Digging the Foundation

Last Friday I posted that we were finally able to close on the construction loan to start the house, and we didn't waste any time in doing so!  Actually, we had already laid off the foundation before we ever closed, but we didn't waste any time getting those shovels put to work!  That same day we started the first leg of the foundation and learned two things.  The ground was hard, and the ground was HARD.  The tractor we borrowed from our neighbor next door didn't even want to break the ground, so Jeffrey ended up starting the discharge drain while I chipped away slowing with my spade on the foundation.

 

The second day, we knew a little more what to expect and tried the tractor again for the foundation.  It was a slow process, but eventually we finally got it dug out.  When we had to take a few inches more here or there we used the garden tiller to break it up first, then we just shoveled it out.  It took about a week, off and on digging to get the trenches dug and the 4" of topsoil removed for the crushed gravel to go in.  It was hard and hot work, but I'm so happy that part is over with!

At the same time we were finishing up the digging, we went ahead and had someone from inspections out to look at the site and make sure we had everything like it was supposed to be.  Because of the scarcity of this type of building process in the county, people are confused and curious about the process, and we want the inspectors "o.k." every step of the way.  So far so good.

Yesterday was a big day.  The guys from American Well and Pump came on site to start digging the well and we had about 69 tons of #78 stone delivered for the footings to be placed on.  We started the first hour trying to shovel and wheelbarrow it in place, but thankfully another neighbor down the road let us borrow his tractor with a bucket and we were quickly able to make four truck loads of stone all but disappear!  Our next step is to finish leveling and compacting the stone, and then we'll be waiting on walls!

Tomorrow morning we are meeting on site again and will get to meet Dave Box, from Superior Walls of NC, and finally put a face with a name.  Hopefully we'll be able to sign the contract and get those basement walls ordered!  Inspections is coming out as well to ask any questions that may arise, and Bracy Perry (plumber) is also supposed to be there in case he has any questions.  It should prove for an interesting and hopefully productive meeting!