New Footers (Work in progress)

The new design requires new support and structure in the basement, and this is no small task.  In order to prepare for new footers, some existing walls have to come out. In addition, the existing concrete floor needs to be removed so that the new footer can be prepared.

To do this safely, temporary walls are needed. Here they are:

Now some of the wall can now be removed and the floor taken up:

New Addition - Big Dig

Did anyone order a new pool?  Well this isn't it. Actually this is the excavation for the new addition, which includes a new basement are as well. 10'x40' = 400SqFt of new basement. Of course this will also provide for more room on the 1st and 2nd floors as well.

We also discovered that the sewer pipe runs straight out the back and in to the back yard. This will help to make the new connection, once the new wall is up.

The Big Dig has begun

What used to be a patio has now been removed and it's time to dig out for the new addition, which includes new basement space. This new addition is 10' x the length of the existing house (40').  Digging down about 7' means there is just about 103cu Yards are dirt to remove. That's a lot of dirt.

Here are some pics of the progress.

Look Ma! No walls (or ceiling)

One more dumpster filled this weekend with not only old walls but ceilings as well.  Most of the 1st floor was plaster over drywall. So very heavy and very dusty.

But 1st, my dedicated work crew (and good friends)

Bill in the stairwell:

Jon in the living room:

Mike in the bedroom:

The ceilings were especially nasty. Imagine dumping a bucket of dirt over your head. Time and time again. Foot after foot.  I'm glad it's over.

This is the results: A clear view through the house. Both side to side and front to back.

Finally I get my first real view and perspective over how 'open' the new design will be. It's easy to stand on what will be the new kitchen and imagine viewing across to the great room. It's awesome!

Like Puzzles? Call me in 5 months

See nice EP Henry Patio:

Taken out, brick by brick (Saved for future reassembly):

The real puzzle is right here:

Patio 0, Big Tools 1

Most of yesterday and all of today were dedicated to chopping concrete and getting it moved into a dumpster. Mission accomplished!

Peabody, to the way back machine!

Found something interesting today that buried deep within the archives of my life (which recently was moved out to the garage).  The interest of a custom designed home has been in my blood since 1989, or before. As these house plan books show, looking for the perfect space has been a long hobby of mine. I believe I got these after learning about some land my family had in the Poconos. That didn't pan out, but would have been really cool to create our family vacation home. I found this find interesting..

Demo Continues

Here is Dumpster #1 of many.

The weekend work created a pretty good pile of debris and as it turns out, it was just under 20CuYd's worth. While this pile looks pretty deep, I have also been recycling as much as possible. I've also separated some items to go to a re-use facility some that they may be of use to someone else.

Here's today's item of interest: Big Toys

The job at hand was getting rid of some concrete. Let me tell you that this tool was well worth the price. Some of the old patio was 6" thick with some wire reinforcement. No wonder it never cracked after 60 years of existence. Can you call this work? Way too fun.

Hopefully a large hole will soon follow.. Till then...

Demolition Is Fun!

My catch phrase for years has finally become a reality. Not only did my friends and family help move my entire house out in to the garage. They also helped destroy the interior walls too.
Oh, and I almost forgot, The entire back patio roof was taken down. That was some fun, but heavy destruction!

(Larger Video of Patio Roof Demo)

Here some of the floors are being saved. Thanks to the Umsteads for that. Took them just over 30mins to save two rooms.

The interior got a little de-constructed as well..