day 1

At the end of Day 2

At the end of Day 3

The first three days have been spent squaring everything up and digging the footer.  Our house will be made of insulated concrete forms (ICF) so the foundation needs to be able to hold up the weight.  Most of the weight (200,000+ pounds) will be on the outside so the footer is done a bit different than on wood homes.

I have been getting a crash course on home building.  If you can see the string, that indicates where the floor of the house will be.  The front is not too high, but due the level of the ground the back will be much higher.  That translates into more blocks (and more money).  A level foundation is a necessity for an ICF home.  This is the portion of the construction that is out of our control.  It needs to be correct so we are paying what it costs to have it as near perfect as possible.

This is a new adventure for both W and myself.  I am nervous, excited, and maybe a bit stressed.  I hope you will follow me on this journey from Day 1 until completion.