The slab was poured!

This morning the slab was poured. They had had to do some framing in of the various sections that needed special attention, for example the pit for the elevator and the ramp in the garage that drops about 4 inches to the garage floor. All garages here have a step up to protect the mechanicals. You can also see the semi-circle which is the foundation for the post that will support the second level deck.

Radiant Heating

The PEX tubing for the radiant heat has been installed and the electric meter was finally hooked up. Some additional forms have been put in place in preparation for pouring the slab.

Preparing for Concrete Slab

Once the foundation and footers were completed, the plumber installed the incoming water line and the lines for the waste. Simultaneously, the power company ran the incoming electric lines in the trench. Then the mason crew came back and began laying in the steel mesh for the slab. The excavator dug the holes for the foundation for the posts that will support the deck and the roof above the deck.

The next step is for the plumber (or the heating contractor) to attach the PEX tubing for the radiant heat to the steel mesh. Here are the latest pictures:

Merle & Michelle's New House

Once we realized that Shana & Greg weren't going to live in our home forever, in fact, they weren't even going to live in the same state, we decided that it might do us good to move to a slightly warmer climate where there was sunshine on a regular basis. We felt that Phoenix was too hot and congested and that Dallas was too humid and tornado prone, so we decided to split the difference and choose Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

We looked extensively for a house to buy, but nothing seemed to meet all our requirements. Therefore we looked for land where we could build our dream house. Finally, we found a lot that has a great view:


Then, with Gail's help, we were able to find a builder, Joe. We worked with Dale, the designer, for about 4 months to develop the floor plan and Joe was able to break ground about the first of May. Now, in mid June, we are finally able to show some progress:



These are the foundation and the "stem" wall. More to follow...