Power

As Dean would've said, "Power to the People!"

Who knew power could be so exciting.  It'll make the building process a lot easier to not have to use battery operated tools anymore.

Pex

Today was spent finishing up the rebar in the footing space.  Scott did this almost single handed-ly.  I was working on projects around the yard at my parents home prepping for the family reunion.

 Once the rebar was completed we were able to run the pex for radiant heat flooring.  It was dark by the time we finished, so I will need to snap a picture tomorrow, but here is the beginning phase:

This was after I washed my hands.  Twice.  Have you ever used bailing wire to tie rebar? 

 It is not a very fun job...

Inspection for footings / foundation scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Garage Prep (still)

After the boys shoveled all that gravel, we were able to smooth it off.  

Actually, Scott smoothed it really well, I didn't help with that bit.  :) 

Today we added the layer of insulation:

Next went the weather barrier:

 Then the fun of laying rebar began:

(more rebar)  Layed in a 2' grid

Repairs and Wheelbarrow Fulls

Today was spent fixing the tractor...  No, I'm not a mechanic.  But the bucket lift stick controller thing broke.  Scott took the part off.  My dad went and had it welded back together.  I put it back on and reassembled it.  It was a group effort...

The boys shoveled a ton (literally) of gravel the last few days. 

They've worked so hard.  Hour after hour.  

Garage / Shop Foundation Walls

Scott excavated a few weeks ago.  He and the boys put up the forms for the slab and footings.  This is a little different, it's called a "turn down" footing.  So, the slab will be on grade, no cement walls coming up off the slab... all that support is under the slab.

We were able to use random wood from an old corral we tore down to make the forms.

Next up is getting all the gravel in, the rebar and in floor insulation and heating pipes and finally the concrete...

 The boys are really good at removing old nails from boards.  They've had a lot of practice.  :)

Appliances

I realize it's a little premature to be buying appliances and finishing items for the house, but when a deal like this comes up, you just do it...  Plus, we have a half empty storage unit rented, we can store it over there.  :)

I had been watching the ksl classifieds for random stuff.  A built-in ice maker came up for sale for really cheap, and a really great brand (subzero).  They guy had a crummy picture, the picture was upside down, didn't say a brand and said he wanted $100.  I was intrigued...I knew what brand it was and I knew it should cost a heck of a lot more than that!

I texted him, his dad is a contractor and was doing a remodel in Deer Valley, and the homeowners were getting rid of everything.  That's all I knew when I met him over at a storage unit.  Well, when he opened the storage unit I about had a heart attack.  He said, "If you're interested, I have most of the matching appliances, I just haven't listed them for sale yet."

So, I go a subzero fridge and separate freezer (60" width french door style) for $500.
I got a subzero built in ice maker for $100.
I got a subzero undercounter built in wine cooler for $275.  (I had to come up on that one as he had another buyer lined up...)
We also got a sink, and a new garbage disposal thrown in the deal.

Then at the back of his unit were these gorgeous solid wood, interior doors.  At first he said he wanted $50 a door.  Which, is a steal, but I wasn't sure if there would be enough, or if they would work.  When Scott came back with me a few hours later and saw them, my dad talked him down to $200 for all 12 doors.  They are beautiful.  I'm not sure exactly where we will work them into the house - perhaps put them on the main floor and do something different upstairs??  But, we'll figure it out.  The hardware alone on these doors would've cost way more than the $200!

So, today was like Christmas for me...
Now we just need the house for them to go in.  ;)