Friday Night Photos: House Renovations v. 2.0.5 (The Big Dig!)
First, let me confess that I’m actually about two weeks behind real time in my documenting of the outside house renovations and constructing the new addition, so there are exciting developments happening right now. The week The Big Dig took place I got home late every night and it was always too dark to get good photos, but use your imagination and remember there was a LOT more dirt than shown in any of these pictures. This is a good phase to be done with!
Most of the digging was for the footings and foundation for the new addition, inside a huge trench in the back yard. Here’s Ben surveying the gigantic pile of dirt. Of course there were a few days of rain when I didn’t get photos, so some days this was a pile of mud!
I had one section of sewer line which had always been problematic, and since it was going to be located under the new addition it seemed smart to replace that section of line. My brilliant contractor actually put most of the new line inside the basement, but he did need to dig a section next to the house outside to tie it into the main line. (Thanks to my brothers Dave and Mark who were consultants on the sewer job!)
It seemed like whenever I tried to take a photo part of the yard was shaded, but this gives you an idea of how huge the trench was where the new fittings and foundation were going to go. I was so glad I rented the driveway from the neighbors, because most of this dirt ended up on the end of that driveway.
Here’s a slightly different angle on the trench, showing the plank where the contractors walked across while they did some major reinforcing of my steps and basement walls. Basement steps were previously outside, and they’ll be inside under a trap door in the new addition.
And one more view of the big trench, still shaded even though this was later in the day on the one Saturday I managed to take a few photos. Stay tuned to see what happened here the following week, a pretty exciting process!
(If anyone is interested, you can see my whole set of House Renovations Photos on Flickr or use the label House Ronovations to see all the posts.)
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10 Comments on “Friday Night Photos: House Renovations v. 2.0.5 (The Big Dig!)”
What a great project! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Digging with a backhoe is really fun!
Hi everyone,
Snow again this weekend, so I’m trying to stay optimistic for the project. If they snow would stop it sure would help!
Paula, there’s still plenty of room for the garden, just a little less lawn to mow! I’m actually planning to have two more raised beds for tomatoes on the south end of the new addition (next to the lower level of the deck.) I think it will be so great to have the tomatoes right by the deck! I’m very excited about the whole project.
Wow! I’m really impressed … this is a major remodel! So what does this mean for your backyard garden? I’m looking forward to seeing what you plant this year! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Wow, that is a big trench! Finges crossed that everything continues to go smoothly!!
Agreed this is definitely the “dirt messy” phase.
The anticipations is so great!
This is such an undertaking, Kalyn. You are maintaining such a good attitude, too. Must be because you can visualize the end of the project and the beginning of enjoying your new space. Keep the photos coming!
Wow, what a project! It’ll all be worth it. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Wow, the house is really coming along!! I am glad they are making progress! Happy V-day:)
i’m SO excited for you!!!