Floor Joists

For those of you in California, that haven't seen this before. Here the normal method of building is a raised foundation, rather than slab on grade like you probably have, so floor joists (to support the floor, and the building's "live" load) are necessary. Today Josh and crew installed the joists and did some preliminary framing in the basement. They also did some leveling of the mud sill to ensure the building is level.

We also had our first overnight guest. When I got there this morning I noticed our uninvited visitor. He is a mountain beaver, and fell into the basement during the night. Some of the crew feed him oranges and rice, which he must have liked, none left. We put a 2X6 in through the basement window, and he left during the evening. I'm expecting a thank you note from him any day now.

Basement Floor and Garage Slab

Today we poured the Basement floor, garage slab, pier and front porch footings. Another 40 yards, that takes us to 133 1/2 yards total, so far. Still have the porches, patio, driveway and sidewalks yet to pour. Kory and his crew did the pour, while Josh's crew was working on the mud sills. Got crowded with 10 people working, plus the cement trucks, pumper truck, and me standing around.

Mud Sills

I went to Sacramento for a long weekend (Thursday - Tuesday). Kory's crew installed pier footings for and dug out some of the basement tailings for additional footings. These will support the floor and live loads for the main level of the house.

Josh's crew started to install the mud sills in preparation for the floor panels that are coming in next week.

Ready for a Floor

We're ready for the basement and garage floors to be poured. Just need a little good weather. Josh will be bringing out the first of the lumber to be installed on Monday. The mud sills.

Tailings and Pea Gravel

In preparation for the garage slab and basement floor, tailings (sand) and pea gravel were put down. For the tailings, in the basement, we used "Stone Shooter." 40 yards of tailings were thrown into the basement using this truck and conveyor belt, and only needed minimal leveling. The driver controlled everything, including moving the truck around, with a control box around his waist. The largest remote control vehicle I've seen. Joe also received permission to backfill the drain field. The system was pressure tested, and covered.

Gutter and Sewer Drains

Before finishing excavation, we installed the gutter and sewer drains.

Septic Tank

The septic tanks arrived today. This seems like a lot of work, just so we can continue to pee on the ground.