This is the lot at the end of summer 2013.

This is the lot at the end of summer 2013.

Very interesting visual for the different soil types in this dig.

We hit a very peculiar soil formation on this site. We were expecting rock but found none.

Our Certified Engineering Geologist using his pocket penetrom

Much prep work has gone into getting things to this point. The engineering for the foundation system is finally compete and we are ready to start tomorrow. Now the weather is the only thing up in the air (literally and figuratively). If you read this post before 3/14/14, please think "good weather" thoughts for us..

I will be so glad to see this embankment retained by a nice new concrete wall! Anyone have a genie in a bottle?

The engineered foundation requires us to drill some piers to support the footings. Hole #1 went smoothly.
3-14-14

The lower level requires a few more of these piers. Hole #3 broke the piece of equipment which put us out of commission on Friday. We are back at it today, St. Patrick's Day.

These holes will be filled with concrete and a rebar cage for added strength.

Two engineers walked onto a building site....stop me if you've head this one.

This is one way to get concrete from here to here.

We will start to see progress ramp up on this house. Finally!

By days end this will be looking much different. 3-20-14

Step one. Dig big hole.

Step two. Fill said hole with concrete.

Let the footings begin!

Almost ready for concrete. The footings are formed and ready for inspection (OK there is some rebar to add)

This house has been painfully slow going. It will be nice to see the footings poured so we can see some vertical progress.

More footings w/ insulation.

Stripping forms the yesterday. 3-27-14

Strike a pose.

This puzzle of a house will soon start to resemble more house than hodge-podge of foundation components.

Strike a pose.

Rebar in the retaining wall.

Forms are getting ready to be set.

We should have a good start to the forms by the end of the day (weather permitting). 3-28-14

Now we are getting somewhere. Where?

You need some concrete where? Let me help with that....Stem walls are (mostly) complete. Strip forms tomorrow and work on waterproofing and drainage. 4-1-14

It was early today, but a bit of the foundation had been stripped.

It feels like we've shifted from neutral (or maybe reverse at times) to first and we are approaching redline. We will be shifting into second and third tomorrow for sure!

Forms are off and ready for packing.

Interior. Waterproofing and drainage has commenced.

Working on the waterproofing and setting up for the planter.

Looks different now that the panels are all gone.

Consider this the caterpillar stage of construction with the end result being the butterfly stage.
4-3-14

Backfill is in progress.

Work is starting on the underfloor framing.

Busy, busy, busy.

Underfloor framing is complete.

Plumbers are hard at work with the underfloor plumbing. Good to see Eric back on the job.

Pouring the front garage wall today also.

Getting the garage walls tied in and most of the backfilling done has the house looking more house-like.

Underfloor insulation is complete and we should start framing tomorrow. 4-11-14

Lower level is now walkable.

It has been a long process to get to this point.

Things will be changing daily on this job. Finally!

Backfilling is underway.

Lower level exterior walls in progress.

Approximate view from main level.