Bond Beams and Columns

The Bond Beams and Columns for the exterior patio are being poured today. See pictures below for the "forms" prior to the pour. Floor framing material is arriving Wednesday. John is really happy with the work of the contractor's both with the progress and in the quality of the workmanship. This is very good news. One thing you want to get right is the foundation and "bones" of a building!

Progress

They are getting ready to pour the concrete columns that will form the semi circular patio. The Cabana walls are up and the plumbing has been roughed in. Floors will be poured on Saturday. Floor framing materials will arrive next Wednesday. So within the next few weeks they should have the floor framed and some exterior second floor walls up! wooohooo.

We've decided to finish the exterior steps leading out of the Dining Room with the same colored concrete tile as on the old existing walkways and garage apron. Also decided that we really do like the Tigerwood flooring we considered. a nice mix of reds, brown, and ligh wood tones.

John and Emil have decided that a small gas on demand water heater will suffice for the exerior. shower at the cabana, Those crazay floridians were thinking we didn't need hot water in the cabana...I guess they don't swim in the cooler winter months...but I'm not taking any cold showers! Settled on a pedestal type sink for the cabana to make for a cleaner floor space...with a wall cabinet for toilet paper and suntan lotion (oh and bug spray...lets not forget the bug spray).

First Floor Block Up!

First Floor block is up! Work appears to be moving quickly. They've double checked and confirmed the measurements on window openings and head heights. Window details have been revised so that they will recess the frames about two inches. A small detail that looks really nice. The electrician continues to rough in wall boxes and light fixture locations. We've added a few more exterior lights to the plan.

Walls go up Fast!

These photos were taken just early on the second day after the slab was completed...can't wait to see the next set!

WE HAVE SLAB!

Yesterday they poured the concrete slab for the ground floor, garage, and footings for the patio columns. Now they start with the cement blocks and building the walls! This is REALLY great. Emil's guys did a fabulous job on the slab...it really is quite an art form really when done well. Here are some pics! (pics to follow...they didn't upload)

View from the garden across the slab of the new addition.

Smoothing and leveling

The fresh cement "setting up" ...about 4 hours later they would "finish" it smoothe

John (our architect) and Jerry trying to look useful